In Memoriam:
Mon Bandaid (1977 – 2009) by Colleen Scott
The Arabian horse industry lost one of its true superstars this summer when Cathy and Russ Vecsey’s beloved Mon Bandaid (Mon Ta Basko x Diana Osaya, by Meteor) was humanely put down on August 24. Named for the unique white stripe that encircled his left front leg, the chestnut gelding launched what would be a remarkable show career prior to 1986 (as far back as the Arabian Horse Association DataSource has record). For the 14-year time span covered by DataSource, Mon Bandaid’s show ring record encompasses six pages, including national, regional, Buckeye and class A championship titles. ArabianResults.com details 31 national awards since 1984, including five championships, four reserve championships and 22 top tens. Mon Bandaid’s victory passes covered multiple divisions: English pleasure, country English pleasure, driving, mounted native costume and ladies English side saddle. “Sometimes we would do regions 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 all in the same year,” says owner Cathy Vecsey. In the late 1980s, with class numbers high, his accomplishments stand out even more. For example, in 1989 at the Region 15 Championship Show, Vecsey competed against 21 other riders in Arabian Mounted Native Costume and 22 other riders in Arabian English Pleasure—winning the championships in both. “He was always ready to go. It was easy for him,” she says. “He wasn’t a horse you had to work and work and work.” The last time Mon Bandaid was shown, at the age of 23, he captured the reserve championship in Arabian Country English Pleasure AOTR at Region 16, with Russ Vecsey aboard. While Mon Bandaid’s talent and willingness were memorable, his impact on Cathy’s life was far more than
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providing her with a roomful of trophies, ribbons and pictures. “Mon,” as she affectionately called him, came into Vecsey’s life during her teenage years and helped her forge bonds with her parents for which she is still thankful today. As she recalls, her parents had a “date day” once a week, usually on Saturday. One particular Saturday in 1983, they happened to drive by Stachowski Farms and stopped in to inquire about horses for sale. (The family already owned Arabians, but not of Mon Bandaid’s caliber.) With that spur-of-the-moment decision, Vecsey’s life was changed forever. “He was a great horse for me to learn on,” she recalls. “He was my first show horse and taught me so much. No matter how much I learned from others, he always had something else to teach.” After retiring in 2000, Mon Bandaid spent his days at Vecsey’s Hawk Haven Farms in Easton, Conn. “He was still very stall protective,” she says. “He enjoyed being out, but only if it wasn’t too sunny, too humid or if there weren’t too many bugs. If he was finished being outside, he would come to the gate and bob his head up and down until you let him back in.” Mon Bandaid’s favorite treat was Dunkin’ Donuts glazed donut holes, and he made it known anytime he saw the distinctive pink and orange box. “If you showed up with a donut box, he went crazy,” Vecsey says. “He certainly did love them.” Diagnosed with a heart murmur several years ago, Mon Bandaid remained healthy through this past summer, but Vecsey knew his time had come. “He definitely made me who I am today. He was just a special soul,” she says. “There is a huge, huge hole in my heart, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.” ■