08/06/2026
Polish Brigade "Briggs"
2004-2026
Briggs was laid to rest this morning after sustaining an injury that had very minimal chances of recovery. After much discussion with multiple different vets, Casey made the decision to end his suffering. Briggs spent the night with access to all the hay he could possibly want to eat and (mostly) bed in. Casey was right by his side and he spent the morning asleep with his head in Casey's lap before going out to graze in the sunshine. He will be buried on the farm, in the place he'd always be in the morning when he'd let himself out, for his final resting place.
Everyone that knew Briggs knew he was a diva. Bugs were his worst enemy, he didn't like the rain or puddles and he was highly offended if you tried make him go in the woods on a trail ride. He was very particular about his hay (now straw on the other hand, that he ate like it was a delicacy) and he gave Casey a run for her money finding grain that suited his fancy.
Briggs was the perfect babysitter and excelled in the hunters. He took many a kid to state fair, youth show, county fair and local hunter shows over the twelve years since Casey owned him. He often times had no awareness of personal space, but was never pushy, he just loved to cuddle. Briggs was one of those horses that would never fault you for messing up, but he really gave you his all once you figured out how to ride him. He may have taken as many strides in a line as he saw fit, but if you set him up for a bad spot he always fixed it. Briggs was truly one of a kind and there will never be another one like him.
Well before Casey had kids she talked about how she hoped Briggs would be around when they were ready to ride and show. Once it was clear how much Cheyenne loved to ride the goal was clear, Briggs would take Cheyenne around the ring all by herself for the first time. Thankfully he was able to accomplish that goal. First at a local open show, and again at the All American Youth Horse Show this past May. Each time he stepped into the ring with his mom's most precious cargo, he was the perfect gentleman and took great care of her. Briggs never took a wrong step, but you could tell he knew to be extra careful with her. Those memories will be cherished forever.
Please share your favorite memories of him and any pictures you may have. Our barn will never be the same without Briggs, but he will live on in all the kids he taught how to ride.
Rest easy big guy, you are already so terribly missed š
