10/01/2026
The Horse of the Month of October is the oh so handsome, Rio!! When asked about Rio, his owner, Francesca Russolillo replied,
“Rio has been part of my life for 24 years. I was 13 when I got him and he was only 3, so we really grew up together. When my trainer first found him, he was standing in a paddock identified only by the number 4, which happens to be my mom’s and my lucky number. When they took his friends out of the paddock, Rio jumped the fence to get back to them. My trainer looked at my mom and said, “That’s your horse.” And she was right. ❤️
We spent many years together doing dressage, and some of my favorite memories are waking up early with my mom on show mornings, getting to the barn, braiding and grooming Rio, and getting him ready for the day. He always looked so beautiful, and he loved to show off. He was always coming home with a ribbon! Those days with Rio and my mom are memories I’ll always treasure.
Rio has been loved by so many people throughout his life. Now, at 27, he’s retired and still happiest exactly where he was when we first found him… outside in the field with his friends, living his best life. 💙”
What’s Rio’s absolute favorite thing?
Treats and being brushed
If Rio could text you, what’s something he’d say or ask for?
“Did you bring Nickerdoodles?”
Is Rio a boss or a follower?
The boss. 100%
If Rio had a theme song, what would it be?
Eye of the tiger
Rio, who lives in the first paddock as you enter the farm, is always a warn, welcoming site to see to all who come to Thunder Road Stables. We are so blessed to have him as part of the herd! 💕