Merle and Sandi Newton's good mare "Bess" passed on to greener pastures on May 22, 2020, while they were participating in a Rodear cow dog competition in Graham, Texas.
Those of us close to the Newtons know well that Bess was much more than just a horse to Merle and Sandi. She was an integral part of both their livelihood and their family. The fact that she was their one and only horse these past five years since Sandi's mare, Sophie, died makes this sudden loss even greater.  

Bess' passing has triggered a ripple effect across the country among those of us who know and love Merle and Sandi. It seems to have spoken to many of our hearts to do "something," not only to let them know we feel for them in their loss, but also to express our deep gratitude for all the prayers, love and friendship the Newtons have so graciously given us over the years. This certainly included sharing Bess with us during her 22 years, whether to ride on the ranch or in competition whenever she was needed. Most of us have our own "Merle and Sandi stories" of good times had or sad times shared - mostly how they have made a unique difference in so many lives.

This GoFundMe page was created to give their friends and family an opportunity to give back to the Newtons and assist them in their purchase of a new horse.  Bess and Merle traveled countless miles together all these years, and the prospect of replacing such a partner seems overwhelming to this cowboy. Hopefully, this GoFundMe effort will help ease the financial aspect of finding her successor.

As Merle put it, "Bess was more than a horse. She was a part of me. She gave speed and agility to an old man. When I was on her back, she became my legs and there was never a hill too steep or terrain too rough for her to glide over with ease. No cow ever out ran her in the pasture or got past her in the corral. When I dallied my rope to the saddle horn there was never a doubt in my mind that she would be able to handle whatever was on the other end.
"She carried me and many others to the pay window many times. Many of our friends rode her at cow dog competitions and she always gave her best to all who sat on her back. The roaring crowd at the Cow Place Rodeo never bothered her, nor did the slick grass of the open field. You could always trust her to keep her feet under her no matter what was under them. She was never lame or sick, just always ready to give her all no matter what was asked of her. When Sandi’s horse passed away, Bess took up the slack and became the go-to horse for both of us. One of my greatest joys was watching the two of them work together.

"I guess I never figured on out-living her. I had even talked to a friend about taking her if something happened to me. I never thought about what it would be like to live here on this earth without her. I don’t know if there is a heaven for horses. I don’t know if they even have a relationship with the Lord. I know I do though, and I know the Lord loves me and I will be pretty disappointed if I have to spend eternity without my 4 legged friends."