Neiman Markus +// 1995-2005
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"Norm" |
As any breeder knows, your foals are like your children. You plan for them, dream about them and take great pride in them as they grow up and succeed. Neiman Markus+// was the first second generation foal from Centaur Arabians breeding program and he always knew how special he was. So special that it took us months to come up with a registered name and even longer to uncover his barn name-Nooorrrrmmm!
Norm (Sultan My Sultan x Philyra by Al Marah Canadius out of Covet Not) was a winner from the beginning bringing home halter championships as a youngster and his first national wins as a four year old at the National Show Finals with a Reserve National Championship in Hunter Pleasure Junior Horse and 3 additional Top Tens. As time went on, Norm added a national and numerous regional wins in dressage, hunter pleasure and western pleasure along with 15 show championships and 15 reserves (in halter, open and amateur hunter and western pleasure. Especially noteworthy was the 2003 Region 10 show where he went top 5 or better in dressage, hunter and western! What made all of these wins especially sweet is that Norm was trained and shown throughout his career by family members. While I earned a few points, the real partnership was between Devon Shuster (formerly Mickelson) and Norm-there was something strong and beautiful between those two. While Norm was Devon's horse throughout his show career, I made it official by giving Norm to Devon last year as a graduation present from law school.
At the 2005 Region 10 show Neiman Markus+// was to be presented his Half Arabian Legion of Excellence, awarded to superior show horses as evidenced by earning 240 points including at least one national win plus another regional or national win. Tragically we lost Norm in February at the young age of 10 but we did acknowledge his accomplishments and remember the joy he brought to us.
Norm was a big, red, goofball who loved treats, attention, gator-ade, his right lead and watching TV. Although he always wanted a pet goat, we had to draw the line somewhere.
There are many stories we could tell about Norm, but one seemed appropriated particularly appropriate at Region 10. Norm had been behaving badly at a show where his buddy Garimico+// was having his Legion of Excellence presented. Norm was really peeved that Mico was getting so much attention and threw a major brat fit when he saw the big bowl of sliced apples and carrots that Mico was getting (and not sharing)! Devon went to Norm and said, "If you don't shape up Mister, NO party for YOU."
Well Norm shaped up and we hope that he is enjoying HIS big bowl of sliced apples and carrots on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Norm, you will remain in our hearts forever.
(taken from The MAHA Leader August/September/October 2005)