SEP Member of the Month

“Erica Bania and Classy Fritz“
by Anne Chunko

Classy Fritz was a decent racehorse who made his 134 starts in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

He bred by Loren and Sherri Coate of Erie, Ill. The gelded son of Kid Class began his career at age 2. He earned $38,308 over 13 years and getting 25 wins. He took his lifetime mark of p,1:58.2 at age 5 at Fairmount Park. He made his last start at the fair in Amherst, Wis., in July 2002, finishing fourth out of four.

Classy Fritz and Erica Bania

About a year after his last race, Erica Bania spotted him on a farm during a trail ride near her home in Minnesota. Bania, a high school student active in Pony Club, was looking for a horse to match her six-foot height.

Bania and her riding coach, who was riding with her that day, stopped and looked at the horse. The bay with four white socks and a blaze had the size and the right temperament to suit Bania. After taking a look at him, Bania thought it over for a couple of months and decided to buy him.

“He was so sweet,” Bania said. “I thank God everyday that he’s mine.”

Though Classy Fritz, nicknamed as “Baylee,” had never carried a rider, Bania said he was immediately receptive to a rider. Even on his first ride, he was calm and willing, Bania explained. Though he still has a lot to learn, Bania said, “He does well and tries his hardest.”

The pair is taking lessons to better train the pacer to his new job as a mount for show and trail. His under saddle training focuses on the sports of dressage and jumping, which are traditional in Pony Club. In addition, Bania uses the Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship techniques to establish respect and reinforce the bond between her and the handsome Standardbred.

“I am so happy we entered each other’s lives,” Bania said. “I enjoy every moment I’m with him.”