Murphy, registered name Green Desert, was a Thoroughbred born in Ireland and raced in England, Kentucky and California. He earned over $200,000 before retiring to Arizona at age 9. He stood 15.1 with a regal stance, his gaits were fluid and his eye was large and kind. His mind was unpredictable and his habits were quirky but he had found a home and took me on trail rides and round and round the ring.
He was accident prone in his stall and out to pasture but was a model patient and wore his bandages with honor. True to his nick name (Murphy's Law - anything that can go wrong, will), at the age of 16, while out hand walking on a stormy night, he jumped at the sight of the rain shining on a picnic table, broke his ulna and had to be put down.
He was one of the most beautiful horses I have ever known and an inspiration to paint.
