Forever in Our Hearts: Stately Sensation – 2003-2023
By Delores Kuhlwein
Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Stately Sensation, the 2003 Sorrel Overo gelding by Zippos Sensation and out of Zipped in White.
Everyone in the Paint industry knew him as “Tommy.” Talented and athletic, Stately Sensation was instantly recognizable by his markings and his signature white eyelashes, and in his later years, for being accompanied by a youth rider as a steadfast but more than capable mount. He also served as an APHA and Paint Horse Journal star in their ads.
Tommy was the show partner of a lifetime for several riders in the APHA show ring, from Walk Trot to Youth to Amateur to Open, especially shining at the APHA World Show. He taught many riders the ropes over the years and was a very familiar face at the APHA shows.
Photo credit: Ruehle Photographix
Not only did the talented sorrel overo gelding earn 10 World Championships, 10 Reserve World Championships, a Versatility Award, 15 Superiors and 60 ROMs with his partners, together they amassed 2728.5 lifetime points (unofficial) as of 5/10/2023, among other accolades. This was in many divisions – Walk Trot, Youth, Novice Youth, Amateur, Novice Amateur, and Open.
Cynthia Rasmussen, whose family lost both Tommy and Rodney, Radicalized, in a short time period, has this to say about Tommy:
“Our beloved Tommy (STATELY SENSATION) was laid to rest due to an acute illness. Our family was very blessed to have owned and loved him for so many years. We cannot begin to express our deep sorrow losing this incredible horse. He was one in a million taking Celia and Hazel to multiple reserve and world titles. He always loved these young riders and together their teamwork was unmatched in the show ring.
Many tears have fallen and probably will continue to fall. But his brown eyes and a handful of carrots will hold special memories.
Thank you Sara, Lauren,Jana, Andrea and Dr. Tony for your loving care of Tommy.
Run forever free! We love you Tommy!!”
We’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the Rasmussen Family, the Heinbuch Family, the Baker Family, The Schmeling Family, the Kemper Family, the Nielson Family, the Cooper Family, the Simons Show Horses barn family, and all others whose lives were touched by Tommy. Pro photos below by Kirstie Marie Photography.
