Leroy was a legend in Boulder Valley, (Peace Valley), Montana, where he lived his entire life. His prowess as a cutting horse was legendary among the ranchers. With a good rider and a reliable practice of telepathic communication, his ability was mythic. In fact, even with a bad rider, he always knew what to do even while simultaneously trying to keep the proverbial bag of sand in the saddle. In his later years, he gave up the excitement of being a cutting horse, moved to Boulder Hot Springs, and devoted his time to caring for his companions (Lady M and Bitsey) and relating to the many visitors who came to BHS.
Many of those who came had never had “a real horse for a friend” before. So his teaching opportunities were many. And his list of admirers and “former students” extends throughout the world. Leroy often knew more about the person on his back than that person knew about him or herself. And he adjusted accordingly. When he had a child on his back, Leroy was the essence of gentleness. He was a Montana horse in the true sense of the word.
On Dec. 29, 2016, Leroy fell on a bridge and died in the cold Montana night. At age 36, he had been having more trouble with the harshness of Montana winters. There was no sign of a struggle and what is known about freezing to death is that it is like going to sleep and is, as death goes, peaceful.
For Anne Wilson Schaef, it was love at first sight. She believes that when they eyed one another, they both felt up to the challenge of a long, meaningful relationship, which they have had. Schaef says neither of them questioned their love for each other even when separated for long periods of time. She has always overseen his care and seen that he was well cared-for.
Schaef recalls her mother saying that, “We humans need the animals in our lives. Some of us are slow learners. And if we are open, they will teach us to be better humans.” Leroy took that job seriously. He was magnificent in body, mind and spirit. Yet, he never flaunted or doubted that reality. “He was and is my kind of guy,” Schaef says.
