Katie + Babyface | Project 27 | Horse & Rider Photoshoot
Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, WI
When I had the opportunity to meet Baby Face, well, needless to say I was anticipating a horse bursting with a charming personality—how could you expect anything less with a name like that? And man, this beautiful boy did not disappoint. Baby Face (often nicknamed Baby but registered as Gunners Sweet Chex) is a gorgeous Quarter Horse with an impressive resume to boot. Baby Face has what’s called a “bald face”, and these types of markings often result in deafness. Baby is in fact deaf, but it was evident that nothing keeps this guy from showing off his personality and quirky sense of humor. Just ask his longtime partner and best friend, Katie.
“He is the goofiest pony,” she says. “But also, the most special horse. He’s a top-notch athlete and has been shown in the Open Reining for over 10 years, earning nearly $30,000.” While Katie has only recently become Baby’s owner, the two of been partnered together for the past six years. After Baby grew a distaste for the showring, known to the equestrian community as “ring sour”, Katie began the journey to get him back to his comfort zone. Just when it seemed as though Baby was going to need a different job, he made a complete comeback with Katie—ultimately carrying her to the Top 3 National titles at the NRHA Futurity show for multiple years.
A success story no doubt, but not a story without its beginnings rooted in a love for horses. After Katie’s sister tragically passed away when she was young, her parents bought her a pony as a coping mechanism. This newfound passion helped Katie to gradually heal as she grew increasingly interested in show horses. And eventually, this led to a job as an assistant trainer at a reining barn—and where she met Baby Face!
Of their time together in the show ring, Katie has fond memories. “He was the type of horse that challenged you, but also made you feel like you were on top of the world. If you asked correctly, he took the best care of you possible.” But her favorite memory? “The day I finally brought him home with me.”
Their last season competing together ended when Baby sustained an injury, which ultimately ended his riding career at 13 years old. His owners then gifted Baby to Katie so that she could provide him with his “forever home”. “It’s heartbreaking to not be able to run and ride the incredible horse he is,” Katie says, “But after everything he gave me the last six years, I am so grateful to give him a forever home until he tells me it’s time.”
I loved getting to meet Baby and Katie and thoroughly enjoyed listening to Katie share stories about their shared accomplishments. But what struck me even more was how much she was enjoying their quiet years together now after his retirement. For Katie and Baby, it was never just about the time in the show ring. Rather, Katie feels privileged to just be Baby’s friend. “I went through a lot of life changes during my early twenties,” she says. “This horse was my rock. When I finally brought him home with me, it really did feel like home.”
