This Week @ Monday Creek: A Gift of Grace: Saddlebreds in My Barn Office and Beyond

@ Monday Creek Stables/Publishing - Saddlebreds

 

A Gift of Grace: Saddlebreds in My Barn Office and Beyond

Recently, my barn office received a touch of elegance and equine spirit thanks to a thoughtful life-long neighbor who gifted me two stunning framed prints of Saddlebred horses. Their proud necks arched, hooves mid-stride, and eyes full of fire and finesse—these prints now grace my office with a sense of motion and majesty. They’re more than decoration; they’re a tribute to a breed that embodies beauty, history, and heart. Thank you, Tom and Venice, for your thoughtfulness. The paintings stir memories of cherished Saddlebred traditions in our region and the remarkable horsemen and horsewomen I've had the privilege to know.

Charles Black: A Legacy of Purpose and Passion

Charles A. Black was more than a horseman—he was a steward of Saddlebred tradition and a visionary in equine therapy. Born in Myra, West Virginia, in 1915, Charles lived to be 97, fulfilling a lifelong wish and leaving behind a legacy rooted in Chillicothe, Ohio. His beloved farm, once home to Saddlebreds, was donated to Ohio University–Chillicothe and The Pioneer Center to support therapeutic riding programs for children. His life bridged the worlds of competitive equestrianism and compassionate community service, proving that Saddlebreds could inspire healing as well as awe. A few weeks before Charles passed, Jody Smith, Terry Fortkamp, and I had the chance to visit with him. I interviewed Charles about his time with Dr. Pete Smith, DVM. I hope to share Charles' interview here soon. Charles was an amazing man who defined horsemanship. See my photos of Charles on Milliron Clinic's Facebook page.

Windy Hills Farm and Fred Beasley’s Champions

Nestled in the rolling hills of Athens County, Windy Hills Farm carries nearly two centuries of history—and a proud chapter in Saddlebred excellence. Fred Beasley, a visionary businessman and horse enthusiast, transformed the farm into a haven for American Saddlebreds. With a Kentucky-inspired barn and a family of accomplished horsewomen, Windy Hills produced champions who competed from 4-H circuits to national stages. Fred’s daughters—Marjorie, Virginia, and Alice—rode with grace and grit, earning accolades that still echo through the farm’s legacy. The Beasley name became synonymous with quality, style, and championship Saddlebreds. Their photographs and memorabilia are archived in the Athens County Historical Society, Athens, Ohio. I did not know Mr. Beasley and his family, but I had the great opportunity to talk with Candace, his granddaughter this afternoon. Thank you, Candace, for sharing fond memories. 

Nancy Bonnett: Saddlebred Spirit in Winfield

In Winfield, West Virginia, the Saddlebred tradition found a passionate advocate in Nancy Bonnett of Rolling Hill Stables. Nancy left a lasting impression on the local equestrian community with her award-winning stallion Midnight Blue Lad - Laddy. Known for her dedication and skill, she showcased the spirit of Saddlebred horsemanship in Putnam County for many years. Nancy's stories are shared at regional shows through the riders who remember her grace in the ring. One of my favorite things to do is listen to Nancy share stories of Laddy, her journey with horses, and her adventures with Dr. Pete Smith, DVM. View photos of Nancy and her beautiful stallion, Laddy, on Milliron Clinic's Facebook page. 

The Saddlebred: America’s Show Horse

The American Saddlebred is often called the “peacock of the horse world”—and for good reason. With high-stepping gaits, refined conformation, and a spirited yet gentle temperament, Saddlebreds have dazzled audiences since the 1800s. Their lineage traces back to the Narragansett Pacer and Thoroughbred crosses, evolving into the Kentucky Saddler and eventually the Saddlebred we know today. From Civil War cavalry mounts to Madison Square Garden show rings, Saddlebreds have carried America’s story with elegance and endurance.

As I sit in my barn office, those framed prints remind me that Saddlebreds are more than horses—they’re heritage. They represent artistry in motion, the devotion of horsemen and horsewomen, and the timeless bond between human and horse. And thanks to a neighbor’s gift, that legacy now lives a little closer to home.