Goliath--the most enormous black Perceron I've ever stood beside--just died July 3rd.  

According to the article: 

Goliath, the 2005 Guinness Book of World Record holder for Tallest Living Horse, passed away peacefully July 3, 2014 on the Priefert Ranch in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Goliath was an awe striking black Percheron gelding who stood 19.1 hands high and weighed over 2500lbs. He was superstar and legend in his own right.

Bill Priefert purchased Goliath, along with five other Percherons, that made up Priefert’s “Texas Thunder” Hitch. Goliath and the team traveled 40,000- 60,000 miles a year, exhibiting at over 100 rodeos, parades, fairs, and equine events each year. After becoming a Gunniess World Record title holder, Goliath traveled solo, making countless stops at Priefert Dealers and Priefert-sponsored events across the country.

Read more: http://www.equinejournal.com/index.php/features/3286-loss-of-a-legend#ixzz390k454lw

Not too often do we meet horses that make the "big time!" 

Goliath was just one of many remarkable draft horses owned by the Prieferts. When teaching riding lessons, I had called and asked if I could bring a group of students on a field trip to meet Radar and Goliath.  Priefert at that time, owned the World's Tallest Living Horses--Radar and Goliath.  Radar had beat Goliath's height of 19.1 h.h. by 2 inches (19.3 h.h.), claiming the Tallest Living Horse title until 2010 when another horse, named Big Jake won the title with a remarkable 20.2 h.h.

Thinking back, Goliath was decidedly handsome--but I marveled how short his neck was! He looked so comical as he reached down to nibble grass, having to spread his front legs to get his head low enough to reach for the grass! Docile and mannerly, Goliath entertained my students and I as we clamored to pet him.  His handler spent so much time with us, sharing tidbits about Goliath and Radar's diets, habits and daily routine.  They were very well cared for, with roomy paddocks and custom made stalls (made by Priefert products, of course!).  They even had a remarkable walker suited just for their enormous size!  

Great memories! And a great horse!

Of course, I took an abundance of pictures.  Here's a few from that memorable day:

Our field trip group back in 2006!  WOW! That was 8 years ago! I'm kneeling down in the front. It will always be a favorite memory!