When In Rome: A Love Story Between a Woman and Her Chestnut Thoroughbred
- Bethany Quinn
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
A Dream Fulfilled: Bringing Romeo Home
In 2020, Jessica fulfilled a lifelong dream — she brought her horse home. After years of boarding, scheduling, and rushing between work and barn time, she finally had her own little slice of heaven where her horses could live just outside her door. Romeo, her 26-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred, has been by her side since 2006, and there was no question he’d be the first to come home when her farm was ready.
How Jessica Met Romeo
She found Romeo — then called Two Socks — on DreamHorse.com in 2006. He was fresh off the track, only 30 days into his post-racing life, and had just finished a 4-H season. The seller told her he was embarrassed by how thin Romeo had gotten, saying, “I’m just used to easy-keeping Quarter Horses.”
“When I went to see him, my heart ached. I could see every rib, but there was kindness in his eyes — a calm, wise peace that told me he was special. I almost didn’t ride him that day, but something told me I had to. Despite his condition, he moved with grace and willingness, even popping over a makeshift crossrail like it was no big deal.”
She paid half in cash that day, signed the papers, and promised to return in two weeks to bring him home. He’s been hers ever since.
A Connection That Words Can’t Describe
Jessica continues, “Romeo and I have shared nearly two decades of memories — from winning ribbons at local hunter-jumper shows to quiet mornings filled with soft nickers and the sound of hooves on dewy grass. He’s the kind of horse that teaches you without ever needing to raise his voice.
He spoiled me, truly. His willingness, his intelligence, his humor — all of it set the bar impossibly high for every horse after him. He’s my heart horse, and I’ll never have another quite like him.”
The Day Romeo Asked to Ride Again ❤️
Romeo has been retired for several years now. Despite countless vet visits, Jessica never did find the reason why riding became uncomfortable for him. So she stopped. Their bond didn’t fade — it simply changed. She brushed him, hand-grazed him, learned massage techniques, and spent quiet evenings just being together.
Then came a moment she’ll never forget — March of 2022.
Jessica continues, “I was massaging him, as usual, and after one step he walked over to the mounting block and picked up my boot. Then my helmet. Then the fleece helmet cover. He dropped them, picked up the helmet again, and held it out to me as if to say, “Here, Mom, you’ll need this.”
I cried.
I couldn’t bring myself to ride him without padding, so I grabbed a bareback pad. He stood calmly, eyes soft, breathing slow. I placed the pad on, fastened the girth, and climbed onto the mounting block. He didn’t move away.
I laid across his back to test his reaction. He turned his head toward me as if saying, “Come on already.”
So I swung a leg over. We stood there for minutes — just breathing. He sighed, his head dropped, and it was as though time stopped. He didn’t want to walk or work. He just wanted a ride. One more connection like the old days.
It was the gentlest reminder of everything we’d shared.”
Romeo’s Personality: The Gentleman Goofball
Romeo is the ultimate “gentle alpha.” He leads with quiet confidence, never needing to prove himself. He’s a lifelong cribber (though now he uses his chin since he’s missing top incisors), loves zippers, Velcro, and anything he can grab with his mouth.
He also has a special scar on his eyelid — a memento from a close call years ago — that gives him a distinctive expression. And while he’s picky about his treats (carrots only, please), he makes up for it with his big, cuddly personality.
From Show Ring to Sanctuary
In his prime, Romeo was always in the ribbons — smooth over fences, honest, and willing. He made 4’ fences look effortless and could just as easily carry a beginner safely through their first course. He even helped one young rider learn to manage her anxiety.
These days, he spends his time enjoying retirement at home — grazing, napping in the sun, and playing with his pasture buddies. Every day with him is a gift, a reminder of the bond that brought Jessica into horses in the first place.
A Lifetime with Horses
Like many of us “horse girls,” Jessica’s obsession started early. “I began lessons at twelve, worked at barns in exchange for riding time, and eventually earned my first horse-and-car combo when I got my driver’s license. Horses have always been my peace, my therapy, and — let’s be honest — my best excuse for skipping social events.
Now, with three horses at home, my days revolve around feed schedules, turnout rotations, and muddy boots. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Why Romeo Will Always Be My Heart Horse
“Romeo isn’t just a horse — he’s a chapter of my life that defines who I am. He’s been there through milestones, heartbreaks, and quiet, soul-healing moments. He’s taught me patience, compassion, and to listen when words aren’t needed. He set the standard for what true partnership feels like — and for that, I’ll forever be grateful.”
Hi, I’m Bethany — a women + equine fine art photographer based in Indianapolis. Since 2013, I’ve been capturing the wild, wonderful, and perfectly imperfect magic between women and their horses. I believe in celebrating the real — the laugh lines, the scars, the stories — because that’s where beauty truly lives. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me at the barn, out hiking, or cozied up with a spooky show and way too much popcorn.
Comments