French Flash Hawk “Bozo” - 1987 – 2016
By Laura Lambert
6/16/16
He was a World Champion Barrel Horse. He was an AQHA Horse of the year. He was a Wrangler National Finals Qualifier. He was a champion Derby and Sweepstakes barrel horse. His accomplishments are pages long. Most importantly though, he was a member of the family.
Kristie remembered, “He was the first thing Chuck saw in the morning and the last thing he saw every night. He was an important member of our family, and we loved him more than words can say.”
“Bozo,” as the world knew him took on life on his own terms. He was deemed an outlaw when the Peterson’s purchased him as a two-year-old, where he was ridden in the feedlot. It didn’t take long for an incredible bond to form between Bozo and Peterson. She knew everything about him and understood his independence. To her, he was so much more than a barrel horse.
“Bozo was meant to do what he did. He absolutely loved running barrels, in fact, I believe it was his passion. Competing made him happy and he always ran with his heart – every single run. He was independent his whole life, never needing or wanting much affection. He liked to be on his own and do his own thing but, when it came to running barrels, he loved to please,” Peterson said.
Not many of us will have the fortune to own a horse like Bozo and only a few will truly understand how much of a connection he and his owners had. He was a true champion that in keeping with his tradition, picked his own time to pass on.
“We were a little worried about him this year because he was 29 and we knew how hot it was going to be during the summer. He was so sensitive to mosquitos and bugs in general. With all the rain we were having we knew it was going to be hard on him. We had even considered taking him to Colorado with us this summer when we left, but we didn’t know how well he would handle all the travel,” Kristie said.
Bozo died peacefully at their home. He knew it was time and they did, too. He left an incredible legacy behind. It was him and his success that led the Peterson family to the Frenchmans Guy bloodlines. The family had also just decided to purchase a PC Frenchmans Hayday (Bozo’s full brother) bred broodmare so that there would always be a little bit of Bozo on their place.
In a fast paced world where horses are bought and sold, traded, and people move on, Kristie Peterson and Bozo had that special bond where each loved and respected the other.