In Loving Memory of Ima Diamond Loper
Charlee and Meg. Photo credit: Danielle Long.
Nicole and Meg, the Congress Champion. Photo: Shane Rux Photography.
How do you say goodbye to your Heart Horse; your Unicorn? That was Ima Diamond Loper to us. She was humanely laid to rest on 02/05/2025 due to complications from cancer. Our hearts are broken. Meg was just 17 and still had many years to give to us.
Meg was a Congress champion in Novice Amateur Trail, Bronze in Novice Amateur Trail at NSBA World, and Reserve Champion in Novice Amateur Horsemanship at the Novice Championship Show with Nicole Whitley Eby. In addition, they had many top 5 placings at Congress and the AQHA World Show. Meg really loved doing trail, and it came so easy for her.
Meg’s next job was to become teacher and babysitter to me and the grandkids. We won several circuit awards in Amateur Walk/Trot Trail, including most recently at the 2024 Sun Circuit. She took good care of Charlee Eby. They won many circuit awards together. In 2023, they were circuit champions and won the coveted chair plus other awards at the Big A. In Tampa, at the Gold / Gulf Coast, they won 2 Grands and 4
Jana and Meg at Sun Circuit in 2023. Photo: Jeff Kirkbride Photography.
Reserve Grands in Youth Aged Mares. They were circuit champions in Small Fry Trail. Her last award was Reserve Circuit Champion in 10 and Under Walk/Trot Trail at the 2024 Sun Circuit. Charlee ended up 9th overall in 2024 NSBA Novice Youth Walk/Trot Trail with just 2 shows.
Everyone who came into contact with Meg fell in love with how sweet and good natured she was.
In answer to my question at the beginning, you stay with them to the end. Nicole was the last person she saw and smelled. We will never be able to replace her for what she has done for me and my family – just pay tribute to a truly great one and for all she gave to us.
Many thanks to Becky George, Colton Pylman and Brynne Bassler. Also, to Dr. Meghan Murphy for her compassion in easing Meg’s pain.
RIP our sweet girl. I will always miss your deep nicker and beautiful face. The only thing I could not protect you from was time. ~ Jana Whitley and the Eby Family.
Charlee and Meg. Photo credit: Danielle Long.
Thank you to Jana Whitley for the incredible tribute to Meg. The Equine Chronicle extends our deepest condolences and wishes you peace at this extremely difficult time.
Somewhere
Somewhere . . . in time’s own space, there must be some sweet, pastured place
Where creeks sing on – and tall trees grow, some paradise where horses go,
For by the love that guides my pen, I know great horses live again.
By Stanley Harrison
