03/17/2026
Farewell My Friend (Tank’s Obituary – Dakota Clabber)
A sorrel c**t was born on May 27, 1994 and was named Dakota Clabber. After a few years of growing and filling out he was given the nickname “TANK”. He certainly lived up to the name; for years he was “like a brick s**t house”. Tank arrived at Mowry’s Lazy Meadows in the fall of 2003 at the age of 9 and lived a “horse’s life” until his passing on March 17, 2026; just a couple months short of his 32nd birthday.
Tank and Monte covered a lot of miles in the area south east of Owatonna. They liked to ride on Sunday mornings; Monte said that you could not get much closer to God than riding in the world He created on a good horse and with the pew made of leather. In their years together Tank and Monte entered the world of “ranch rodeo” and were for many years member of the Steele County Mounted Posse. Tank and Monte went to Mowry Ranches near Presho, SD and helped Craig Mowry his cousin work cattle for a week. Old Tank was not too sure of what he was supposed to do at first but by the end of the week the “genes” of his “cow-horse ancestors” kicked in and he was working cattle like a pro.
In 2015 after a year plus pause from riding by Monte; they embarked on a new adventure together. They started a program; it was and still is called “Ride for the Brand”. Tank with the help of Nancy and Monte invited “special needs” individuals to the farm to spend time with the horses. Tank enjoyed the attention from all the visitors as much as they loved seeing him. This program branched out to other groups, Big Brothers Big Sisters of So MN, Young Life’s ALC students, Operation 23 to 0 (a veteran’s group) and a few others. With all the visitors and special trips Tank did in his many years I would bet that his is the most photographed horse in Steele County.
The biggest impact to Tank’s life was due to a sad mis-future to many of us humans. When Covid 19 broke out in 2020 and everyone was “locked out” from having direct contact with their loved ones in senior care centers Tank along with Monte’s and a few volunteers started to make visits to a couple senior care centers in the area. At first the residents could only see and enjoy Tank through the window, but as time wore on, they were allowed to come outside and pet and cuddle with him. Just by looking at the smiles and sparkle in the resident’s eyes you could tell they really enjoyed the visits. Again, he was on “cloud 9” with all of the attention. In the past couple years Tank invited some of the senior residents out to his farm and meet his other stable mates for dinner and fellowship. Through Tanks “acts of good deeds” he was inducted into the Steele County Equine Hall of Fame where he will be “on the wall” during the SCFF for many years to come.
Well now we must say “good bye Old Friend”. May you enjoy the green pastures and fresh water streams. I am sure that my big Brother Ron was waiting at “heaven’s gate” with saddle and bridle in hand so you and he could enjoy a quiet heavenly ride together. God Bless you “old soul” and I hope to see down my trail when I am called home.
