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Remembering Anna Banana
Written By: Sue Blair - Carpe Diem Farms | Issue: March 2024
The loss of their beloved Anna Banana leaves the Carpe Diem Farms horses without a leader.
Anna Banana
May 20, 2002 – January 6, 2024
From the moment she arrived, stepped off the trailer, she was the quintessential filly. Magnificent beyond words in looks, movement, personality, and zest for life. Her very presence was a showstopper.
Anna was born at High Pasture, named for Frances Bunzel’s granddaughter, Anna Banana. A dual registered card-carrying member of the Spotted Walking Horse Association and the Paint Horse Association, she was what the British refer to as a “colored horse.” The most magnificent I had ever seen. Perfectly matched marking.
She was three months old and my purpose of adding her to our herd was to be CDF Lola’s Promise’s, our four-month-old Morgan’s playmate and best friend. It was love at first sight. They would spend every day romping together in the fields, painting a magnificent picture of pure joy and exuberance.
When Anna and Promise were three in November 2006, we lost both Charlie Brown, our lead gelding, and Graceful Command, “Gracie,” Promise’s mom and Alpha Mare 19 days apart.
Within weeks of their deaths the herd would choose them as their leaders. I was blessed to witness that one day in time and have it etched in my mind’s eye. Together they did a ritual dance in the field running freely in opposite directions in huge circles announcing their new roles. Until Promise’s death on November 20, 2015, they could be seen daily – Anna leading the herd every morning to graze and Promise following the line of horses, bringing up the rear. They instinctively knew it was their responsibility to protect and guide their herd. Together, they did their jobs flawlessly.
Following Promise’s death Anna, without her friend and trusted partner, continued alone to be the guardian of herd. She welcomed each new member over the years and kept a watchful eye out for their safety.
As their “Alpha” the herd knew they were safe. Whenever Anna wanted to lay down to soak up the sun’s rays the herd would provide her a perfect protective circle, facing out so that she would feel safe to rest from her duties. I am grateful that my memory clearly provides me with the magical moments of herd behavior. The remaining four are now at a loss without her, as am I.
Nearly 23 years with her just doesn’t seem enough. We’ll see you again sweet girl.
