Casey's Life

Casey Elizabeth Altman was born to Alan and Betsy Altman on November 18, 1993 in Pawleys Island, SC. Casey was a strong, determined, athletic individual and at a young age, already had a passion for horses.  She grew up with her siblings, Sarah and Alex, playing at the beach, swimming in the creek and enjoying the outdoors. Casey had a personality that was too big for this world to contain; a spark that refused to be extinguished. Casey was competitive and gave it her all--in life, on the softball field and on the tennis court. Casey’s smile lit up the entire room and her laugh had you laughing with her, even if you didn’t know why. She loved genuinely and was dearly loved by all who knew her.

When Casey was younger, she would dye her blonde locks with kool-aid, often sporting pink, purple, blue or green streaks. She was a dreamer, perfectly chaotic, a put together mess, wild and free. Casey made everyone feel like a friend, even people she just met.

Casey and Sarah took up offering at the Pawleys Island Chapel beginning around age 5. Often, she would arrive late and sit outside with her grandfather and brother until it was time to collect the offering. Just like the Chapel, Pawleys Shells had a special meaning to her. The Pawleys Shells were significant and deeply rooted her love of Pawleys Island.

While Casey loved Pawleys Island, she also loved to travel. In her younger years, she journeyed to Jamaica with her immediate family, grandparents, cousins,  aunts and uncles. Jamaica was a beloved vacation spot and she always held those memories closely. In fall 2016, Casey traveled to Montana with close friends. Montana opened her eyes to blue skies and boundless land. She fell in love immediately and swore she would be back.

Casey grew up with a horse named Dia. When Dia passed away after living a long and happy life, Casey knew she simply couldn't live without a horse and searched for the perfect companion. She found Rodeo shortly after and shared many wonderful rides, laughs and adventures with him. Lucy joined their friendship a few years later, turning them into a trio. Casey used to say " you lose yourself in the things you love. you find yourself there too" when asked about her love of horses.

From her silly sayings like “it’s going to be great” ,her favorite quotes and lyrics, she was a woman of inspiration and deep faith. The following excerpt is from her journal which illustrates what a passionate, strong, committed person she was.

"I didn’t come this far to only come this far. I came this far so I can be strong enough to go further. So I would be good enough to push myself harder. I’m only getting started. This is just the beginning. I am proud of my achievements, but that doesn’t mean I will settle for them.

Proud- but never satisfied

Proud- but forever hungry

Proud- and always ready

A true winner doesn’t seek only the title. A true winner seeks growth. A true winner seeks greatness. If the journey wasn’t challenging, the destination wouldn’t be rewarding. Anyone or anything that I taking me away from my dreams has to go. It is better to walk alone in the right directions. If I am weak in a certain area- it won’t be for long. I’m committed to being better. I am not okay with average."

Listed below are a few of her favorite quotes:

"Be passionate in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire"

"What's coming will come and we will meet it when it does"

"The comeback is always stronger than the setback"

"Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness can we truly discover the infinite power of our light"

"If you get the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance"

"But you belong where the four winds blow, out where the untamed mustangs roam. Like a sweet summer rain, passing through. Never seen anything wild as you"  Cody Johnson