DressageDaily: Friends, Family, Students, and Colleagues Celebrate the Life of Carol Plough

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Friends, Family, Students, and Colleagues Celebrate the Life of Carol Plough

Surrounded by the horses, friends and family she loved so dearly, a memorial to celebrate the life of Carol Plough was held Friday morning at Shadow Ridge Equestrian Center owned by Tom and Kathy Pavlich, Carol’s long time friends and sponsors.

Still reeling by her sudden and unexpected death of a pulmonary embolism after minor surgery, just one week before on Friday May 20, 2005, a large gathering of all those who could make it gathered in her honor on a brilliant sunny day, where a warm soft breeze seemed to comfort those still trying to come to terms with the reality that she was really gone.

There were smiles, laughter and tears as friends shared stories and the qualities of Carol’s life which inspired all who knew her. Her husband Bill Plough, well respected and highly ranked firefighter was supported by three families, his fellow firefighters, the horse community, and the couple’s relatives who had traveled in for the service. “I couldn’t have done this without their help.” said Bill, who was surrounded by his fellow officers, family, and the many friends of Carol’s he had never met until that day. “He has done the same for us, many times.” said a fellow officer, “It is an honor to be here for him today.”

Carol’s long time coach and dear friend Debbie McDonald came in from Idaho, joining fellow team mates Guenter Seidel, Leslie Morse, and Charlotte Bredahl Baker. “The Dressage Community has truly lost one of the best in our sport, and I have lost a true great friend. She will be greatly missed.”

As the service ended, an officer played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, and all the horses came forward from their stalls, as if in a final salute to their trainer and friend.

Rest in Peace Carol, we all miss you.