Valiant Crusader Passes at Old Friends at Cabin Creek

Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 6:18 pm

Updated: January 18, 2026 at 7:38 pm

<a href="http://www.sdeckerphotoblog.com" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saminsaratoga" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/samintoga" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/sdeckerphoto" rel="noreferrer nofollow">X</a> | <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/sdeckerphoto.bsky.social" rel="noreferrer nofollow">Bluesky</a>Some sad news from Cabin Creek today, as one of the herd has crossed over the rainbow bridge. Valiant Crusader was a 25-year-old son of Crusader Sword, who (the latter) occupied the same paddock as his son when he too was in retirement at the farm. Although the former never won a race, he won the hearts of volunteers and visitors alike with his calm and gentle demeanor. He typified the farm's mission of providing dignified retirement to all Thorougbreds, and he received the same level of love and care as the Group 1 winner in the paddock next to him (A Shin Forward). We are so lucky to have had him in our presence for the time we did. Rest in peace, Cru! You are gone to us but not forgotten.<i>All rights reserved. Permission required to reuse.</i>

Valiant Crusader (Crusader Sword) passed away at Old Friends at Cabin Creek on Jan. 17, according to farm release on Sunday. The 25-year-old stallion was humanely euthanized after sustaining injuries in a paddock accident.

“Cru meant so much to us,” said JoAnn Pepper, owner and manager of Old Friends at Cabin Creek. “He could brighten the day just by standing there. He was fun and happy. He loved every meal, just like his father did. He leaves us sad, but blessed to have known and loved him.”

Valiant Crusader retired to Old Friends at Cabin Creek in May of 2024 after volunteer Mary Eddy found him listed on Craigslist outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to his arrival at Cabin Creek, Valiant Crusader changed hands several times, and was primarily used to breed quarter horse mares.

As a racehorse, the New York-bred out of the Diablo mare Diablo's Pixie raced four times at Aqueduct Racetrack over two seasons for trainer John Hertler before retiring following a sixth-place finish in 2004.

The farm release read, “Valiant Crusader is best remembered by the volunteers and visitors at Old Friends at Cabin Creek, where he stood watch over the farm from one of two paddocks atop the front hill and across from Group 1-winner A Shin Forward. Valiant Crusader, much like his father, was an especially gentle stallion, and even spent time in a paddock with gelding Watchem Smokey. His kind-hearted nature and soft eyes made him one of the most welcoming horses on the farm for new volunteers and visitors alike.

Old Friends at Cabin Creek is proud and honored to have provided this noble stallion a soft landing for his final years as he served as a perfect ambassador for the proper retirement of all thoroughbreds.