FHILADELPHIA | 16 YEAR-OLD HANOVERIAN WARMBLOOD | BOERNE, TX
Fhi, Fhiladelphia, is a Hanoverian Warmblood Mare. She is trained by Rachel Gray at Gray’s Equine in Sisterdale, TX.
Fhi is a stunning horse, with a unique all-black coat that makes her stand out from the rest. She has a small white snip on her nose and a left hind sock, adding just the right amount of flair to her already striking appearance.
But Fhi’s physical beauty is just one part of what makes her special. She is also the queen of the barn, with an undeniable presence that commands attention from all those around her. Everyone seems to be living in her world, and Fhi knows it.
With a strong-willed and sassy personality, Fhi is not one to be trifled with. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to make it known. But despite her commanding nature, those who know her well understand that there is a softer side to Fhi, and that her confidence and sass are simply part of what makes her such a remarkable horse.
Shelby’s eyes light up whenever she talks about Fhi, her beloved black mare. Shelby tells the story of how Fhi came into her life as a gift from her parents for her 17th birthday. After Shelby’s previous horse had to step down, she and her family were on the lookout for a new “move-up” horse for her. That’s when they came across Fhi. Shelby remembers the first time she rode Fhi and how different it was from any other horse she had ridden before. But after nine months together, Shelby proudly shares how far Fhi has come and how much they have grown together as a team.
When it comes to treats, Fhi has a clear favorite: carrots! Whether they’re whole, chopped, or grated, Fhi can’t resist the crunchy sweetness of these orange delights. But there’s another treat that really gets Fhi excited: German muffins with mints inside! These special muffins have a surprise center filled with refreshing mint that Fhi absolutely adores. Whenever she sees Shelby approaching with a bag of these muffins or a handful of carrots, her ears perk up and she eagerly awaits her reward. It’s clear that Fhi knows how to appreciate the little things in life, especially when it comes to her favorite treats!
For Shelby, horses have always been a part of her life. She remembers spending time with them even as a young child, and she fell in love with the feeling of freedom and the connection that comes with being around these majestic creatures. As she grew older, Shelby’s passion for horses only grew stronger. She started taking riding lessons and competing in local shows, and soon enough, she was hooked. What she loves most about owning horses is the bond and partnership that develops between horse and rider. Shelby cherishes the trust and connection she has built with her horses over the years, and she can’t imagine her life without them.
Shelby has many cherished memories with Fhi, but one that stands out, in particular, is their first horse show together. Fhi, who is a 16-year-old mare, was just starting her new career as a hunter jumper and was still quite green. It was October of 2022, and Shelby took Fhi to the Monster Mash horse show – a challenging first show for any horse, let alone a green one. Despite the “not-so-invisible monsters” lurking in the corner of the show ring, Fhi remained calm and composed, going around like a seasoned pro. Shelby was overjoyed and proud of her mare, and this memory will always hold a special place in her heart. Now, Shelby and Fhi are showing together in the 2’6, and she dreams of taking her up to the 3’0 and even competing in national derbies together.
Gray’s Equine Instagram | Facebook
Karinda K. is a Houston, TX based equine photographer that travels around the United States photographing equestrians and their horses. Karinda specializes in Outdoor Horse & Rider Portrait sessions that bring to life the magical relationship equestrians share with their horses, Senior Portraits, and Fine Art Black & White Background Portraits for those that want a piece of art featuring their very own animals.
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