I first met Billy and Lila when I leased a horse from Lila. I was hanging around the barn as Billy and his co-workers built the pole barn. It went up fast in a large part because Billy was the most organized builder with the tidiest workshop I have ever seen.
Sometime around then I got the hairbrained idea to adopt a wild mustang. I couldn’t believe it when I asked and they were ok with it, even with three young children! I needed a special 6 ft tall fenced paddock and a shelter. Billy said “buy the wood and I’ll build it”. So awesome! He even went so far in his support as to let me borrow his truck (with Lila as driver) to go to North Carolina and pick him up despite the mileage it added! They truly changed the direction of my life and have been a huge influence. I have my own farm now and find myself making all kinds of improvements inspired by watching them. I often ask myself “what would Billy do” and “what would Lila do” too, (although 5 horses later John wishes I wouldn’t). I have never seen a person make modifications and move fences like Billy! So fast and clean you think you must have imagined it!
In 1995 I wanted Bud to be in my wedding. I taught him to pull a cart
but couldn’t find one or work out the details. Billy took it upon himself to surprise me. He cleaned bud up (several baths so I wouldn’t get dirty if I hugged him), with help from the barn ladies. They braided his mane with ribbons Billy collected from my rehearsal dinner and he packed him up and brought him to the church. As the recessional music began the church the doors opened and there he was! Billy (who never did anything with the horses) with a huge smile on his face, holding Bud at the top of the stairs who was looking into the church! I ran out and gave Bud a big hug (and I hope Billy too, he deserved it!). What a surprise! He made the wedding so special (a total highlight, sorry John). Friends of my in-laws still ask how my horse is doing so I know it was a highlight for more than just me!
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