Strolling Thru The Ritz passed away August 30, 2025. It seemed very fitting for him to pass on the last night of the 2025 Celebration. Foaled on May 16, 2001, the 24-Year-Old Stallion held a place very dear to many hearts.

Sired by He’s Puttin’ On The Ritz and out of Stride’s Secret Love, Strolling Thru The Ritz was bred by Wayne Folkes and John Collins of Dothan, Alabama. Strolling Thru The Ritz got his start at Latham Stables in Joppa, Alabama.

As a two-year-old, the young stallion caught the eye of owner Don Bridges who moved the talented colt to Carl Edwards and Sons Stables. This talented pony entered the ring at the King Cotton Charity taking first place honors at his debut show with trainer Larry Edwards aboard. Edwards went on to capture top honors at the 2004 TWHBEA National Futurity winning the Three-Year-Old Stallions class. The talented 15.2 & Under Stallion entered the ring a total of 89 times capturing 40 blues and 13 reserve honors.

In 2009, Strolling Thru The Ritz caught the eye of the Jimmy Reece family and a new team was formed with Brian Reece taking over the reins under the direction of trainer Brandon Stout. Together the duo made a mark in the Amateur Canter division capturing top honors at the FAST Showcase, Belfast Lions Club, Spring Fun Show, PC Splash Classic and Walking For The Angels shows, just to name a few. The highlight of his career came in 2010 as the team captured a reserve world Championship title in the O/A Stallions Canter. This would be followed by a World Grand Championship victory in the O/A Canter. In 2011 they returned to the big oval to capture a reserve World Grand Championship title and did it again in 2013. Later in life Strolling Thru The Ritz was trained by Chad Way who successful continued showing and winning for the Reece family. Following the 2017 show season, Strolling Thru The Ritz was retired to enjoy life in the pasture.

Fifteen years after Strolling Thru The Ritz won a World Grand Championship he passed from this life. A special thanks to Brandon Stout, Chad Way and others who helped make his show career such a success. He was a once in a lifetime horse that will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.