Remembering Fortunateson
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124 – November/December, 2025
By Susan Winslow
Many in the industry are mourning the loss of a very special stallion whose impressive show record and ability to produce exceptional babies are remembered by those who loved him. But Fortunateson was much more than that, and his loss this past August has been felt throughout the Quarter Horse community.
A favorite at shows for his easy-going, “I’ve got this” demeanor and gentlemanly presence, people would actually greet him on the showgrounds as if running into an old friend. Patty Vatterott, owner of world-class Sea Ridge Farms in Wellington, Florida, whose daughter, Cecilia, showed him successfully in All-Around recalls, “He was so special that he was like a member of the family. We’d be walking from the stabling area to the show pen, and we’d hear, ‘Hey, Son!’ over and over again. People just loved him.”
The partnership between Fortunateson and Cecilia was deep; and together, they amassed a wide range of titles and accomplishments, but it was the relationship she developed with the talented stallion that left her completely bereft at his loss. She wrote a moving tribute to her special partner, stating in part, “He gave all of his effort, his kindness, his patience every day. How dare I consider giving less? I wouldn’t. He made me feel proud and joyful to work hard. Showed me the reward was the hard work. Taught me to trust myself, my training, my process. He gave me the courage to try things a new way–then see if we like it more or less. Every other horse that I developed came from my work with Son. We could work on our training together, and believe me, he let me know when something was a bad idea! He also showed me what worked well. Riding and showing Fortunateson was the greatest privilege of my life.”
Her sentiments about this extraordinary horse were echoed throughout the Quarter Horse community when the news of his passing became known. Following colic surgery, Fortunateson experienced complications during recovery and was humanely euthanized.
Click here to read the complete article
124 – November/December, 2025
