CJ Wilson’s Week in South Korea Teaching Thoroughbred Aftercare
This August, CJ Wilson was invited to South Korea to share her expertise in Thoroughbred aftercare. As the founder and lead trainer of Win Place Home, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization, she draws on years of experience working with retired racehorses. In this blog, CJ recounts her daily experiences, from classroom lectures to hands-on training, and the connections she made along the way.
“A Beauty with a Clue”: A Tale of Two Thoroughbreds
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post “A Beauty with a Clue”: A Tale of Two Thoroughbreds “A Beauty with a Clue”: A Tale of Two Thoroughbreds By: Alexis Arbaugh August 26, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding “Me On Clue” Photo provided by Tracy Yates After Tracy Yates’ middle-aged Quarter Horse was diagnosed with a hoof disease, her veterinarian suggested she explore the Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART) program in search of a sound riding horse. That advice led her to Including All—now affectionately known as “Clue.” Tracy was matched with Clue through the guidance of Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds’ Program Director, Robin Sprafka. Clue had three screws in one of his knees and could not jump or perform strenuous riding activities. “For casual trail and road riding, though, he would be fine, and that is exactly what this middle-aged adopter was looking for,” Tracy shared. Including All is a 2015 bay Thoroughbred gelding with two starts and nearly $3,000 in career earnings. Clue’s easy-going personality made retraining a breeze, and he quickly became Tracy’s go-to horse “when I am mentally fatigued and just want to relax and ride an unflappable horse.” Clue seemed highly intelligent, finding the various locations they rode to be quite interesting, and thus, he thoroughly enjoyed their time together. “His steady-Eddy nature was perfect for encounters with bicycles, dogs, people of all ages, other horses, and more, all of which are common on trail rides,” Tracy said. “Me On Beauty” Photo provided by Tracy Yates A couple of years later, Tracy adopted Beautiful Bridge, now known as “Beauty.” She is a 2014 bay Thoroughbred mare with only two starts before her retirement. Beauty’s personality was quite the opposite of Clue’s. Described as “feisty and opinionated” by the Horse and Hound trainer, Tracy’s husband laughed and said, “Oh, she and my wife will get along great, then!” Tracy couldn’t resist adopting Beauty, admitting she was “attracted to the challenge of her personality and had a gut feeling about her,” she recalled. Beauty’s retraining took longer, as she had to learn to walk flat-footed instead of constantly jigging. Their first trail ride was a true test of patience, turning a one-hour ride into a four-hour adventure filled with bridges, bicycles, fishermen with smelly buckets, motorbikes, and more. But that ride became a turning point: “She apparently decided that I was ‘lead mare’ after that, settled down, and now looks to me for guidance and reassurance in most things.” Now, Beauty is Tracy’s first choice when she wants to feel fully engaged and connected with the horse and surroundings, while Clue remains her steady, relaxing ride. She has truly enjoyed her two Thoroughbreds and has no regrets about stepping outside her Quarter Horse comfort zone. As Tracy likes to say, “I have a Beauty with a Clue!” She looks forward to many more years of riding and eventually traveling to explore new trails in different states. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
Life After Racing Stands Out at the Pacific Classic
The biggest race of the summer at Del Mar is coming up on Saturday, August 30, with the $1 million Pacific Classic, and Del Mar will go all out to promote Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to what should be a large audience, both on-track and via various simulcast outlets, most notably FanDuel TV.
Holy Moses: The Horse Who Changed Everything
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Holy Moses: The Horse Who Changed Everything Holy Moses: The Horse Who Changed Everything By: Amy Luyster August 22, 2025 Success Stories Tags:dressage, Secretariat Center, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Though his name was bold, his demeanor was calm and reserved. The former director of the Secretariat Center saw something special in both horse and rider and encouraged Amy to give Moses a try. “The first ride on him was magical,” Amy said. “Thoroughbreds can literally read your mind, and I experienced how awesome that was the moment I sat on him.” Born in February 2010, Holy Moses arrived at the Secretariat Center in 2015 following a respectable racing career that included 19 starts, four wins, and total earnings of $48,934 between 2013 and 2015. When Amy Luyster returned from a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, she turned to fitness and running to re-center. That journey led her to the Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon in Lexington, Kentucky, in March 2013. One of the weekend’s activities was a Family Day at the Secretariat Center. Inspired by the mission of the organization and the idea of horse ownership, Amy felt an immediate connection to the work being done there. The Secretariat Center, located within the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, focuses on rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming former racehorses. “I had always loved watching Thoroughbreds race,” Amy recalled. “Although I hadn’t ridden in nearly 20 years, I decided I had to come back to the Secretariat Center and try a few horses. I felt like I owed it to myself to finally explore horse ownership.” Amy scheduled an appointment, filled out an adoption application, and was paired with several horses to try. But the one who ultimately captured her heart wasn’t on her list that day: a bay gelding named Holy Moses. Moses wasn’t the first horse to play a role in Amy’s life. Her love for horses began at age four when a horse in a neighboring pasture captivated her. Without land or a family background in horses, Amy found creative ways to ride—borrowing horses through second cousins and friends to use as 4-H projects. She went on to ride all four years on her college’s IHSA team. “I think it kept my sanity,” she admitted. Even while serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Army and stationed overseas, Amy always found her way back to horses, riding barrels with a local rodeo team “just to be near horses.” Years later, once her family was settled at Fort Knox in Kentucky, she encouraged her own children to take riding lessons. Now, nearly a decade into her partnership with Moses, Amy is amazed by their journey and how far they’ve come. “We’ve learned so much from one another in these years. We’ve certainly had our challenges, but at this point in our relationship, he really trusts me—and vice versa,” Amy said. From trail rides and hunter paces to dressage competitions, the pair has tackled it all. “Our goal now is to reach Third Level,” she shared. “I would love to earn my bronze medal on him. Dressage has been so good for him—he loves having a job, and he’s such a beautiful mover.” “He’s a stoic soldier, just like me,” she added. “He really trusts me, and I trust him. We’ve learned so much from each other.” Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Showcases Aftercare Efforts at Pacific Classic Day
All Items Press Releases In the News Newsletter Archive Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Showcases Aftercare Efforts at Pacific Classic Day Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Showcases Aftercare Efforts at Pacific Classic Day FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2025 News Tags:Del Mar, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Pacific Classic, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY – Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Del Mar for Pacific Classic Day on Saturday, August 30, 2025. This premier summer racing event features the Grade I $1,000,000 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic as the highlight of the weekend’s festivities. As part of the “Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, the Pacific Classic is expected to attract widespread attention from racing fans. Demonstrating its continued support for accredited aftercare, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will recognize Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the undercard of Pacific Classic Day. Following the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, featuring a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded gift bag and blanket. A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club continues to demonstrate its strong support for accredited aftercare through its collaboration with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Del Mar is committed to the welfare of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing careers,” said Josh Rubinstein, President of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “Through initiatives like these on major race days, we are proud to shine a spotlight on aftercare and underscore the industry’s ongoing dedication to responsible practices.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $36.04 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 83 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance859-224-2756info@thoroughbredaftercare.org Fundraising & EventsEmily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Media ContactSamantha Smith Share This Release
Lonesome Pine
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Lonesome Pine Lonesome Pine By: Alexis Arbaugh August 15, 2025 Success Stories Tags:fox hunting, Second Stride, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kelsey Kreutzer wasn’t searching for another horse when she first saw Lonesome Pine. With four horses already at home in Kansas, she considered her herd complete. But one day, while flipping through a horse magazine at work, a feature on the ASPCA’s Find My Right Horse caught her eye. Curious, she visited the website and started browsing through the listings. That’s when she first laid eyes on Lonesome Pine, a three-year-old Thoroughbred gelding listed by Second Stride in Prospect, Kentucky. “Oh, he’s handsome,” Kelsey thought, but she kept scrolling. Still, something about the young gelding stuck with her. She found herself returning to his profile, re-reading it, and eventually closing the browser. Kelsey kept telling herself it was nothing, but the days that followed told a different story. “A couple of days went by, and I had a dream about the pictures I had seen online. I kept having them on and off for the next week,” Kelsey recalled. “I woke up every time and couldn’t stop thinking about this horse. It was almost like he was calling to me.” Kelsey trusted her instincts and submitted an adoption application to Second Stride. Just a few days later, she was approved and was told that Pine was still available. That weekend, she drove the 18-hour round trip from Kansas to Kentucky to meet the horse that had already made such an impression on her. From the moment Kelsey met him, she was struck by Pine’s spirit and seemingly quiet intelligence. “His kind eye, his presence, and how you could just see his brain working behind those eyes,” she said. During their first ride at Second Stride, a nearby tractor dragged the outdoor arena, and Pine didn’t even bat an eye. Kelsey knew then that she was making the right decision. Pine went home with Kelsey on June 23, 2021. After a few days to settle in, the pair began going on trail rides together. For the first year, that’s all they did—just enjoying each other’s company and allowing Pine to grow into himself. Though Kelsey didn’t have a specific discipline in mind, Pine made his preferences clear. “All I knew was that he really enjoyed jumping over the little streams, creeks, or fallen logs on trails,” Kelsey said. In the winter of 2022, Pine joined his first Fox Hunt and was a natural. He galloped and jumped confidently, with “the hounds running under him, around him, or popping out of the underbrush, and it didn’t faze him,” Kelsey recalled. Recently, he and Kelsey have been training to be a Whipper-In and assist the huntsmen with organizing and keeping the dogs focused during the hunt for the Fort Leavenworth Hunt. Their future goals are to attend Hunter Paces and Trials, and also to compete in Show Jumping. Pine has become Kelsey’s heart horse. She said he was, “THE BEST DECISION I have ever made.” Recently, she adopted his younger sister from Second Stride as well, excited to begin a new chapter with another special Thoroughbred. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
More Than a Racehorse: Courage’s Story
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post More Than a Racehorse: Courage’s Story More Than a Racehorse: Courage’s Story By: Alexis Arbaugh August 8, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Central Kentucky Riding For Hope, Equine Retirement, equine-assisted therapy, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Courage’s journey began with high expectations. Born in 2017 as the son of Speightstown, he was a $350,000 Fasig-Tipton purchase, destined for success on the racetrack. However, after just three starts and modest earnings of $670, his racing career quietly came to an end. That’s when his true purpose began. Through the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Courage found his way to Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), where he embraced a new role—not as a competitor, but as a partner in equine-assisted therapy. Both New Vocations and CKRH are accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to retrain and rehome former Thoroughbred racehorses. The fast-paced world of racing was behind him, and in its place, he discovered a life of connection, patience, and purpose. According to staff, he seemed to prefer “the speed of life at CKRH much better!” One of the first things that stood out about Courage was his striking resemblance to Secretariat—a similarity that runs deeper than appearance, as he shares bloodlines with the legendary Triple Crown winner. But beyond his impressive physique, what truly sets him apart is his kind and inquisitive spirit. “Courage is gentle and curious and truly is a gentle giant,” said Isabella Norrid, development director at CKRH. This amazing personality makes him a perfect fit for CKRH’s therapy programs. Today, he plays a vital role in CKRH’s newest non-mounted equine-assisted services program in partnership with FMC prison. Each week, he works alongside Adults in Custody (AICs) enrolled in emotional regulation classes, guiding them through groundwork exercises designed to foster trust, patience, and self-awareness. “Adults in custody enrolled in emotional regulation classes at the prison work alongside Courage through various challenges to help them understand and manage their emotions on a deeper level,” Norrid explained. With each session, he helps participants build confidence and develop emotional resilience, his quiet strength serving as a steady presence in their journey. Though he thrives in non-mounted work, CKRH has bigger plans for his future. “While Courage currently serves in CKRH’s non-mounted programming, our long-term goal is to enter him into mounted equine-assisted services,” Norrid noted. His journey of transformation is far from over. Despite his calm and steady demeanor in therapy, Courage has a playful side. “He loves playing with hats, loosening his bell boots, and tries to snack on pool noodles,” she added. Yet for all his bravery, he’s also hilariously skittish, “he even scares himself easily!” Courage’s story is a testament to the fact that a racehorse’s value isn’t measured in wins or earnings but in the lives they touch. Though his racing career may not have made headlines, his impact at CKRH is undeniable. He has found his stride—not on the track, but in the hearts of those he helps heal. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters This article was originally featured in the July 2025 Issue of BloodHorse Magazine in the Second Acts series. This article is the original format and text. To read the BloodHorse article or to subscribe click HERE. There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters By: Suzie Picou-Oldham August 5, 2025 Aftercare Editorials Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, BloodHorse Magazine, Equine Advocates, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Equine Advocates Humane Education & Welcome Center (Provided by Equine Advocates) Susan and Karen Wagner Sisters, Susan, and Karen Wagner head the staff at Equine Advocates located in Chatham, New York. Accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2014, the organization is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3). Founded in 1996 when Susan Wagner rescued her first horse, Gandalf, from slaughter. He was a Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross that Susan calls a life-altering experience. Prior to founding Equine Advocates, Susan worked in the racing industry in various capacities, first as a hotwalker at Belmont. With a desire to learn more, she moved to Maryland and worked as a groom for Alfred Vanderbilt at Sagamore Farm. She wrote as well, including articles about racing while working out of the Belmont Park press box. From there, she took a job at a zoological institution during which time she found Gandalf in 1993. Equine Advocates Rescue and Sanctuary was established in 2004. Located in Chatham, in Upstate New York, the facility boasts a 173-acre haven of paddocks and shelters. Susan and Karen alongside a resolute staff have created more than just an equine haven, they have developed a village where equines live a life with daily care, love, and guardianship. The Wagner’s have made it the mission of Equine Advocates to promote the humane, responsible treatment of horses. Karen Wagner We have rescued and/or helped with more than 2,000 equines 32 years if you count the three years between the time I acquired Gandalf (and Rain Man who just turned 35) and founded Equine Advocates. I would estimate the number of Thoroughbreds we have assisted over the years has been in the hundreds. Susan Wagner When asked about their first Thoroughbred and reflecting on the number of Thoroughbreds they have taken in, Susan said, “We’re going back to 1996 which was when I founded this organization. One of the first or perhaps the first Thoroughbred we ever acquired was a 3-year-old Chestnut Thoroughbred Filly named, ‘Alarmingly Irish’ (Y20308) in 1998. I vividly remember the circumstances – She had been in training for her first race at Suffolk Downs and while in her stall, her leather halter got caught on a nail and she dislocated one of the bones in her skull (possibly the axis) when she was struggling to free herself. Somehow her trainer found me and asked if we could take her. I boarded her at Robin Hill Farm in Hunterdon County, NJ which was where we were keeping some of our horses at that time. A young woman fell in love with her, adopted her and renamed her, “Piper.” She kept Piper at that farm, and I got to see her often. I also remember how large and gorgeous Piper was. She was almost orange in color with no other markings and quite striking and beautiful. We have rescued and/or helped with more than 2,000 equines 32 years if you count the three years between the time I acquired Gandalf (and Rain Man who just turned 35) and founded Equine Advocates. I would estimate the number of Thoroughbreds we have assisted over the years has been in the hundreds.” Susan Wagner Students in Education Program (Provided by Equine Advocates) Students in Education Program (Provided by Equine Advocates) The Humane Education and Welcome Center opened in 2006 and is the schoolhouse of the operation. Classes and tours are offered to the public, especially to younger audiences to educate future generations about proper care and responsibilities of equines. Local schools, youth groups, Scout troops and other organizations have taken part in the Humane Education program. Now 30 years in operation, they are not only a haven for Thoroughbreds but also for donkeys, mules and other equine breeds including former Military Working Horses. Equine Advocates has been honored by the New York State Humane Association and the Thoroughbred Charities of America for excellence in equine protection and rescue work and are also accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the American Sanctuary Association. Symposiums have been held on equine cruelty for law enforcement where experts discussed how to recognize abuse/neglect cases and how to effectively enforce the cruelty laws. The importance of Responsible Horse Guardianship, behavioral traits, history, and origins of all breeds at the sanctuary, are among topics in classes at the Education Center. “We discuss what to do if a situation arises where one can no longer keep their horse to ensure that the animal goes to a good home or reputable sanctuary and never to a low-end auction and/or placed in a situation where that horse can fall through the cracks,” says Susan. The organization has published a book called Do Horses Sleep Standing Up? created and written by Karen Wagner. Staff includes a Social Media and Communications Manager, Humane Educator, Donor Relations Manager, Equine Care Managers and Maintenance Supervisor. A full board of directors are actively supportive. Melissa Murray, Equine Care Manager, has been at Equine Advocates for eight years. Explaining the roles between Karen and her sister, Susan explains, “I wear many hats here at Equine Advocates, as does my sister, Karen who runs the organization with me, but we mostly do very different things while working together on others. We both fundraise for the organization in different capacities, put on events, speak with and cultivate donors, and share in all the major decisions, projects, and development issues, etc. My job also involves expediting all the rescue operations
Healing After Heartbreak: Champions Retreat Welcomes First Responders
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Healing After Heartbreak: Champions Retreat Welcomes First Responders Healing After Heartbreak: Champions Retreat Welcomes First Responders August 4, 2025 Other Tags:Accredited Organization, Champions Retreat, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In late June, the small northern Idaho community near Coeur d’Alene was shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two firefighters and left another injured. In the days that followed, Champions Retreat, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization in Hayden, Idaho, offered a quiet gesture of support to those most affected: an invitation for local first responders and their families to spend time with the retired racehorses that call the farm home. “[The incident], very near our farm, was horrific and we wanted to support our first responders as best we could,” said Candace Chew, who co-founded Champions Retreat with her husband, Matt. Among the first to visit was Brandon, a firefighter and EMT from the Northern Lakes Fire District, who brought his wife and two daughters for a day on the ranch. Horses are: (L to R) London Follies (Freckles), Broadcaster (Parker), Point Breeze (Luke) and Relieve (Renzo). Set on 18 peaceful acres overlooking Hayden Lake, Champions Retreat is home to a rotating herd of eight retired Thoroughbreds from West Coast tracks. While the ranch serves as a rehabilitation, retraining, and adoption facility, it also offers equine-assisted therapy, particularly for youth in the foster care system. “This group was really fun and the horses were extremely accommodating, so we took them out for a trail ride,” Candace said. She and Matt lead the trail ride on OTTBs Midnight Casanova (Hayden) and Probable (Reba). The Thoroughbreds, London Follies (Freckles), Broadcaster (Parker), Point Breeze (Luke) and Relieve (Renzo), carried their guests gently through the pine-covered hills, offering the kind of calm that only horses can provide. “They were very excited to be on former racehorses and enjoyed themselves immensely,” Candace said. “Brandon, his wife and two daughters are now big fans of OTTBs!” The visit from local first responders was a meaningful way for Champions Retreat to give back to the community. The organization’s mission has always centered on second chances, not only for retired racehorses, but also for the people who connect with them. Offering time, space, and the calming presence of horses was a simple but sincere way to support those who show up for others every day. Learn More About Champions Retreat Here Share This Article
Love at First Sight: Junior and Mary
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Love at First Sight: Junior and Mary Love at First Sight: Junior and Mary By: Alexis Arbaugh August 1, 2025 Success Stories Tags:CANTER, CANTER Michigan, Equine Retirement, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding Mary’s love for horses began in childhood, where she spent her time riding and showing horses in 4-H. The idea of owning a horse again stayed with her as she grew older. As an adult, she took up riding lessons during the COVID pandemic, saying, “With the extra free time, I figured it was the perfect time and started my search.” Unsure where to start, Mary searched through numerous horse adoption sites, hoping to find her perfect match. During a Google search for local rescues, she discovered Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses in Michigan (CANTER), an organization with thirteen affiliates across the U.S., three of which are accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. CANTER specializes in rehabilitation, retraining, and adoption of off-track Thoroughbreds. Curious whether an off-track Thoroughbred might be a good fit, Mary reached out to CANTER Michigan, sharing her riding experience with the organization. Denise Fullhart, an owner of a CANTER Michigan facility, responded and suggested M G Junior as a potential match, encouraging her to submit an application. “After submitting the app and getting approved, I was able to coordinate a visit to the farm. It was an easy process, and the team was very helpful,” Mary recalled. Before her visit, Mary did extensive research on retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds, learning about their temperaments, needs, and what to expect. She also looked into M G Junior’s pedigree for fun. “From The Jockey Club site, I found that he was actually closely related to one of the horses I had growing up,” Mary shared.She continued, “The OTTB I had growing up was super chill and such a good horse. I was hoping it would be the same with Junior.” M G Junior, a 2011 Thoroughbred gelding, had 47 starts and earned close to $90,000 during his career. When Mary arrived at CANTER Michigan, she immediately felt a connection. “I saw him in the field and knew that had to be him before Denise even pulled him out,” she said.Though it was spring and Junior was shedding heavily, he had an undeniable presence. “He had these long, elegant legs and a pose that just made him seem chill and regal,” Mary recalled. After grooming and tacking him up, Junior stood quietly, like a gentleman. When Mary rode him, she was amazed. “I rode him around the arena, and it was just so easy. With the research, I expected a fast, crazy horse with little handling, but he was chill and just easy. It was a perfect fit for me,” she said. Their bond was immediate. “He really did remind me of my childhood horse, and I felt connected to him,” Mary recalled. That evening, she couldn’t stop thinking about Junior. “I never even looked at any other horses before choosing Junior—I knew it had to be him,” she remembered. Since bringing Junior home, Mary hasn’t had to do much retraining. “I mainly got him for trail riding and pleasure arena riding. I started slow, working on ground commands and lunging. He learned quickly and soon followed me freely around the arena.” Under saddle, Junior continued to impress Mary. “Once I started riding him, it didn’t take long for him to understand what I was asking. Now he freely trots and canters as I ask.” “Our personalities just fit with each other—we are both laid back and chill, and he even knows what I’m about to ask before I ask it… I really couldn’t ask for a better match,” Mary noted. As for the future, she wants to keep things simple. “My plan with Junior is to just enjoy life with him. We mosey down the trails and have fun in the arena. I want nothing but the best for him and to spoil him with treats.” Update 2025:These days, Junior and Mary are enjoying a slower pace, focusing on groundwork. “With spring coming on, it’s been nothing but shedding with him,” Mary laughed. “But he makes it easy—he actually lets me use a shop vac to get the mud and hair off. Everyone at the barn gets a kick out of it.” Recently, Mary has been working on liberty exercises, aiming to encourage Junior to follow her around the arena without a lead rope. “He’s not too keen on trotting next to me just yet,” she said. “If I jog off, he’ll just mosey along at a walk. Then when I stop, he’ll wander up with this look like, ‘Why are you running when walking is so lovely?’” It’s clear the pair are simply enjoying each other’s company. “I’m very happy to have him in my life,” Mary stated. “He’s a special horse.” Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission