Meet Herbert, also known as “Herbie” or “Herb” around the barn. Herbert is a handsome bay gelding with white socks and a star on his face. Herbie is a 15-year-old Westphalian who lives at Little Bay Farm in Magnolia, TX, and is ridden and leased by Emmy Harper. Herbert is owned by Caroline Daskevich who trains at Oakwell Farms in San Antonio, TX. Emmy and Herbert are currently trained by Laura Mendoza.
Emmy found Herbert through her trainer, Laura, and her broad equine connections. The pair first met in April of 2021. Emmy shared that she was incredibly happy to not only see Herbert but to have the chance to ride him as well. Like most when getting a new horse, it takes quite a few rides to figure one another out. At the pair’s most recent shows they still hadn’t figured one another out and were as clicked as Emmy had hoped to be. This caused some discouragement on Emmy’s part. We as riders are oftentimes a lot harder on ourselves than we ever need to be. The fact that we are in there showing up for ourselves and having fun is what it’s all about. Emmy had to remind herself of this and the following day the pair were able to work as a team and put down the most flawless round. Emmy shared that she was over the moon with their performance and is one of her favorite memories with Herbert yet.
Herbert is known to be very easygoing. In the barn, he loves his treats and he is not super cuddly but loves attention. He especially loves rice crispy treats and bananas!
Emmy started riding when she was 7 years old after begging her mom, for what felt like forever, to start taking lessons. Emmy’s first few years were spent riding she learned the basics of horsemanship, then was taught dressage, and eventually moved on to jumping where she has found her true passion. And ever since, well you know the saying…the rest was history!
