Passings

Lee Oellerich

We are sorry to report the loss of Lee Oellerich (1940–2022), a steadfast breeder of straight desert-bred Blue Star horses. His partner, Nina Heidtke, reports that there are 13 horses left of his program on their remote island in British Columbia.

This photo of Lee and Dahman Al Bahrain (XXX) was taken years ago in Vancouver, walking on the beach one foggy morning. A newspaper cameraman took the photo, and Nina says it was always one of his favorite photos of himself.

When some time has passed, we would like to do a feature article about Lee and his breeding program in a future Khamsat. “A workout on the beach is better. Lee Oellerich of Safinat Stud Farm in Langley walks his horse off the sand at Kits beach. He says five minutes in sand is more of a workout than half an hour on solid ground. Now that fall is here, he’ll be bringing his horses to the beach one at a time for exercise.” Photo: Colin Price.

“Steel’ RIP: A Ali Aseel

2010 gelding, Ali Reshan x Zeena Z.

Photo: AZ Cowgirl

In our last issue, we did a major salute to this team, as they headed off to the Tevis Race this year. In a disastrous turn of events, ‘Steel’ was lost in a tragic accident as he was leading the Tevis toward the end of the race.

It’s been a difficult and emotional journey for Susie over the past few months, but we intend to have a tribute to honor this courageous horse in the next issue. In the meantime, Susie knows that all of us in the Al Khamsa community are holding her in our hearts.