Casey's Friends

 As an older lady getting to connect with a horse like Casey was the highlight of my life. I was always afraid of horses and I think they knew it. But Casey was different even though a stallion he made me feel safe. From this day on Casey was a part of my world, I show everyone the pictures of the day I got to meet Casey. He is now part of my family.   

 I have known NC Matheny for over thirty years, besides his floral business. And with his love for all animals, the care and compassion he has, few people can only dream. He has always been around horses, but when he first saw Casey, both their lives were to change forever. NC and Casey were to bond from the beginning. His love for this little colt from day one was something to see. It is not an easy job to raise an orphan foal. But NC embraced it with all he had, the love, patience, and understanding, and through the years, what he has done for Casey, I truly, believe no one else would have. This horse does not live like a horse. Casey is more like NC’s child; he has loved and nursed him through more illness than most people go through. The fear, panic, and pain NC has gone through, not knowing if Casey would be there in the morning, shows the person that he is. There is no doubt in my mind that if NC had not gotten Casey there would be no horse like Casey in NC's life today. When you think of NC, it is never him alone, it is always NC and Casey.   

For me... I am somewhat of a city boy, so meeting Casey was a great experience... a gentle horse up close!

What I remember most was a well-taken-care-of-horse, in a very pretty rural setting,

how big Casey was, and the beautiful coat of hair! A big critter up close was pretty cool!!!

Sincerely, Joseph D.

 He was so amazing when I was in his presence. So gentle.  He stood like a statue for you to wash him off. He was one of the most majestic stallions I’ve ever had the privilege of being in his presence. I was honored that day. I will always  remember him with great fondness.  Thank you for allowing me to meet him. NC   

 Casey was such a surprise to me when I met him for the first time.  Here was this beautiful stallion living in a house. I always referred to him as Mr. Ed. He was gentle and loved the attention and seemed to be reading my every move and thought. He always made me work hard at my craft but helped me through the session by really communicating to me his needs. I am forever grateful for being a small part of his care, and he reminded me of how much we need to rethink what we know about the horse's mind.   

 I didn't think I'd ever see the love someone has for their horse as NC.   We stopped on a rather cool day and NC brought Casey into the barn/ house. I immediately saw Casey was a special horse, a one of a kind. He  had the spirit in his eyes and at the same time love. After getting to  love on Casey for a short time, I realized he had a personality all his  own. I fell in love with that fellow right then. He lived a privileged  existence and deserved every moment of it!  The memory of Casey will certainly live on in our minds. He was a great horse.
 

Roger & Sue Parsons 

 My name is Benulda. I became friends with NC when he came with a mission team to my city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. NC loves horses and in my  city horses are used for riding and pulling product carts. NC told me  all about his horse, Casey, while he was here. So a couple of years  later, while I was visiting family in the USA, I went to NC's Ohio farm  to visit his family and got to meet his horse, Casey. Oh, what a  beautiful horse! Wow! He is so special. I enjoyed spending time with  Casey and watching him while he went around galloping. I so wish my husband Moses could see Casey, too.  

 How many farriers walk in the barn, squat down in front of your stallion and have a conversation. Marc would start off by saying "Hi", Casey would lower his head till they were eye level with one another.  I just loved to watch these two interact, Casey could communicate with his friends in such ways that everyone felt enriched.   

My name is Marsha, and I met Casey face to face, literally, for the first time on November 24, 2018. Before meeting Casey, I had not been around many horses. My neighbor owned a horse that I was occasionally allowed to ride while being lead around on as a child. The field behind my house growing up had 3-4 horses that I fed apples from our apple trees, and I have been on guided horse trail rides, but that is about the extent of my exposure to horses. I was on the phone with NC many late nights for hours while he was tending to Casey’s wants and needs, listening to stories about Casey. I had received many pictures of Casey before actually meeting him. On our first encounter, he startled me. After entering Casey’s house. I was looking around and viewing NC's video monitors placed on the steps of Casey’s house. When I turned around, Casey’s head was right at my eye level. (So, this is what I meant when I stated that I literally met him face to face.) I jumped back and laughed. I think he found my reaction to him funny. After that, I felt we were on our way to a wonderful friendship. One fond memory of my time with Casey was when NC was teaching me how to brush Casey. It was relaxing for me and Casey seemed to enjoy it too.  I learned a lot about horses from Casey and NC during our short but meaningful time together. I learned  about what it takes to care for a horse. I found that relationships come in many forms, and I learned that any meaningful relationship takes a lot of work. I experienced a strong bond that could not be broken between a man and his horse. Love is unconditional no matter what form it comes in and Casey and NC had that unconditional love. I would have loved spending more time with Casey and getting to know him better. Thank you for the memories.

Zephaniah 3:17
The  LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will  rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love.

1 Corinthians 13:7
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  

Andy Newlon, a 90 year neighbor of NC, was raised with horses. Born in  West Virginia, horses were the family's transportation until Andy was in  his 20's. Andy bought his own team of colts at age 15 and trained them  to harness, then used them to work for a local logging company to  contribute to the family's income. Until age 90, he owned many horses, breeding and breaking them to harness. He used horses to do all the farm  work, not owning a tractor until in his mid 80's. His favorite pastime  was to hook the last horse trained a log in the woods and then turn the  horse loose to take the log out to the family-owned sawmill. 'Old  Yankee' never lost a log or tangled in the woods, so good was his training.
 

Andy was acquainted with most of the farmers of the  area affected by the flood of 1998, especially the loss of some horses  and livestock. When he learned "that kid NC" had acquired an orphan foal  and brought it home, Andy declared, "He is going to get his  heartbroken, it is too hard to keep an orphan alive under the best of  circumstances." Andy had raised one foal after the mother had died, but he had another lactating mare to feed the baby. NC did not have that.
 

As  Andy watched NC care for Casey through one crisis after the other, he  would just shake his head and declare, "The next time he will not be so lucky." After a few years, he admitted NC was just too stubborn to let the horse die!
 

How amazed would Andy be now if he could see the pristine housing NC has arranged for Casey. He was grinning enough over  the idea of having to wash down the stall and wash Casey's hay. If he could see the curtains on the windows, a bed with a pillow, air  conditioning, toys, etc., Andy would be blown away.
 

Written by Janet J, Andy Newlon's Daughter 

My name is Graycie. I’ve been helping at the farm for about five years now. Robin, Casey, and Mystere are the first horses I had the opportunity to develop a bond with. They have been a huge part of my life since I met them a few Christmases ago and so has NC. It's safe to say that I’ve had five years of amazing life lessons, learned a lot about horsemanship, and horses in general. It’s been a lot of ups and downs for sure, especially this year with losing Casey.

  Casey never failed to put a smile on everyone's face. He was just overall a little ornery bundle of sunshine. I had a blast jumping rope, bobbing for apples, and having a photoshoot with him. He taught me to keep fighting. No matter how bad you feel, keep fighting for all things you have in life. He was loved, unconditionally and he knew that.
Then there’s Mystere. Mystere and I have definitely had our challenges. She definitely wanted nothing to do with me when I first came around. NC always told me she doesn’t like kids, I believe it. She would do everything she could to stay away from me. Now that I'm older, she still doesn’t necessarily like me that much, but at least I'm tolerable. Mystere taught me multiple things, such as trust goes a long way, and slow and steady will take you farther than hurrying to get things done. 

Last but definitely not least, there’s Robin, aka Doodles or Bullet Train, depending on the day. She has tons and tons of names. Robin is one of the most important things to me that lives on this earth. She is also loved unconditionally by me - they all are, but Robin holds a special place in my heart. I’m so glad that my first horse ended up being Robin. I couldn’t have asked for anything above her. She taught me not to laugh when she starts to buck because she will just keep going until you're laying on the ground looking up at her. She always finds a way to bring the laughter out of me even in the scariest, worst of times.

Each horse is completely different. They each have taught me something different. They have helped me learn things I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 

I find myself falling deeply in love, oh could this be real? I always hoped that this life with you would not end, but from the reports, we were quickly running out of time. My darling, when we started this  journey, the future was bright and full of promise. We became fast friends. Our hearts longed for times together. You wanted to spend as much time with me as I did with you. We could not get enough of being friends. We met each challenge that life threw at us - real mountains, impossible climbs, but we fought for life together. I guess that's what  made our relationship perfect. In the end, there were no choices left.  As I held you in those final seconds, I felt your spirit pass over me, heading for worlds unknown. You slipped through my fingers and there was nothing I could do. I pray my love finds you as you gallop through eternity.

Be My Valentine Always, I Love You

John 3:16 

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life”.

I was privileged to provide some hoof care for Casey. He was a  farrier's dream - great feet and a great attitude! I would reach for a foot and without touching his leg he would lift his foot and pass it to me!   

 I grew up visiting Casey. I never remember a time when he wasn't there when I visited. I remember the way his barn smelled. The sweet hay. His nosy face when you walked in the door wondering "why are you in my house and do you have a snack." When we would drive the golf cart up the hill he would run and prance around alongside us, happy and free, the fading sunlight making his chestnut coat shine. I remember helping wash his hay so it wasn't dusty and standing with his dad on a hill making a ridiculous fly contraption while he grazed. I grew up with Casey, and he was always magnificent.  

 Olivia and I were fortunate to have met Casey twice.  Both times we were  amazed with his size, gentle nature and ability to know in advance what  was expected of him.  Even more amazing was the fact that he was a stallion and still this calm and loving.  A true one of a kind horse that  touched many lives.  

 Casey was one of the  sweetest horses I have ever encountered. I could tell, even from my  brief visits, that there was something special about him. His  confidence, charisma, and loving nature radiated from his entire being.  There was such a noticeable bond between his dad and him - you could  tell by their interactions and mutual respect for each other. I remember  being so impressed by the fact that a horse could be potty trained. I  didn't even know that was possible but nevertheless, it blew my mind! I  don't think there is a horse on earth that was better cared for than  Casey. He will be missed but his legacy lives on forever.  

 He was so amazing when I was in his presence. So gentle.  He stood like a statue for you to wash him off. He was one of the most majestic stallions I’ve ever had the privilege of being in his presence. I was honored that day. I will always  remember him with great fondness.  Thank you for allowing me to meet him. NC   

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the friendship and caring that the author and Casey had for one another. NC was very dedicated to the care and enrichment of Casey, and in return, Casey showed NC the greatest of love and respect. It does one’s heart good to witness the strong bond that can be formed between a horse and an individual. Casey was always so patient, accepting of his exams/treatments without any objections, and NC was always right there by his side.

Dr. John Groah, D.V.M.

  Casey and NC kept a spotless horse home that looked like a sultan’s palace.  

 It had been raining early the Fall day when I visited an old friend. As I made my way down the boardwalk to Casey's house, the leaves were beginning to turn colors. NC slide the heavy sliding door open leading to Casey's glass porch. Casey was waiting to greet whoever was coming to see him. I got the grand tour of Casey's place. Casey's TV was on and NC had the Mr. Ed TV show on for Casey to watch, and he was enjoying seeing the horse on the screen. The next thing I know, while standing next to Casey, he reached over and put my arm in his mouth. He didn't bite down at all but just stood there holding my arm. NC told me that Casey would do that but I would have never believed it if it had not happened to me. Getting to visit with Casey and his dad was the highlight of my day.  

(Disclaimer: Do Not try this at home. Not all horses are good natured.)

 NC has worked for us over the years, and I always ask him about his horse Casey. I'm an animal lover, and his horse Casey's extraordinary life has always been fascinating to me. One afternoon, NC worked at our river place not far from his farm and needed to check on Casey. It was average summertime weather. Casey was inside for the hot part of the day, you know, with the air conditioning running. NC needed to check on him and take him for a potty break, so we took a break, and I rode along to meet Casey. NC was right; Casey and his accommodations were so unusual. When I got back home that evening, I told my husband about my meeting Casey and said to him that he needed to meet him, too. My husband lived on a farm as a child and had been around normal farm conditions. A couple of weeks later, we were at our river place again. NC invited us both to stop by so my husband could meet Casey. My husband was as impressed as I was at Casey’s extraordinary life. Thankfully, we got the opportunity to meet him before he passed away. Truly a loved horse that will always be loved and forever missed.   

  My name is Chloe. I was six years old when I met Casey. I am nine years old now. My best memory of Casey was when my grandpa took me to his friend’s farm. NC has miniature horses named Risky and Scarlet. I like them. They are my size - small just like me. I love animals - all animals. I got to meet Robin and Mystere, the two big mares. NC and Grandpa let me sit on Robin while NC was holding her. I also got to play with Amos, the Blue Heeler cattle dog. He has lots of energy - just like me. But I think my most favorite was Casey, the horse that lived in his own house with air conditioning and drank out of a utility sink. Well, he played in the sink more than drank out of the sink. And he wore blankets to keep the bugs off because he had allergies. He was big, very gentle, and kind, even when NC let me give him peppermint treats. NC told me to hold a treat like I was eating a cookie. Casey took it out of my small fingers and didn’t even touch my hand with his teeth. Then Casey licked my hand and made sure he had gotten all of the peppermint. Casey was amazing. Thank you, NC, for letting me and grandpa enjoy your best friend Casey.  

  NC had told me about his horse several times when I was at the flower shop. My wife loves horses and I wanted her to see Casey too. So one Friday evening we stopped by the shop. We had some extra time and NC was going to take care of Casey and ask if we wanted to go along. Patricia was on cloud nine to see Casey close up and in person. NC shared lots of photos of his beloved horse over the years which I shared with my wife. This was an extra special treat for the both of us. Casey was more than just a horse, his living quarters were unbelievable with cream colored carpet, ceiling to floor drapes, a ceiling fan, air conditioning for the summer, heat for the winter, and his own specially designed fly clothes. Just the attention to detail to make this special needs horse beautiful and comfortable. Casey loved to see people. He was more human than equine. He was gentle and kind, his eyes were soft and welcoming. Casey loved his unusual life and his one and only NC.  

I have known NC and Casey for many years now, and I’ve been lucky to get to know them both through their many visits to the OSU Veterinary Medical Center. I remember feeling so happy that NC had finally decided to write a book describing the story of their life together, which is unique and inspiring to say the least. This book is a testament to the special relationship that they had, which was incredibly beautiful and absolutely full of love and devotion.  NC beautifully details his life with Casey, including all of the adventures and challenges they shared together; throughout the book, their unbreakable bond is clear and serves as an example of the power of this once-in-a-lifetime, priceless friendship. I am glad others will now have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by their story, as I know I have been over the years.

Teresa A. Burns, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM)

Bud and Marilyn Jenne Professor of Equine Clinical Sciences and Research

College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Galbreath Equine Center

Columbus, Ohio

 My most vivid memory of Casey is watching him play with a Jolly Ball® in his  stall. The love between NC and Casey was felt also.  They say horses can  read a person’s feelings but I also believe you were so close, you  could read Casey’s.  ❣️ 

 We lived on the hill across from the hillside where Casey roamed on and played. It was always interesting to see someone drive or walk into the area around Casey, he would whinny real loud. After he had done this with me a few times, he realized I couldn't speak horse English and he gave up on me. When he whinnied you always knew humans were around. One time I was called upon to kill a copperhead in Casey’s barn. Fortunately, this was undertaken without the snake getting too close to Casey but being in the barn is too close in reality. I understand the relationship between dogs and humans, for we have had several. Never having owned horses, it's harder for me to understand the friendship between humans and them. I'm happy to have been able to help out with work on a barn door and humidifier in Casey’s barn as well as a few other projects to keep his living quarters A-OK. I was also able to lend tools every now and then to keep the barn on the high standard that Casey definitely expected! 

  I visit the farm every fall. October 2020 was no different. Gorgeous weather welcomed cool nights and warm sunny days with clear skies. October 28th as I was going about my day, several times I saw Casey out in his field. A couple of times I remember him running and playing in the field. He would run to the top of the hill and then race back down, slide to a stop, and do it all over again rearing and playing. He was full of life. The thought never crossed my mind that 48 hours later I will be witnessing the saddest moments I had ever spent on the farm as I watched NC do everything possible to save Casey's life, but nothing would help. NC's majestic friend was now gone in a flash. How could this be? Casey was running and playing one minute and gone the next. Makes you stop and think about our finality. 

 I grew up on a farm and remember the big horses working out in the field. My husband owned a donkey named Jack. My husband passed away in 2017 and I gave Jack to a very good friend. Jack is very kind and quiet, he loves people and even does the Christmas nativity for the local churches at Christmastime. NC told me about Casey. One time when I was at the flower shop ordering flowers. When I was ready to leave, NC was heading to Casey’s barn for one of his many potty breaks. My daughter and I tagged along. Getting to meet and see Casey was an extra special treat for this senior soul. NC tried to prepare me for Casey’s unusual living arrangement but his house was nothing like what I remember our barn looked like. This horse was truly loved unconditionally.   

  My wife and I had gone on one of NC's bus trips to Washington DC to lay  wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery for National Wreath Day sponsored  by Wreaths Across America. While on the trip we learned more about NC's  life and his best friend Casey. My wife and I wanted to meet such an  unusual horse. Two years later, NC called me wanting some lines and  lettering created by my vinyl shop using the words over, lunch, and evening. Purple  is NC's favorite color. I just happened to have some purple metallic  left from an auto job. I finished the order and told NC I would drop off  the decals and while I was there, I wanted to visit with Casey. I had  to see Casey with my own eyes.   Casey was definitely unusual. This gorgeous well-behaved horse was  living in a beautiful place with his beloved owner. NC used the purple  lines and letters to create Casey's large daily information chart. 

 I'm a local church pastor in the area and came by to see NC. NC was tending to Casey's needs. It was a hot August afternoon. NC had  always had told me about his horse that lived in an unusual home. My 1800's old  house had recently burned to the ground. Casey was living in  a barn  better than the hotel I was living in.  Casey was friendly and willing to have visitors. A horse living in a house with a/c and a clean environment is not like the barns I recall from childhood. But Casey was not like any of the horses I
remembered from my childhood, either. Casey was a beautiful and unique animal worthy of special accommodations.