Thomas N. Trosin, CF, CTF, CJF

Please note that this began as a facebook post and ended up to long. Thanks to those who took time to read it. 

Being a farrier I have been blessed to meet greatness in both horse and human form. Some instances there was daily involvement, others were passing introductions. In any case greatness in something a being is born with in my opinion, the rest of us are just lucky when we get to bask in its shadows.

Cigar was greatness. My first thought about him when I learned of his passing was what Farrier Matt (and brother of trainer Jack) Carava Had to say about him after watching the horse head for the receiving barn at Del Mar shortly before Cigars first defeat: "He looked like a Champion Boxer headed for the ring. I've never seen a horse with such presence."

I had the privilege to meet Cigar at the invitation of "Big" John Veague the Farrier at Kentucky horse park,

Horse Park Farrier John Veague and Cigar

John has been very kind over the years to introduce me to the Champion's Barn residents but to lay hands on such a great horse was an honor for me for me at least. He still had the presence that Matt spoke of and as I found out, a sense of humor.

I will miss seeing him when I visit Kentucky.