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            It is with enormous amounts of sadness that Granite Hill Stable (the Jerry Solien family/Larry Gardinier) announces that the grand old campaigner K.K. Commander In Chief ("Kermit") crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 9. He was 29 years old. Kermit was by Mountjoy's Anderson Chief, out of Commander's Blue Yonder and sported the rare Raven Wing breeding lineage. He joins other Granite Hill champions such as Hello Australia, Gunsmith, CH Cameo's Sparkling Sensation, Duke Of Troy and many others.

            K.K. Commander In Chief taught devoted owner Kristin Solien how to be an AOTR on a five-gaited horse. He loved to "rack on," and he loved hearing Randy Roberts play "In the Mood" as he would roar into the gate at that gaited trot. He was a one-of-kind and will be missed. When the Solien family moved their operation to Kentucky from Minnesota, Kermit enjoyed roaming the farm loose grazing on luscious blue grass and napping in fresh shavings in the heat of the day.

            Those who loved him take comfort in knowing he is in a better place. The Soliens wish to thank to Judy Jensen, Todd Perkins and the late Len Fries of Centre Pointe Stables for helping to acquire Kermit and for all of their help, with thanks also going to Larry Gardinier for his patience and help. Kristin explains, “They say you only get ‘one,’ and well this was THE ONE for me. He will live on in our hearts in precious lingering memories. Indeed Kermit was a very special horse.”