In Loving Memory of Heartz On Fire

With heavy hearts, we share the deeply sorrowful news of the passing of our cherished Heartz On Fire, affectionately known as Cash. He left us Sunday at Rood and Riddle Veterinary Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

Many of you know that we had to close Cash’s breeding season early this past February due to a sudden health issue. What followed was a challenging journey filled with surgery, rehab, and unwavering hope. Cash faced these trials with the heart of a true champion, and we visited him at the clinic just this past Friday. Despite some setbacks, we held on to hope, working closely with Dr. Reed to continue his treatment. Tragically, things took a turn for the worse over the weekend, and on Sunday, Dr. Reed gently told us it was time to let go. We spent a sleepless night grappling with our loss.

Sarah captured the essence of Cash perfectly when she remarked that his name, Heartz On Fire, was so fitting. Throughout these months, he showed immense heart and determination to get better, earning the admiration of everyone who witnessed his fight. Sadly, his body could not endure.

We had been preparing for Cash to move to Jeffrey Pait’s at Pait Show Horses, but he never made it home from the clinic. His “brothers,” Best Kept Secret and Rumerz, are thriving there, as are many of our mares. We know Cash would have loved it.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. Stephen Reed, whom we regard as one of the finest veterinarians, as well as Dr. Kate Christie and Dr. Kindra Orr, and their teams at Rood and Riddle. Your exceptional care and dedication made a world of difference for Cash.

We are also deeply grateful to Sarah Cahill and her team at Three Sisters Farm for their compassionate post-surgery care, and to Mary Kate McClure and the rehab team at Spy Coast Farm, along with Dr. Vargas, for their professional and nurturing support throughout his recovery.

To Gerri Leigh Pratt, thank you for breeding and selling us this extraordinary horse. To all of you who bred your mares to Cash, and everyone who supported us on this journey, we extend our heartfelt appreciation.

Cash, you will forever dance in our dreams, gallop through our hearts, and leave hoofprints on our souls. Rest easy, big boy. You will be profoundly missed.

With love and gratitude,

Steve, Kathy, and Sarah Headley

 

Edited by KC Montgomery

 

All of us at the Equine Chronicle would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of this influential sire to the Headleys and everyone whose lives were touched by Cash.