They’re not old … they’re more mature, and that’s not a bad thing! There are some definite benefits to adopting and restarting an older horse. For one, you don’t have to worry about starting them too young and since they’ve been around the block a bit already they’re often a little more laid back than your average youngster right off the track.
Those 3- and 4-year-olds tend to be hot commodities, but don’t you dare count these gents out! Here are three gorgeous 9-year-old geldings that haven’t lost their athletic edge at all:
Personal Delivery. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Personal Delivery (BIG BROWN – MAJESTIC EMPRESS, BY EMPIRE MAKER): 2010 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
This stunning gelding is pretty much as close as you’re going to get to a turn-key sport horse from something off the track. “Percy” has constantly impressed the New Vocation’s staff, including their veterinarian, from the moment he got off the trailer. He has a gentle and kind personality and has befriended some of the very youngest visitors to the farm. This slightly-older-but-no-less-useful gentleman has an incredible work ethic and is chock-full of athleticism. He is certainly not past his prime and is already learning new thing, like going on the bit, very quickly.
Located in Lexington, Kentucky.
View Personal Delivery on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Armature. Photo via CANTER Chicago.
Armature (DYNAFORMER – VIRTUOSA, BY SEEKING THE GOLD): 2010 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
Armature is a unique find: he’s an athletic Thoroughbred with a puppy dog personality in a Warmblood-type body. This well-bred gelding sold for $150,000 as a yearling and with his solid and correct uphill build, you can probably see why. Armature did have an old ankle injury but was given the appropriate rehab time and is now sound. His jog video shows a nice big swinging walk and a lofty trot. He absolutely relishes attention and loves begging for treats!
Located at Hawthorne Race Course.
View Armature on CANTER Chicago.
Hooping. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Hooping (MALIBU MOON – LONG N LANKY, BY COZZENE): 2010 16.1-hand Virginia-bred gelding
It’s not every week we have a Virginia-bred horse to feature, so that just makes “Henry” here extra-unique. The New Vocations staff say that Henry has presence wherever he goes, and it seems that he’s earned it having reached almost $120,000 in 50 starts. After such a long racing career Henry was given some much-needed time to just be a horse and he would love to continue to have lots of turnout time in his next home. Henry is reportedly “a lot of horse” but with his athleticism and smarts he definitely has the potential to make someone an amazing sport horse partner.
Located in Medina, Ohio.
