225/2016 29 November, 2016
ROYAL NAVY STABLES SAYS SAD GOODBYE TO SGT MAJOR ‘ROCKY’
It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that our 24 year-old Sgt Major Rocky, passed away peacefully at 9.30am this morning at the RNRM Stables at Bickleigh Barracks.
Stables Chairwoman, Cathie Gillespie said: “Rocky has trotted his way over the Rainbow Bridge.
He was a retired service horse who came to Bickleigh Barracks about eight years ago. During his life at Chivenor, He led many parades with his last public appearance leading the parade of horses at our memorial service for horses held at the yard earlier this month. He has given many, many people hours and hours of enjoyment and love. For those less able he has gave them the utmost confidence in their abilities. Rocky certainly brought an awful lot of joy and laughter to a lot of people. He will be very sadly missed by all but his legacy will live on.”
In his honour, the Stables intend to make a Rocky Memorial Award. This will be given annually to the most improved Pony Club rider.
Commodore Ian Shipperley, Devonport Naval Base Commander and Trustee of the RNRM Stables said: “It’s a sad day for the Stables. We are not only losing a great character but we are losing a much-loved figurehead.”
Known for his cheeky side – Rocky frequently escaped from his field, usually taking his best pal Murphy with him and staff spent many countless hours trying to retrieve them. As Cathie says: “They were two monkeys together. I am sure that Murphy is waiting for his friend at the Rainbow Bridge. Rocky’s ashes will be brought home and placed under a new tree which will be planted in the Yard – maybe a Rocky Rose would be a perfect kind?
As a tribute to Rocky and to anyone going through the pain of losing a beloved animal, the Stables thought the poem ‘My Grandest Foal, He Said’ a fitting mark of respect:-
My grandest foal, He said.
For you to love while he's alive
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months , you see.
But, will you, till I take him back,
Take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have treasured memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But, there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
With trust, I have selected you.
Now will you give him your total love?
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate Me when I come
To take him back again?
I know you'll give him tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known!
Forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for him
Much sooner than you'd planned
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday you'll understand.
For though I'll call him home to Me
This promise to you I do make,
For all the love and care you gave
He'll wait for you, at heavens gates.
ROYAL NAVY STABLES SAYS SAD GOODBYE TO SGT MAJOR ‘ROCKY’
It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that our 24 year-old Sgt Major Rocky, passed away peacefully at 9.30am this morning at the RNRM Stables at Bickleigh Barracks.
Stables Chairwoman, Cathie Gillespie said: “Rocky has trotted his way over the Rainbow Bridge.
He was a retired service horse who came to Bickleigh Barracks about eight years ago. During his life at Chivenor, He led many parades with his last public appearance leading the parade of horses at our memorial service for horses held at the yard earlier this month. He has given many, many people hours and hours of enjoyment and love. For those less able he has gave them the utmost confidence in their abilities. Rocky certainly brought an awful lot of joy and laughter to a lot of people. He will be very sadly missed by all but his legacy will live on.”
In his honour, the Stables intend to make a Rocky Memorial Award. This will be given annually to the most improved Pony Club rider.
Commodore Ian Shipperley, Devonport Naval Base Commander and Trustee of the RNRM Stables said: “It’s a sad day for the Stables. We are not only losing a great character but we are losing a much-loved figurehead.”
Known for his cheeky side – Rocky frequently escaped from his field, usually taking his best pal Murphy with him and staff spent many countless hours trying to retrieve them. As Cathie says: “They were two monkeys together. I am sure that Murphy is waiting for his friend at the Rainbow Bridge. Rocky’s ashes will be brought home and placed under a new tree which will be planted in the Yard – maybe a Rocky Rose would be a perfect kind?
As a tribute to Rocky and to anyone going through the pain of losing a beloved animal, the Stables thought the poem ‘My Grandest Foal, He Said’ a fitting mark of respect:-
My grandest foal, He said.
For you to love while he's alive
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be one or twenty years,
Or days or months , you see.
But, will you, till I take him back,
Take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have treasured memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But, there are lessons taught on earth
I want this foal to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
With trust, I have selected you.
Now will you give him your total love?
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate Me when I come
To take him back again?
I know you'll give him tenderness
And love will bloom each day.
And for the happiness you've known!
Forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for him
Much sooner than you'd planned
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And someday you'll understand.
For though I'll call him home to Me
This promise to you I do make,
For all the love and care you gave
He'll wait for you, at heavens gates.
