Everyone loves to ogle over the chestnuts and bays with chrome; they’re just so flashy and fancy. But when your horse comes in from the field caked in mud up to their hocks those white socks aren’t looking so pretty any more, are they?
Why not make life a little easier for yourself and get a horse with brown legs anyway. Not to say you don’t still have to groom them, but while your barn buddy is still slaving away trying to polish up those socks, you’ll already be out in the arena warming up.
There’s something to be said for not having any flashy leg chrome. Here are three mud season-friendly OTTBs for your consideration:
Alltheleavesrbrown. Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Alltheleavesrbrown (BIG BROWN – VICKEY JANE, BY ROYAL ACADEMY): 2012 16.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
This son of the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown has had an interesting racing career and may be more well-traveled than you! In his 43 races, “Brown” has run at 12 different tracks spanning from Pennsylvania to California. His career seems to have been a bit hit or miss: he has a number of wins and good placings, but also did not finish (DNF) a few races. Each DNF seems to just be a result starting too fast and ultimately being overcome by the field. It doesn’t seem to be anything to worry about though — the race charts note that he was eased, loped across the wire, and walked off the course just fine each time.
Brown’s last race was at the end of February (so he is 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover eligible) and has since retired sound and made his way to MMSC where he was treated to some spa time and bodywork. The MMSC staff has found that he’s an “enthusiastic and quick learner.” Make sure to watch the video of him at liberty and check out that hock action!
Located in Lexington, Kentucky.
View Alltheleavesrbrown on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Belle Ame. Photo via Second Stride.
Belle Ame (EVEN THE SCORE – LILLY IN DISGUISE, BY GILDED TIME): 2015 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred filly
We featured this young filly about a month ago in our Second Stride Inc. edition and can’t believe she’s still available! Belle Ame is unraced but does have published workouts with the last being in June 2018 which makes her 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover eligible. Her vet exam upon arrival at Second Stride was clean, and she’s an athletic mover. This mare has a solid build and a nice sloping shoulder, plus she’s forward-thinking yet has a good brain. She has bravely popped over a small jump under saddle and was pretty pleased with herself afterward!
Located in Prospect, Kentucky.
View Belle Ame on Second Stride Inc.
Scattered Dreams. Photo via CANTER PA.
Scattered Dreams (CATIENUS – REGINA MADRE (GB), BY CADEAUX GENEREUX (GB)): 2012 16.1-hand New York-bred gelding
With 50 career starts and over $125,000 in winnings, Scattered Dreams has definitely earned his war horse status. Scattered Dreams has been a steady money maker for his connections, but he’s started to place further down in his races last year so they’re retiring now while he still has plenty to offer in a second career. This big-bodied athletic gelding could certainly make a sturdy eventer, and even though his jog video was filmed on a windy and icy day you can still see the potential for some nice and floaty movement for good scores in the dressage too.
Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.
