Dateline: Western District, Victoria, Australia

The sad news reached our offices that a lovely gentleman of showjumping, the ex-racehorse, Cannonised died doing what he loved best - competing over the weekend.

Cannonized, (Timmy) had been with the McMaugh family for 12 years. Timmy started his life as a race horse trained by Colin Cannon. His racing name was Lord Tiamo, by Lord Seymour. He raced until he was 9 years old.

Timmy was purchased off the track by Jo O'Connor-Ward in 1993 for $300. She was looking for a very quiet horse. He was certainly that, Colin told her she could ride him down the main street on a loose rein and this was absolutely true.

He was the first horse she'd ever owned and said "I could barely rise to the trot before I bought him". Michael McKay helped her a great deal, to the stage where she was able to compete
in eventing and showjumping. "He had such a big jump and given my lack of experience I could hardly stay in the saddle over a jump!"

She had countless offers from people wanting to buy him and it was around this time that Jo met and became great friends with Deb. When Jo and her husband decided to move to Geelong and start a new business and a family at the same time, Jo realised she wouldn't have the time for riding. She had to make a difficult decision with regards to her much loved horse and decided to give Timmy to Deb to campaign, knowing that with Debs talent he could reach his full potential. Some time later she sold Timmy to Deb.

Timmy came to Deb as a 10yo D Grade EFA showjumper. Over the next 12 years the pair went on to compete very successfully. During this time Deb and Timmy won & placed at many shows in A & B Grade Championships. In 2003 they were placed 7th at their first World Cup Qualifier in Adelaide after which Deb was heard to comment that she and Cannonized were "the oldest horse and rider to make their World Cup debut"

In the same year the pair was invited to compete amongst the top 20 qualifiers at Equitana. In 2004 they were placed 10th at Bega World Cup Qualifier and later that year competed at Melbourne Royal World Cup Qualifier and placed 10th

Deb decided to retire Timmy at the Mortlake Buskers in 2005 at the age of 20, as an A Grade horse with 157points. She tipped her hat at the judge, went back to the truck and put her riding coat on Amie and sent them out to do a lap of honour.

For the last two and a half years Amie has successfully show jumped and evented Timmy. Despite the fact he had not seen a dressage arena for a very long time, Amie and Timmy also proved to be competitive in dressage and qualified for the State Championships last year held at Emu Creek and
this year, 2007 held in Moorooduc on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.

Whether he was competing on his home turf or far a field, he was a legend, and well recognised wherever he went by anyone in showjumping circles.

Upon hearing of his death Jo said "we were a privileged three to ride him".

Cannonized was more than a horse - he was a pal to the whole McMaugh family - and Rob always knew that he was important to his wife Deb, but Cannonized was the "main" man in the family and there was never a discussion on the pecking order!

Wherever Cannonized was, Deb was never far away and she could always rest easy knowing he was in the paddock with the other horses keeping things calm and quiet, no matter what the weather.

Rest easy big man and know how much you were loved and know that the tears will flow for many long nights to come - you were more than "just a horse" and you gave everything you had to those who knew and loved you. You died doing what you loved and right to the end you looked after your rider, in this case young Amie (who turns 13 on June 1st) and you made sure that she was not hurt on the cross country course when your huge heart gave out on you.

And the final words go to Deb "you were easy to love, and you were our best friend".