The following was written by Ann Corcoran for the program of the first Geriatric Horse Jubilee that was dedicated to Max.

We dedicate the Geriatric Horse Jubilee to our dear old Max. Max died in August after being with us for 11 months. He had spent many years teaching Cadets to ride at Valley Forge Military Academy and dutifully doing parade duty on weekends.

With his unusual roan coat and sweet personality he quickly became a favorite with the volunteers and students here at The Ranger Foundation. Nevermind that he was over 30 years old and missing half his teeth. Like all those horses who have served people through a lifetime, he asked for nothing more than a friendly pat, a good meal, and a good scratch.

In the end his kidneys failed and he was kept alive for a few extra days by volunteers here not ready to give up, but there was no reversing the complete failure of this vital organ, and we decided to have him put to sleep. Right up until moments before he left us, he showed his pleasure at a good scratch of his belly. There was a time for good-byes and as he took his final breath, he was hugged and cried over by people who cared that he had lived.

And so we dedicate today to Max, and to all the other deserving old horses who have served people faithfully and well, and ask only for a little loving friendship in return (maybe a sweet treat once in a while, too!).