United States Eventing Association

The USEA is made up of over 12,000 members, each with their own special horses and experiences. Now on Course is a new article series highlighting the many unique stories of our membership. Do you and your horse have a tale to tell? Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Submit your ideas to Shelby at [email protected].

Three years ago Area IV rider Jessica Gradillas purchased her current partner Sam Adams, a 17 hand grey warmblood with a sweet eye, from Andrea Baxter of Twin Rivers Ranch. The now 8-year-old, ‘Loki,’ didn’t exactly sweep Gradillas off her feet with his affections. She described her first experience with the gelding in the crossties as nearly-disastrous as Loki moved around so much she couldn’t get any boots on him. “In the crossties he’s super sensitive and reacts to everything,” explained Gradillas. “He can be grumpy and pin his ears, but the second I turn away from him he perks his ears and tries to reach out and snuggle.” Despite antics during tacking, Loki proves his worth in the arena. “He’s best under saddle. I never thought he would be this scopey and capable of a horse,” Gradillas beamed.

Loki's first day with Gradillas in 2013. Photo Courtesy of Jessica Gradillas.

Spring of 2015 looked very positive for Gradillas and Loki. After a confident last run at Training level, Gradillas marked her calendar for a move up to Preliminary in April. On the way to cross-country school only weeks before, the unthinkable happened when the pair was involved in a trailer accident. In what could only be described as a freak chance of events, Gradillas’ bumper pull trailer hit something on the highway causing it to lose balance and fishtail behind her vehicle. Despite remaining calm as she tried to slowly decelerate, Gradillas’ truck and trailer flipped.

“My truck did a complete rotation, ending upright. My friend and I were fine, so we immediately got out of the truck to check on the horses,” Gradillas recalled. “The horses were lying completely still. They weren’t thrashing or anything. It was like the horses knew they needed to stay calm so [they] wouldn’t hurt [themselves]” Gradillas learned both horses were in shock which was probably a significant reason for the minimal physical consequences they experienced from this wreck. With the trailer on its side, Gradillas opened a side door to inspect the state of the horses. Loki was on top, and Gradillas was able to pet and comfort him as they waited for help to arrive.

Thankfully everyone walked away from this accident. Jessica Gradillas Photo.

“[Emergency Responders] were taking a really long time, and we knew we needed to stop traffic in order to get the horses out safely,” said Gradillas. “The semi-truck behind used his rig to block the entire highway for us so we could unload the horses. He was incredible. His name was Jim Rowan. He was a lifesaver.” Once the road was safely blocked, Gradillas, her friend, her trainer and other passengers began the efforts to get the horses out. Thankfully, the process went quickly and everyone breathed a sigh of relief when both horses were freed. “Somehow they didn’t break any bones. They walked away on all four legs sound.” Not only were both horses alive, they sustained only minor injuries. Loki required stitches across the front of his head as well as stiches with a drainage tube in his chest, but nothing life threatening, and the other horse had only bruising.

Emerging with only scratches was nothing shy of a miracle, and once Loki was cleared neurologically by the vet, Gradillas focused on his rehabilitation. She arranged for Loki to have chiropractic and RevitaVet Laser therapy in the weeks after the accident which she explained were majorly responsible for his quick recovery. Gradillas reports that Loki never showed a single off step, and he was eager to get back to work. “I was back in the saddle within three weeks – just walking.” Gradillas reflected. She took time off work during Loki’s rehab process and watched him carefully, along with her trainer and veterinarian, for any hesitant signs in his progress. After about two months the pair was back on track for competition, and after one more run at Training level, the pair made the move up to Preliminary in August and completed their first CIC* together in October.

Gradillas and Loki tackle their first Preliminary Event together. Photo Courtesy of Jessica Gradillas.

The accident strengthened the bond between Gradillas and Loki, and she decided to learn more about Loki’s life before her. As a 3-year-old Loki was on track to be shipped to Canada for slaughter when a rescue organization, called Valley View Equine Rescue, saved him with less than a day to spare. After his rescue, Loki proved again he was a survivor after a small, but serious, barn fire on the property. “Poor horse, He’s had a crazy life from slaughter house to barn fire to trailer accident to one-star,” Gradillas reflected. "It's amazing to see how far he's come." After dodging so many curveballs, Loki refuses to falter and always tries his heart out for Gradillas.

Nearly a year after the accident, the pair is slated for another CIC* and hopefully the CCI* at Rebecca Farm this summer. Gradillas said, “my long-term goal is to progress up the levels as far as Loki and I are safely able. Wherever he wants to go I’ll take him there!”

The only evidence from the accident is in Loki’s scars. “He’s got a scar over his eye and on his chest. He’s my little franken-horse,” Gradillas smiled.

Loki flaunts his new "beauty marks" three weeks after (top) and Loki gets braided for his Preliminary debut with much less scarring (bottom). Photos Courtesy of Gradillas.

You can follow along with Loki's adventures and successes by liking his Facebook Page.