Just a little while ago I talked to you guys about the Paddock Riding Club situated in Los Angeles. It hosts all kinds of filming gigs, horse shows, regularly scheduled lessons and other barn events. They have been home to the barn that helped get me in the horse world, Sagebrook Farms.

My very first lesson at their facility was on a sweet older black Trahkener gelding named Fidelio. He packed me around the arena for two lessons or so and I was hooked on English riding because of him. I came to find out he was called “Fifi” around the barn, and was a crowd favorite for the timid riders coming up. He was in his mid twenties when I met him, and he made it to 33 on Sept 25th. Unfortunately, this sweet boy had to be put down on November 9th 2022, and my old trainer is gutted. I assume the aches and troubles of age were too overwhelming going into wintertime for an old gentleman like Fifi, and he was laid to rest.

He was retired for the last seven years, and shared his knowledge with those who were willing to listen from the ground during that time, but I never forgot our riding time together. His favorite snacks were bananas, and I’m pretty sure my first horse shoe, not pony shoes, was one of his.

I hope he knows how much each rider appreciated him, and how much he stayed with me after all this time. I write these posts not to be sad about a horses passing, but as my time to give the horses that left a lasting impact on me some sort of closure and thank you for the ride. I would not be the rider or instructor I am today, if not for my rides on all the horses of my past.

I want to extend a massive thank you to Julie my old instructor for giving me time with her heart horse Fidelio, and to Fifi for putting up with me in my growing pain stage. Rest easy buddy.