A memorial with bag pipes, Native American dancers, the playing of Taps, and a presentation of the flag . . . .

“All that for a horse?” I was asked. 

No, it wasn’t all for a “horse”.  It was for Mike. 

Family and friends gathered on Sunday, September 17 to remember and pay tribute to Mike who died at the age of 19.

Mike was Lorraine “Rainy” Melgosa’s loyal partner and friend

– a massive but graceful Percheron horse. 

Mike and “Rainy” were the team that made up

Wellington Carriage of Manzanola.

Mike was more than a horse to others which was obvious by the 150 or so people that gathered for his memorial. 

The crowd was adorned with American Flags and purple pins in honor of Mike. 

Mike was significant to me. 

A couple of Mike’s “firsts” were for my family. 

His very first funeral was for Isabel Vasquez – my uncle

and his first funeral for a fallen soldier was for

SSG Justin Vasquez - my brother. 

Mike escorted well over 500 loved ones and had recently been offering his services to our fallen military.

Mike gave dignity and pride to those he escorted to their final resting place and that’s something that will never be forgotten.

Rainy will continue Mike’s legacy with the help of “Lady.” 

“Lady” was a gift to Rainy by the Dietz family in memory of their son, Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny P. Dietz of Littleton.