Karma is Real: The Inspiring story of So Riveting

In the sprawling expanse of Dream Quarter Horses, the resident stallion stands out not just for his impressive pedigree, but for the depth of his character and the legacy he leaves in his wake. Meet So Riveting, affectionately known as "Karma" to those who know him best, and most importantly to his devoted owner, Teresa Porter.

For Porter, Karma isn't just a stallion—he's a cherished companion whose gentle nature and unwavering loyalty have left an indelible mark on her heart. "His heart and love of everything, along with his deep bond with me, make him truly special," she shares. "He follows me to the end of his pasture, watches over me when I ride other horses, and adores the company of animals like my dog Magnolia and mini Highland bull, Hamilton. He's especially gentle with children, embodying the essence of a true gentleman."

Yet, Karma's allure extends beyond his endearing personality; it's reflected in the traits he consistently passes on to his offspring. "His incredible extension in his legs, petite Arab-like head, and forward-moving stride are unmistakable hallmarks of his lineage," explains Porter. "Despite his age and a past injury, he still embodies grace and power in every movement."

However, Karma's legacy isn't just about physical attributes—it's about the intangible qualities that set him apart. "He is sensitive and does not respond well to a heavy hand or leg," reflects Porter. "But for those who approach him with kindness, he'll do anything. I've seen his foals inherit this sensitivity, as well as his drive and elegance."

As Porter navigates the intricacies of breeding and stewardship, she remains steadfast in her commitment to preserving Karma's legacy.

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Where it all began.

"I purchased So Riveting about 14 years ago," reminisces Porter. "I absolutely loved 'Karma' from the moment I laid eyes on him."

Reflecting on the early days of their partnership, Porter vividly recalls the excitement and uncertainty surrounding her decision to acquire the stallion. Despite warnings from others about the challenges of owning a stallion, Porter couldn't shake the feeling that Karma was meant to be hers. After speaking with his owner at the time, Amy Brosch, the two made plans for Teresa to try her dream horse out at a show in Tampa, and the rest, as they say – is history.

"He was a dream to ride," Porter recalls fondly. "I felt like the luckiest person in the world when I bought him. Every single day I consider it to be the best decision I ever made."

So Riveting's journey began long before he entered Porter's life. Born out of the mare "And Rightly So", who was a full sister to Skys Blue Boy, and produced by Rene Hughes' breeding program. Undoubtedly, Karma's early years were marked by promise and potential.

"His show career was mostly prior to my ownership," explains Porter. "He won at the Southern Belle in Longe Line as a yearling and was campaigned by his prior owner, Amy Brosch, in hunter under saddle and over fences."

Despite facing setbacks, including an injury sustained in his stall at the Congress, So Riveting's gentle nature and undeniable talent captures the hearts of all who know him.

Because of his age, there are scant videos capturing his early show days before Porter's ownership. Many ask for video of his movement, and though she has none, she notes that while his current movements may not fully echo his past brilliance due to an injury, his exceptional extension persists, albeit with a slight imbalance in the backend. Porter marvels at the beauty of So Riveting's foals, observing that they often inherit their sire's graceful trot. "His foals tend to be kind and loving, like him," says Porter. "Most have his beautiful trot and petite head." Notably, it can be seen in his well-known son, The Mile High Club, and through the generation he himself is siring.

So Riveting's physical traits are exceptional as well – featuring his higher wither and forward movement propelled by robust hindquarters. Despite the demands of disciplines like hunter under saddle and the over fences, So Riveting offers riders a remarkably smooth ride at extended trots.

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Fighting melanoma.

So Riveting's journey has not been without challenges. In recent years, he has faced a life-threatening diagnosis of melanoma, a common affliction among grey horses.

His first melanoma was discovered only a year after Porter had purchased him. That small melanoma was removed but would return in time. Later, when he was closer to 19-20 years old, his melanoma would start to multiply and become more severe. “In the last couple of years, I could see the grape-cluster looking melanomas multiplying under his tail and around his anal area. It was scary. I consulted a few different vets and people who said not much could be done. It was hard for me to do nothing for this stallion who had given me so much over the years.”

Though terrifying, Porter remained steadfast in knowing that her stallion was healthy and otherwise happy. Until one fateful summer day that she would discover Karma unable to pass his stool. “I was sick knowing what that meant. In panic-mode, I reached out on Facebook about it. Great friends shared with me that there could be a surgical procedure done to help him,” recalls Porter. Having received contacts for people at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (VMBS) Large Animal Teaching Hospital (LATH), she reached out and the team there was able to take Karma in as soon as she could get him there. The surgery was scheduled and done quickly on July 26, 2023.

Upon arrival at the LATH, Karma underwent a complex surgical procedure to remove the malignant mass, which had grown to a tennis ball-sized obstruction in his rectum. Dr. Dustin Major, a clinical assistant professor of large animal surgery, led the team in this critical intervention.

"Karma had one of the two worst cases of melanoma I’ve seen in my career," Major states. "We began cutting the lesion out of the skin beside his anus and then continued removing the main mass as it stretched to his rectum."

Following surgery, Karma received chemotherapy injections and additional treatments to address remaining melanomas. Porter's emotional reunion with her beloved stallion after his extended stay at the hospital marked a hopeful turning point in their journey together.

"Knowing that he could come home and hopefully live as long as possible meant a lot to me," Porter expressed. “I would and will continue to do anything possible for this horse, for as long as he will stay on this earth.”

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The future for Teresa & Karma.

As she looks to the future, Porter's aspirations for So Riveting's breeding career are rooted in a deep appreciation for his lineage, temperament, and legacy. Though she has suffered great blows in this department as well – having his frozen semen ruined by two different facilities over the years. Porter considers herself lucky in that So Riveting, even in his older years, has terrific semen quality.

"Just to offer what I can of his frozen semen to those who treasure the great bloodlines he carries," she reflects. "I would love to bring back more extension and forward movement in Hunter Under Saddle horses."

Through triumphs and tribulations, So Riveting's story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connection that transcends mere victories and trophies—a connection rooted in love, trust, and unwavering devotion. Through his journey, Karma continues to inspire, leaving an indelible imprint on all who have the privilege of knowing him.

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Want to learn more about So Riveting? Reach out to Teresa Porter directly, or shoot us a quick note to our email at hi@stallioncompare.com.

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References

1. Myers, M. (2024, January 10). Good Karma: Aggie Veterinarians Save Horse from Life-Threatening Melanoma [News article]. Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. (https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/press-releases/karma/)

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