In the world of Saddlebreds, certain horses make an impression the moment they step off the trailer. When Fabulous Lad – or “Fab”, as he’s affectionately known – arrived at Dan Flowers Stable in Houston, Texas, as a two-year-old from Kentucky, there was something about him that just stood out.

He was so curious, and he had this quiet spark about him. Always watching, always thinking.

A son of the great Joe Fabulous and out of an Undulata’s Nutcracker mare, Fab’s pedigree promised potential. But, like many young horses, he needed time, patience, and trust to settle into his new life. Under the hand of Saddlebred trainer Dan Flowers, renowned for his work with sensitive, complex horses, Fab began the long journey of preparing for a career in Fine Harness.

While Dan focused on bringing Fab along at his own pace, I was quietly falling in love. Every time I visited, I found myself in his stall. He was a little shy, not totally sure of people, but he never turned away from connection.

I wasn’t shopping for a horse, especially not one as well-bred and out-of-budget as Fab. But I kept showing up, sneaking quiet moments with him, and letting my horse girl daydreams take root.

Then, life shifted. At age three, Fab sustained an injury that sidelined him for six months. As he began his slow return to work, I purchased a more budget-friendly gelding. But in a heartbreaking twist, just three weeks later, the horse tragically passed away.

I was devastated, and I avoided the barn for weeks. But when I finally went back, I walked right into Fab’s stall seeking comfort. Being around him helped heal my broken heart.

Dan noticed. After months of watching the quiet bond between us deepen, he made me an offer: he would sell Fab to me. It was a gesture of extraordinary kindness – and faith.

Dan had big dreams for Fab. But I think he knew, deep down, that no one would love this horse the way I do.

At the start of Fab’s four-year-old year, he officially became mine.

That year, Fab hit the show ring in Fine Harness, brimming with energy and still not quite ready to carry a rider. By the next season, the world was in COVID lockdown, and Fab faced another challenge: a diagnosis of EPM, a neurological condition that affected his coordination. He moved to Bluebonnet Farm, where he spent months rehabbing under trainer Sandra Currier with quiet, confidence-building work, mostly jogging up and down the farm’s wide hay fields.

By six, Fab was finally ready for under-saddle work. And in 2021, we debuted together in the Three-Gaited Show Pleasure division.

But something wasn’t clicking.

Fab tried so hard, but I could tell the canter work stressed him. He was always willing, but he never seemed truly comfortable.

Sandy and I started noticing something else: Fab preferred to carry himself lower and rounder, more like a dressage horse than a saddleseat one. Around that time, I had begun following a dressage influencer, Taryn Young of Warmbloods+Wine. Intrigued by the discipline, and inspired by Taryn’s journey, I started wondering: Could we try something different?

In early 2023, Fab was turned out at a friend’s ranch to unwind. We spent the winter trail riding, playing around in a bareback pad, and quietly exploring the foundations of dressage.

Then came a moment I will never forget.

I signed us up for our first dressage lesson in March. The morning of the lesson, I found out I was pregnant with my son. I remember hauling Fab to the barn and thinking – well, if today isn’t the day for new beginnings…

Over the following months, Fab adapted to his new discipline with curiosity and heart. We moved to a local eventing barn with a covered arena, and I kept riding until six months into my pregnancy.

He was such a good sport about it all. There were so many changes happening for him, but he was a perfect gentleman. I swear he knew what was happening with my body, and he did everything he could to make sure I didn’t fall off.

After my son was born, the next chapter began at Windy Knoll Farm under the experienced eye of trainer Fran Kehr, whose well of knowledge and thoughtful approach to our training laid the groundwork for everything to come. Newly postpartum and still very new to dressage, I came to Windy Knoll with a dream: Let’s make this Saddlebred into a dressage horse. For the first few months, Fran helped us begin to understand the fundamentals of dressage, setting us up for success, and giving me the confidence to believe my dressage dreams might just be possible.

As our journey continued, we transitioned to regular training with Kristin Stringer. Kristin didn’t hesitate in picking up where Fran left off in making my dream come true. She said, “Yes, let’s show the dressage world what a Saddlebred can do.” More importantly, she backed that “yes” with months of unwavering patience, quiet encouragement, and relentless determination. From building Fab’s strength and balance, to helping me rebuild my confidence in the saddle, Kristin has been the steady hand behind our transformation.

She believed in us from the start. Even when Fab had his hot days, or when I was still struggling to feel my core again, she just kept showing up for us. Her support has meant everything.

And what a year it’s been. Last May, we competed in our first schooling show at Introductory Level. Since then, we’ve moved forward with quiet determination.  Fab recently took on his first First Level test with Kristin and came out on top, proving you don’t have to fit the mold to steal the spotlight. This achievement has only deepened my commitment to championing my non-traditional dressage partner, exemplifying that true success in dressage is driven not by breed, but by the harmony of passion, mindset, and skilled training. Dressage has transformed Fab — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

He’s stronger. He’s more confident. His canter is so much more balanced, and you can tell – he’s much happier at what he’s doing now.

Training a former saddleseat horse for dressage brings its quirks. Saddlebreds are traditionally taught to canter from the walk, which can make the typical trot-canter transition of lower-level dressage a bit of a puzzle at first. He was like, “Are you sure about this?”

Fab is, after all, the quintessential Saddlebred: athletic, expressive, and full of personality. He greets everyone with a whinny, has strong opinions, and loves having a job. The biggest challenge? Helping him stay relaxed.

But when it all comes together – the rhythm, the suppleness, the focus – it’s magic. You can feel him light up, like he’s saying, “I’ve got this now.” There’s a quiet pride in the way he moves, like he knows he’s found his place.

My goal is simple, but powerful: to show that Saddlebreds belong in the dressage world, too; that horses like Fab – sensitive, spirited, and spectacular – can thrive when given a chance to shine in their own way.

Fab and I may not have taken the typical path, but we’re proving that the best journeys rarely do. Our story is one of patience, heart, and the courage to follow a different road – together.

To every rider out there bringing along a non-traditional breed: keep fighting the good fight. Your path may be winding, your progress hard-won, but every small step forward is a victory. It’s not about fitting into a mold or chasing a ribbon – it’s about building trust, growing together, and honoring the unique beauty of your horse. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about where you’re going. It’s about how far you’ve come – and who you’ve become – along the way.