07/29/2025
Today we made the hard call to lay Jefe to rest. He was only 11, but due to a stifle injury, we knew it was time. Even in his pain, he kept that same gentle spark in his eyes until the very end.
Jefe holds a special place in my story. While I was still working corporate, he was the very first outside client horse I ever took in for training. I remember thinking, “What did I just get myself into?” But we worked through it. Together, we turned him into a solid, all-around horse.
Eventually, I had the opportunity to buy him—and from there, he became a true cornerstone of Sonny on the Rox. He taught so many kids how to ride, explored trails with us, and always showed up with the biggest personality. Jefe wasn’t just a horse—he was a character, a teacher, and a companion.
It still amazes me that this tall, powerful Thoroughbred who won over $200k on the racetrack could be so soft, so loving. He’s the reason I see off-the-track Thoroughbreds the way I do today.
It’s a gift to love horses like him. And it’s an even greater one to be loved back. Rest easy, big guy.
