As promised- the rest of the story.

In my Wordless Wednesday post, we saw Ted riding Rosalee, carrying a flag. (Ted hasn't ridden for a few years!!!!!) That was training day; today, she had a job to do.
Some of you may remember that Ted and I both worked for a local auctioneer; Joe Snopek. Ted was the relief auctioneer and I was the clerk. Well the auctioneer unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack; he was 75 years old. Back in the day, he was a farm boy with a love of horses, so we thought we would do something special for his funeral.
Ted is a member of the North West Mounted Police Commemorative Association- basically  they are a group who dresses in period uniforms and do parades and special events; the NWMP were the forerunners of our current RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) well known for their red serge dress uniforms.

We had a pair of Joe's cowboy boots, empty and with the auction number 1 on them, tied behind the saddle.

Rosalee and Ted greeted people going into the funeral service- old ladies and children were delighted to pet her- and near the end of the service I had the mare ready for Ted at the door that served for the procession to the hearse. Ted held the flag at horizontal as a salute as the family passed by.

Then he led the beginning of the procession for a couple of blocks as they made their way to the cemetery;

when he halted, he dismounted and again held the flag in ceremonial position as he removed his helmet in tribute.

Through it all, Rosalee was rock solid. I love how willing this mare is, and that my husband felt safe on her, enough to get on and ride for the first time in probably 5 years, and that we were able to pay tribute in style to a friend. Rest in peace, Joe.