By Emily Fewster
The late-morning sunshine bathed the barn in happiness and a peaceful glow. As I walked through the side door, I took in the soft sounds of happy horses. As I crossed the walkway between flourishing vegetable gardens, I met an old friend.
Rigoberto is a quiet man who has worked with horses for more than 30 years. He grew up on a farm with horses and helped with the farm’s agricultural needs. Being around them sparked a younger Rigoberto’s interest and helped him find his passion for caring for, riding, and training horses.
He was the second-oldest among five siblings.
“I went to school all the way through secondary school,” he said. “But my mind was always on the horses.” Of his five siblings, three went on to work in the horse-racing industry.
Rigoberto has groomed horses in many states, and now he’s in Maryland. “I have worked in this barn for about ten years with Phillip Capuano,” he said, smiling. “I like it here. I like the horses.”
As I took in the atmosphere of his shed row, I found it clean, tidy, and calm. I asked Rigoberto about his favorite horse. Without hesitation, he replied, “All of them are my favorite.”
He looked at his row of stalls and said slowly, “From the past, Sleepy Potion. He was very pretty, a chestnut. He was a decent racehorse. I really liked how relaxed he was and how easy he was to work with. I have worked with lots and lots of horses. I remember most of them.”
I had to ask about his quiet and relaxed demeanor.
“Did you ever want to do other things with the horses? Train or ride?”
“I’m very happy grooming the horses,” he replied. “That’s what I wanted to do. I’m very content. When I’m not working, I like to garden, do some farm work, and spend time with my family.”
Many days, you can find Rigoberto working in and around the barn. It’s the consistency and patience he exudes that have kept him on good horses and in good barns. His enjoyment of the horses and his help for the younger generations coming up are things the industry can never appreciate enough.
About the Author:
As a jockey, Emily Fewster rode winners at Colonial Downs, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, Laurel Park, Meadowlands, Pimlico, Timonium, and Yavapai Downs. She actively supports Thoroughbred Aftercare and OTTB promotion. She now works as an equine appraiser, an exercise rider at Laurel Park, and contributes to TMJC broadcasts as a handicapper and paddock analyst.