Sarah Medler and Ares, her 17-year-old Friesian gelding, were featured in the Snapshot department of the 2017 winter issue of US Equestrian magazine. The photo showed two individuals, human and equine, who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves while competing at the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFHSA) World & Grand National Championship.

US Equestrian wanted to find out more about this duo, who forged a close partnership that has seen Ares through several unlucky health scares that started soon after Medler got him.

“This horse has nine lives, I swear,” said Medler, who bought Ares as a green four-year-old in 2004. “In 2004 while we were in Texas, he got into hay that had lantana [a plant poisonous to horses] in it. He was treated, and after a few nervous days, he was okay. He also went through another poisoning when he ate part of a tree he wasn't supposed to while we were in Texas. He also suffered a major foot abscess as well.”

Ares had another close call with a severe case of colic at the age of 12. “In 2012, he colicked severely,” Medler noted. “We ended up at Michigan State University for a couple of weeks for treatment. We were lucky enough that he did not need to have surgery, but we had a lot of other GI issues to overcome and change from his colic.” Medler diligently worked to get her partner comfortable and healthy following his health scare.

Ares is Medler’s first Friesian, but she has learned much about the breed’s great qualities. “The Friesian bonds with humans, and wants to be with you,” she said. “They are kind, good workers and smart, willing partners. Most that I have met have very distinct personalities. I think most of these horses would rather be with you than with another horse.”

From the beginning of their partnership, Medler let Ares develop at his own pace, and he eventually became a riding and driving horse. “Since he was young and needed to grow, we started driving the year after we got him. We started riding after we moved back home to Michigan in 2006,” Medler explained.

As Ares learned more, Medler began showing. “We did some local open shows, lots of trail riding, and then started the dressage journey. He has awards in both riding and driving,” Medler said. “His first show was in 2006 at the local open shows. His first recognized show was in 2008. That was a dressage show.”

One of the best things about Ares is his larger-than-life personality. “He is such a ham and has the biggest sense of humor,” Medler said. “He has this lip that constantly moves to get attention or when he is happy. Even loves his tongue scratched. He tends to ‘smile’ for the camera.”

Ares also loves having a job and getting attention. “He has a work ethic unlike any horse I have ever seen—loves to work, is happy to work and in his work,” Medler explained. “He loves to be groomed, will fall asleep while I work on him, and loves the hose! He thoroughly enjoys a good drink from it, and bath time is more of him playing than getting washed.”

While Medler and Ares have enjoyed their time together at home or trail riding, showing has been a highlight for the pair. “Being able to compete with him is truly fun; he makes showing fun. He is a great partner to have. I ask, and he just says, ‘Okay, let's go!’ I never thought we would ever canter at a show, and we did! He was 17 for his first canter class!”

Ares seems to be hitting his prime at 17. “I think his longevity is part genetic, part care, and part he's afraid to disappoint his mom. This horse has a deep affection for me, always has to know where mom is,” Medler explained. “I think having a great vet, farrier, and basic care goes a long way. Knowing your horse and their traits is key.”

Medler is not sure what the future holds for her and Ares, but she will let him tell her. Medler and Ares’s story is likely a familiar one to many horse owners: a dedicated horse owner who loves and enjoys her partner despite some ups and downs over the years. Medler and Ares have experienced much in their time together. “I am blessed that I am able to still ride him and enjoy his company,” Medler said of her longtime partner. “I am hoping to show first level [dressage] this summer. I am also hoping to attend another IFSHA show this year, too. I am thankful every day that he is here, and we take it day by day. We have surpassed so many goals I was hoping to accomplish. I can only hope that the trend continues.”

To learn more about Friesians, visit US Equestrian’s Friesian page and the International Friesian Show Horse Association’s website.

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