The sudden loss of the 12-year old stallion, owned by Kenneth Banks of Schulenburg, Texas, sent the stock horse community grieving worldwide.
“It’s like losing a member of the family,” said Dana Avila. “He was kind of our ‘everything’, and he was Bobby’s best friend. Every time Bob walked down the barn aisle in the mornings, Magic would nicker at him. No one else ever showed him. No one else ever did anything on him but Bob. They were absolutely best friends.”
The injury occurred in a demo arena at the NFR’s Cowboy Christmas. “Magic,” who was retired from competition in 2009 with record earnings of more than $318,000, was fit and 100 percent sound, Dana said. She added that footing and conditions were optimal and did not contribute to the injury.
Veterinarians responded quickly, Dana said, and x-rays were diagnosed by top equine surgeons across the country before a determination was made that the fracture above the knee was “irreparable.” She compared the injury to one suffered by the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, Barbaro.
Since Friday, the Avilas’ home in Temecula has been showered with condolences and tributes from trainers, owners, customers and fans.
“I can’t thank people enough for their kindness,” said Dana. “It’s been overwhelming what people think of him. I had no idea the people this horse has touched. The response to Facebook®, the phone calls, the emails – it’s been amazing.”
Click here to read about “Magic’s” last night of competition when he won the 2009 National Stock Horse Association World’s Richest Stock Horse title.
December 17th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
We are so sorry for your loss here at Wild Iron Ranch in Missouri. My horses mean everything to me, as yours do to you. They are family, and as so, please accept our condolences.Grief dims, but memories remain. May you have peace! Becky Wildeisen
December 21st, 2012 at 1:16 pm
We want to send our deepest condolences for your loss of a true friend! We were enjoying watching the demo at the fanfest and our hearts sank to see what a beauty taken like that! Many tears, but not forgotten…
September 4th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
I want to say how sorry I am to hear of magics passing. I was surfing the web and put his name in and this is were I am. I was proud to say I was able to meet him when he was a colt about 2 years old. WHAT A COLT HE WAS!!! I met him at Alan and Kay Needles’ ranch. RIP Magic!