Off-track Thoroughbreds are near and dear to us here on the EN team, as they have touched many of our lives in big ways. I want to dedicate this week’s edition of OTTB Wishlist to my OTTB of a lifetime, Rowdy Intentions, who passed away a year ago this week.
Before he carried me up the ranks of eventing as a young rider, Rowdy earned a whopping $0 on the track in three maiden claiming starts. Racing under the name Mankins (Demons Begone – Surburban Sue, by Nodouble), this plain bay Arkansas-bred gelding may not have been blessed with speed but in each race he clawed his way into the mix on heart alone.
I looked up the charts on those races, and the comments — “passed tiring rivals” at Retama Park,” and “steady advance” at Sam Houston Race Park — speak volumes about his character on the track and beyond. He always gave it his all, and he never, ever gave up.
Rest in peace, Rowdy.
As a community, let’s never give up on our mission to find a safe, happy home for each and every OTTB. Here are three that caught our eye this week!
Photo via Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
It’s easy to max out on compliments for this 16.1-hand, 2013 gelding. Maximum Max (Albertus Maximus – Jersey Glitter, by Glitterman) is the horse that everyone wants — balanced, athletic, kind, smart, willing, and GREY! His connections are so impressed with him already. His composure and work ethic, despite his youth, bode well for his future in the sport horse world. This fancy fellow was bred to race but born to shine in the show ring!
Located in Lexington, KY.
View Maximum Max on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Photo via New Vocations.
Scarlet Lady (Noble Causeway – I’m Becoming, by Bertrando) is a 3-year-old filly who is figuring out her way through life with baby curiosity and bright-eyed wonder.
She was very shy and afraid of everything when she came to New Vocations but has been transforming into a very nice young lady before their eyes. From jumping at her own shadow to now happily showing us her cute personality, she absolutely seeks out and relies on her person to help her understand her new world. Scarlet is always looking for her person to give her guidance and protection, both on the ground and under saddle, so she will be a true partner. If she is out in the pasture she will call to you if she sees you and will watch your every move from over her stall gate, so at this stage of her life she will need an advanced rider familiar with working with babies because she still has a young mind.
She is able to advance in her training under a thought-out step-by-step program, but will get anxious and strong if confused by what is being asked of her, reverting back to the race training she is familiar with. Softness and patience wins her over and she will try her heart out if she understands what the rider is telling her, meaning Scarlet will be the type of horse that will start right out with what she learned the day before. She has no known injuries and no vices.
Located in Marysville, OH.
View Scarlet Lady on New Vocations.
Photo via New Vocations.
Ange Gris (Grey Dawn II – Lady Attica, by Spy Song), meaning “gray angel,” is an 8-year-old mare who stands over 15.3 hands. She ran a very impressive 52 times and has retired without any apparent injuries.
She is lower in the herd order but is not bullied. Her everyday ground manners are excellent but she can get pushy when overstimulated (for instance, the first couple days in a new place). Once she settles in she is quite sweet and personable. She does not have any stall vices.
Angel, as her trainers call her, is currently RRP Makeover eligible as she has not yet started retraining under saddle since her retirement from racing. She does not have any known limitations.
Located in Lexington, KY.
