In remembrance of LioCalyon, April 2, 1992 – February 26, 2019

It is with heavy, but full, hearts that we announce the passing of LioCalyon (Liostro x Calypso II x Sacramento Song). He was the cornerstone of Wild Turkey Farm and the horse that inspired Barb to start her breeding program. He put Wild Turkey Farm out there, into the world.

Barb purchased Lio after seeing a VHS tape of him sent by Butch and Lu Thomas. Once in the States, he competed for over 10 years with multiple riders: Lu, Mandy Porter, Stevie McCarron, and Barb’s daughter Megan. He loved Spruce Meadow and jumped so well there in the 1.45m–1.50m divisions with Mandy. He took Stevie McCarron Wigley to her first Grand Prix. And when Megan needed a horse to show in Young Riders, it was Lio who filled in.

Lio retired from competition once he seemed to have lost his joie de vivre inside the ring. He came home, first to Woodside and then to Oregon when Barb relocated the farm and business, and settled into his new job as breeding stallion. He was the farm mascot, the stallion everyone wanted to see, and he never disappointed. The statue that greets everyone at the top of the drive to the property is Lio, and he will be buried near there to look over the world that he helped to create.

Now, his legacy will continue with his offspring that he never failed to stamp with his likeness. And we’ll never forget the special soul that was Lio. Rest in peace, our special friend, and gallop the green fields in heaven—you deserve it.