“When I Betride him, I Soar, I am a Hawk. He Trots the Air, the Earth Sings When he Touches it.”
– William Shakespeare
FOALED MAY 8, 1996 IN MARYLAND
DIED: JUNE 21, 2023 AT 4:44 PM IN ATHENS, GA
You’ve probably heard the saying about people coming into your life when you need them the most. However, you may have not heard that about horses, but I have a real-life story that can testify to that saying applying to horses as well. Frank Sinatra, lovingly known as Frankie, had a profound impact on me from the day of our first ride.
You may have encountered glimpses of Frankie in our previous blogs, but today, I want to dedicate an entire tribute to this remarkable equine friend who galloped into my life and left an indelible mark.
A great horse will change your life. A truly special one will define it. And that was Frankie.
Frankie’s story begins in 1996 in Maryland. In 1999 and 2000 at the ages of 3 and 4, he raced under the name Dancing Steps and the Jockey Club tattoo number 224966. Racing was in his blood as a Thoroughbred, and he dazzled spectators with his speed and unwavering determination. In late 2000, he was evented through the one-star level. Then in 2001, he competed up to the Preliminary level with a new rider.
Our paths crossing was nothing short of serendipitous. I had no idea my life would change forever.
On September 19, 1999, I was trampled by a Belgian Draft Horse. It took me months to recover and over a year to get back on a horse.
I rode for about a year becoming increasingly anxious in the saddle and on the ground. A horse bit me. Another one reared up on me. I did not feel safe cantering a horse. I knew that if I didn't get some help I would never ride again and that was something I did not want taken away from me.
I found an amazing sports psychologist who helped me work through the fear my own mind created to protect me. I had dressage teachers who let me go at my own pace, just walking or trotting. Gradually I felt more comfortable in the saddle and on the ground.
Today, I'm so grateful to be alive and not seriously injured. And most of all I'm thankful for another day to ride.
Without working through it with my sports psychologist and dressage teachers, there is absolutely no way I would have had Frankie in my life. I’m eternally grateful for them and their patience with me to get back in the saddle.
In September 2007, Frank Sinatra came into my life. He was a flashy 11-year-old, 16.3 liver chestnut Thoroughbred gelding with lots of chrome. I rode him twice before vetting and purchasing him. After the first ride, I was haunted by his presence in a way I simply can’t explain. About a month later my Mom died and without Frankie, the walk through the grief would have not been bearable.
He was the first horse I’ve ever owned, even though I’ve ridden since I was 5 years old. Our journey together was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a tale of two beings from different worlds, finding a common language of friendship and trust.
This horse has given me so much more than a ride on his back. I quickly realized we had a spiritual bond that went far beyond the barn.
Horses have a unique ability to connect with their human counterparts on a profound level. Frankie was no exception. He became an integral part of my life, filling it with an unspoken understanding and a level of comfort that only those who have experienced the magic of horses can truly comprehend.
Recent studies conducted by the Institute of Heartmath provide a clue to explain the two-way healing that occurs when we're close to horses.
Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a coherent heart rate (heart rate pattern) that explains why we can feel better when we're close to them. A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adapt to stressful situations very efficiently. Many times, we just need to be in the presence of horses to feel a sense of well-being and peace.
In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits by interacting with horses, including lower blood pressure and heart rate, higher beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters acting as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, decreased feelings of anger, hostility, tension, and anxiety, better social working; and greater feelings of empowerment, confidence, patience, and self-efficacy.
My life is often filled with the hustle and bustle of the creative world. But Frankie provided a sanctuary of peace and solace away from it all. I found a refuge from the demands of my work, a place where I could recharge my creative energies.
Frankie's personality was nothing short of delightful. He had a unique ability to bring smiles to everyone around him.
One amusing anecdote was his fascination with a visiting mule, Toby. While horses and mules don't typically share living quarters, Frankie seemed convinced that this particular mule was his long-lost friend. Their playful interactions provided endless entertainment for all who witnessed them.
Frankie's gentle eyes held a wisdom that went beyond his years, and his demeanor made him an instant favorite around the barn. His heart was as vast as the open prairie, and he shared it generously with all who crossed his path.
His favorite little treat was watermelon. He loved peppermints so he would get one or several before every ride. His favorite pastime was mud baths and he loved to treat himself to them often.
No artist ever works alone. In a world where deadlines and clients often took precedence, Frankie reminded me of the importance of downtime. The simple act of spending time with him, grooming his sleek coat, or taking a dressage lesson provided me with a much-needed break from the demands of the creative world. Frankie's presence was a balm for my soul, a reminder that life's true treasures often come on four legs, not just two.
"With his enduring strength and unrivaled perseverance, the horse demonstrates to us that even the heaviest of burdens can be carried with grace."
As we remember Frankie today, we celebrate the life of a remarkable horse who touched the hearts of many. Frankie may no longer grace the barn, but his spirit lives on in the memories and stories shared by everyone’s hearts he touched. On September 3rd, I scattered some of Frankie’s ashes in the pastures, his favorite mud puddle, arena, and around his stall in the barn, his home for the past 13 years.
Not long after his passing, I was at the store to grab a few essentials. In what some may think as a strange magazine display, I saw it as a sign from Heaven.
"Somewhere in time's own space
There must be some sweet pastured place
Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow
Some paradise where horses go,
For by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again"
– Stanley Harrison
Touched by the spirit of a horse, my soul remains forever enlightened. Frankie's story reminds us of the importance of taking a step back and spending time with those we care about, whether they walk on two legs or four. Also, sometimes the most meaningful inspirations in life come from the unlikeliest of sources. Frankie, you will forever hold a special place in my heart, and your legacy lives on in the work and passion of JonesHaus.
May the love of a thousand angels be beside you.
May the light of the brightest star guide you.
May a well of peace be felt deep inside you.
May the joy of dreams fulfilled always find you.
So it is and so it shall be.....Amen
Godspeed my beloved Frank Sinatra. Gallop-free in lush green fields, where the sun always shines and the grass is always sweet. I will love you forever Frankie for you have given me so much more than a ride on your back.