The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Dreams Make Life Better

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

January 23, 2013

Well, I really appreciated the good comments wishing me the best in getting my dream horse.

I guess, my dream isn't just about getting a horse but it's also about the neatest facility to go along with it. As you can see a fraction of the inside of Bruce Rastetter's horse stable,  it is very state of the art. I would be happy to have just one end of it, along with this beautiful French Percheron. (see it at www.summitfarms.com)

After having some unpleasant experiences with unruly horses of late, I read about the easy going temperment of the Percheron. Although big, they are easy to train and are safe enough for children.

When I was young, I always had a dream I would grow up and be on a horse ranch. I figured I had to move to Texas to do that until our Secretary of Ag said Illinois has more registered horses than any other state! I realize not all horses are registered so a true count may be hard to find.

My husband has a retired friend in the Quad Cities who races horses and named his new filly after me Grandessa. In googling, I found there are a few more with that name with some interesting stories.

When I was in 5th grade, my father built me a barn and got me the ponies I loved with orders to take care of them, which I did until I was 16. I've missed them, and the dream of having a horse again, just makes me happy.