2019 FEATURE Photo courtesy of Kellie Rettinger
Chasing Draft Sized Dreams
As a child, it’s almost second nature to be attracted to horses. Their beauty, strength, and allure have reeled people in for thousands of years. For Kellie and Sam Rettinger, owners of Whispery Pines Percherons in Kingsville, Ohio, their love of horses started as early as they can remember. Sam grew up under his grandfather’s wing, driving horses at just three years old, attending plowing matches and shows. His wife, Kellie, grew up showing Quarter Horses in hunt seat, western pleasure, gaming and cutting. Fourteen years ago, their lives intertwined. Sam introduced Kellie to the world of draft horses where they quickly combined all of their experience into a new passion. Kellie began to drive, ride, and show
70
OHIO EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY 2019
their draft horses in saddle seat and western pleasure. The Rettinger’s schedule is filled to the brim with shows, special events, weddings and winter sleigh rides. “Percherons are the do-all draft horse! In my opinion, they are by far the most versatile and beautiful of all breeds. They have
sweet temperaments and a willingness to work. They can go from working a hard day in the field or woods to pulling a fine carriage. They have grace, agility, and stamina,” she explained. “Driving is probably one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Controlling a 2,000 lb. animal is not an
easy task. We have displayed our six-horse hitch for events such as the world renowned Fantasia; these are the same horses we use in the woods for our logging business, Whispery Pines Logging.” Kellie is passionate about sharing the many abilities Percherons have. Sam and Kellie are proud to have been the first ever drafthorse related clinicians to be at Equine Affaire, and the first hitch to perform at Road to the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky. Kellie regularly performs as the Headless Horseman and Wonder Woman, demonstrates Roman riding, as well as the ageold tradition of side-saddle. Two of their horses reside at the Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia, as part of the caisson horses used to honor and