My sister has been trying to adopt a dog for a past few months, subsequent to the passing of our elderly family dog earlier this year. It turns out, though, that everyone and their brother is also trying to adopt a dog this summer too, probably because it’s a great time to get to know a new fuzzy family member during their pandemic stuck-at-home-ness.
I’ve been wondering if the same is true for OTTBs. It’s gotten harder and harder to find new horses to feature through the various rehoming organizations we scout, because it seems they’ve all gotten scooped up! In that vein, here are three perfectly lovely horses that we’ve featured in past editions of OTTB Wishlist and yet are still waiting to find their new homes. Come on, you know you want them!
Paddock Prince (CAIRO PRINCE – EL FASTO, BY EL PRADO (IRE)): 2017 16.1-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
Here’s a lovely-looking unraced youngster for you all! He certainly lives up to his name and a real princely-looking prospect. Though Paddock Prince did not race, he did live on the track and have published workouts (so he is 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover eligible!) he was gelded upon arrival at MMSC so and he’ll need an experienced adopter at this time for that reason. He’ll also need a couple more months of pasture turnout to help him recover from a tendon lesion, to allow him to make a full recover before he begins work again, but the sky’s the limit for this guy once he’s been given the opportunity rest and recover!
Located in Lexington, Kentucky.
View Paddock Prince on Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center.
Can Do Man (CAN THE MAN – QUALITY MISS, BY GRAND SLAM): 2017 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
Can Do Man can do anything when he grows up! This young one is still growing into himself and packing on some pounds, but I can picture a sleek-looking sporthorse under that baby chestnut fuzz, can’t you? He already shows off a big tracking-up trot and good use of his hind-end when working in a round pen. Can Do Man never made a career start on the track and actually hasn’t done any racing, so he’s a clean slate for anyone looking to scoop up a nice young horse to bring along.
Located in Prospect, Kentucky.
View Can Do Man on Second Stride.
Heading to Boca (MAJESTIC WARRIOR – CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC, BY GOOD AND TOUGH): 2011 16.3-hand Indiana-bred gelding
This handsome tall hunk of a gelding needs someone to give him a job! Boca is an athletically gifted guy who enjoys working, but he can be hard on himself if she doesn’t answer the question right the first time. He’ll therefore flourish best with a rider who can be a confident, tactful and encouraging. On the ground, he’ll try to get away with some naughty behavior if you let him, but if you present yourself as the leader and gain his trust then he’ll be a perfect gentleman. The Friends of Ferdinand staff say this horse is real trier and will excel in whatever he’s asked if you can show him patience and dedication.
Located near McCordsville/ Fortville, Indiana.