Cabrini Black, fondly known as “Black,” is a 25 -year-old Mecklenbburg gelding. He is by Caprilli and his grandsire is the famous Cor de la Breyere.

Black and Karissa first met when he came off the trailer, “breathing fire” as a sassy 6-year-old. Henri Lespinasse and Sheila Kaufman imported Black for Karissa, and she says she remembers Henri handing over the lead to her and saying, “This one’s yours.”

Karissa and Black have been together ever since, competing in the 1.20 meter jumpers at the height of their careers. These days, Black is enjoying the retired life.

“He can act like the most fire-breathing dragon you’ve ever met, but he’s a softie at heart,” Karissa tells us.

Karissa runs Katalyst Sporthorses, where she she offers training, sales, and boarding in Fair Grove, Missouri. Karissa trained dressage and has shown successfully on the jumper circuit during her three decades with horses. She credits Black with a lot of her early foundational skills in the saddle–and special moments out of the saddle.

“Every strength and skill of my seat and hands I owe to this horse. He taught me to be a strong effective rider, to be brave and to problem solve,” she said. “My favorite memories with Black are the quiet times. He’s been a part of some much of my life. I’ve spent many an hour sitting in his stall, pondering the future, crying over boys or just clearing my head. He always stood close ready to listen, occasionally running his teeth down my arm in his own little love nip.”

Another important takeaway from her time with Black: the importance of her own physical fitness, especially cardio and weight training. “That was the only way I was able to train daily and show a horse this powerful and strong,” Karissa said.