ASCENSIONS And if I go, While you are still here. Know that I live on, Vibrating to a different measure - behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, So you must have faith. I wait for the time when we can soar together again, - both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest. And when you need me, Just whisper my name in your heart, ... I will be there. C.C.Hitchock |
In Memory Of: Tristanne Weber Childress
Morgan trainer Tristanne Weber Childress, 34, of Siler City, North Carolina, passed away March 17, 2008,
following a short illness.
Tristanne was born and raised in Colorado where she attended Evergreen High School before moving to Tulsa,
Oklahoma, to train with her Morgan horses. She attended college while beginning her career as a professional
horse trainer. Horses and her husband, Ed Childress, were her passion. Prior to opening her own training facility,
Silhouette Training Stables, Tristanne was trainer at Flintlock Morgan Farm in North Carolina and also worked for
Peggy Knight in Oklahoma.
Tristanne started riding when she was three years old and showing Morgan horses at the age of five. As a junior
exhibitor, she had horses with Martin Cockriel, Mary Cockriel, and Bob Kellert. At age ten she competed
successfully at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. She won her first reserve world
championship at age 11 riding Vali-Hi Hickory B. She loved her horses and their owners and was diligent about
their success. She had many show ring successes on the local, regional, and Grand National level. Two horses
she trained and showed earned three world championships in recent years: Carmen Miranda, 2004 World
Champion Hunter Pleasure and World Champion Hunter Pleasure Ladies for Michael and Jamie Jaeger Fiocco;
and HVK Hard Rock, 2005 World Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Single for Marilyn North. Tristanne also
had many good wins on the regional open carriage circuit against all breeds, doing a wonderful job of promoting
the breed.
The AMHA Youth Program was an instrumental part of Tristanne's education. She contributed greatly to others
throughout her involvement of developing and running youth programs including the AMHA Youth Program. She
was an active member of the Virginia-Carolinas Morgan Horse Club and was the longtime youth coordinator for
the club. She helped start the Youth of the Year Contest at the Southern States Regional and ran this
successfully for many years. She always seemed to find a horse and outfit for a kid when it came to the youth
activities.
Tristanne is survived by her husband, Ed C. Childress; parents, William and Sharon Weber; and grandmother
Paula Weber.
A memorial service was held at Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill at 3 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2008, followed
by a celebration of Tristanne's life at the home of Ed Childress.
The Virginia-Carolinas Morgan Horse Club is proud to sponsor a fund that has been set up to encourage
Morgan youth nationwide to participate in OKC at the Youth of the Year Competition in Tristanne's name. The
Family and friends of Tristanne would appreciate donations to this worthwhile cause. All who knew her would
agree that this is what she would have wanted.
Morgan trainer Tristanne Weber Childress, 34, of Siler City, North Carolina, passed away March 17, 2008,
following a short illness.
Tristanne was born and raised in Colorado where she attended Evergreen High School before moving to Tulsa,
Oklahoma, to train with her Morgan horses. She attended college while beginning her career as a professional
horse trainer. Horses and her husband, Ed Childress, were her passion. Prior to opening her own training facility,
Silhouette Training Stables, Tristanne was trainer at Flintlock Morgan Farm in North Carolina and also worked for
Peggy Knight in Oklahoma.
Tristanne started riding when she was three years old and showing Morgan horses at the age of five. As a junior
exhibitor, she had horses with Martin Cockriel, Mary Cockriel, and Bob Kellert. At age ten she competed
successfully at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. She won her first reserve world
championship at age 11 riding Vali-Hi Hickory B. She loved her horses and their owners and was diligent about
their success. She had many show ring successes on the local, regional, and Grand National level. Two horses
she trained and showed earned three world championships in recent years: Carmen Miranda, 2004 World
Champion Hunter Pleasure and World Champion Hunter Pleasure Ladies for Michael and Jamie Jaeger Fiocco;
and HVK Hard Rock, 2005 World Champion Carriage Pleasure Driving Single for Marilyn North. Tristanne also
had many good wins on the regional open carriage circuit against all breeds, doing a wonderful job of promoting
the breed.
The AMHA Youth Program was an instrumental part of Tristanne's education. She contributed greatly to others
throughout her involvement of developing and running youth programs including the AMHA Youth Program. She
was an active member of the Virginia-Carolinas Morgan Horse Club and was the longtime youth coordinator for
the club. She helped start the Youth of the Year Contest at the Southern States Regional and ran this
successfully for many years. She always seemed to find a horse and outfit for a kid when it came to the youth
activities.
Tristanne is survived by her husband, Ed C. Childress; parents, William and Sharon Weber; and grandmother
Paula Weber.
A memorial service was held at Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill at 3 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2008, followed
by a celebration of Tristanne's life at the home of Ed Childress.
The Virginia-Carolinas Morgan Horse Club is proud to sponsor a fund that has been set up to encourage
Morgan youth nationwide to participate in OKC at the Youth of the Year Competition in Tristanne's name. The
Family and friends of Tristanne would appreciate donations to this worthwhile cause. All who knew her would
agree that this is what she would have wanted.
Photo by: Debi Uecker
Tristanne Weber Childress 1974 - 2008
| Please send contributions for the "TWC Youth Fund" made out to "AMHA" send to: Ms. Julie M. Broadway Executive Director, execdir@morganhorse.com American Morgan Horse Association 122 Bostwick Rd., Shelburne, VT 05482 Include in 'Memo Line'"Tristanne Weber Childress Youth Fund" |
| Thank you to all those who have generously donated to this fund and for your heartfelt contribution towards the future of our youth. It is greatly appreciated by all. |
Please take a moment and share with us in the memory of a wonderful friend and more . .. we suffer her loss and
remember the wonderful moments she brought into our lives. Tristanne you will be missed.
remember the wonderful moments she brought into our lives. Tristanne you will be missed.
I am so very sorry to read about Tristanne's death. It is easy to remember all the good she did for us Hewitts, because there is so much of
it. A few examples come easily to mind: She gave Max the courage to canter and be a horse under saddle once again after his recovery
from the effects of PSSM. Max will always hold a special place in my heart and I believe that Tristanne was instrumental in making sure he
continued his recovery and allowed him to cement a successful career. Max's current owner also loves and appreciates him.
Because of Tristanne's advice and guidance, Amanda has the beautiful and talented Laddie for her personal horse, one she considers her
perfect horse. Tristanne's expertise, guidance and friendship made possible my ownership of Joe -- another lovable and talented horse --
and with whom I have many nice show wins and pleasure rides. Tristanne was instrumental in Meghan's further enjoyment of her beloved
Sam. She taught Meghan to ride with "baby birds" in her hands to keep Sam happily and confidently paying attention. Also, and the
Australian Cattle Dog, Radiance Wiley Blue Stitch, has to be counted among the all the good things. Tristanne's encouragement for, and
delight in, his becoming a Hewitt, was, and is, priceless; without her we would never have him. My heart is heavy for the great loss her
husband, family, and close friends have suffered. Love: Barb, Amanda, Meghan, Mike and John
it. A few examples come easily to mind: She gave Max the courage to canter and be a horse under saddle once again after his recovery
from the effects of PSSM. Max will always hold a special place in my heart and I believe that Tristanne was instrumental in making sure he
continued his recovery and allowed him to cement a successful career. Max's current owner also loves and appreciates him.
Because of Tristanne's advice and guidance, Amanda has the beautiful and talented Laddie for her personal horse, one she considers her
perfect horse. Tristanne's expertise, guidance and friendship made possible my ownership of Joe -- another lovable and talented horse --
and with whom I have many nice show wins and pleasure rides. Tristanne was instrumental in Meghan's further enjoyment of her beloved
Sam. She taught Meghan to ride with "baby birds" in her hands to keep Sam happily and confidently paying attention. Also, and the
Australian Cattle Dog, Radiance Wiley Blue Stitch, has to be counted among the all the good things. Tristanne's encouragement for, and
delight in, his becoming a Hewitt, was, and is, priceless; without her we would never have him. My heart is heavy for the great loss her
husband, family, and close friends have suffered. Love: Barb, Amanda, Meghan, Mike and John
This is still such a shock to me....and I did not realize that she was that young....so very sad....I go to sleep thinking of her and wake up with
her on my mind....as I could say a lot more.... I always thought Tristanne was a honest and hard working young woman....and was so happy
to see her succeed in the show ring and in the sharing of herself and her knowledge with the youth....I always think of her as a sweetheart
with a goal.This whole tragedy reminds me of the constant truth-- Live every day as if it is our last--
We will make a donation to the Youth Scholarship Fund in remembrance of Tristanne. I just feel so sad at our lost.
Love Joyce Metters
her on my mind....as I could say a lot more.... I always thought Tristanne was a honest and hard working young woman....and was so happy
to see her succeed in the show ring and in the sharing of herself and her knowledge with the youth....I always think of her as a sweetheart
with a goal.This whole tragedy reminds me of the constant truth-- Live every day as if it is our last--
We will make a donation to the Youth Scholarship Fund in remembrance of Tristanne. I just feel so sad at our lost.
Love Joyce Metters
I am so sorry that Tristanne didn't recover from her serious illness. Thanks for keeping us informed. Our sympathies go to her husband,
Ed, and the rest of her family as well as our Morgan Horse Club -- especially the Children and Youth members. Our prayers will continue to
be with her loved ones at this difficult time. Please keep me informed of the memorial for her. Eleanor Aurand
Ed, and the rest of her family as well as our Morgan Horse Club -- especially the Children and Youth members. Our prayers will continue to
be with her loved ones at this difficult time. Please keep me informed of the memorial for her. Eleanor Aurand
I loved Tristanne and am just shocked that she isn't here with us. Sally Wadhams
I am stilled stunned that someone so young and vibrant has passed. She was dear to me, as you know. Peggy Knight
Tristanne gave me so much...I'll carry all of her love, her confidence in me, and
her sweet spirit in my heart forever. She was our rock! Pat West
her sweet spirit in my heart forever. She was our rock! Pat West
You have given me the encouragement and strength to go on. I will
keep my promise and become a veterinarian. You've taught me to
take hold of my dream and not let go. I love you and miss you and
will always remember you. Jade Tuttle
keep my promise and become a veterinarian. You've taught me to
take hold of my dream and not let go. I love you and miss you and
will always remember you. Jade Tuttle
Tris taught both myself and more importantly, Mitch (started him in the saddle) and
we are forever in warm remembrance and gratefulness for her friendly, gentle and
supportive guidance. Wendy Ehrlich
we are forever in warm remembrance and gratefulness for her friendly, gentle and
supportive guidance. Wendy Ehrlich
We still find it hard to believe she is gone. Gael and I had a wonderful 7 years
with Tristanne. The last year was not easy for the three of us. We came to realize
that our ultimate goals and philosophies were not on the same track - that was a
most difficult time. And yet our memories are of a most pleasant young lady
introduced to us by Dini Swanson in Detroit, MI at the AMHA Convention some 8
1/2 years ago.
We took Tristanne in as our trainer but for all intents and purposes she was our
third daughter. We watched her mature and handle our training facility in a
businesslike fashion. The clients & equines we introduced her to became fast
friends who were both treated with respect and dignity. If there is a good reason
for her being gone it has not yet come to me - her parents are fine people and we
both grieve for them.
The national and local associations, her nationwide equine friends and
especially the youth to whom she was immensely dedicated have had a true
competitor and knowledgeable instructor stolen from their midst. She came to
me recently after a board meeting and took me aside - she shared some things
that had been on her mind - she shared for my benefit, not hers, in true unselfish
Tristanne fashion! RIP Tristanne you are certainly missed.
Pete and Gael Jaeger
with Tristanne. The last year was not easy for the three of us. We came to realize
that our ultimate goals and philosophies were not on the same track - that was a
most difficult time. And yet our memories are of a most pleasant young lady
introduced to us by Dini Swanson in Detroit, MI at the AMHA Convention some 8
1/2 years ago.
We took Tristanne in as our trainer but for all intents and purposes she was our
third daughter. We watched her mature and handle our training facility in a
businesslike fashion. The clients & equines we introduced her to became fast
friends who were both treated with respect and dignity. If there is a good reason
for her being gone it has not yet come to me - her parents are fine people and we
both grieve for them.
The national and local associations, her nationwide equine friends and
especially the youth to whom she was immensely dedicated have had a true
competitor and knowledgeable instructor stolen from their midst. She came to
me recently after a board meeting and took me aside - she shared some things
that had been on her mind - she shared for my benefit, not hers, in true unselfish
Tristanne fashion! RIP Tristanne you are certainly missed.
Pete and Gael Jaeger
Sadly, I will be unable to attend the service. I am leaving for Spring Training [Camp - Durham Bulls Baseball] in Florida today for work.
Rebecca made it VERY clear that she wanted to donate to the Youth Fund on Tristanne's behalf. Please give our best to the family. Thank
you. Leanne & Rebecca Jones
Rebecca made it VERY clear that she wanted to donate to the Youth Fund on Tristanne's behalf. Please give our best to the family. Thank
you. Leanne & Rebecca Jones
Tris, the impact you left on me in such a short time is a talent most aspire to have. You have taught me to be a better
friend and a better rider and I will always cherish that. I hear you whispering in my ear with every ride. I miss you - Lorie
friend and a better rider and I will always cherish that. I hear you whispering in my ear with every ride. I miss you - Lorie
Tristanne was the best riding instructor I had ever had. I appreciated that she approached riding from an athlete's point of view. She would
explain patiently and in as many different ways as it took for me to "get it" as to what she wanted me to do, how to do it, and why it would
help the horse. I can't say enough good things about how she took our mare, Carmen Miranda--a good horse--and continued Carmen's
training and made her-- arguably-- a great horse. She really put the finishing touches on Carmen. I think this is where Tristanne's
equitation background served her well, for once the horse was trained what we worked on were the little things that set you apart from the
other horses in the ring; flawless transitions, turns, backing. We always prayed for a judge who would give us a difficult workout on the rail.
I could watch her ride Carmen for hours on end, it was like watching an ice skater it was so smooth and fluid. She really cared for the
horses, they were members of her family. She was generous with her expertise and with her time with Carmen and I. We'll miss her.
Jamie Jaeger Fiocco
explain patiently and in as many different ways as it took for me to "get it" as to what she wanted me to do, how to do it, and why it would
help the horse. I can't say enough good things about how she took our mare, Carmen Miranda--a good horse--and continued Carmen's
training and made her-- arguably-- a great horse. She really put the finishing touches on Carmen. I think this is where Tristanne's
equitation background served her well, for once the horse was trained what we worked on were the little things that set you apart from the
other horses in the ring; flawless transitions, turns, backing. We always prayed for a judge who would give us a difficult workout on the rail.
I could watch her ride Carmen for hours on end, it was like watching an ice skater it was so smooth and fluid. She really cared for the
horses, they were members of her family. She was generous with her expertise and with her time with Carmen and I. We'll miss her.
Jamie Jaeger Fiocco
I was devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Tristanne. What a horrible thing. It doesn't seem possible... My heart goes out to her family and
you and yours. Her loss is a terrible hurt. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Cindy Mugnier
you and yours. Her loss is a terrible hurt. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Cindy Mugnier
Thank you so much for your attentiveness and care in keeping all of us informed during this difficult time. We send our prayers to you, the
Morgan community, and most of all, the Childress family. Jennifer Sims
Morgan community, and most of all, the Childress family. Jennifer Sims
I won't be able to attend the Memorial this p.m., so could you remember me to her parents and to Ed my thoughts to bring some comfort
and solace to ease their pain right now. She grew up with all of us! She used to hang out at Page's stalls at the shows and would confide
in me about her wishes for her own place, and she just liked to sit around and talk and talk! She WILL be missed by us all.
Linda Champion
and solace to ease their pain right now. She grew up with all of us! She used to hang out at Page's stalls at the shows and would confide
in me about her wishes for her own place, and she just liked to sit around and talk and talk! She WILL be missed by us all.
Linda Champion
Dear Tris,
Brooke and I went out to the barn today. We made sure everyone got out to enjoy the sunshine. It’s so beautiful at the barn in the spring.
The grass is green from all the rain we’ve had lately (thank you God). Local hay crop should be good this season as long as we keep
getting the rain. Maybe you can help with that now?
Lilly lost one of her high heels yesterday. She likes to kick them off and run barefoot in the grass. Brooke and I found it, right near the
stream bed in the tall grass. Miraculously, Levi still has all of his shoes. He was looking for you Saturday. All the horses know something
is wrong – they are missing you too, just like us!
You should be proud of Megan, Jade, Sarah, and Brooke! They all took the news hard but they all said, “Tristanne wouldn’t want us to
stand around feeling sorry for her.” Pat told them they are very strong and brave; they all agreed that “Tristanne made us this way! When
you fall off the horse, you get back on; not tomorrow, not next week, now!”
Hey, Brooke and I thought maybe you could work on some things for us, you know, be our angel? Here goes…
- Could we have pleasant, balmy weather at Southern States for the next, say 5 years?
- Can the intercoms at all the barns be loud and clear so we can hear the call for our classes?
- Can you whisper to us when we need to sit up straight, move our legs back, look up, and BREATH? This would help lots
Tris, we didn’t get a chance to go on another road trip together. Remember Daytona in 2002? We laughed so hard. You with that little
hiccup laugh that you couldn’t stop! Well, you go on ahead, start the road trip, take this time and rest; I will catch up with you later dear
friend… Love you lots….. Jennie 3/16/08
Brooke and I went out to the barn today. We made sure everyone got out to enjoy the sunshine. It’s so beautiful at the barn in the spring.
The grass is green from all the rain we’ve had lately (thank you God). Local hay crop should be good this season as long as we keep
getting the rain. Maybe you can help with that now?
Lilly lost one of her high heels yesterday. She likes to kick them off and run barefoot in the grass. Brooke and I found it, right near the
stream bed in the tall grass. Miraculously, Levi still has all of his shoes. He was looking for you Saturday. All the horses know something
is wrong – they are missing you too, just like us!
You should be proud of Megan, Jade, Sarah, and Brooke! They all took the news hard but they all said, “Tristanne wouldn’t want us to
stand around feeling sorry for her.” Pat told them they are very strong and brave; they all agreed that “Tristanne made us this way! When
you fall off the horse, you get back on; not tomorrow, not next week, now!”
Hey, Brooke and I thought maybe you could work on some things for us, you know, be our angel? Here goes…
- Could we have pleasant, balmy weather at Southern States for the next, say 5 years?
- Can the intercoms at all the barns be loud and clear so we can hear the call for our classes?
- Can you whisper to us when we need to sit up straight, move our legs back, look up, and BREATH? This would help lots
Tris, we didn’t get a chance to go on another road trip together. Remember Daytona in 2002? We laughed so hard. You with that little
hiccup laugh that you couldn’t stop! Well, you go on ahead, start the road trip, take this time and rest; I will catch up with you later dear
friend… Love you lots….. Jennie 3/16/08
"Dear Club Members,
Thanks you so much for the beautiful flowers for Tristanne's Memorial Service. We also greatly appreciate your
handling of the Memorial Youth Scholarship in her name,
Sincerely,
Sharon, Bill, and Ed"
Thanks you so much for the beautiful flowers for Tristanne's Memorial Service. We also greatly appreciate your
handling of the Memorial Youth Scholarship in her name,
Sincerely,
Sharon, Bill, and Ed"
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A true world Champion, you will be missed!
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