Weekly OTTB Wishlist from Cosequin: Three ‘Fun Size’ Thoroughbreds

When I was a kid, I never really understood “Fun Size” candy bars. How could a smaller portion of sugary goodness such as Reeses or Snickers possibly trump the extra large King Size? Surely more must be better? King size is fun size, I used to say.

As an adult, I’ve come to understand that sometimes things are better in moderation (though to be completely honest, I’m still not convinced candy bars are one of them), but some folks just prefer slightly smaller horses. They can be easier to connect to and package, they’re super handy around turns, and when you do fall off you’re already a little closer to the ground!

This week we’ve found three nice-looking Thoroughbreds under 16.0-hands who are looking to show you what they can do in a second career:

Having Fun. Photo via CANTER California.

Having Fun (ARCH – WEEKEND PARTY, BY A.P. INDY): 2014 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred mare

Is this not the most perfect name to hear announced over the loudspeaker while you’re on course? Let “Having Fun” remind you that  riding is just that — a way to have fun! This young mare had a modest race career with 15 starts and $21,770 in earnings, but she’d really rather just cuddle with her groom than run fast. Having Fun has a total ‘in-your-pocket’ personality and is as sweet as they come. She may very well make a nice sport horse for her next owner/rider, particularly if she forms a strong bond with them!

Located at Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, CA.

View Having Fun on CANTER California.

Baby Bling. Photo via CANTER Ohio.

Baby Bling (TOO MUCH BLING – MINI MOM, BY PARENTS’ REWARD): 2013 15.1-hand Ohio-bred gelding

He may be small, but Baby Bling has the potential to be pretty fancy. His sire line traces back to Fappiano (Courageous Comet’s grandsire) by way of Rubiano — a line known for producing well-balanced and athletic horses. Baby Bling is compact and easy to handle; he has a sweet disposition and is very affectionate. He retired sound after 32 starts and has since enjoyed some downtime on a farm away from the track. He’s still green, but given how well-mannered Baby Bling is he could be suitable for an amateur or young rider working with a trainer.

View Baby Bling on CANTER California.

La Candelita. Photo via CANTER Chicago.

La Candelita (MISREMEMBERED – VERONICA’S LAKE, BY SALT LAKE): 2013 15.2-hand Kentucky-bred mare

With her smaller stature and refined build, La Candelita may be as close to finding a “Thoroughbred pony” as you’re going to come! Right now at Arlington she’s racing-lean, but her connections say that at different tracks with a different racing surface she muscles up very nicely. She may be a chestnut mare, but she was friendly and respectful of her handler for her CANTER photoshoot. La Candelita had ankle surgery as a two-year-old which was fully rehabbed and never caused any complications during her 30 start career. She’s now retiring sound and without any vices, looking for her next career.

Located at Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

View La Candelita on CANTER Chicago.