08/03/2026
๐๐ค **Celebrating Our Retiring 10-Year 4-H Saddle Club Member โ Cady Fisher** ๐ค๐
Today we celebrate **Cady Fisher** as she takes her final ride as a 10-year member of the Elkhart County 4-H Saddle Club. Over the past decade, Cady has grown from a young rider learning alongside her very first pony into a confident horsewoman whose journey has been built on patience, perseverance, and gratitude.
Cady's 4-H adventure began with her pony, **Zeke**, affectionately known as **"Little Man."** Together, they learned everything side by side. Whether it was finally picking up the flag in the contesting arena or simply mastering a smooth canter, every accomplishment was earned together.
Looking back, Cady realized that Zeke wasn't just teaching her how to rideโhe was teaching her how to work through challenges, stay patient, and never give up.
Then came **Ace**, a horse full of energy who certainly kept Cady on her toes. As a young rider, Ace could be intimidating, but over time their partnership grew stronger. After recovering from a soft tissue injury, Ace returned to the arena as a calmer, more confident horse, and together they discovered that some of life's greatest lessons don't come from winning.
Cady shared one of the biggest lessons Ace taught her:
*"Never take a ride for granted. Sometimes it's not about running the fastest pattern or bringing home the biggest ribbon. Sometimes it's about appreciating the quiet moments and simply being grateful that you get to ride at all."*
Her final partner, **Bailey**, challenged her in entirely different ways. Bailey taught Cady responsibility, perseverance, confidence, and that every horse has its own personality and agenda. Those challenges helped shape Cady into not only a better rider, but a better person.
Throughout her speech, Cady expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people who supported her every step of the way.
She thanked her grandmother for introducing her to 4-H and encouraging her through every opportunity, even while courageously battling cancer. She thanked Grandpa Ed for always providing the camper during fair week, her mom for every early morning coffee run, every late night, and always knowing where everything was, and Grandpa Bricker for filling every fair week with laughter.
Cady also thanked Stephanie and Shelby Green for being the best trailer buddies anyone could ask for, Baylee Niles and Liv Black for always cheering her on and creating unforgettable memories, and all of her family, friends, and Saddle Club members who celebrated every victory and lifted her up after every setback.
As Cady reflected on her journey, she shared a message that perfectly captures the spirit of 4-H:
*"These horses have given me so much more than ribbons and trophies. They've taught me patience, resilience, responsibility, gratitude, and confidence. They shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I'll always be thankful."*
Cady's 10 years in the Saddle Club have been filled with friendships, laughter, challenges, unforgettable horses, and memories that will last a lifetime. While this chapter may be coming to an end, the lessons she's learned and the impact she's made will remain part of the Saddle Club family for years to come.
๐ **Congratulations, Cady, on an incredible 10-year journey! Thank you for being such a wonderful member of the Elkhart County 4-H Saddle Club. We wish you nothing but success in all that lies ahead. Once a 4-H'er, always a 4-H'er!** ๐ด๐