To some people, a horse is just a horse, but to others, caring for, loving and riding horses are a way of life. Lucy Blakley was an avid, loving and spirited in the horse community in Clearfield County. Blakley passed away unexpectedly Jan. 14, 2012.
Lucy’s Golden Legacy is a Palomino filly for sale in memory of Lucy Blakley. The money raised from the sale of Lucy will go toward this scholarship will support academic aspirations of a Clearfield County 4-H Horse Club Member, who seeks to further their education beyond high school.
Lucy’s love of horses enriched not only her own life but also many others with whom she shared her passion. Lucy was a trainer one turned to for that first lesson or for help as a seasoned rider. Whether instructing small children or adults her style was unique, it was fair, it was … Lucy, as stated on the Lucy Blakley Memorial Scholarship Facebook page.
“I have known Lucy since my family moved to DuBois in 1994,” said Debbie McAndrew, scholarship coordinator. “She was the first horse person to help me and my daughters learn more about showing a horse at a horse show. My daughters have grown up with Lucy helping them and cheering them on at the shows. There will always be a space at the horse show fence where Lucy should be standing.”
The Lucy Blakley Memorial Scholarship memorial show will take place July 21. Marlene Duttry, a lifetime friend of Lucy’s has volunteered to judge, two businesses (Palumbo Catering by Nish and Haags Feed Store and Milling) have donated the ribbons for the show, said Debbie McAndrew. Many of Lucy’s friends have donated money for her (McAndrew) to purchase a plaque with Lucy’s name on it to be places on a stall at the fair.
Lucy’s Golden Legacy filly can be seen at the Jefferson County Fair (July 11-15) and the Sykesville fair (August 5-11), and is being taken care of at the McAndrew’s house. The starting bid for Lucy is $400, according to the Lucy Blakley Memorial Scholarship Facebook page and private bidding ends on August 15. The previous bid, shown on the flyer was $800, and has since been updated.
“Lucy was at every horse show, cheering and helping any kid who needed it,” McAndrew said. Blakley had been a leader in McAndrew’s 4-H club, Town and Country.
Depending on the funds that are raised, McAndrew hopes the scholarship can be awarded at the end of the year banquet for Clearfield County.
The Lucy Blakley Memorial Scholarship will only be available to a current 4-H equine member, who is attending a school of higher education, McAndrew said. There will be no certain GPA requirement, or certain scores from school. This is meant to help kids from an agriculture background that may be overlooked by the other scholarships, McAndrew said.
“Lucy had helped a lot of youth in our area, many 4-H have gone to have great show careers, all with Lucy’s loving and cheerful help,” said McAndrew.
Lucy is best known for two things, her love of ice tea, she always had a cup of it in her hand, and she was the best prankster in our area… shaving cream on the car, gag gifts at the banquets, toilet paper everywhere, her smile and laughter will be missed, McAndrew said.
Anyone interested in more information about Lucy’s Golden Legacy, Lucy Blakley Memorial Scholarship or making a donation to the Lucy Blakley Memorial Scholarship should contact Debbie McAndrew at 814-375-2327.