Frederick Herrick

Frederick Randall Herrick passed away on February 14, 2013 at Harding Nursing Home in Waterville. He was born on February 5, 1931 in Keene, New Hampshire, the son of Maverette and Louis Herrick. After attending Brattleboro High School he graduated from the University of New Hampshire’s Thompson School of Agriculture.
His lifelong love was horses, which he worked with from his early teens. His life was spent perfecting his craft as a horseman, and although his career was mainly centered around Morgan Horses he was known to work with many breeds including Arabians, Saddlebreds, and another favorite, Standardbreds.
On October 23, 1955 in Piermont, New Hampshire, he married Jeanne Mellin, his wife of over 55 years. Together they have devoted themselves to the Morgan Horse through breeding, showing and promotion. Although there were a handful of farms were Fred worked over the years, he was most associated with Saddleback Farm in Hamilton NY. Over the years he won numerous awards such as AMHA’s Man of the Year, Breeders Hall of Fame, Golden Reins and UPHA’s Trainer Hall of Fame.
Fred was well respected and known for always being a gentleman. He loved to go to breakfast each morning at any one of several local restaurants and was always happy to share stories with those around him.
In 1989 he was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although it took a toll on his physical abilities, he never gave in to the disease. He retired from horse training in 1996, but continued to raise and show his cherished Sebright chickens. This was another passion he had from early childhood and in 2010 he was honored as a “Master Showman” by the American Poultry Association.
Fred is survived by his wife Jeanne Mellin Herrick; his daughter, Nancy Jeanne Herrick; and his beloved granddaughter, Victoria Lee Weaver, both of Cedar Lake, NY.
Friends are invited to call at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton on Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 1-3pm.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Resources of CNY, PO Box 237, E. Syracuse NY 13057; or to the American Morgan Horse Institute, 6120 Cedar Creek Lane, Lexington, KY 40515