11/05/2026
Rico
2002- November 5th, 2026
It is with great sadness that we share news of Rico's passing. Rico made his departure in the pasture surrounded by his equine friends.
Rico came to us in 2015, after years as a schoolmaster in the jumper ring. He had had EPM (a neurological condition caused by possum f***s in drinking water), and no one expected him to stay sound or to thrive as a lesson horse. But thrive he did! He quickly became a star of our adaptive riding and lesson programs. He was big enough to carry all adults, but the littles also loved him and lined up to ride him any time they were given the chance. Rico was the heart and soul of our vaulting program, a responsibility in which he took great pride.
Rico struggled over the past year, having a hard time eating enough to maintain his weight and energy level. Though he slowed down, he continued to want to work, often joining lessons even without a rider on his back. Only in the last weeks did he give this up, acknowledging that his service was nearing an end. Through his life here, Rico was the great, goofy, kind gentleman that kept our spirits high, provided confidence to all he encountered, and filled every heart with joy. He was a steady friend to many a horse in the herd, and his strong, capable back and feet carried all who rode him with strength and security. He leaves a great hole here - one which will never be filled.
We are all saddened by this loss on our planet and in our herd. It will be quite a while until we and his horse friends don't look around to see where he is. We are happy to know that he is at peace and running freely with our ghost herd. Rest easy Rico! We have been so blessed to have you as part of Blue Rider.
Thanks to Caitlin von Graf for this special photo shoot a few weeks ago
