Team Knollwood is saddened to announce the passing of the one and only CH Lexmark on Friday at the age of 32.

Hootie was born in 1985, and won his first class under the direction of Brent Jacobs.  This winner of the UPHA 5 Gaited Classic at the 1988 at the Ohio State Fair would go on to amass 63 CH points and would continue showing until 2010. (His show record from the American Saddlebred Horse Association fills 33 pages.)

 The epitome of an athletic, powerful gaited horse, Hootie campaigned successfully in the 5 gaited divisions for his entire career.

He came to Knollwood in 1995 as the 5 gaited mount for Kris Davidson, and he never left.  Kris and her daughters enjoyed great success with Hootie as they campaigned throughout the midwest. 

Hootie became Scott and Carol's in 2006, and he was far from done with his career.  He continued showing quite successfully until he retired from the ring in 2010, and was honored with the ASAW's People's Choice Horse of the Year in 2007.

Perhaps his greatest contribution was his teaching career.  He gave many riders their first ride on a gaited horse, and oh how he enjoyed testing them.  Many of his students have gone on to show successfully in Hootie's division.  Current gaited riders who were students of the great one are Abby Kastenholz who shows CH Freaky Links, and Ainsley who shows Ashlyn's Only Charm.

Hootie threw one heck of a party for his 30th birthday.  Admirers came from near and far to have their photo taken with the champion, and to share his carrot cake with him.

In his retirement, Hootie enjoyed the sun on his back as he grazed while watching the young ones in the pasture.  He still made a ruckus every time horses were loading to go to a show.

He was tough.

He was unstoppable.

He was a force of nature.

Peace, Hootie.