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The world has lost a truly remarkable soul with the passing of Invited By The Lady, a mare whose greatness extended far beyond the show pen. Bred to be special and destined for greatness, she was sired by the legendary Invitation Only and out of Invested Pine Lady, a daughter of The Invester, tracing back to Zippo Pine Bar. Yet, her legacy was never just about pedigree—it was about the lives she touched and the hearts she shaped.
More than a champion, Lady was a partner, a teacher, and a best friend. She carried her owner through life’s most pivotal moments, offering lessons in patience, trust, and resilience. With each ride, each show, and each quiet moment together, she gave more than could ever be repaid. She was a constant, a source of strength, and a reflection of everything we strive to be in and out of the saddle.
Lady’s time in the arena was nothing short of extraordinary. She was the kind of horse that didn’t need ribbons or trophies to prove her worth—her presence alone was enough. From her early years with her devoted rider to her later career shared with her owner’s sister, Kalli, she built partnerships that could never be duplicated.
Her journey was guided by so many who played a role in shaping her story: Tim & Lou Petty, who made her part of the family; Kathy Goodman, John & Sharon Scott, and Barb Miller, who bred her and remained proud of her legacy; Liz Mass (Flohr) for helping find the perfect match; Jennifer Kunkle & Mitchell Leckey, who started her; Vicky Holt, who refined her into a master of horsemanship and western riding; Matt Baker, who guided Kalli through her youth career; and Dr. Alan Donnell, Mike Bowman, Dan Glover, and Matt Moore, who ensured she remained happy and healthy throughout the years. To Nicole Brown Veldhoff and Jessica Hazen, who cared for her with love, right up until her final breath—thank you.
The love and gratitude for Lady are impossible to put into words. She was more than a once-in-a-lifetime horse—she was an irreplaceable piece of the lives she touched.
As the saying goes, “Great horses don’t make great cowboys; they help us become the ones we’re meant to be.”
Run free, Lady. You were, and always will be, what mattered most. 💔🐴
