07/13/2025
Cartier’s Final Sunset
What are the odds things would turn out like they did? Incredible odds, a long shot for sure. It really makes one wonder if it all was just meant to happen....just as it did. Seemingly, Cartier always was a long shot, from his losing racing career and later being known as difficult horse who didn't get along easily with every rider. Until Elle, at the age of twelve, formed an incredible bond with an unlikely mount for such a young girl. Again, against the odds, she became one with Cartier.
Elle shared that Cartier was an ex-racehorse turned hunter/jumper from the Chicagoland area. Born on May 15, 2003, as RC Frivo Cat, grandson of Stormcat (and great grandson of Secretariat), Cartier raced at Indiana Downs. After 13 races without any wins, Cartier grew "frustrated" with his treatment on the track and ended his career by unseating his jockey. He was sent for auction and was picked up by a suburban Chicago barn (and promptly re-named after luxury jewelry) where his current owners purchased him in 2012. He competed in the Illinois hunter circuit in the 2'6" division, with his hunter career being limited by a screw in his knee from his racing days. He was state champion in 2 divisions in 2015 and had a successful career helping his owner and other riders through the division, teaching them along the way- often in a difficult manner!
He was retired in 2019, one year after Elle went to college, to not put any more strain on his body from his racing -related injuries (the screw in his knee and kissing spine). Both in his show days and retirement, Cartier was known for his larger-than-life personality and persona. He loved treats- his favorite being marshmallow peeps. He also loved scratches, people-watching from his stall, and lots of attention.
Getting back to how this story ends, in early May we contacted Michelle, Elle's mom (and contact for Cartier while Elle was in vet school in Scotland). We discussed that Cartier's growing problems with his melanomas were causing some difficulty passing manure and occasional discomfort for him. Knowing Elle was scheduled to come and spend three weeks in mid-June, we both hoped and prayed he would hold on just a little bit longer.
Remarkably his symptoms seemed to subside, and Elle was able to spend two and a half weeks with him, both enjoying every moment together. He showed no signs of struggling while she was here. The vet was out the second week to discuss his condition and what we could possibly do to treat him further, or differently, than we currently were. We all knew we didn't have a crystal ball to really see what was going on with his tumors, but Cartier was otherwise healthy, and his attitude was bright as ever. None of us thought he would succumb to his illness less than a week later with Elle at his side. Again, Cartier was the long shot on the odds of Elle being present for his unexpected goodbye. (We have never had an owner present unless it was a planned "no quality of life" decision.)
It was very surreal, the two just had such a wonderful time during their visit. Elle would be traveling back across an ocean with little chance of returning on short notice if needed. I think it was a remarkable gift, that the two of them could spend these last weeks together and Cartier would depart this world in the loving arms of a brave young woman who was willing to go the distance for him. The last couple of days have been ones of remembrance and many Cartier stories between us all on the farm. He will definitely leave a void in our farm family.
See Cartier’s Final Sunset Memorial and others at the link. https://webersretiredhorses.com/the-final-sunset--memorials.html #:~:text=RC%20Frivo%20Cat%C2%A0%20%22Cartier%22%C2%A0%20May%2015%2C%202003%20%2D%20July%209%2C%202025
