California Gymkhana Association District 17
In Memorium Vicki Leal Straka
To all of those who loved and were loved by Vicki:
Vicki suffered a catastrophic riding injury on Saturday, July 5th and was taken
to UCI Medical Center in Orange, CA. She received the finest medical care
available in the Neurosurgical ICU of this Level One Trauma facility; tragically
the doctors were not able to save her brain from fatal injury. Family and
friends are devastated by the loss of this beautiful, vibrant woman who was an
exuberant lover of life, and who always gave of herself so generously.
Plans to celebrate Vicki's life are underway, and information and details will
be provided as soon as they are available. A celebration here in California will
take place shortly and another in Australia sometime in the next 3 - 5 weeks.
We appreciate the support and help that has been offered by so many of you, and
value the memories and emotion you have to share. However, it is preferable that
you convey your messages in person at the gatherings or via traditional mail, as
messages to this inbox will not receive a response. If it is urgent or important
for you to reach the family you may use the following email address:
Vicki's mare, Trinity, is in the care of licensed, insured professionals until
an appropriate, loving, new owner is identified for her. Horse related matters
are being referred to Michele Ryan at meeshryan@aol.com for now.
We are so sorry to bring you this sad news, and hope you'll be inspired by her
life to spread happiness and joy, the way she always did.
The Straka Family
gymkhana
Gymkhana is the action packed, precision sport of the equestrian world. A good Gymkhana horse must have the speed of a race horse, the turning quickness and agility of a cutting horse and the control and responsiveness of the stock horse.