By Evie Tubbs Sweeney
As featured in the Winter 2025 issue of Arabian Horse World
Carol had this fascinating way about her. Maybe it was her huge, toothy smile that lit up a room. Maybe it was her genuine goodness and generosity of spirit that made people feel like she’d known them for a lifetime. Maybe it was her unfettered passion for her horses that inspired people to see them as individual souls more than animals or pets.
But what is absolutely known is that her faith guided her every action. Carol loved those around her with a divine love.
Perhaps it was because Carol experienced the depths of this life that gave her a mindful graciousness toward those around her, especially those struggling with something… be it horse or human. It was out of one of those depths that she eventually found her deep faith late in life.
The horses lucky enough to be under her care experienced a life of utmost respect and dignity. Carol’s equine soulmate, however, was most certainly her breeding stallion and the definition of her acclaimed, multi-generational Day Dream Arabians breeding program: Showkayce (Fame VF x Kay, by Kaiyoum). The necky, charismatic grey stallion with a bloody shoulder was simply special. He sired national champions in halter, western, hunter, and countless sport horse divisions, including Showgun PGN, who was named 2007 WAHO Horse of the Year.
But what made Showkayce most memorable was not his silhouette but his charisma. One truly felt him more than they saw him. He possessed an inner fire that intoxicated us for the better.
Carol made it her life’s work to protect Showkayce’s pride and dignity long after his breeding days were over until his final breath in 2020. She was consistently his number-one supporter, even before his career blossomed and even after his popularity paled.
Carol talked a lot about heaven. She spoke of the day Showkayce would storm into heaven and was convinced Jesus would return on a white horse one day, and it would be Showkayce. And her unwavering faith in her eternal home was always unquestioned, even in her final days.
Carol often enjoyed nightly talks with Showkayce. She’d tell him when he had a new son or daughter (or grandson or granddaughter), bring carrots, and remind him who his Creator was. She would often remind him of one of her favorite songs.
“I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
This is the reason Carol sang… she and all of creation around her left this earth filled with heavenly happiness and freedom, knowing that His eye was on her horses, her family, her friends, and herself.
After a five-year battle with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer, Carol joined Showkayce and a slew of other Day Dream horses in her heavenly home on October 22, 2024. She will forever be remembered for her masterful breeding program, incredible faith, and indistinguishable bright light to the Arabian horse community worldwide.
