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2016 Chestnut Gelding • Machine Made × Rhapsody In The Rain
Owned and loved by the Ott family
Some horses collect ribbons. A rare few collect hearts. Hez Rainey Made, the bright-eyed chestnut the Ott family called “Tater,” was the latter—an all-around show horse whose greatest victories were measured in confidence found, lessons learned, and a bond that only grows in the everyday work between a young rider and a willing partner.
Bred to be both beautiful and useful, Tater carried the stamp of his pedigree—by the great Machine Made and out of the accomplished mare Rhapsody In The Rain. He brought that balance into the show pen with a natural way of going and a kind, steady mind: the hallmarks of a true all-around. Whether polishing patterns, floating down the rail, or schooling quietly at home, he was the same horse—honest, expressive, and eager to try.
Most of all, Tater was Eleanor Ott’s teacher and teammate. Together they learned the all-around, ring by ring and stride by stride, growing from green moments to polished performances that made their family proud. He was the one Eleanor trusted to step into new classes, the one who steadied her nerves, and the one who showed her that the best horses don’t just carry us to placings—they carry us to who we’re becoming.
Eleanor’s mother, Allison Pickles-Ott, shared the family’s heart:
“We are all heartbroken. There are no words to describe what this horse meant to our family. Tater made Eleanor the rider she is today. They learned the all-around events together as a team which created a connection like no other. Run free, my boy—we will miss you!”
Gratitude surrounds Tater’s story. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Beckey Schooler, Todd Yoder, Austin Lester, Dakota Rohrs, Paul Harris, and Dr. Cumper for the care, coaching, and kindness they poured into him. Special thanks to Jadine Bruner (Eye Of The Horse Photography) for creating a keepsake that will help Eleanor hold tight to the memories they made.
Tater’s legacy isn’t a single moment on a single day—it’s the long arc of a partnership that taught patience, courage, and joy. He reminded everyone who watched him that the all-around isn’t only a division; it’s a way of being a horse: versatile, generous, and all-in for the people who love you.
Run free, sweet Tater. Thank you for the quiet mornings, the soft ears, the good tries, and the way you lifted a young rider’s dreams onto your back and carried them forward. You are deeply loved, and you will be forever missed.
