When Anna Marek first welcomed Fire Fly into her barn in 2021, she quickly realized that he was different from the other top-level horses she had worked with. Sensitive, intelligent and deeply intuitive, the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Briar Junior—Arieka, OO Seven), bred in the Netherlands by Anton Geessink and owned by Janet Simile, has challenged Marek as much as he has rewarded her.

Together, they’ve built an incredible partnership, helping Team USA secure gold at the 2023 Pan American Games (Chile) and earning individual bronze in the Grand Prix freestyle there.  

“I still get chills thinking about it,” she says.

It was a completely unexpected moment, making it even sweeter. “I went in and had the ride of my life,” she says.

Their success has continued, with “Fred” making the U.S. Olympic short list ahead of Paris 2024. But beyond the show ring, he is a quirky, affectionate horse with a unique personality and a daily routine that looks a little different from most Grand Prix horses.

A Home Life Built For Relaxation

• Unlike most high-performance dressage horses, the gelding doesn’t have a traditional stall routine. He was an anxious horse when he first arrived at Marek’s barn. He now lives outside 24/7, which has helped him feel more relaxed and confident.

He shares his turnout with a gelding named Larry, another one of Marek’s favorites, and within a week of being outside with a buddy, he completely settled down.

“We call Fire Fly ‘Fred,’ so Fred and Larry live together,” she said with a laugh. “They do great.”

• Despite living outside at home, Fred has no trouble transitioning to a traditional stall setup at shows.

“I wondered how he’d adjust at first,” Marek says. “But he’s traveled enough that he just settles right in.”

And while he’s accustomed to a buddy at home, he does well as a solo traveler. When he went to the Pan American Games, he traveled to quarantine completely alone—and handled it perfectly.

Sensitive, Smart And Aware Of Everything

• While Fred has come a long way in managing his nerves, he still has a sharp awareness of his surroundings—both at home and at competitions. He’s well aware when Marek is packing for a show, and it extends to his trailer ride home.

“I swear he recognizes the road before we even pull in,” Marek says.

• He isn’t spooky about objects; he’s more sensitive to rider pressure.

“He’s taught me that if I push at the wrong time, I’ll create a bigger problem,” Marek explains.

Unlike Marek’s other top horse Fayvel, who loves being challenged, Fred needs a more careful approach—one that balances asking for more without overwhelming him.

“If I pressure him too much, he’ll remind me that we need a break,” she says. “He’s made me rethink how I train all of my horses.”

Pre-Show Routine And Superstitions

Marek keeps Fred’s pre-show routine simple and relaxed.

• He gets Sport Innovations therapy blankets before his ride.

• His legs get iced after workouts.

• He gets a long morning hand walk on late competition days to loosen up.

• Marek wears her lucky chicken charm spurs when competing on him.

• “His owner also got him a very sparkly number holder,” she says with a smile.

What’s Next?

• Marek is taking things show by show this year, carefully planning her partner’s schedule to keep him feeling fresh and at his best for future championship opportunities. 

While they had a chance to qualify for this year’s FEI World Cup Final, Marek didn’t make it her main focus, and they ended the qualifying season just one slot outside the top three.

“This year was one of those times where, after the excitement of the Pan Ams, I told his owner, ‘I’ve always had a show in front of my face,’ ” Marek says. “So I decided that this year, yes, there’s World Cup, but I’m only going to go show to show, depending on how he’s doing and if we feel ready.”

• Fred’s steady progression makes him a standout in Marek’s program, and she’s excited to see where the year takes them.

“The crazy thing is, he feels more ready and is going better than he ever has before, so we just are going to keep going,” she says.

• Fred’s legacy extends beyond his show record; he’s transformed Marek as a rider.

“He’s made me more patient, more thoughtful, and a better horsewoman,” she says. “I’m so grateful for everything he’s taught me.”