Horse to continue tradition of appearances at Sherando
By AMY ALONZO
The Winchester Star
ALBIN — He won’t be giving a speech, handing out diplomas or wearing a gown and tassel, but Spider the horse is preparing for Sherando High School’s graduation.
Spider, a 20- year- old flea- bitten grey, will carry the school’s mascot, the Sherando warrior, into Arrowhead Stadium during the ceremony at 9 a.m. June 4.
Spider has taken the torch from Dane, the beloved one-eyed horse who died this spring.
Both horses are owned by Frederick County resident Dennis Page, who dons an elaborate outfit and face paint to portray a Native American warrior during graduation ceremonies and home football games.
“He’s a good old horse,” Page said in Monday interview. “ He’s a little calmer than Dane.”
Spider is a freckled beige and gray horse with deep brown eyes. He has participated in Civil War re-enactments and ridden in the Apple Blossom Grand Feature Parade.
And he has performed during Sherando’s graduation ceremony.
Last year, Page got off work late and was in a rush to get Dane down to the high school. But Dane refused to accompany Page, leaving Spider as a lastminute replacement.
“ Dane was getting Spider ready, saying, ‘ Hey buddy, now it’s yours,’” said Robin Owens, Frederick County Public Schools’ high school gifted resource teacher, who helps Page prepare for appearances by applying his makeup and headdress. “ Spider’s been around. ... It just feels like it’s the natural progression of things.”
Dane passed away in March and was about 30 years old, Page said. Following his death, Spider was agitated for a couple of weeks, Page said. “ He was a little nuts there for a while,” he said. “ That was his buddy. ... ”
Spider is adjusting to life without his buddy, especially since a female horse has caught his eye. The new horse is Spider’s girlfriend, Page joked.
He is looking forward to continuing the tradition of the warrior.
“ It’s something no one else has,” Page said. “I’m glad I can do it for them. It makes me proud.”
