Wobbly first steps on shaky white legs, patches of red and white over well-muscled shoulders and quarters, his dam licking his fuzzy coat dry, his lips curling, tongue rounded as he nuzzles his her sides, seeking his first meal. Streaks of pink creep silently across a gray, pre-dawn sky as a man looks upon a fuzzy, four-legged promise. One of hundreds of foals registered that year, the colt, named Tagit Delux, soon found his way into the barn of life-long horseman and my early mentor, Danny Conner. Danny saw something special in the young colt and soon had Tag on the path to success as a stallion prospect. 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 me, Tagit Delux was the first stallion I ever handled, and his foals, my first introduction to working with young horses—something I soon learned I had a talent for. As a budding horse professional, many of Tag’s get and grand get were the horses I developed and refined my training skills on. 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. The winds of time bring change, and the Tag Team eventually went our separate ways. Horses aged into retirement, as did some of the human members of the team. I moved on from Conner Equine but took with me the love that Tag and Danny sparked into a lifelong passion for raising and training young horses, turning it into a career breeding and foaling Thoroughbreds in Kentucky. I think back on those years now and realize just how lucky we all were, how the stars aligned just right, so that a special horse could bring together a wonderful group of people and give us all a lifetime of amazing memories. A few years back I received a call from Danny. He’d been sitting with Tag for hours, the magnificent stallion’s head in his lap, as the flame slowly dimmed, then disappeared from his deep, brown eyes. Tagit Delux passed away peacefully, in the barn he built and filled with so many memories. 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. 6/26/19 -- I love that this is finding its way to people who knew and loved Tag and/or his foals. PLEASE do comment if you have a story or a horse related to Tag. It means so much to me! And I will certainly pass it on to Danny! Thank you!
15 Comments
Linda Grant
6/8/2019 01:36:04 pm
This brought tears to my eyes, Cheryl. We were proud to be part of the Tag Team that were privileged enough to travel and own some of the most beautiful horse ever born.
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Cheryl
6/8/2019 01:56:59 pm
Me too, Linda! Such a special time in my life. I hope this finds its way to others who have Tag babies 💕
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Lorie Collopy
6/10/2019 05:31:32 am
Cheryl, there were so many wonderful memories made during this time. Our sorrel Drip Drop gave us several beautiful Tag babies. So glad to be part of that & to meet & know you.
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Cheryl
6/10/2019 12:22:09 pm
Oh Lorie! I'm so glad to hear from you! Drip Drop was hands down my absolute favorite visiting mare! I just loved her! Thank you for sharing her with us!
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Yvonne Shoemaker
6/11/2019 02:14:37 am
I never had a chance to own a Tagit horse, but I knew and showed against Danny Connor for years, he was such a fun and funny individual, and I always admired this horse and wished I, too, could own a "Tagit" baby. The closest I ever came was giving lessons to people who owned those babies. What a wonderful story, and wonderful tribute to a really fine man and wonderful stallion.
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Cheryl
6/11/2019 02:17:35 pm
Thank you Yvonne!
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Connie Stark
6/12/2019 08:34:18 am
What a wonderful tribute to all involved. Taget Deluxe was All you expressed. Bringing people together was the blessing he stamped along with the hours of labor to bring his beautiful babies to the show world! It was really nice story!
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Cheryl
6/18/2019 06:48:59 am
Thank you, Connie!
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6/19/2019 05:53:44 am
I have a pretty fantastic Tagit baby.. Tags Morning Chyna...
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Breanne Miller
6/22/2019 04:37:45 pm
I love this!!
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Cheryl
6/24/2019 09:22:22 pm
Hi Breanne! You and Moose were so great together! He was one of my favorites too!
Cheryl
6/24/2019 09:09:13 pm
How wonderful, Laurie! I believe I remember her, I might even be able to dig up a picture of her as a 2yo. Thank you for sharing! Can you post a website link? I’d love to see her!
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2/21/2020 10:15:04 am
My personal horse Rocket AKA 'Whoop It Star' was sired by Tagit Delux. This horse is amazing and I absolutely love him to pieces. He has taught me so much as well as soaked up many tears. What a beautiful tribute y'all
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Joan M Kramer
6/26/2022 04:59:56 pm
I owned Sonny Tagit Delux for 22 years. I bred my 2 mares with Tagit delux and Black Magic. I fell in love with Sonny as a 2 year old who was being trained in Danny's barn...came back and bought Sonny. He was one Awesome Gelding and gave me so much pleasure in showing, parades, trail horse.....
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AuthorCheryl L. Eriksen, MSW, Equine Enthusiast, EAGALA groupie and writer of interesting, educational and entertaining blog posts! Archives
April 2021
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