02/17/2026
Many years ago I set out to find a new addition to my lesson program. I found the perfect candidate in Virginia. I was so sure he was my perfect choice, when I went to try him I even brought my trailer with me. My aunt and uncle lived in the same area of VA so I stayed with them before heading out to try this horse. They asked the address of where I needed to go and we all realized that the horse was ( no kidding ) at their next store neighbors farm. It's such a small world!! As expected, Luke was exactly what I wanted in a horse. He was cute, personable, he was a really cute mover and had the best brain !! I purchased him on the spot and he moved to Hunter Ridge. I named him Infatuation, because i was very infatuated with him.
Luke was always the first to greet you in the field, and was a cookie connoisseur. I will never forget the time I had a horse communicator talk to him and she started laughing. I asked her what she was laughing at and she said he got very indignant that she didn't say hello. That was his personality to a tee, he was a greeter and he loved everyone that he met.
He was also big kisser, you had to be careful sometimes his kisses very overly enthusiastic and you could get bonked in the face.
He had been with us for over 11 years and he was always a perfect boy. He racked up countless Championships over the years and taught many riders along the way. In the past couple years, I could tell he no longer enjoyed the lesson horse lifestyle, so I casually started looking for a fantastic situation for him. One of my clients decided she was ready to purchase and I suggested that she give him a try. She just wanted to do some pleasure classes and some crossrails, this was his dream gig !! It was a bonus that he got to stay at our farm. They were a perfect match and he lived his last year being doted on and fussed over by his new mom.
Unfortunately we unexpectedly had to say goodbye to this kind and lovable boy today. He will forever be in our hearts and he will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his owner Sue Shambaugh and to his longtime leaser Stephanie Dobrozsi. I know you both dearly loved him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you to Chesapeake Equine Performance LLC for your amazing support yesterday.
PC Equus Images Photography
