Page 23 - 7 July 2012

I have known Connie since September, 1989,
when I first came to Oklahoma to apply for a job with Speedhorse. I was hired after a whole day of interviews with her and her son, Andy. Connie was the strongest, classiest, most well read and sincere lady I have ever known. She was so knowledgeable about the history of the Quarter Horse Racing industry. I learned something new from her every day and came to love this industry
as much as she did. My most favorite memories are the times when our offices were located in Norman. Connie and Andy had found out that Eastex had been sold to people in Mexico and those people were intending to race him again. Connie and Andy were able to send Kenneth Winters down to Mexico to purchase and bring Eastex back to us. They let me keep my horses there, too, and
I got to take care of him as well as my own horses. I had
a mare and she foaled three foals during that time. On weekends, there were many times both Connie and I would be there and stand by the fence, watching the mare and those foals and just visiting. Her face would just light up and I knew how much she enjoyed seeing these foals run and play in front of us and come to the fence for petting and attention. We have shared good times, bad times, fun times and sad times, and through the years Connie and her family have become like family to me.
—Bobbey Phillips
I came to work at Speedhorse over 15 years ago, and Connie Golden taught me everything I know about the publishing business and just about everything I know about the horse industry. She taught me to surround myself with individuals who are good and honest, and she taught me
to be thankful for all that I have. Connie and I became wonderful friends over the years. We talked about her beginnings with Speedhorse. We talked about books and art. She was an avid reader. We shared many books over the years, and I couldn’t wait to see what she would recommend next. She was an incredibly talented artist, as well. She helped me through the death of my own mother. Her words brought
a new understanding to a difficult situation. She was not judgmental, and she empathized with others. She was wise, and one of the strongest women I have ever known. Connie was also kind and generous with a heart of gold, giving
to organizations that helped animals in need. She helped families in Africa, and at Christmas, purchased food and
gifts for local families that could not afford to celebrate the holiday themselves. The moments I will treasure most are the many times we spent in her office, having lunch and talking about the small things that make up life. She made such
a positive difference in my life and in the lives of others. I brought Connie a bottle of wine to share with her family as they celebrated Hanukkah this past December. She sent me
a thank you note, and said I had been a wonderful friend. She said she hoped she could beat the physical problems she was facing, but if she didn’t, she said, “I’ve had a great run at everything.” She certainly did.
—Gloria Dow
Connie Golden with her granddaughters Andrea and Gentry and son Andy in the winner’s circle of the Speedhorse Gold and Silver Cup Sprint Challenge in 1992.
SPEEDHORSE, July 6, 2012 23
Speedhorse Files