Tagit Delux went on to produce dozens of registered foals, stamping each one with intelligence, his stunning head, and his calm demeanor. The “Tag babies” as they came to be known were remarkably easy to handle and train. They were intelligent and willing partners that excelled not only as show horses but also as working stock, trail horses and companions. Year after year, mares would come to be bred to Tag, many with Tag babies already on their side. Frequently mares returned three and four years in a row with at least one mare foaling five Tag babies; three fillies and two colts…each of the colts going on to sire foals of their own.
Not only did Tag stamp his foals with his best traits, he had the rare ability to improve upon the mares he bred, often producing offspring even better than himself. Tag’s penchant for producing quality get, and Danny’s hard work and gregarious personality, eventually brought about a group of horse trainers, showers, and owners which became known as the Tag Team – we all had this in common: we each owned, trained, showed, and/or loved a Tag Baby (or 2, or 3, or…). For many of us, Tag was all we had in common. Were it not for this horse, our paths likely would never have crossed as we all came from different areas and walks of life.
For a period of time in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Tag Team traveled to the biggest breed shows and futurities in Illinois and Iowa, racking up ribbons and APHA points everywhere we went. We worked hard at what we loved, supported each other, hung out together, and had fun. Judges and spectators alike did a double take when they heard consecutive names with the “Tagit” prefix, or a variation thereof, called out over the loudspeaker as class winners were announced.
He never topped the greatest sire lists or gained the national recognition he might have, had he been owned by a rich and well-connected man. But he did produce outstanding foals, winners in multiple disciplines—athletic, sound, healthy, and happy companions. “Using horses,” as the old horseman call them, those that could win in halter, then turn around and win under saddle as well.
Even more important than that, he did what many of us can only hope to do—he brought people together, and changed lives for the better. I can only hope to accomplish as much in my life.
I miss you, old friend. Thanks for the rides, thanks for the memories. Until we meet again.