Janet Fakus used to ride horses and was itching to get back in the saddle once again. For Christmas, the 97-year-old grandmother wanted to check “ride a horse again” off of her bucket list.
Fortunately, her wish came true when she received a riding voucher for a horse farm in Oklahoma. With the help of her family and Cottonwood Creek Ranch, Fakus was able to get back in the saddle.
A Dream Come True
After waiting for the weather to improve and Farkus to feel better, Cottonwood Creek Ranch of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma granted the grandmother’s Christmas wish. Cottonwood Creek Ranch is owned by Kelly Kragel and is home to numerous world and national champion Morgan horses. Farkus got the opportunity to ride the beautiful dark bay Morgan gelding SpringMill Stardust GCH, aka Stretch. Farkus looked likе a rockstar as she sported a leather jacket while riding in elegant western tack with stunning silver embellishments.
The grandmother was able to guide Stretch all by herself across the ring and even jogged some on her own. True to the nature of Morgans, Stretch took great care of his special rider.
Kragel even jưmреd aboard Stretch with Farkus to expertly guide the gelding for the 97-year-old’s enjoyment.Farkus even got the opportunity to lope, making the momentous occasion even more fun.
Kragel also put a world champion ribbon on Stretch so Farkus could take a victory lap. Farkus was clearly having the time of her life, overjoyed to be back in the saddle once again.