Some horses make an impression because of what they accomplish in the arena. Others leave an impression because of who they are when they walk back through the barn aisle. For Katie Nayak (Tucson, Ariz.), her partner is special because he is both.
Technically, Nayak’s horse is named Iniesto, a 2013 Andalusian gelding (Dimarts x Euro V), owned by Pamela Farthing. But that name is rarely used.
“I call him ‘Inigo,’” Nayak explained. “Like ‘Inigo Montoya.’”
The nickname came from the iconic character in The Princess Bride and Inigo’s own unique appearance helped seal the connection. “He has a black tooth, and he has a gap tooth smile, so that’s where that came from,” Nayak said. “My mom was like, ‘Oh, he’s a pirate with his black tooth.’”
The comparison might be funny, but Nayak says the personality connection goes deeper than just a memorable name.
“I think he does have characteristics of Inigo Montoya in that he’s very caring,” she said. “He’ll fight for you. If I were in a life-or-death situation, he would take me with him,” she continued, “If we were in a fire, he’d be like, ‘Get on my back, let’s go.’” But there is one important difference between the fictional swordsman and her horse.
“Inigo Montoya gives me the feeling that since he became the Dread Pirate Roberts, he could be on his own if he needed to,” Nayak said. “But, Inigo is social. He’s a family-oriented horse.”
And that family connection is exactly what makes him so special.
Inigo joined the Nayak family nearly three years ago when Nayak’s mother, Pamela Farthing, purchased him as a Grand Prix schoolmaster. The goal was to have a horse who could help her earn her USDF medals while also being a reliable and enjoyable partner. This year, her mother asked Nayak to take over the ride and bring Inigo up the levels.
“She asked me to bring him up from third level, which is where she’s at, to upper levels so she can learn the fourth level and Prix St. Georges on him this year,” said Nayak.
Nayak had originally planned to compete in Young Riders, but after training with David Wightman in California, participating in the U25 division became an unexpected opportunity.
“He had the idea in February to just try the U25 and see how it goes,” Nayak said. “He said ‘If you have this horse, why not try it? It would be fun.’ A week later we tried the Intermediate I, and it went so well.”
Inigo is the only Andalusian competing at the FEI North American Dressage Youth Championship presented by USDF in Traverse City, Mich., this year, but Nayak’s love for Spanish breeds has been part of her life for nearly a decade.
“I’ve been riding Andalusians since I was 12,” she said. When her family was looking for a horse to help her transition out of ponies, they found that the breed offered exactly what they needed.
“The best horses that we could find to fit our needs were Andalusians,” she explained. “They’re super sweet, have great mentalities, and they’re smooth rides.”
That last quality was especially important because Nayak and her mother shared horses at the time, and Farthing was managing back issues.
“My mom has a couple of herniated discs, so that was great for her to be able to still ride comfortably,” Katie said.
What started as a practical decision became a family passion. Over the years, the Nayaks have built a collection of Spanish horses, including Gaspacho, Mochi, Fabio, Inigo, and Portia.
“It kind of grew into a thing,” Nayak said.
Nayak loves the beauty and presence that come with Spanish breeds, especially their flowing manes and tails, but she says the temperament is what truly keeps her family coming back.
For Inigo, it has allowed him to take on many different roles. Ask Nayak to describe him, and the words come quickly: kind, gentle, smooth, thoughtful, and willing.
“He has no vices really, if you can call anything a ‘vice,’” she said. “He’s a true unicorn.”
That unicorn status is not limited to the show ring. “My mom likes to call him her unicorn because we put everybody on him,” Katie said.
Inigo is the horse trusted with visitors, younger riders, and family members.
“He is the beginner up-down horse for friends that are visiting from out of town,” Nayak explained. “He’s the one for my mom, she gets on him, and he’s so sweet to her.”
But the quality that makes Inigo stand out is his ability to adjust without losing his personality.
“My favorite thing about him is that he can do the Grand Prix one day, and in the afternoon, you can put a 3-year-old on him and he’s totally relaxed,” Katie said. “He’s so kind, but he can have that fire in him if you ask him to. He knows how to tone it up and down.”
That balance of having confidence paired with the ability to step up when needed is what Nayak believes makes him such a remarkable partner.
Inigo’s personality also extends to his impressive appetite. “He’s kind of a vacuum,” Nayak laughed. “When he sees me, he knows I may have a snack for him.”
His list of favorites is extensive. “He recently tried watermelon for the first time, and he ate the entire thing,” she said. “Even the rind.”
He also loves bananas.
“He loves them green. He loves them ripe. He eats the peel.”
Beyond fruit, Inigo enjoys cookies, apples, carrots, and even occasional donuts. Then, there are Skittles. “My mom loves to give him those,” Nayak admitted.
Nayak’s goals for NAYC are simple: enjoy the opportunity, continue building confidence, and put in the best test she can. “This year will be my first year moving up,” she explained. “I decided in a weekend to just try it. I was not expecting to be here at all, so I’ve already achieved my goal.”
From there, everything else is a bonus for the pair.
Inigo may have the look of a classic Spanish horse, but his greatest quality is something far less visible: his heart. He is a horse who has become more than just a competition partner; he has become a treasured part of the Nayak family.
And for a horse who carries the name of a beloved pirate, that might be the most fitting description of all.