Looking for an upper level eventing prospect – well here she is! You can’t beat her Giant’s Causeway/Sadler’s Wells lines for outstanding sport horse potential. Add to that – she’s big, sound, grey, and showed off some breathtaking light movement once her trainer let her trot out a bit. In 8 starts without a win, this long-legged girl has shown that racing is not her game, but that could be the sport horse world’s gain. Her trainer says she is sound, good to work with, trains eagerly, and loves peppermints. On the day we photographed her, she was wrapped behind because she got a cut in her last race, and he was keeping it clean while it healed – he said it was healing well. It was a windy cool day when we took her photos, but she was respectful of her handler for her jog video. When we asked him to let her trot out, she showed a light flowing trot with good reach from the shoulders. Our videographer stopped filming after one trot pass, but the trainer didn’t hear us in the wind saying he could stop, so he kept trotting her back and forth a few more times. And her trot just got more and more amazing. Trust us, when this filly is let down from the track and relaxed, her movement is going to earn some big scores. Her sire is Destin, who is a full brother to Creative Cause, both sired by Giant’s Causeway. Creative Cause is a popular sport horse sire. And Destin already has some offspring who are making a successful transition to eventing. Saratoga Smokeshow’s dam is by Sadler’s Wells, and sold for $850,000 as a yearling, is a stakes producer and a half sister to a European champion. This classy pedigree bodes well for success in her new career. Saratoga Smokeshow is fully eligible for the 2024 and 2025 RRP.
When a trainer brings out a three-year-old on a loose lead and says “there isn’t a mean bone in her body and everyone loves her”, you take notice! Reika Rules is just such a filly! This petite young lady has never raced, but does have published works, so she is RRP eligible but is basically a blank slate. She is reported to have no stable vices, to be easy to work around, and a pleasure to have in the barn. Reika does have a hole in her “high left” front tendon. Ultrasound is available for serious buyers. With appropriate time off and rehab, she should have no limitations. She also has a high splint in her front right. Per her connections, this has not affected her. Reika stood and posed politely for her photo shoot with our volunteers. She demonstrated her easy-going manner as she jogged politely on a loose lead clipped just below her halter next to her handler. She has a lovely, toe-pointing jog and a natural over track at the walk. She is reported to be just as nice to ride.
Reika is by Central Banker, who is quickly becoming a favorite sport horse sire as his offspring tend to be level-headed and amateur friendly, and out of a Street Sense mare, who’s sought after for trainability and athleticism. Reika Rules should be a huge asset to any program!
If you are looking for a horse who is a cuddly sweetheart and a flashy beauty, then Laura Ann is your girl. Her handler stressed that she is an in your pocket sweet girl, and we witnessed this firsthand as Laura Ann kept nesting her head in her handler’s arms soaking up being petted. Her handler said she adores this filly so much that she wishes she could keep her as her own pet, but as the assistant for her father’s big and busy racehorse stable, there’s no time for personal horses. She said that Laura Ann is wonderful to work with, is very laid back, has no vices, and is sound with clean legs. But she just isn’t much of a racehorse. She has managed one win in 8 starts, but after that lone victory the next level of competition is proving beyond her talents. Laura Ann stood like a model for her photos, never moving unless asked, happily displaying her flashy chrome and her adorable little white chin. Then, with the lead just clipped to her halter, and not over her nose (a rarity at the track) she moved off quietly for her walk and jog video, showing little interest in moving fast at all. When we convinced her it really wasn’t too hot to trot, she showed a cute and smooth jog. We think that Laura Ann would love to be the pampered pet of a horse crazy kid – working with a good trainer of course to restart her. She has no limitations for any discipline. Her sire, Majestic City, is known for siring very sweet and sensible horses, and we have placed some who are enjoying new careers as show hunters, eventers, barrel racers, and trail pleasure horses. With the City Zip and Meadowlake sire lines in her sire Majestic City’s pedigree, and the Citidancer/DIxieland Band sire lines under her dam, Majestic Laura Ann offers an attractive sport horse pedigree. She is fully eligible for the 2025 RRP.
Baila Macarena would love to dance right into your heart! This petite lady is easy to handle, lovely to be around, and over all just a pleasure to have in the barn. Her handler stated that it took “a lot to make her angry”. Who wouldn’t love a mare with a good sense of humor? She showed this to be true as our volunteers showered her with attention as she stood quietly and patiently despite the terrible weather! She is reported to be just as easy to ride as she is to handle. Her current connections have had her since she was 9 months old, so they have her entire history. She is reported to have no vices or injuries. She is unraced, but does have published works, so she is RRP eligible!
Baila demonstrated a floaty, toe pointy trot and natural suspension, and a natural over track at the walk. Despite getting a little bothered by the rain and wind, she remained respectful of her handler. Our dressage volunteers were drooling over her movement, but with her flashy color and way of going, she’s sure to excel in any discipline!
Baila Macarea is by Race Day who is by Tapit and out of a More Than Ready mare, and is out of an Artie Schiller mare. These sires are sought after for their athleticism, trainability, and personalities. Don’t miss this flashy, blank slate of mare!
Located at a farm near Finger Lakes Racetrack, Farmington, NY (near Rochester)
This unraced, only recently broke colt was purchased from a neglect case as a two-year-old without papers, so he cannot be raced. He is unraced, unnamed, and unregistered. The racing world’s loss is the sport horse world’s gain! It is just as well for this sweet, laid-back guy as his connections say he wasn’t meant to be a racehorse. Please note, this guy is not RRP eligible.
His connections state that he never does anything wrong, has been great to break, and has no vices. As far as his connections know, he is injury free and sound. We were sent two riding videos of some of this guy’s initial rides, and he does, indeed, appear pretty easy going both in a small. Indoor and outside on the farm. He demonstrated a natural over track at the walk, and a flat kneed trot. This paired with his shiny, bright chestnut coat is sure to get you noticed in any arena.
This colt is by Redesdale, the son of Speightstown who is sought after for his athletic babies who are very versatile and trainable. He is out of No It’s Not Me, who is by Leroi des Animaux (sire of Animal KIngdom) and out of a Gulch mare. These are great jump;ing lines. This guy may never have made it to the track, but he sure will find his way into your heart, Don’t miss this blank slate.
If you’re in the market for a horse that is as sweet and kind as she is gorgeous, then look no further than Raffinity! This young lady “never does anything wrong”, is very easy to work around, and all around lovely to have in the barn. She is reported to have no vices, and clearly loves attention as multiple people went into her stall to clean her up for her photo shoot, and she soaked up the attention. On the farm, she’s been turned out in a group and is easy to get along with and is low woman on the totem pole.
Raffinity is reported to be just as easy to ride as she is to handle. She stood perfectly as she modeled for our photo shoot and jogged politely on a loose lead in the strong wind and heavy rain. Despite missing both a front and a hind shoe, Raffinity showed off her flat kneed trot and natural over track at the walk.
Raffinity is regally bred, by Tonalist from the Tapit/Pulpit and Pleasant Colony Lines and out of a Smart Strike mare. This easy going girl is sure to stand out in any arena and be an asset to anyone’s barn! You don’t want to miss this one for sure!
This boy is just a sweet as he is cute, you don’t want to miss out on knowwhatimean! This cute grey came out of his stall on a very windy and rainy day and was a class act. He stood perfectly while we got his pictures and ate up the attention from our volunteers. He is reported to be just as sweet in his stall with no known vices. This little cutie may be petite but likely has some growing still left to do! And just imagine him with some additional groceries and remuscled for sport!
He is reported to be just as easy to ride and handle, as he proved when he jogged for his video. It was pouring rain and he jogged quietly on a loose lead! He did come back sore after a recent work so the owners x-rayed him which all came back clean. He got a short rest and came back sound.
Knowwhatimean is by Race Day who has the highly sought after Tapit on top and More Than Ready on the bottom. More Than Ready babies are known for their trainability and amateur friendly brains. He is out of a Not Bourbon mare who has Wild Again, Seattle Slew, and Saddlers Wells lines! Don’t miss this adorable little grey that will get you noticed in just about any arena!
The Moocher is aptly named, according to his connections, as he does not love to run, but prefers to sleep and mooch treats off of his humans! Moocher never raced, and hasn’t had a published work this year, as he was just too slow. The race world’s loss is definitely the sport horse world’s gain! This guy reported to have no vices, is super sweet, and very easy to work around, and with no known injuries. At the farm last year, he lives out, and he enjoyed his turnout time.
Despite the awful weather outside, Moocher was more than happy to show off his thick build. He stood happily while we photographed him and gushed over how adorable he was. His handler warned us that he may be a bit up as he hasn’t done much in the last month. While he was a bit distracted and unhappy about the pouring rain, he remained respectful of his handler. He showed off his relaxed, natural over track at the walk and his natural suspension at the jog.
Moocher is by Majestic City and is out of a Street Boss mare with Ghostzapper lines who are all sought after as their babies tend to be levelheaded and trainable. Moocher seems to be no exception! Take this cute boy home and he will be happy to compete in any arena or to just takes naps and eat peppermints!
Located on a farm five minutes from the Finger Lakes Race Track
This is a beautiful and very sweet mare who was seized by the county sheriff out of a horrific neglect situation, and she has been lovingly, responsibly and fully rehabbed and is ready to find the wonderful loving forever home that she so richly deserves. She is sound and clean legged, unraced, a beautiful mover, very mooth and willing to ride, and by the much-coveted sport horse sire Frost Giant. She has unlimited potential for a successful sport horse career. When she was rescued, Frosted Feather was pathetically thin, no food or water in sight, standing in a stall with over 2 feet of feces, with her dead foal lying nearby covered with a tarp, and she had a badly infected torn vulva. Her feet were in deplorable condition; her front toes were so long and curled that she could barely walk. In the three months she has been with her current owner (who knew the elderly and infirm men who neglected her back when they used to train at the track and persuaded them to sign them over to her so she could rehabilitate and rehome them) her infection has been treated and is gone, her feet have been tended to and are now in very good condition, she has blossomed, gained weight, has a shiny coat, bright attitude and sparkle in her eye once again, and her inherent sweet loving attitude has come to the fore. Her current person says that she is incredibly sweet and kind – remarkable for all she has been through, and easy to handle. She thinks that because of her sweet and easy going attitude she could be a kid’s horse – with appropriate training help and supervision of course. But given her pedigree, build, and movement, we also think she could be a successful sport horse – and keep in mind that there is no racing wear and tear on her legs and body, so she has many years to give to a new athletic discipline. Her current person has started riding her to enhance her rehoming prospects, and she reports that Feather is easy to ride, very responsive to aids, soft, and has beautifully smooth gaits. Based on how she responded from the first ride on, it is apparent that she was once started well and ridden in the past. We were impressed with Frosted Feather’s strong shoulder, and her excellent movement. For her jog video, she displayed a swinging walk with overstep, and a beautiful ground covering trot with excellent hind end engagement and reach from the shoulders. Frosted Feather is UTD on coggins and vaccinations. She never raced, but she is registered with the Jockey Club, although she has no lip tattoo and no microchip. She is by Frost Giant, a son of Giant’s Causeway. Her dam, Feather Nestin’, is by Saint Liam, who is from Halo and Quiet American lines – great sport horse sire lines for sure! Frosted Feather is a half sister to Here Comes Mia, who was listed by FLF five years ago, and is now much loved in her post-track home with her own instagram and tik-tok pages. If you want to be part of Frosted Feather’s journey and help complete a successful rescue story, then please step up to make sure that Frosted Feather has the same soft landing as her sister Mia!
Located at a farm in Canandaigua NY five minutes form the Finger Lakes Race Track
“Eli” (not his JC name – he doesn’t have one) is another horse from the same rescue/neglect case that Frosted Feather came from. When he was removed in early June from the farm where he and the other horses had been neglected, he was still an intact stud, and dangerously thin, standing on a mountain of feces in a stall with no food and water. The great horsewoman who has him now gelded him in late July, and has been restoring him to health. She has had his feet done, gotten him up to date on coggins and vaccinations, and has started riding him; she is still working on getting more weight onto him. Eli is not officially named with the Jockey Club and is unregistered and he never raced, but she has been able to verify his pedigree with his breeder, and she has been able to verify that he was on the track when he was two and was started under saddle and was jogging and galloping at the track. Eli has an outstanding sport horse pedigree; he is by Big Brown, out of Good Night Prayer, who is by Smarty Jones. This female family has many stakes winning and producing mares in it, and is the same direct line female family as Fappiano, who is one of sires that sport horse people most like to see in a pedigree. Eli’s current caretaker reports that he is absolutely lovely to ride; “he has the smoothest canter I have ever sat on” she reported. She says that he is getting better and better in each ride, picking right up from the last session, and that his canter is like sitting on a comfy couch and he will just go around like that for as long as you want on a soft rein and keeping an even pace and rhythm. She showed us a video of the very first time she rode Eli (and who knows how many years it had been since he had last been ridden). In that video, he went around on a soft rein, showing a big strided trot with loft and reach, and that droolworthy rhythmic canter that will turn heads in the show ring. She says that Eli has does not crib or bite, and has not shown any inclination to buck or misbehave in any way under saddle. He has been overly attached to the two mares he was rescued with, and has walked his stall when they are out, and this has made it harder to put weight on him. His current person thinks that as his body and mind readjust to being a gelding, and when he is and the mares go off to their separate homes, he will settle down, because he is good to handle and generally sensible. She is currently turning him out alone; she tried him with other geldings but since it was only a month after Eli had been gelded he was aggressive with them. She recommends that for a while, until he has fully settled into his new gelding state, he should continue to be turned out alone. She is confident that in the right experienced hands with someone who knows how to bring along a very green recently gelded horse, that Eli is going to turn out to be spectacular. “He is going to make someone a really lovely horse,” she exclaimed when telling us about him. He certainly has the pedigree and movement to make a spectacular sport horse. For his jog video he moved quietly with just a lead rope under his chin, and showed a big fluid stride, with an impressive loft and reach at the trot. That movement had our volunteers excited about his potential in the dressage arena or in the dressage phase of eventing.
Broodmare, well bred, still reproductively sound, great mom and babysitter. Has produced beautiful correct foals, both winning TB racehorses and warmblood crosses. She could be ridden but hasn’t been ridden since her successful racing days.
With a name like Mor Valor you may expect a horse with a bit of an ego, but that was not the case with this guy! Valor was as in-your-pocket and sweet as they come! His handler, trainer, and groom gushed over how easy this guy was both in and out of his stall. His trainer reported that he is always a very good boy under saddle, but that he is very, very slow. He is reported to be sound, with no injuries, and legs appeared cold and tight.
Valor spent a majority of his photo shoot flirting with anyone who would pain any attention. He made it near impossible to get a quality shot of his adorable face as he much preferred kisses to his nose. When we stepped away, we admired his huge shoulder. Valor is in a bit of a growth spurt right now, so his wither hasn’t quite caught up to his hind end. But just imagine what this guy will look like when he levels out! Valor is reported to likely be very amateur friendly and easy to handle off the track. He jogged politely on a loose lead, showing off his natural over track and lofty trot.
Mor Valor is by Mor Spirit, with Giants Causeway and Dixie Union lines, suggesting that he will have lovely movement and likely athletic. He is out of a Tribal Rule Mare, who is by Storm Cat. This adorable growing boy is fancy enough to get you noticed in just about any arena but would also be just as happy to be your best friend. You don’t want to miss out on this one!
What a clever name for a daughter of Upstart out of a Not for Love mare! Her name reminds us of what so many of us OTTB lovers say when we are contemplating adding another lovely horse to our collection and hoping our spouse will not object. But how could they object to such a pretty and sweet filly! Start the Divorce is unraced but has published workouts so she is fully eligible for the 2025 RRP. She is not showing enough racing talent in her workouts to warrant persisting to try to make her into a racehorse. She is a big still growing young filly with an uphill build, and a great sport horse pedigree. Her handler stressed that she is very sweet and easy to handle and a pleasure to work around with no vices– but slow. We enjoyed snuggling with her on the multiple occasions we have seen her at the track – she is indeed very friendly and people oriented. Her trainer reports that she has always been very sound (and we observed clean legs), but that she had recently been dealing with an abscess from a tight nail when she got her last set of new shoes. He said that most of it had now drained, and we saw that she was jogging nicely for her video – quiet and polite on a loose lead and relaxed and responsive even though she had not done much for a few weeks due to the abscess. Start the Divorce has an upright front pastern, which suggests that lower level endeavors will be more suitable. But with her kindness and laid-back temperament, she could be a great project for local shows, trails, and pleasure riding. And she is offered at a bargain price!
Price: $1500 negotiable to an excellent home
Contact: Jeff Englehart 585-329-0716 (text or call)
If you’re looking for a horse that is as cute as his name, then Thewipersonthebus is the horse for you! And how did he get such a cute name you ask? Well, his trainer let her son name his “favorite horse”! It is safe to say that Wipers is a barn favorite! He is as sweet and charming as he is cute, eagerly hanging his head out to beg for attention as he heard our volunteers approaching his stall. Thus, it is no surprise to hear he has no vices and is an absolute doll to be around. He is reported to be just as lovely to ride. Wipers does have an old osselet but has raced on it and is reported to be sound.
Wipers did not love the torrential downpour we photographed him during, but he remained respectful of his handler the entire time. When he wasn’t being wiggly (and who could blame him in that weather?) he showed off a strong shoulder and lovely neck connection to his wither. He showed off his lovely, floaty trot and natural overstride at the walk. A mover this nice is sure to get you noticed in any arena!
Wipers is by Tapizar, who is by the highly sought after Tapit. He is out of a Silver Deputy mare. This handsome, kind guy is ready to be your next show partner or even just your best friend!
We think this flashy and sporty young guy has potential to be quite the jumper! We photographed Rebel Jackson just a few weeks after he had been gelded, and he had just been handwalking since then. Understandably, he was a bit excited to be outside and asked to jog, but he respected his handler, and showed off his athleticism. HIs trainer says that he is sound and clean legged, “but just not a racehorse.” He has eight starts, and while he has finished in the money three times, he has yet to win. We were informed that he is has no vices, and is good to handle, although he had the typical young colt occasional mouthiness – something his handler remarked had already noticeably subsided since he was gelded. Rebel Jackson is a stunning horse, with a balanced compact build, a shiny coat, and just enough chrome to get attention. Although his handler could not let him stride out for his jog video, he showed good engagement from behind and light step with some loft. We think that once he has fully adjusted to life as a gelding and been let down from the track, he has potential to be a terrific sport horse. He certainly has the pedigree for it. His sire is Union Jackson, a son of Curlin out of a Dixie Union mare. Union Jackson is now pursuing a sport horse career of his own, showing great aptitude. His dam, Entrustment, is by Forestry, and her pedigree is replete with illustrious TB sires who are sought out by the sport horse world, including Pleasant Colony, Private Account, Damascus, Buckpasser and Ribot. Because of his youth and the fact that he was recently gelded, we think that Rebel Jackson would be best suited for someone with experiencing restarting young OTTBs for sport horse careers. But for the right person who knows how to bring out his athletic talents, he could turn out to be quite a bargain.
Price: $2,000
Contact: Ron Breed Jr. 585-749-7443 (text preferred)
If eye catching, flashy, sweet, and large bodied are on your checklist, then look no further than Peacearella! This dark bay, dappled beauty is as sweet as she is gorgeous, and just as wide as she is tall! Despite being of average height, this girl is sure to take up a lot of leg. She is reported to have no stable vices, very easy in the barn, and that her connections’ children dote on her. She is reported to have no vices, good to tie, and good on the walking machine. She is also reported to be good to ride.
What Peacearella doesn’t love is breaking from the gate. Her connections state that when she will break, she is very fast, but that she often refuses to. This, they believe, is her way of saying she’s ready to move on from racing. She is reported to be sound and to have no prior injuries. Peacearella was another that jogged on a loose lead, clipped only under her halter, that required a bit of encouragement to move forward. When she did, she displayed a lofty jog with loads of natural suspension that is characteristic of her dam sire’s offspring. She also inherited her sire, War Front’s, build and great brain. This mare is the entire package: looks, brain, and style! Don’t miss out on this show stopper!
Price: $3,500
Contact: Eddie Maver (786) 285-2047 (text preferred)
If eye catching good looks and movement are on your checklist, then look no further than Debbie Darling! According to every single person in her barn, she lives up to her name and is a true darling to have around. All of her grooms say she is the “best girl”, that she is “very sweet”, and “absolutely perfect”. Her connections all state that she has no vices in her stall. It is reported that Debbie is just as lovely to ride, can get a bit strong. Nothing silly, just a bit happy to run. She is reported to be injury free. Debbie enjoyed having her photos taken and getting peppermints. She loved being told she was pretty and was perfectly happy to let her handler move leg by leg to square her up. She wasn’t bothered by any of the vehicles driving up or past. She jogged politely and showed off her lovely movement.
Debbie Darling is by the coveted sire Frost Giant, and certainly seems to have inherited his good looks and athleticism. This girl is as sweet as she is eye catching and is sure to get noticed in any show arena! Don’t let this gorgeous girl pass you by!
Located at Finger Lakes Racetrack, Farmington, NY (near Rochester)
Subtle Giant may be tall, but there is nothing subtle about her! Gigi, as a shopper with us when we took her listing nicknamed her, is an obvious beauty! With her dark dappled coat and thick build, she is truly a standout. She is her groom’s favorite, who will only take “the best in the barn”, so that speaks to how classy and kind she is. She is reported to have no vices, easy to work around, and just a lovely mare.
Under saddle, Gigi requires a soft hand. She doesn’t do anything mean but will let her preference known. She is a reasonable ride but likes her rider to be able to just “put their hands down and let her go forward”. She is reported to be “the soundest horse in the barn”, with no past injuries. She posed perfectly for her photo shoot, allowing our volunteer and shopper to drool over her obvious good looks. She was slightly distracted during her jog video, but remained respectful of her handler. She demonstrated a natural over track at the walk, and a floaty, toe-pointy trot.
Gigi is by the favorite of many, Frost Giant, offspring coveted for their jumping ability, athleticism, and movement. She is out of a During mare with Cherokee Run, Runaway Groom, and Caro lines. Don’t miss this girl that is sure to be a stand out in just about any arena!
Located on owner’s farm in Shortsville NY near the Finger Lakes Race Track
This big, flashy, beloved homebred son of Will Take Charge is affectionately known to his owner/breeder as “Willy.” He is a half-brother to Sea Captain, who was last autumn’s most coveted FLF listing. The trainers and grooms for both horses say that Willy is even nicer than his exceptional brother… both in temperament, rideability, handling, and general loveability. Sea Urchin has had only 7 starts, without ever finishing better than 4th, so his owner/breeder has reluctantly concluded that racing is not his aptitude, but she realizes that he has unlimited potential for many new careers. He was recently brought to his owner’s farm and had his shoes pulled. He has quickly settled into the laid back farm life, enjoying his turn out — he was even reluctant to trot for his jog video, and was completely unfazed by trotting barefoot on pavement, with only a rope lead, in between a pasture with weanlings and one with mares all looking on with curiosity. We talked with people who groomed Willy on the track last year, this year, and on the farm, and all agreed that he is one of the sweetest, kindest, great to handle and work with horses — they all adore him! Sea Urchin is sound and clean legged and has no vices. He showed very good movement for his jog video — as we said, barefoot on pavement, just after having his shoes pulled. With his looks and laid-back attitude and quiet flowing movement he screams “fancy show hunter prospect” to us… perhaps because we know of some Will Take Charge offspring who are excelling in that discipline. But eventers and dressage riders also love Will Take Charge offspring — so Willy can go in ay new career direction. His sire Will Take Charge is by Unbridled’s Song and out of the great broodmare Take Charge Lady, who is from Deputy Minister and Fappiano lines. Sea Urchin’s dam Tapitbythesea is by the great Tapit, from AP Indy lines, and out of a mare from Mt. Livermore (Blushing Groom/Cox’s Ridge) and Unbridled and Roberto lines. These are exceptional sport horse bloodlines.
Price: $4,000
Contact: Tammy Jacobs Klimasewski (owner) 585-820-9999 (text or call)
While Big Mike is not a TB, he is a hard working and essential part of the race track as an outrider and pony horse that watches over morning workouts and accompanies the racehorses to the post. Mike worked at several top tracks before his owner relocated to Finger Lakes – he even accompanied horses to the post and back to the winner’s circle at the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico! Mike has been with his owner for 9 years and is much loved, but she must reluctantly part with him and let him find a new home because she has had multiple health issues that prevent her from continuing to work as an outrider at the track. Due to the owner’s challenges, Mike had been a pasture pet for 4 years prior to this year. She lent him to another outrider for this racing season at Finger Lakes to get Mike back in shape and to give him something to do – and he would very much love to continue to have a new job that brings pleasure to you! Despite his hefty, not-yet-in-shape frame, Mike was incredibly light on his feet for his jog video, and is a very nice balanced mover. His owner says he is very smooth to ride, and he sure does look that way in his video. He is reported to be very sound, and he is barefoot. Mike is also reported to be a kind perfect gentleman, with no vices, no buck or bolt, and an eager to please personality. He is an easy keeper, turns out well with others, will willingly leave the herd, goes English or Western, neck reins, is road safe, very responsive to aids, and also has a good turn of foot for his size when needed – he never had any problems going after loose horses or horses in need of assistance on the track. As an outrider/pony horse, he is also patient and tolerant with the antics of other horses, and unflappable. Mike’s owner reports that before she got him, he was jumping big jumps with ease – a truly versatile athlete! In addition to all these attributes, Mike is reported to be very clean and neat in his stall and loves being brushed and getting attention. Wow– if you could design the perfect horse for anyone, it sounds like Big Mike is your guy! We can see Big Mike as an ideal gentleman’s fox hunter, lesson horse, “husband horse,” trails and hunter pace horse, or even a jumper at local shows. “Bombproof” gems like Mig Mike don’t come along often, so don’t hesitate to convince his owner (the contact person) why you will be the ideal excellent loving forever home for her very special Big Mike.
Price: $7500 negotiable to an excellent home
Contact: Kelly 585-298-1545 (call preferred but texts are OK)
If you’re looking for “a big hunk of love” with an adorable name, look no further than Joey Loose Lips! Joey loves to be groomed and doted on by his humans. Our volunteer confirmed this as he offered her his nose for smooches multiple times while his connections readied him for his photo shoot. He is reported to be very easy to deal with and to have no vices. While his connections report no major injuries during his time with them, Joey does have an infection on his right hind that caused some swelling. It does go down with movement, but unfortunately it did not allow us to get a video of his movement when we met him. The trainer is happy to discuss further with any interested parties, and we do hope to get a video when the swelling is a bit better. As he is on the ground, it is reported that Joey is great to ride. It is stated that he “never does anything wrong”. He stood like a statue while his race connections moved his legs to stand him up to best show him off. He looked for more kisses while we photographed his adorable face. He did not get distracted by flies or other horses, paying all of his attention to any of the humans in hopes of more pats and scratches. Joey Loose Lips is by Effinex who is known to produce very large- both height and width- offspring with trainable demeaners and is out of Soto who is by Dehere, known for amateur friendly, smart offspring. If you’re looking for your next best friend, Joey just may be your guy!
Number One Dillon is definitely number one in his barn! His race connections could not say enough good things about this very special boy. His trainer states that he is a “character” with lots of personality, no stables vices, very easy to work around, and loved by just about everyone at the track. While he may be on the smaller side, he has good bone and is thicker, so should take up a fair amount of leg.
Dillon is reported to be great to ride and handle. He demonstrated his easy-going nature as he jogged politely on a loose lead despite the less-than-ideal weather. He showed off a natural over stride at the walk and a flowing, floaty jog. Dillon does have some rounding of the ankles, but has raced on them, and is reported to be sound by his connections.
Dillon is by Honorable Dillon, who hails from the Tapit/Pulpit line, that is highly sought after by jumpers and eventers. He is out of a Don Six mare with Wild Again lines. Don’t miss out on this favorite grey boy that is sure to get you noticed in any arena!
Always loved the Frost Giant babies but they seem like too much horse for you? Then Scherzer is your girl! Scherzer has been described as “not your typical Frost Giant baby”. While she can be strong on the track, there is never any “silliness”, but is rather all business under saddle. In the barn, she is known as a sweetheart who “loves to be loved” and “loves her peppermints”. She is reported to have no vices, no old injuries, and just an all-around good girl. Her connections cannot say enough good things about this girl, including that she turns out well with others and is extremely easy at home on the farm. Scherzer enjoyed her photo shoot as our volunteer doted on her. She stood as if she were a model while we moved around her for all angles! For her jog, she was respectful of her handler, and showed off her flat-kneed, toe-pointing trot that would stand out in any arena! Scherzer is by Frost Giant who is known to produce highly desirable, athletic, sport horses and is out of a Big Brown mare, who is known for throwing levelheaded, highly trainable offspring. For those of you who remember Mr. Larry from last year? This is his full sister! Larry is in North Carolina eventing with his new owner, and we’d love to see this sweet girl go in the same direction!
Who doesn’t love an adorable grey gelding? If you fall into that category, then you won’t want to miss out on Thejigisup! This sweet boy was getting bathed as our volunteers approached. He stood quietly while his owner hosed him down. His owner reports that he is “perfect” in his stall, has no vices, and is great to work with. He’s a playful guy who can be a bit mouthy but doesn’t bite to be mean. His owner told us that his riders report that he is great to ride but can be just a little strong. Thejigisup enjoyed the attention from our volunteers and was happy to pose quietly for his photos. While he is slightly petite, he does have a deep barrel and should take up a fair amount of leg. It does appear that he may be in a bit of a growth spurt at this time. For his jog, he was polite and respectful, and showed off a lovely, ground covering jog. He certainly wants to be fancy! Thejigisup is by My Best Brother, who boasts blood from Storm Cat and Carson City. He is out of a Get Rich Quick mare with Seeking Gold and Dehere on the bottom. With a pedigree like this, Thejigisup will be sure to have a larger-than-life personality that is a ton of fun to work with! Don’t let this future showstopper pass you by!
Located on a farm in Shortsville NY very close to Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY
This beautiful homebred mare is as sweet and kind as they come. Nicknamed Tinkerbell as a foal because she was such a cute sweetheart, her handler described her as very mellow, a horse you can do anything with and she will always be the same kind willing horse. Tinkerbell enjoys turnout, gets along well with other horses, and is described by her owner as very sound. Geared Up has garnered one win in 13 starts, but her owner recognizes that she’s never going to set the world on fire as a racehorse, so she would rather find her a great new home where she can find a discipline in which she will excel. They took Geared Up to their Florida farm over the winter, and the owner’s grandkids occasionally rode her, and even took her over some small jumps – which she did willingly and happily. With her pretty, flat kneed and flowing trot and her laid back demeanor, we can see Geared Up making a lovely show hunter, but she has great potential for any discipline. She has solid boned and balanced conformation, and she is currently barefoot enjoying farm life. She raced last year, so she is eligible for the RRP. She is sired by Cupid, who is a son of Tapit. Her dam is by Silent Name, a son of Sunday Silence. The Pulpit, AP Indy, Halo and Damascus lines in her pedigree all suggest jumping ability.
Located at Finger Lakes Racetrack, Farmington, NY (near Rochester)
This beautiful young filly certainly didn’t get the memo about her name – she has shown no inclination to speed up in her two races or in her workouts this spring. Her trainer thinks she would make an excellent polo or barrel horse, since she is energetic and likes to work. On the farm, her trainer says, she is like a sweet little pony, but the track environment does not agree with her and she gets nervous at the track. She reports that Speed Up is good to ride, with no naughty behaviors, and that she is sound, has never had any physical issues, and has no vices. Speed Up posed politely, enjoying the bright sunny but cool weather, and showing off a good shoulder, hind, end, and top line. For her jog video, she displayed nice, light on her feet movement. She is by Courageous Cat – a sire who has produced several excellent jumpers. Her dam is by City Zip, who is also a popular sport horse sire. She raced last fall and has regular workouts this year, so she is fully eligible for the 2024 or 2025 RRP.
Price: $2,000
Contact: Linda Dixon 585-329-9062 (text preferred)
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY (near Rochester)
Calling all plain bay lovers! Indyan Penny is very well put together, clean legged, with a strong shoulder and a good topline. And she is a very nice mover, with loft and good hind end engagement. While she hasn’t been much of a racehorse, we think she will shine in many new sport horse disciplines. She has 18 starts but has yet to finish better than third. Although she may not be the fastest, her trainer, who also gallops her, says she is energetic and likes to work, and never gets tired. Those qualities could translate well to polo or barrels or eventing! He also reports that she is sound and has never had any physical issues. They have had Indyan Penny turned out on their farm over the winters, and she is described as great in turn out, bonding with her buddy and just following her in without needing to be caught or led. Indyan Penny is sired by Wicked Strong, who is from the Hard Spun/Danzig sire line. Her dam is from Nijinsky and AP Indy lines. She is fully eligible for the 2024 and 2025 RRP.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY (near Rochester)
If you are looking for an excellent sport horse prospect, this lovely mare checks all the boxes: very good mover, excellent conformation, sound, great work ethic, and a strong sport horse pedigree. Alarra has been with her track connections since she was a two year old, so they know her well. The trainer reports that she tries hard and can go all day, and is nice to ride, doing whatever the rider asks. He rides and gallops his horses, so he is giving first hand impressions! Despite being a hard trying mare, Alarra has managed just a single win in 25 starts, but she has lots of seconds and thirds. Since winning her first race last fall, she has found the tougher racing conditions she has to face this year more challenging, so they want to let her find a new career where she can be more successful. They told us that Alarra loves small animals, both live and stuffed – dogs, goats, cuddle toys. Alarra is described as generally mellow and good to handle; if other horses around her get worked up, she might react with a hightail, but no bolt or buck or naughty behavior. We admired Alarra’s slowing walk and flat kneed trot, as well as she good bone, strong shoulder, and hip anlges – all of which suggest athletic jumping ability. Her sire, Alpha, a son of Bernardini, has produced several horses who are excelling in eventing and as show hunters, and we can see Alarra following in their hoofprints. Alarra’s dam is by Dixieland Band, another coveted sport horse sire. Alarra’s first four dams are stakes producers whose daughters are also stakes producers, so there is also good race breeding value here. Alarra is eligible for the 2024 and 2025 RRP.
This handsome homebred chestnut gelding is lightly raced, with only three starts. He is looking to move on from the track to a less strenuous career because his left ankle gets a bit puffy after high speed workouts and he is then slightly off at the jog for a brief time. While the ankle settles right down his owner/breeder does not want to push him, especially since he did not show enough racing talent in his three starts. He raced in 2023 and has timed workouts in the spring of 2024 so he is fully eligible for the 2025 RRP. The ankle has not been x-rayed. His connections think that with some time off to let him wind down from the track, he should be a good project for an experienced rider. Forty One Tales is described as being a bit of a goof, still on the immature side. Loud noises coming from behind him when he can’t see what’s going on have startled him (yeah – us too!) but he’s fine about loud noises and commotion going on in front of him. FLF has listed some of Forty One Tales’ half siblings and half siblings to his dam in past years for this owner/breeder, who is dedicated to finding the best of new homes for their racehorses. The horses from this dam line that we have listed were all kind and good to handle, nice movers, athletic, and we know that some have gone on to successful careers as hunters, jumpers, eventers, and trail horses.
Located on a farm in Avon NY (half hour from the track)
What a gorgeous mare — the photos hardly do her justice. Her trainer says she’s as sweet as she is pretty. She describes Kreesa as having “the best disposition, a lovebug who loves her treats.” She says she is easy to groom and handle, has no vices, and is up to date on all vaccinations. And to make the whole package even more enticing, Kreesa has a stellar sport horse pedigree, and showed beautiful movement for her jog video, with a flowing walk and great reach to her flat kneed trot that should earn ribbons in the hunter ring. Earlier in her racing career, Kreesa showed the class to win and compete well at the maiden special/allowance level at Saratoga and Belmont, running on the turf. She has won over $100,000 in only 16 starts. At the end of the 2021 racing season, her owner/breeders decided to retire her and found her a home that didn’t work out. So they sent her to a farm, where she hung out for almost a year and a half. Then they decided to try to race her again this year, since she was sound, and sent her to Finger Lakes. But after getting a taste of the farm life, Kreesa has made it clear in her four races this year that she just doesn’t want any part of the racing game anymore. But these four starts this year make her fully eligible for the 2024 RRP! We photographed her a week after her last race, which was at Saratoga. She is sired by Wrote, a Sadler’s Wells grandson out of a Danig line mare. Some of the leading OTTB resellers who focus on the eventing market covet Wrote offspring, who are known for great brains, athleticism and jumping ability. Her dam, Lady Kreesa, is by Stonesider, a son of Giant’s Causeway, who is also a popular sport horse sire.
Price: $3500
Contact: Sue Carlson (Farm owner, must make an appointment to go see the mare) 585-734-8531 (text preferred)
A PPE is always recommended. For information on vet practices available to do PPEs, please see the How to Buy menu tab on our website, which is linked in the post pinned to the top of our FB page.
Update January 2024: Sharpoon is at a farm in Newark NY, not far from the Finger Lakes Race Track, for the winter. He is being restarted under saddle, and is proving to be very sweet, very quiet, and a quick learner. For his first ride, on a cold day when he hadn’t done anything for a month, he stood quietly at the mounting block, and walked and trotted around quietly, showing an unflappable demeanor. The person who is restarting him says he is an absolute pleasure to ride.
Here is our write up from the track in the fall of 2023:
We were amused when this cute boy was described by his trainer as a being a complete “slouch” on the track — he told us that Sharpoon is sweet and sound, but slow, slow, SLOW. While he may not be earning his keep as a racehorse, all of the volunteers agreed that for us, “sweet, sound, and slow” hits the trifecta every time in a new career! The trainer says that Sharpoon is “nice to work with”, without any vices, and that he is sound without any injuries, but that he is just WAY too slow to be a racehorse. Which is exactly what most of us are looking for- a nice young quiet lightly raced gelding whose connections tell us has no limitations for his future. And he’s fully eligible for the 2024 RRP! He is solidly put together, with a nice long, sloping shoulder and a compact build. He was relaxed and perfectly agreeable posing quietly for us on a rainy, chilly and blustery day. He has a cute face with a unique, almost heart-shaped star. He perked up a little for his video but was polite for his handler. Although he was missing his RH shoe which is less than ideal for filming, it didn’t significantly seem to affect his movement jogging on the hard pavement. We observed a nice, forward walk and an easy jog displaying cute, smooth movement. With his distinct shade of light blood-bay, Sharpoon will help you stand out in any show ring. We can imagine him having a successful second career in a variety of different fields. Sharpoon is by Gormley (Malibu Moon/ A.P. Indy line), and his dam Ganesha is by Sharp Humor , a son of Distorted Humor. His dam also has the Private Terms/Private Account sire line in her female family — one of the most sought after sport horse sire lines.
Located on a farm next to the Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington NY
American A P offers what so many people say they are looking for: a young, big, sound, quiet and unflappable, good moving gelding who has unlimited potential for any new discipline. After just three lackluster races earlier this year, it was apparent to American A P’s connections that racing was not his strong suit, so he went to the owner’s farm which happens to be right next to the Finger Lakes Race Track. His trainer, who also rides and gallops him on the track, reports that he is just wonderful to ride, very sensible, attentive, respectful, and willing to do whatever you ask. Indeed, when he was still on the track, his trainer knew that he was such a steady and levelheaded guy that he used him to pony back from the starting gate a young filly who had a meltdown at the gate. A P was just the right guy to reassure her and accompany her safely back to the barn — amazing for a horse who was then just three years old! We were told that American A P loads and trailers well, and is good in turn out with others, although he is playful. Indeed, after his photo session, he was immediately turned out into a pasture with several other horses, and we observed him happily playing –nothing unduly rough– with another gelding before both just decided to graze. American A P is a very easy keeper on the farm, and since he has been on the farm, he has been barefoot, and his feet have held up well. Once he is put back into work at least front shoes are recommended. For his jog video, barefoot on uneven pavement, and with horses running in the pasture next to him, he was very well behaved, and displayed very good movement with good hind end engagement. He has an ideal sport horse pedigree, with A P Indy and QuietAmerican lines, as indicated by his name. He is sired by Dr. Large, a son of A P Indy out of a mare from Mr. Prospector, Northern Dancer, and Buckpasser lines. His dam is by Quiet American, a Fappiano son whose offspring are sought after in the eventing world.
Price: 4,000 negotiable
Contact: Lauren Linn 585- 867-1157 (text preferred)
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY
Big, kind, friendly, elegant, a great mover, sound, and with an adorable spotted blaze on his face — Ringgood is all that and more! When his connections first told us about him, they said he was one of the best upper level sport horse prospects that they had ever had, and that meant a lot, since over the years we have helped them place several horses into intermediate and upper level eventing careers. Ringgood is very special to his trainer, since Ringgood was his first racehorse when he decided to go out on his own, and he said that Ringo, as they call him, has been a steady, sound, friendly, and always hard trying horse for him. His young son is especially fond of Ringo, and it was very touching as we took his listing to see the father explain to the heart-broken boy that it would be better for their beloved Ringo to let him find a new career that he loved and would be successful at. We were told that Ringo is very sound, has good feet, no vices, is good to handle, and while a forward ride, he is very respectful of his rider. While racing regularly, he could get stiff for a few days after a race, but warmed up out of it quickly. When we saw him and took his video, he showed no stiffness at all, and moved very freely from his shoulders with good hind end engagement — he’s a very good mover for sure! While Ringo had good racing success in prior years, this year, he has only a single third place finish in 11 starts, so his connections know it is time to let him move on from racing into a new career. Ringgood is by Teuflesberg, who is from Hennessy, Devil’s Bag and Halo lines. HIs dam is by Mizen Mast, who is from the Cozzene/Caro sire line. Those who follow TB lines that make good sport horses will truly appreciate this guy’s pedigree.
Price: $5000
Contact: Lauren Linn 585-867-1157 (text preferred)
Located on a farm in Victor NY very close to Finger Lakes Race Track.
There’s nothing puzzling at all to figure out about this cutie! She’s sweet, well behaved, an all-around good girl to handle and work with, sound and clean legged, and WOW is she well bred, coming from one of the greatest female families in the US TB stud book. Puzzle has nicely balanced conformation with a strong shoulder and deep girth, and she is still growing and likely to wind up bigger than her current height. Her trainer reports that Puzzle is very sound, and we observed clean legs. Lightly raced, with 1 win and 3 thirds in 7 starts, Puzzle won at the MSW level last year, but has not run well in her 2 races this year, so the owner does not want to keep going with her. Puzzle was very well behaved, curious and cuddly for her photo session on a brisk very cold morning, and we had a young teenager with us who asked if she could handle Puzzle, and then walked and jogged her and ran her hands all over her and snuggled with her and then rewarded her perfect behavior with many much-appreciated peppermints. Puzzle has no limitations for any new discipline. She showed very nice light and balanced movement for her jog video. With her smaller stature she could do polo or barrels, but she will grow and could also be a great H/J or eventing prospect for a teen or smaller adult working with a trainer. But we also think breeders should be very interested in Puzzle — a rare opportunity at a bargain price to buy into a filly line bred to La Troienne from the Numbered Account/Dance Number/Get Lucky branch of a very high quality family that has regularly produced Hall of Fame members, KY Derby winners, Eclipse champions, Breeder’s Cup winners, millionaires, graded stakes winners in every generation. Puzzle is in-bred to the great broodmare Get Lucky. She is sired by Brethren, a Distorted Humor son who is a half-brother to Derby winner Super Saver, both out of Supercharger, a daughter of that great broodmare Get Lucky, who produced multiple grade 1 stakes winners and whose daughters have been multiple graded stakes producers. And on the dam side, Puzzle’s dam Atrea, by Storm Cat, is a granddaughter of Get Lucky, and Atrea sold for $450,000 as a broodmare. Puzzle’s dam is already a stakes producer, and has daughters with some very promising young runners on the track, and her second dam is a graded stakes producer. The third dam is, as we said, the great Get Lucky, and the 4th dam is Grade 1 winner Dance Number, and the 5th dam is the Hall of Famer member Numbered Account by Buckpasser. Mares from this female family often go for high 5 fr six figures at breeding stock auctions, so this puts into perspective what an amazing bargain Puzzle presents for breeders.
Located at a farm in Victor NY near the Finger Lakes Race Track
What a gorgeous grey! The big and handsome Papa Tom B was described to us as an all around good boy, good to handle and ride with no vices. He’s earned over $75,000 in 26 starts but ran no better than third this year so it’s time to let him move on to a less strenuous career than racing. He came out of his last race sore behind, just a few days before we took his video, but his trainer feels that he will be fine with some time off. He has clean legs. For a horse this gorgeous, solid boned, and good to be around, it will be well worth it to give him that bit of post-track down time. He will probably be best suited for a lower level job. He is sired by Flashback, a son of Tapit, and his dam is by Pleasant Tap.
Located at Finger Lakes racetrack in Farmington, NY (near Rochester, NY).
Funny Honey is a complete sweetheart of a filly who, even though it was a chilly day when many other horses were a little ‘up’, displayed absolutely zero funny business whatsoever! We really liked this filly- nice solid balanced conformation, lovely mover, quiet, and she additionally has an excellent pedigree that might appeal to breeders. She was an adorable, relaxed, and a super polite girl during her photo session. It was reported to us that she is a doll to work with- she’s described as “perfect” in her stall, with no vices. The exercise riders also report that she is a good girl without any issues. She comes from excellent track connections whose horses are always beautifully conditioned and well-handled. Her only issue, joked her handler, is that, “she is a golden horse except that she is unfortunately a plain bay”. Yes, much to the dismay of our volunteers (who are huge fans of all of our FLF ‘plain bays’), many wonderful horses we’ve posted who are ‘plain bays’ do sometimes tend to get overlooked. But don’t let a coat color make you miss out on this very cute and sweet filly. And surprise! Although it is hard to see in the photos, Funny Honey actually has a fascinating and quite unique roaning throughout her coat- it is sprinkled with white hairs. We think her coat color is truly special and unique.
We were immediately drawn in by her long, gorgeous neck, her kind eye, and pretty face. She’s got a nice sturdy and solid build with a deep body (especially for a three-year-old filly) and stands squarely on clean, tight legs with nice short cannons and good bone. She was well mannered and posed quietly for us. Right before we started filming her jog video, a shopper walking around with us stopped her handler and easily picked up & picked out a hoof that contained some balled-up material; Funny Honey was completely relaxed, agreeable, patient, and stood quietly while this task was performed. She then jogged calmly and politely on a loose lead displaying a nice overstep at the walk and rhythmic, relaxed, flat-kneed movement during her jog. She had raced only three days prior to our visit but showed a calm demeanor and no lingering effects. With her relaxed attitude and cute movement, we could see her being an agreeable partner in a wide variety of different disciplines.
Funny Honey has only four starts on her racing resume. Although she’s broken her maiden, her owner does not feel that she shows quite enough racing potential and would rather not incur the expense of wintering her to return next season. But it is wonderful news for you as she is also fully eligible for the RRP Makeover. We think that she would be a sweet, agreeable, fun, and ammy-friendly restart and partner.
Funny Honey has an excellent pedigree that might also appeal to breeders. She is by Practical Joke, a hot young KY based sire and son of the great Into Mischief. Funny Honey’s dam is by Mineshaft, who is known as an excellent broodmare sire. Her second dam, Classic Elegance, is a multiple graded stakes winner and black type producer who has graded stakes producing daughters, and who has produced horses who have sold for high six figures as broodmares, and who have produced many yearlings who have sold for high six, and seven figures. The third dam, Taegu by Halo, is a multiple stakes producer and grandam of a Kentucky Oaks winner. This is a highly productive female family that shows consistent commercial success at the yearling and breeding sales, and on the track.
The racing season is winding down and at this point her connections were not entirely sure once the track closes whether Funny Honey would be staying at a local farm or moved to the Saratoga area, so please act quickly to make sure that you can easily see this lovely filly in person.
Located at a farm in Victor NY near Finger Lakes Racetrack
This gorgeous, young lady had been a shopper favorite coming into the day after watching her last race and seeing her exceptional movement on the track. Free Shot went out to her last race and warmed up without a pony, and was able to display lovely, lofty movement with loads of natural suspension. Per her connections, Free Shot typically warms up without a pony, is very smart, and has no bad habits under saddle. She’s a forward thinker, but doesn’t ”do anything wrong”. While in her stall, Free Shot tends to offer a “mare stare”, but doesn’t do anything nasty. She is very sweet outside of her stall. Free Shot is reported to be injury free, but is just not making it as a racehorse.
Free Shot has a strong shoulder and is short coupled. Her neck connects beautifully to her shoulder. And to top off her lovely conformation, she has a dreamy forelock! For her jog video, she was still a bit up from racing earlier this week but still remained respectful of her handler. Our volunteers also did a recording of her on the track at her last race so that potential buyers can see more of her incredible movement.
Free shot is by Midshipman, who has Unbridled Song lines, both sought after for their movement and trainability. She is out of a Bluegrass Cat mare. Don’t miss this young, lovely girl who we can see going in any direction!
Located at Finger Lakes racetrack in Farmington, NY (near Rochester, NY).
This is one drool-worthy, absolutely GORGEOUS gray girl! We were floored by how stunning Stabilize is to see in person as pictures (even the beautiful ones we took) do not do her justice. Her coat has unique dapples set with great contrast. It is one of the prettiest dapple-gray coats that any of us have ever seen- the dapple pattern appears as giant snowflakes on her coat. And even better, we were told her personality and manners are just as lovely as her coat color; she’s described as being easy to work with and ride, very friendly, good in her stall with no vices, easy to groom, and sound. A truly beautiful mare in both personality and looks!
And that’s what we observed- a sweet, quiet, and relaxed mare who stood patiently and posed professionally during her photoshoot. She has a refined appearance with a pretty, classic, feminine head and a long, elegantly arched neck. She’s well balanced with a wide chest and powerful, but finely muscled hindquarters. We did note some rounding on her RF ankle but were told that she’s raced on it and that it has not bothered her; when we felt her legs, we did not feel any heat there. During her video, we noted a relaxed, swinging walk, and detected cute movement at the trot with suspension and engagement. This pretty mare is approaching war-horse status with a very impressive record of 41-9-4-10 and over $156K in earnings. Her consistent record speaks volumes about her durability, heart, athleticism, and work ethic. She’s paid her dues at the track and now it is time for her to be a star in a new career. We could see her excelling in many different disciplines.
Stabilize is by Central Banker (Gone West/ Halo lines) out of a Silver Charm mare. Her lineage indicates that she would have a good brain and be a straight-forward, ammy-friendly restart which is exactly what we expect given her quiet and professional demeanor.
This (Thanksgiving week) is the last week of racing and horses will soon have to vacate the track barns. We were not told where Stabilize would be moved after FL closes for the season- and whether that will be in the local area or not. So if she’s on your Christmas list, it might be a good idea to immediately schedule a visit to do a little early holiday shopping.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY (near Rochester)
Sometimes the best really is saved for last! We were just asked to list this gorgeous flashy guy on the last week of the Finger Lakes 2023 racing season, since he ran what we hope will be his last race today (Nov. 20) and he is ready to go start what we think will be a great sport horse career. He looks like he could step into the show ring tomorrow, and he moves like the under-saddle winner in the hunter division! Triton was described to us as an in your pocket guy, a quiet and very well-behaved horse who is good to ride and pony on the track. We certainly saw the “in your pocket” aspect of his personality — he just wanted to snuggle with our volunteers. We were told that he is sound, has no vices, and has great feet — which can be hard to find in a chestnut with four white socks. He is ready to move on to a new career because he has one win in 7 starts and isn’t showing enough on the track to make many more wins likely. We admired his well balanced and correct conformation, and overall beautiful looks. We fell in love even more when he moved off on a loose lead, head down and relaxed, for his video. He showed a good overstep at the walk, and a flowing trot with flat kneed reach from the shoulders and good engagement from behind. While he looks to us like a stellar show hunter prospect, he can go do any new career you want to pursue. He is by Jimmy Creed, who is by Distorted Humor out of a mare from the Dixieland Band line. His dam, Nautical N, is by Super Saver, who is by Maria’s Mon. Maria’s Mon has been rated as one of best sport horse sires. Nautical N sold for $575,000 as a yearling, so you know she’s good looking and a great mover.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington NY (near Rochester)
This very handsome guy is by Malibu Moon out of a mare from the Unbridled’s Song line — an ideal sport horse pedigree. Moon Hunter stood quietly posing for his photos, while we admired his excellent balanced conformation, clean and correct legs, solid bone, kind eye, and the sun gleaming on his caramel-colored coat. He seemed to enjoy being admired by the group of volunteers gathered around him — he knows he’s stunning! He looks like he could walk into the show ring tomorrow. His trainer says he is very sound, an all-around good boy who does everything right, but with only 2 wins in 20 starts he’s just not enough of a racehorse to warrant bringing back to the races next year. Moon Hunter walked and jogged quietly and politely on a loose lead (not something many horses did on a cold morning!) and displayed a relaxed swinging walk and nice even rhythmical movement at the trot. He had raced just a couple of days prior to his photo session, and he showed no ill effects from that exertion — a testament to his soundness. His sire Malibu Moon is by AP Indy. His stakes winning dam, Red Hot Buddha, is by Buddha, a son of Unbridled’s Song. Moon Hunter has no limitations for any new career, and while we think he has that elegant show hunter look, he could do in any direction you want. He is fully eligible for the 2024 RRP.
“Speed Up” is definitely the right encourager to this lovely, well-built filly according to her race connections. She is described as a “snail” who “cannot get out of her own way”. While that may not have allowed her to excel in racing, it surely won’t hinder her in future careers! Speed Up is reported to be vice and injury free. She is also reported to be good to ride with no naughty behaviors. Speed Up is well proportioned her only being two and her coat is covered in dapples. She posed perfectly for her photo shoot and allowed our volunteers to scratch and snuggle her. Speed Up was a bit up for her jog video in the cool fall day, but remained respectful of her handler and showed off some of her natural loft and suspension. Speed Up is by Courageous Cat and is out of a City Zip mare- both are known for fantastic sport horse babies with excellent brains. We have placed several Courageous Cat offspring that have turned out to be great jumpers, bold, scopey, with great form over fences. With only 2 starts, this young prospect is nearly a blank slate!
Price: $2,500 negotiable
Contact: Linda Dixon (585) 329-9062 (text preferred)
“CC,” as she is known around the barn, is a sweet filly who has good “go” energy and is a peppermint lover. We can attest to that — after we offered her a peppermint treat, she kept nuzzling us and looking in our pockets for more. We admired CC’s dapples, solid bodied build, nice topline, and the unusual white patch on the inside of her left hind leg. She also displayed very cute light movement for her jog video. Her handler says she is sound and has good feet, but after she broke her maiden at the lowest level, she isn’t showing enough to be competitive in conditions for winners. She says CC is good to gallop, but can get strong, so she’s better suited for an experienced rider who wants to do a discipline that will suit CCs athleticism and forward energy. We can see her excelling at barrels, polo, or as a hunter pace and eventing partner for a rider who doesn’t need a tall horse. CC has one win in 13 starts, and is fully RRP eligible. She is by Palace Malice, a son of Curlin, out of a Deputy Minister mare. She comes from a great female family — her second dam is a full sister to Belmont winner Editor’s Note — so she certainly has good broodmare potential as well.
Is he a Thoroughbred race horse or is he a Labrador puppy? He is a little bit of both if you ask us. If you love (and are looking for) the epitome of a quiet in “in your pocket” type, this is the boy for you. If ever a horse was misnamed — there is not the slightest bit of Scorpion bite in this sweet puppy dog! We are told that he is the perfect, friendly gentleman whether he is on the track or at home on the farm and in turnout. We thought he was completely adorable, cuddly, and friendly as he chilled out with all the volunteers, relishing the attention. While we were offering him some peppermints, we were told he is a chow hound who will eat anything- including donuts. And we learned that he has multiple talents, as he often enjoys playing ‘music’ jingling the chain that his trainer leaves hanging by his stall. He’s a fun horse with a personality plus. A clear volunteer favorite — indeed we had a hard time pulling ourselves away from him! He seems like an unflappable bombproof type — at one point a big garbage truck came alongside him on the road to pick up the dumpster, making a huge clanging racket. And Scorpion Dynasty never blinked and stood there like nothing was going on. He’s a beautiful bright bay, solidly put together with good bone. We all fell for his very pretty head and super kind eye. His owner/trainer recently learned that he has small chip on the bottom of his medial sesamoid on the left front. It has never caused any swelling or heat, and he has not been lame on it. They had noticed that he did not want to fully stride out for a few days after a race, so they sent Scorpion to their farm for a couple months of R & R. They recently brought him back to the track, and x-rays were done which revealed the very small chip. The trainer showed the x-rays to an equine orthopedic surgeon, who thought that if the chip were removed Scorpion could continue racing, and if the chip were not removed he could do many new disciplines without limitation since it is not in the joint and there is no calcification. The x-rays will be made fully available to seriously interested people, for you to discuss with your vet based on your aspirations. When we saw him at the track for his photos and jog, he was barefoot (his trainer says he has great feet!), and Scorpion Dynasty jogged on a loose-lead on the hard pavement, with no evidence of unsoundness and displaying easy and relaxed, light and lofty tail-swinging movement that we could see doing well in either the hunter or dressage ring. His connections are very fond of this horse and as he’s paid his dues earning $100K in his 30 starts, they want to see him placed into the very best of homes to start his second career. To show you that he is still full of heart and athleticism, he has finished 1st or 2nd in 4 of his 5 races this year! Scorpion Dynasty is by Dialed In, who is by Mineshaft, a son of AP Indy. His dam, Queen of Chicago, is by Artie Schiller, who si from the El Praco/Sadler’s Wells sire line. We know several people who have Artie Schiller offspring and they all rave about what great brains they have — they are reported to be smart, sensible, willing, good movers and jumpers. Scorpion Dynasty is a horse that anyone who sees him will fall head over hells in love with, and he is well worth doing the chip removal surgery to have a gorgeous great moving quiet and sweet horse who will then have no limitations. Turst our volunteers– we all think this one is special!
Price: $2,000 negotiable to the very best of homes
For those who are looking for a huge, thick, solid boned TB who has the size and substance of a draft cross, Combatant is your guy. As his handler described him to us — while he just wanted to climb in our volunteer’s pocket — the word “good” kept being repeated: He’s good in his stall, good to handle, good to ride. Sweet and friendly, he adored getting the attention of our volunteers. Because he was racing that afternoon, his handler could only do a short walk and jog for us. She said that Combating is very laid back and loves to sleep in his stall. She also said he has some old ankle rounding that he has been running on for a while. He is ready to find a new career less strenuous than racing, since he seems to have lost interest after being with a previous trainer at Penn National that ran him non-stop. Because he is so big and solid boned and has already raced 11 times this year, we think Combatant could benefit from some down time, enjoying turnout and pampering, to let him get over the rigors of racing. But he sure has kept up his friendly and kind attitude throughout it all! He has 1 win in 34 starts, Combating has an outstanding sport horse pedigree. He is sired by Carpe Diem, who is by Giant’s Causeway out of an Unbridled’s Song mare. Combating’s dam is by the great War Front, a son of Danzig. Her broodmare sire is Thunder Gulch — this sire line is known for getting great jumpers.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington NY (near Rochester)
Calling all fans of Frost Giant offspring for their upper-level eventing potential! Mister Larry has all that potential! And he’s out of a Big Brown mare, to throw in another popular sport horse sire in his pedigree. Larry is a big young exuberant boy, with a solid boned, balanced and uphill build, a strong shoulder and powerful looking hind end. He was described to us as “the soundest horse in the whole barn” and we observed clean legs. His handler says that Larry can be pushy, although he is not naughty or silly to ride, and that he needs an experienced person with upper-level talents and ambitions who can put Larry into a regular training program to focus his energies. Larry is quite the handsome horse, and even on a gray day we could see the dapples under his winter coat. For his jog video he showed nice movement with good hind end engagement and a lofty step.. while missing a hind shoe. We thought that if he moves that well missing a hind shoe, wow will be move well when all four feet are in good shape. While we were chatting with Larry’s handler, Larry was standing on a long loose lead and she started turning her body and he just naturally started walking around her in a circle, lunging! We got some of that on video. We think this shows that Larry is a smart and very retrainable horse. Larry last raced at the end of October, and now that his connections have decided to move him on from racing, he is feeling quite high on the track without regular training or turnout. But we think that once off the track, getting turnout and in a regular training program that can focus his energy, Larry will become an eventing star. He certainly has the pedigree for it. Frost Giant is a son of Giant’s Causeway, and everyone that we know who has had a Frost Giant has loved them for their brains, work ethics, great jumping and galloping ability — they have excelled in eventing and dressage. Larry has 3 wins in 22 starts, with two of those wins coming this year. He would now have to race in tougher eligibility conditions where his trainer does not think he will be competitive. In addition to being by Frost Giant out of a Big Brown mare, Larry’s second dam was a grade 1 stakes winner, by Real Quiet, who is by Quiet American, another great eventing sire. There is certainly a lot of sport horse quality in his pedigree.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington, NY (near Rochester)
Not quite ready to give up pumpkin spice season just yet? Well now, with this lovely filly, you can legitimately enjoy pumpkin spice all year round! Meet Naughty Pumpkin, whose fabulous movement left us all saying WOW! We were told that this spunky, pretty ginger girl has zero interest in racing, as demonstrated by her three lackluster races. She’s finished last every single time. Her owner told us, “she’s excellent to ride and will do anything that you ask of her…. Except go fast!”. So rather than trying to make her into a racehorse (which she clearly doesn’t want to be), it is time to find her a new job. She has unlimited potential for any new sport horse career. We were told that she is very sound and has no stable vices but can have her occasional spicy moments. Given her young age, athleticism, along with that perfect little sprinkle of spice, at this time she is better suited for a more experienced OTTB owner. She stood quietly and posed politely for her photos making our job super easy. With nicely balanced proportions and solid build, she’s got good bone and tight, clean legs. We admired her lovely arched neck and pretty face with its distinct marking. We were told that she has great feet; she even trained barefoot and was not shod until her first race. And we did observe very nice feet with a good heel. A lovely shade of chestnut (the dreary day did not help to reflect this in her photos), she even has the perfect touch of chrome to help get you noticed. But as pretty as she is now, imagine how stunning this still growing girl will be a year from now as she matures and fills out. We were totally wowed by her gorgeous movement during her jog video- that should be WOW and GORGEOUS in capitals. She’d raced only three days before and she moved fluidly with no sign of any stiffness. We observed light, springy, balanced movement with nice reach from her shoulder. She appears to be an agile, athletic, good-feeling, gorgeous-moving filly who could easily excel in dressage, hunters or eventing. This lovely homebred has an excellent pedigree for sport as well. She is sired by Big Brown, who is from the Danzig sire line, and whose offspring are popular with eventers and known for their nice movement and good jumping ability. Her dam, named One for Grandpa (we’re sure there’s a nice heart-warming story there), is by Mayakovsky who is from the Capote branch of the Seattle Slew line. She has Damascus, Roberto, and Round Table in her pedigree — all sires known for great jumping lines.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington NY (near Rochester)
This mare is beautifully proportioned and conditioned – she looks like a show horse already, which is not surprising given that she is with some of best connections at Finger Lakes, known for taking great care of their horses and sending many on to great sport horse careers. A Dab Will Do drew us in to her beautiful head, and her balanced uphill build, solid bone, correct conformation, and well developed topline. Her trainer reports that she is a sound mare, very good to handle and ride, quiet and sensible, but she has cribbed, so they keep a collar on her. Her trainer told us that when they first observed cribbing activity it was at feeding time on the track, so they put the cribbing strap on her and never removed it, although they have never observed any cribbing tendencies at other times or while she has been on their farm over the winter. So it is possible that off the track, in a calmer environment, with turn out, A Dab Will Do will not crib and will not need to wear the collar. A Dab Will Do is ready to move on from her racing career simply because she has not fared as well this year in the tougher racing conditions she is now eligible for, so her owner and trainer realize it is a good time to let her move on to a new career, where she has unlimited potential as a sport horse, and may also be of interest to sport horse breeders given her great pedigree. A Dab Will Do has 3 wins in 24 starts, with an additional 8 second or third place finishes, and $69,000 in earnings. For her jog video, she walked and jogged very quietly on a loose lead and showed a swinging big strided walk and a nice light trot. We can see her going in any direction, but we also think she has great potential for eventing or other sport horse disciplines. Dab is sired by Paynter, a son of Awesome Again out of Tiznow’s full sister. Paynter is known for getting big hearted hard trying horse with excellent sport horse aptitude. Paynter passed away very recently, so this is a great opportunity to get one of his offspring. A Dab Will Do comes from one of the greatest female families in the US TB stud book tracing from her 4th dam Missy Baba– the direct female family of AP Indy, Raja Baba, Lemon Drop Kid, Havre De Grace, Tonalist, Court Vision and his full brother, the star show hunter and FLF poster horse King’s Vision. Anyone interested in breeding for racing or for sport horses should be excited at the opportunity to acquire a beautiful mare from this female family! And this sort of quality in the female family means quality for whatever discipline you pursue — as the many offspring from this line succeeding in all sorts of sport horse disciplines attest to.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington NY (near Rochester)
Iron Horizon is a quiet, sensible young gelding, a very cute mover, and he’s by a young son of Malibu Moon — there’s a lot to like here! He has been in the money in half of his 12 starts, with one win, but his owners do not think he’s going to do well enough at the next levels of competition to make it worthwhile to keep him over the winter for more racing next year. But that decision is great news for those of you looking for a sound nice moving young gelding with a great brain and a great sport horse pedigree — offered at a bargain price. Iron Horizon’s handler says he is a very good boy who will do whatever you want — and that is certainly what we observed as he stood quietly for photos, quite agreeably letting his legs and neck be adjusted for good photo angles. He jogged very quietly, and showed light toe flicking movement with nice rhythm. She says Iron Horizon is very sound and has never had any issues, and we observed clean tight legs and a good amount of heel on his feet. He is still growing and could eventually top out at 16h or slightly more. When he finishes growing and fills out in his post track life he’s going to be quite the looker. He is fully RRP eligible, and you can go in any new direction with this young gelding. He is by Gormley, who is by Malibu Moon out of a Bernstein mare with Kingmambo close up in her pedigree. Iron Horizon’s dam is by the great Into Mischief, out of a Kris S(Roberto) mare.
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track, Farmington NY (near Rochester)
Yep, this lovely big mare is indeed a daughter of Central Banker, a Speightstown son who is becoming increasingly popular as a sport horse sire because his offspring tend to be excellent jumpers. Based on her conformation, pedigree, temperament, and soundness we think this big pretty solid boned mare is an excellent sport horse prospect. She was quiet and polite for her photo session on a very chilly morning, and her handler confirmed that she is just a “very chill mare” who is always a good girl to handle and to ride. We were told that Bankers Daughter is sound and can go in any new direction you want. She is ready to move on to a new career because she is a victim of her own success on the track — she has so many wins that there will be few racing conditions that she’s eligible to run in next year . She has earned over $250,000 in her 37 start racing career, with 5 wins, 8 seconds, and 4 thirds. This year she has 3 wins in 14 starts. This record demonstrates that she is athletic and a hard trying competitor. Earlier in her career she consistently raced will in allowance level races, but to achieve her most recent win this fall her trainer had to drop her down into a claiming race. Bankers Daughter has an uphill build, good topline, strong sloping shoulder and an impressive powerful looking hind end. And we just loved her pretty feminine head and kind eye. And how cute is that photo of her sticking her tongue out?!! For her jog video Bankers Daughter showed good engagement from behind with an even well balanced trot. Bankers Daughter has an ideal sport horse pedigree that leads us to think she has excellent eventing potential. As noted, her sire Central Banker is from the Speightstown/Gone West sire line, and his dam is from Go For Gin/His Majesty/Ribot, and Halo/Hail to Reason sire lines. Bankers Daughter’s dam Lazeka is by Belong to Me, a Danzig son, and she is out of a Dynaformer mare. These are all the bloodlines most sought after in eventing and jumping disciplines.
