He was a great horse and my whole family is saddened by his death. We send our prayers out to those who knew him best and worked with him the most.
When I was little my horse crazy friends and I would always fight over who would "ride" John Henry, and the one who was elected the privalege was always the champion at the end of the day. Its truly sad to know that the horse that my friends and I fought over has ended his journey here on earth, but just imagine, he's out there racing again: in our memories!
Dearest John Henry, Though you earthly body finally yeilded to time, your spirit is now free to run once again. You are a great champion to us all and there will always be a blanket of flowers over your back. Rest well old man, you did good.
Who would have ever thought when they first laid eyes on you, who you would become. Run Free John Henry!
I met John Henry for the first time about three years ago. As soon as my eyes met his I fell in love with him. I heard about his passing while I was watching the breader's Cup on tv.
I had loved John Henry for such a long time, since I new there was such a horse I could see, who ran with great speed to the finish line. Taking the roles as a champion from young till he retired to his pasture. I had only been to the Kentucky Horse Park 3 times and I has seen him so much and soo many times. John henry is a brave soldeir and a dear friend to me. When I met him, he remembered me and remembered his treat I brought to him. He remembered and I did also the kiss he had given to me. John henry will always be loved inside all trainers, jockeys, his owners and his fans. But John henry will be more important then just a broken leaf! We will remember what he has done for us and how he has still lived as a true friend and champion. So now he laid his head into my lap, our eyes met with tears. As he spoke to me in small gently words. It was time, for him to go and he would never forget. All he had done in his life, for his friends, his family and his loved ones. He would never forget and for there. He ran to the clouds above us, dancing with pride and joy, racing his long known friends. He will never forget how he had lived for such along time. He is a champion....Our friend.....A hero and one we will always love.
I had always wanted to go to the horse park to see John Henry. I was able to go in May of this year and Im so glad John was there. What a great horse. I feel for those who were close to him. At least now he can run free in the great beyond.