John Joseph Porto

John Porto. I grew up at High lonesome. Was 12 when I arrived , left at 32 before Middlebury. John taught me to ride right, rope proper, and shoe smoothly. Did my senior project there on equine gestation. Helped get into college. Taught me to drive Tractor trailers and load Canadian hay for the barn. The experience goes on and on. He was one of a kind and as they say, they broke the mold after him. I think of him often as I continue down the trail.

I know this memory is a long time after John's passing, but the years separated us and just saw these remarks today. I worked with John at High Lonesome back in the 60's. What a guy! He took me under his wing and we enjoyed some great times together with our mutual love of horses. Wish I had seen him again before all these years passed. He was definitely "the real deal"!

When we think of John Porto, the following comes to mind: long time friend, Godfather to our daughter Kelly, a trucker, a cowboy and a good buddy. We will never forget all the good times we shared.

I can't think that a day will ever go by when I will not remember John. He was a once-in-a-lifetime friend, someone who was always there for me, and I hope in some small way I made his life more pleasant. The trips he took with me and my husband Michael out West were so very special. Today is the 21st birthday of my horse Piegan who John found for me. I hope John is riding the good trails in Heaven on Quincy and smiling down on us.

High Lonesome was such a big part of my life growing up. I will never forget the good times, hard work and the friendships that John made possible.

But most of all I am thankful for the GREAT horse (Brother) that my sister Karen had for 32 years.

Thank you, John
We will truly miss you

I will always remember the great times at High Lonesome stables. Granted, we all worked hard there, but John made it fun and enjoyable. He shared his vast knowledge and love of horses with everyone, and you could tell what pleasure he got out of caring for these wonderful animals.

After many years passed and I went riding at his place in Middlebury, he still recognized me and would comment that he was giving me the "wildest horse he had!"

He'll truely be missed.

John was a great teacher and was very influential in my life. I'll never forget all my friends at High Lonesome, both two and four legged.

John was a great horseman and friend, whose like we'll not see again.

John was a great teacher to generations, not only about horses, but about all of life. His knowledge, humor, and strength will be with me all my life.