GILFORD — Scott Ellis shared a special relationship with his granddaughter, Sydnie Quimby. She got him into horseback riding, and his knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism helped her to focus in school. They would compete in equestrian events — she in the beginner class, he in the seniors — and the long rides to and from competitions gave them a chance to have deep conversations.
He figured the memories of those times together would give her something to remember about her grandfather.
“And now I’m the one that’s still here, and she’s gone,” Ellis said Thursday, getting ready to mow grass at Lakes Region Riding Academy, where he and Sydnie both fell in love with horseback riding.
Sydnie died on Jan. 16, 2023, as the result of a skiing accident at Gunstock Mountain Resort. She was 15.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, Sydnie’s memory will be honored with Be a Syd Farm Day at Lakes Region Riding Academy. The event will be the first fundraiser for Be a Syd Project, a nonprofit organization created by Sydnie’s family with the mission of “creating safe spaces for horses and humans to experience kindness, hope and healing.”
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day includes a cookout, a “fun field” with attractions for those under 6 years old, and demonstrations of horseback styles, barrel racing and pole bending, and cowboy mounted shooting.
For more information about the event, visit facebook.com/61565933852552.
The event’s location is one Ellis will always associate with his granddaughter. When they would turn off of Young Road and into the driveway, their concerns from the world would be left behind. By the time they reached the barn, he said, their minds were focused on connecting with their horses.
“She loved it, she loved being with the horses, everything about it,” Ellis said.
Sydnie was the first member of the family to become interested in horseback riding. Her enthusiasm was catching. “Before you knew it, we had three horses,” and were trailering them across the region.
Ellis said he was careful to treasure his time with Sydnie, figuring as she grew older, she would lose interest in her grandfather. Instead, they grew closer.
“We were inseparable,” he said.
“She was just a good kid, a great kid, great attitude. And we were both practicing Buddhists, so we had that together as well,” Ellis said. “She was like a sponge for learning.”
(1) comment
Beautiful memories 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️
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