08/03/2026
This was written by my dear friend and assistant, Judy Bennett. Thank you so much for this tribute, because in my grief, my mind and body aren’t working too well. Get your handkerchiefs.
Some horses come into our lives for a season. Others leave hoofprints on our hearts forever.
Horse Sense lost its Queen.
For over 20 years, Velvet was so much more than Kari’s horse. She was her partner, her constant, and her best friend. Their bond was built over decades of trust, love, and countless memories that only the two of them could truly understand.
Anyone who spent time at the barn knew Velvet. She was a spicy thoroughbred with a big personality who demanded your respect and somehow stole your heart at the same time. She ruled the barn with confidence, and it just won’t feel the same without her.
Velvet touched so many lives. When ground work clinics happened at the barn, only the bravest of students would step up for a chance to handle the Queen. Those students learned so much from those experiences, even though Velvet’s riding days were over, she still had a life which was filled with purpose.
She made people laugh, kept everyone humble, and reminded us all that horses have personalities every bit as unique as our own. She also left her mark on the horses around her, becoming part of the rhythm and family of the barn that they all shared together.
Run free, beautiful girl. May you find endless green pastures, warm sunshine, and peaceful trails. Your reign as the Queen of Horse Sense may have come to an end here, but your legacy will live on in every story shared, every smile you inspired, and every heart you changed.
Rest easy, Velvet. You will always be loved, and you will never be forgotten.
