Remembrance's Merry Snip

About Snip|  Foal Gallery | Stallion Service Contract


Snip on 4/20/2018 at 22 years of age.

"Snip" is a gorgeous black stallion, 15.1 hands, 1,000 lbs, foaled in 1996. He is large boned with feet to match and has a ground pounding action very much like his grand sire, Midnight Sun. Snip's sire, Sun’s Remembrance (1966-2004) was the last living son of Midnight Sun (1940-1965). Snip's dam, Merry Nite Doll 88, was sired by Merry Boy's F88, one of the last living sons of Merry Boy . Merry Nite Doll's dam, Stormy's Ebony Doll, was sired by Go Boy's Nite Storm, one of the last living sons of Merry Go Boy. Snip has a pedigree that in years past was known as the "royal cross," horses sired by Midnight Sun out of Merry Boy  mares. Stormy's Ebony Doll's dam was a direct Ebony Masterpiece daughter and her dam was by the great Society Man.

The video at right shows Snip at 24 years of age. This was the second time we had ridden him (the first was for his heritage certification, that video is at the bottom of the page.)  In this video he had just bred a mare, so his backend was sore and stiff, but even so, not bad for 24.

Snip is certified 100% Heritage with the International Heritage Horse Association. We bred him selectively in 2018 for what we hope will be an exceptional crop of foals. We crossed him with direct daughters of Master of Jazz, Lined with Cash, Bud’s Sterling Bullet, The Revelation and others.

Snip was humanely laid to rest in August of 2020.

Remembrance's Merry Snip: A Hidden Gem
By Stephanie Langston

Like some of the great horses in our breed, Remembrance’s Merry Snip’s has a life story that reads like a fairy tale. His tale starts off in the snow-covered kingdom of Vermont. Like a crown prince in a winter wonderland, he lived a quiet, sheltered life there for 21 years before coming to live at Westwood Farms in Virginia.

Snip was bred by Robert and Arlene Pralle of Williston, Florida. His sire, Sun’s Remembrance (1966-2004) was a proven producer of family mounts, successful show horses and several Supreme Versatility Champions. The black beauty earned the nickname “Saint” for his wonderful disposition. Arlene still refers to Saint as “the most amazing horse I’ve ever known.” She described him as “100% natural in his gait, flawless in his disposition, majestic in his appearance, and magnetic in his personality…He and his offspring come out of the barn walking without weight, chains or action devices.”

Snip in the snow
Snip in Vermont at under a year.

The sire of Sun’s Remembrance was the great Midnight Sun himself. Midnight Sun was the World Grand Champion in 1945 and 1946. Bill Harlin of Harlinsdale Farms said “Midnight Sun added a dimension that hadn’t been there before. He put a bold walk on. He identified the gait.” In the same vein, Bill states, “There’s been some disservice put on the horse by some folks – talking about him being ugly or being long headed. They just don’t know. He wasn’t ugly, he was bigger than some of them but he was not ugly. If you made him park and set his head up, he looked as good as any. If you didn’t, he looked ordinary. He was a pretty docile kind of horse.” Billy Taylor says of Midnight Sun, "in my opinion, (he) was the best and most consistent breeder of true gaited Tennessee Walking Horses."

At the distinguished age of 30, Sun’s Remembrance was bred to the good mare, Merry Nite Doll 88. The breeding combination of the Midnight Sun stallions bred to Merry Boy mares in years past was known as the "royal cross." Merry Nite Doll herself was purchased from Ray Corum Stables by the Pralles for just that purpose. Her sire and dam lines are full of exceptional mares that carry foundation lines. Mr. Corum was known for his belief that the mare was every bit as important as the stallion when breeding. He stated "In addition to the fact that the mare contributes one half of the genes, she also contributes and extra measure towards the intelligence and disposition of her offspring. In the foal's formative months, the mare's influence is supreme."

Merry Nite Doll was sired by the Corum’s stallion Merry Boy's F88, one of the last living sons of Merry Boy. Merry Boy's sire was Roan Allen F-38, not only a great show horse during his lifetime but one of the greatest foundation sires of all time. His dam, Merry Legs F-4, was not only a great show mare, as was her half-brother, Roan Allen F-38, she was considered to be the best producing mare ever born in the Tennessee Walking Horse breed. She produced 13 foals, six stallions and seven mares. She produced five stallions that became very popular breeding stallions, including the great Merry Boy. The other four were Merry King by Moreland's Pride, Major Allen and Bud Allen by Mitch F-5, and Last Chance, her last foal by Hunter's Allen F-10.

Merry Nite Doll’s dam, Stormy’s Ebony Doll, was remembered fondly by Donna Corum Perkins “Stormy’s Ebony Doll was one of our top broodmares. I believe she was shown some in some pleasure classes. I rode her quite a bit and she was a wonderful, sweet mare. My mom supported my dad and myself with the horses but wasn't into them like we were. Doll was one of the few horses that my mom claimed.”

Remembrance's Merry Snip at 2 weeks
Snip beside his dam.

Stormy’s Ebony Doll was sired by Go Boy’s Nite Storm, a direct son of Merry Go Boy Go Boy’s Nite Storm, foaled July 4, 1968, was bred and raised by Ray Corum Stables. His sire, Merry Go Boy, was considered to the model of perfect walking horse conformation. In his book, Echo of Hoofbeats, Dr. Bob Womack described Merry Go Boy: “The small horse stepped and moved like a fairy in a moon-lit glen, barely seeming to touch the ground, light, smooth, fast, and graceful without apparent effort. His hock motion was like a hydraulic action, smooth and velvety in operation. His way of going seemed to give one an illusion that he could still be walking right down through the years. Those who had the opportunity to see Merry Go Boy perform will not soon forget him." Merry Go Boy was the World Grand Champion in 1947 and 1948 and much discussion has been had regarding which was the better horse, Merry Go Boy or Midnight Sun. Go Boy’s Nite Storm was out of a mare named Midnight Peggy P, whom Mr. Corum often said, “paid for the farm.”

Remembrance's Merry Snip 2
Snip beside his dam.

The dam of Stormy’s Ebony Doll was Ebony’s Co-ed (pictured at right with her colt, Red Haired Stranger.) She was a prolific producer, giving birth to her last foal at the age of 22. She also produced the popular breeding stallion, Red Haired Stranger, a plantation show winner who was also extensively trained in reining. Ebony’s Co-ed was by the great Ebony Masterpiece, 1962 World Grand Champion. Before his death at the age of 31 in 1987, Ebony Masterpiece become one of the breed’s most prolific sires, producing 5 World Grand Champions. Ebony’s Co-ed was out of a direct daughter of Society Man, a rare and highly sought-after bloodline. Though he wasn’t a World Grand Champion, Society Man was considered by some to have been one of the best walking stallions of all times.

On May 15, 1996, Merry Nite Doll foaled a handsome black colt with a white rear hind sock and a snip. The colt, known as “Snip”, was purchased by Tim and Annie Leverette as a 5-month-old colt. The Pralles hauled Snip from Williston, Florida all the way to the Leverette's Hard Scrabble Farm in Sheffield, Vermont. While standing in Vermont, Snip produced just two foals, as walking horse mares in the area were few and far between.

Snip's Arrival in Vermont 
Snip's arrival in Vermont. The Pralles in the background.

"Snip" matured into a gorgeous black stallion, standing 15.1 hands and weighing a good 1,000 lbs. He is large boned with feet to match and has a ground pounding action very much like his grand sire, Midnight Sun. As a matter of fact, you can tell that he has an abundance of Sun blood just by looking at him.

When my husband Jarred and I went to visit the Leverettes in September of 2017, we thought we'd be coming home with just one horse. After meeting Tim & Annie and visiting their herd of foundation walking horses, we ended up bringing home Remembrance's Merry Snip and  Remembrance's Hot Tamale (Sun’s Remembrance x Self Winder’s Foxy Lady.)


Snip, not quite 1 year, and Tim Leverette.

When we pulled into the drive, Snip was standing quietly in his paddock. I took one look at his thick build and conformation and thought "Wow. That is a Jarred horse." I didn't get to finish the thought before Jarred said "Now THAT is what I'm looking for." After meeting the rest of the Leverette's herd, we came to Snip's paddock. He picked up the pace to meet Tim, obviously his best friend, at the gate. When I heard (and felt) that Midnight Sun ground-pounding four beats as Snip approached, I knew in my heart that he’d be coming home with us to Virginia. When Snip calmly and sweetly stood by Tim with his quiet, humble disposition I could see the gears turning in Jarred's head. When he proclaimed, "He's just like my Jack!" I knew Jarred had fallen in love. Snip proved to be the best stallion prospect due to his natural gait, excellent conformation, solid bone and wonderful mind.

Tim loved Snip
Snip (1) and Tim Leverette. Tim loved Snip and the feeling was mutual.

When Snip first arrived, he was understandably homesick, but he has since come around and has learned that he is loved here, too. He has the most wonderful disposition and loves to please. To give you an example of how keen he is to please, a clinician put him under saddle over the course of 3 days as a 4-year-old. He wasn't ridden again until the age of 22 when I decided on a whim to climb aboard to see how he'd do for a quick stroll. My mother-in-law and partner, Pam Langston, held his bridle while I climbed aboard, neither of us knowing what to expect. We were both thrilled when he calmly touched my foot, as if asking what I wanted of him. He stepped right off in that signature 4-beat gait with that beautiful, even timing. No conditioning. No years of training. Just a natural, 22-year-old from good stock. After I rode him around his paddock, I rode him out of the gate to the riding ring and asked Jarred to ride so I could get a quick video (SEE BELOW.)


 

Snip is now certified 100% Heritage with the International Heritage Horse Association. We bred him selectively in 2018 for what we hope will be an exceptional crop of foals. We crossed him with direct daughters of Master of Jazz, Lined with Cash, Bud’s Sterling Bullet, The Revelation and others.

We are so thankful to Tim & Annie Leverette for the opportunity to own these foundation horses and the wonderful care they've obviously received in their lives. Sadly, Tim passed away in July of 2018. We hope to continue their passion of preserving and furthering these great lines. We have remained in touch with Annie Leverette and Arlene Pralle and are thankful for the wonderful history they’ve provided. Special thanks also goes to Donna Corum Perkins of Ray Corum Stables and the Walking Horse Trivia group on facebook for helping us locate photos and information.

Snip was humanely laid to rest in August of 2020.

Sun's Remembrance
Sun’s Remembrance
Midnight Sun with Fred "Red" Laws
Midnight Sun
Merry Boy
Merry Boy

Merry Boy's F88
Go Boy's Nite Storm
Go Boy’s Nite Storm
Ebony's Co-Ed
Ebony’s Co-ed

Merry Go Boy
Ebony Masterpiece
Ebony Masterpiece
Society Man
Society Man
Wilson's Allen
Wilson's Allen

Roan Allen
Roan Allen F-38
Hunter's Allen
Hunter's Allen
Allan F-1
Allan F-1

REMEMBRANCE'S MERRY SNIP

TWHBEA #963247
IHWHA #1996-HC-354-FH

DOB: 05-15-1996
DOD: 2020
SEX: STALLION

COLOR: BLACK
MARKINGS: SNIP, NEAR HIND SOCK

GENOTYPE:
[Ee aa]

HEIGHT: 15.1H

SUN'S REMEMBRANCE
TWHBEA #661074
COLOR: BLACK
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MIDNIGHT SUN
TWHBEA #410751
COLOR: BLACK
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WILSON'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #350075
COLOR: CHESTNUT
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ROAN ALLEN
TWHBEA #F-38
COLOR: CHESTNUT SABINO
HEIGHT: 15.3H
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ALLAN
TWHBEA #F-1
COLOR: BLACK
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GERTRUDE
TWHBEA #84
COLOR: CHESTNUT SABINO
MARKINGS: FOUR STOCKINGS, BALD, MIXED MANE AND TAIL.
HEIGHT: 15.2H
BIRDIE MESSICK
TWHBEA #86
COLOR: GREY
ALLAN
TWHBEA #F-1
COLOR: BLACK
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NELLIE
TWHBEA #10140
COLOR: CHESTNUT
RAMSEY'S RENA
TWHBEA #410682
COLOR: BAY
DEMENT'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #391007
COLOR: CHESTNUT
HUNTER'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #10
COLOR: CHESTNUT
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KATE MCCRADY
TWHBEA #991812
DENA
TWHBEA #410681
COLOR: BAY
BELL BUCKLE
TWHBEA #10150
COLOR: BAY
DAISY MC.
TWHBEA #10160
COLOR: BAY
PRINCESS KAY
TWHBEA #581656
COLOR: BLACK
markings: OFF HIND FETLOCK, STRIP.
SUN'S BLACK DIAMOND
TWHBEA #530775  COLOR: BLACK
markings: none
MIDNIGHT SUN
TWHBEA #410751
COLOR: BLACK
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WILSON'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #350075
COLOR: CHESTNUT
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RAMSEY'S RENA
TWHBEA #410682
COLOR: BAY
GOWEN'S LITTLE LADY
TWHBEA #
410986
COLOR: BAY
MARKINGS: BOTH HIND CORONETS, STRIP.
WALKER'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #350067
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: NEAR HIND SOCK, STAR.
LILLIE GOWEN
TWHBEA #391087
COLOR: BAY
MARKINGS: BOTH HIND STOCKINGS, BLAZE.
QUEEN'S PRINCESS R.
TWHBEA #
474546
COLOR: BAY
MARKINGS: STAR
WILSON ALLEN'S WINCHESTER
TWHBEA #400935
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: NEAR HIND SOCK.
WILSON'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #350075
COLOR: CHESTNUT
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MISS WINCHESTER
TWHBEA #370206
COLOR: CHESTNUT
WARRENS SNOW QUEEN
TWHBEA #430153  COLOR: ROAN
MARKINGS: FOUR STOCKINGS, BALD.
BYROM'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #370317
COLOR: BLACK ROAN
MARKINGS: FOUR STOCKINGS, BLAZE.
SUE MURRAY
TWHBEA #411165
COLOR: BAY
MARKINGS: NEAR HIND SOCK, STRIP.
MERRY NITE DOLL 88
TWHBEA #802432
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: NEAR HIND SOCK, STAR.
MERRY BOY'S F-88
TWHBEA #550378
COLOR: CHESTNUT SABINO
MARKINGS: BOTH HIND AND NEAR FORE STOCKINGS,   OFF FORE FETLOCK, ON BOTH KNEES,   ON OFF HIP, BALD, FLAX MANE AND TAIL.
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MERRY BOY
TWHBEA #350189
COLOR: BLACK
SABINO
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ROAN ALLEN
TWHBEA #F-38
COLOR: CHESTNUT SABINO
HEIGHT: 15.3H
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ALLAN
TWHBEA #F-1
COLOR: BLACK
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GERTRUDE
TWHBEA #84
COLOR: CHESTNUT SABINO
MARKINGS: FOUR STOCKINGS, BALD, MIXED MANE AND TAIL.
HEIGHT: 15.2H
MERRY LEGS
TWHBEA #F-4
COLOR: BAY SABINO
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ALLAN
TWHBEA #F-1
COLOR: BLACK
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NELL DEMENT
TWHBEA #3
COLOR: CHESTNUT
BLACKLEY'S MAY ALLEN
TWHBEA #461357
COLOR: BLACK
MARKINGS: STAR
WILSON ALLEN'S BOSS MAN
TWHBEA #400882
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: BLAZE
WILSON'S ALLEN
TWHBEA #350075
COLOR: CHESTNUT
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RUTH MARLO
TWHBEA #400881
COLOR: ROAN
MARKINGS: STRIP  
JUNE BRIDE
TWHBEA #400185
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: NEAR HIND SOCK, STAR, SNIP.
PRINCE ALLEN
TWHBEA #350105
COLOR: BLACK
MARKINGS: SNIP  
FREE AND EASY
TWHBEA #441130
COLOR: BAY
MARKINGS: FOUR STOCKINGS, BALD
STORMY'S EBONY DOLL
TWHBEA #742942
COLOR: BLACK
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GO BOY'S NITE STORM
TWHBEA #682493
COLOR: BLACK
MARKINGS: OFF HIND CORONET, STRIP.
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MERRY GO BOY
TWHBEA #431336
COLOR: BLACK
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MERRY BOY
TWHBEA #350189
COLOR: BLACK
SABINO
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WISER'S DIMPLES
TWHBEA #370096
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: OFF HIND FETLOCK, STAR, SNIP.
MIDNIGHT PEGGIE P.
TWHBEA #654137
COLOR: BLACK
MARKINGS: STAR
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STORMY MIDNIGHT G.
TWHBEA #581849
COLOR: CHESTNUT ROAN
MARKINGS: NEAR HIND STOCKING, OFF HIND SOCK, BLAZE.
 
ALEXANDER'S STAR II
TWHBEA #623206
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: STRIP
 
EBONY'S CO-ED
TWHBEA #703267
COLOR: BLACK
MARKINGS: NONE
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EBONY MASTERPIECE
TWHBEA #560586
COLOR: BLACK
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SKIPPER SON MIDNIGHT
TWHBEA #463561
COLOR: BLACK
MARKINGS: STAR
 
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LADY LEE
TWHBEA #400680
COLOR: BAY
MARKINGS: FOUR STOCKINGS, STRIP.
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A SOCIETY MAN'S LADY
TWHBEA #612085
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: NONE
SOCIETY MAN
TWHBEA #400554
COLOR:
MARKINGS: STAR
 
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J. DORIS
TWHBEA #462870
COLOR: CHESTNUT
MARKINGS: STAR  
 


Westwood Farms - Locust Dale, Virginia 22948 - stephanie@westwoodfarms.net - 540-825-1300