Blue

This is a very special and meaningful candle created in honor of a dear friend’s beautiful horse, Blue. Blue fought valiantly for 45 days in the ICU, and though he is no longer with us, his spirit continues to inspire us and bring the horse community together. Lighting this candle will bring a sense of peaceful energy through peppermint, eucalyptus and lemongrass notes, a tribute to Blue's gentle yet resilient spirit. Please read his touching story below.

Notes: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Orange, Jasmine, Lemon, Cedar

"A blue roan named Blue Duck… Kind of like, “Florals… For spring… Groundbreaking,” spoken by the character, Miranda Priestly, in The Devil Wears Prada. Yet, our Blue Duck was exactly that: groundbreaking. Beginning his team roping career with us in 2017, Blue Duck came to Barrett with emotional baggage that required a thoughtful, insightful approach to his training. Blue looked to Barrett for confidence, and through those developmental years of patience, Blue became a remarkable partner for Barrett in the roping pen. As Blue gracefully aged, a decision was made to pass Blue’s reins onto Barrett’s wife, Madelyn, who is an FEI Dressage Rider. In November of 2023, Blue officially started his dressage career. He quickly excelled in this particular discipline, showing Madelyn and the Houser’s respective online communities just how versatile, trainable, and intelligent Blue truly was within his heart. During their first dressage competition together, Blue scored into the 70%’s at Training Level, taking home a blue and red ribbon with encouraging remarks stated by the judge.

Blue Duck was an incredible animal. He was a blessing to the Houser’s; a pivotal member of their family. To say he was special is an understatement. Blue changed Barrett’s life. Blue changed Madelyn’s life. He was gentle, he was patient, he was intuitive, and he was kind. He was otherworldly. The connection he forged with Barrett and Madelyn was instantaneous, meaningful and irreplaceable.

A few weeks after Madelyn’s and Blue’s show weekend, the unthinkable occurred. Blue was rushed into colic surgery where a 360-degree colon rotation had occurred. For 45-days, Blue tirelessly fought for his life in the ICU while combatting many complications post operation including salmonella and enterobacter. His veterinary staff worked around the clock to provide Blue’s care, no treatment or option left unturned. The Houser’s said goodbye to their priceless boy on July 9th after Blue’s body could not keep pace with the spread of the bacterial infection.

Blue Duck leaves behind a legacy, and an impact on the equestrian community. He was loved by thousands, continually representing the power and the beauty of Quarter Horses inside the dressage court. Through the period of time where Blue was undergoing treatment, Madelyn craved the soothing scents of eucalyptus combined with lemongrass and mint to keep the air pure and energy clean in their home. Blue Duck will be greatly, greatly missed.”

-Madelyn Houser

Photo Credit: Danielle Vargo Photography