05/09/2024
Boris
Sadly, today the long journey through life ended for our special, old practice stallion, Boris (Blue Buck Star) after nearly 33 years. He was born on June 5, 1991. When he reached maturity, his first job was as a bucking horse. He was not very successful at that so was used as a pasture breeding stallion for a couple of years. Apparently, he was not very successful at that either and was purchased by a meat buyer in the spring of 1998. At that time, we were looking for a good practice/teaser stallion for the reproduction program so Boris came to live at the college in March of 1998. Over the next 22 years, Boris was the mainstay of the breeding program and an excellent teacher for students learning to handle stallions. He had excellent libido and great semen, but was also calm, well mannered and easy to handle. He did hand breeding, semen collection for AI, was a good teaser and even participated in some research projects. He knew his jobs and did them well but at the same time was patient with the students and nonthreatening, so even the most nervous student felt comfortable handling him.
Boris’s eyesight began to fail him in the spring of 2020 so, even though he was willing to keep working, he was retired from active service at the end of that breeding season. For the last four years, Boris enjoyed his retirement at the college. He was comfortable in his pen and spent long hours standing in his special corner and enjoying the company of his friend next door, Mystery Chase. This past winter was hard for Boris and he began to lose weight and to show his advanced years. Today he was found in his pen exhibiting signs of colic so, based on his age and condition, the decision was made to euthanize him.
I know that many of you have great memories of Boris and your time spent with him. I know that Avery and I do and that he will always have a special place in our hearts.
Below is an image of Boris on his 20th birthday.
If you have any pictures to share or stories of your time spent with Boris we would to hear them in the comments! All will be passed along to Dr. Marion Anderson.
