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Retired racehorse, Cool Buck LongRun is one of the first adoption and placement programs for thoroughbred racehorses in Ontario. To learn more about us, click here. |
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Adopt A Horse
What Can I Expect From An Ex-Racehorse?
The thoroughbred is a beautiful, versatile and athletic breed, which can proudly trace its bloodlines back many centuries. It is our belief that it is a priviledge to be a part of their lives and custodians of their welfare. With time and patience, almost all thoroughbreds can become the most loving and gentlest of companions and, with re-training, many of our graduates have gone on to a second career as a riding horse, some with show potential!
Interested in finding out more?
We thought you would be! That's why we've placed information on the horses currently available for adoption. Once you are ready to begin the adopting process, click here to contact us for more details.
Awescars Wild Again
Grand looking Awescar is a recent addition to the LongRun program after proving to be too slow to be competitive. Standing at 16'1 hands, this big handsome guy will sure to make his new adopter very proud. He has just come off the track and is still very green, so he will require retraining. Currently Awescar is relaxing at his new foster farm, and enjoying the early stages of his retirement. With time he will be ready to be adopted to a permanent loving home. Beautiful Lily
Beautiful Lily is not just a name…she is a beautiful mare with a bold white marked face, standing approx. 15.2 hands. Lily came to the LongRun programme late last fall; she has commenced retraining and it is reported that she is has a big stride and a big heart when it comes to work under saddle.
Bullet Tooth Tony
Fully recovered from a sesamoid injury, courtesy of a generous sponsorship by Dr. Vicki Banks, Tony is thriving and should make someone an excellent light hack horse. He's gentle and sweet and is a great ride – just ask office administrator Calen Cifani who has been hacking him at his foster farm.
Canajun Cajun
1995 Chestnut Gelding Canajun Cajun , a.k.a. Freckles, was the sort of “blue collar” horse we like to see in a happy situation after racing. He made 57 starts over seven seasons at the track, then injured his suspensory. He and Angel on the Wing were in the same happy adoptive home until family health problems forced his owner to sadly return him to LongRun. This sweet gelding doesn’t have any prospects as a riding horse, but he is being very generously sponsored by the gang at Harmony Ranch while he awaits a permanent home.
Celtic Knot
This most handsome boy, standing approximately 15' 3", has had plenty of time off recovering from a cannon bone injury and has undergone some reschooling. He is sound and good to go and should be able to make someone a terrific equine partner, no matter what discipline his adopter chooses.
Celtic Ruler
This attractive, medium sized gelding loves attention but can be a little shy. We gave him plenty of time away from the track to recover from what we hoped was a minor rear end problem and then sent him for reschooling but, unfortunately, he wasn’t able to stand up to being ridden, so we are hoping to find him a home as a loving companion/babysitter.
Cold War
2001 Dark Bay Gelding Cold War has a standout race record and was a fierce competitor, with 15 lifetime wins and a Horse of the Year title in Fort Erie. LongRun is proud to represent this dedicated thoroughbred athlete and expects that after some “R&R” at his foster farm this attractive, well mannered 16.2 hand gelding will make some lucky individual a committed equine partner. You may expect that a tough racehorse like Cold War would be difficult to handle but actually it is the opposite - he is very quiet and shy with regards to his disposition.
Corporal Cobra
"The Cobra" was very taken with adoption coordinator Sheri Van Sickle's shoes when we visited him in August '07, perhaps because they are carrot-coloured! This guy is not only very handsome, he is also lucky - trainer Mike Keogh and his wife, Lou, have sponsored him throughout the summer of 2007 in order to give him time to recuperate from a knee injury. He is quite tall (16' 1") and elegant, and not at all aggressive with his turnout buddies. He was a very brave racehorse and should make someone a fine hack.
County Dreamer
“Dreamer” is a very handsome, 16.1hand light bay gelding who was donated by owner Joey Fillipi to LongRun in an effort to find a most loving and affectionate home. This horse goes out at his foster farm with an aged, gentle pasture mate and is adjusting well to life on the farm. It is reported by his foster care provider Alain LeMay that Dreamer tries his hardest under tack to please you when working.
Crafty Angel
Big, beautiful and very correct, this very kind and affectionate girl will surely melt your heart! She has set osselets but has had some retraining and has proven to be an excellent light trail partner. Roaming the fields with this pretty lady will surely lead to happy trails for her and her new adopter.
Dawn Watcher
This charismatic grey gelding has been with us for quite some time and has happily enjoyed the sponsorship of many generous horselovers, including breeders Jeff and Annabelle Begg, jockey Emma Jayne Wilson, who learned how to gallop on him, and the Woodbine jockey colony and their agents. Dawn Watcher is currently being sponsored by jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva. Eurico may be the lucky charm as the two other LongRun horses he has chosen to sponsor, Grand End Sweep and Gandalf, have both found wonderful, permanent adoptive homes.
Deputy Jazz
1998 Bay Gelding This pretty medium-sized bay is one lucky horse – when his owner/breeder, Chiefswood Stables, a major LongRun supporter, noticed him running cheaply towards the end of his career, they arranged to have him claimed, retired and returned to Canada. He does have enlarged ankles (osselets),and so would be most suitable as a companion, which his very affectionate nature would lend itself to.
El Grande
This aptly named gelding is truly grand, standing almost 17 hands with a powerful build and lots of bone. He sustained a suspensory injury earlier this spring and has had stall rest at Paul Buttigieg's farm. He is walking sound and will enjoy some limited turnout before being restarted, but his terrific build and gentle nature should allow him to go on to a successful career as a pleasure horse. If you are willing to give El Grande the time he r equires now and restart him yourself, you won't have to get in the line up for him later on.
Extremeciano
Extremeciano has been returned to the LongRun program due to her previous adopter's health issues. She is a very compact, sweet girl standing at 15'1 hands. Her large stride makes her a beautiful little mover! She is looking for a friend in her new adopter and is anxious to find a forever home. If you are passionate and looking for an incredible horse to love and share a special bond with, Extremeciano might be just the horse you are searching for.
Gold Spark
As a hard-trying racehorse, Sparky was a racing favorite of trainer Leslie Frost. This attractive 16’ 2” chestnut is currently enjoying some time off at the farm prior to being restarted and gets along well with his herd mates. We expect he will restart under tack without a problem.
Harvest Dance
Harvest Dance was one of those “blue collar” racehorses who can very easily get lost in the shuffle but, thanks to the kind hearts of Dr. Vicki Banks and trainer Mike Newell, he found his way to LongRun and has been with us for about five years. He has a most gentle and loving nature, but his enlarged ankles and club foot have prevented anyone from regarding him as an adoption prospect. This is just fine with his foster “mom”, Mary Zimmerman, as Harvest is a particular favorite of hers, but he would love to find a permanent home, perhaps as a babysitter, or even acquire a long term sponsor. Harvest Dance is kindly being sponsored by Aileen Stoyanis in memory of her late husband, Andre Vincent (Pont Rouge). Andre spent his life around the racetrack caring for and loving the horses he worked with.
Henchman
2005 Dark Bay/Brown Gelding Plain but cute, this 16 hand gelding is smart, quiet and would really love a job as someone's trail horse. He is sound and is a favourite of our foster care providers, despite the fact that he requires a bit of extra care cleaning his dentistic cyst. Flossing not required, so please consider giving this sweet boy a home.
Hennipen
This attractive, 15’ 2” gelding sustained a fracture which required stall rest and precluded him having a career at the track, but he is now sound, thanks to the sponsorship of Dr. James Crawford, and is enjoying turnout with a group of weanlings. Hennepin is being given a chance to mature and we plan to commence his retraining in Spring, 2009. We are confident that he will progress quickly, as he enjoys work and attention. Since Hennepin is still a “baby”, we will be looking for a knowledgeable, confident adopter who wants what should be a very nice hack.
IDE BE GONE
2000 Bay Gelding “Gonzo” as he is affectionately referred to by his foster care providers had a long and successful career as a racehorse spanning seven years. Gonzo currently resides at the Goncalves family foster farm in Alliston and is reportedly enjoying companionship with Sammy the pony and the rest of the Goncalves family members who are longtime LongRun advocates and supporters. Gonzo will be assessed early spring for retraining potential as a hack horse. This light bay, 15.2 hand gelding has the appearance of a sprinter and the personality of a champ! INGLEWOOD DRIVE
This extremely pretty mare was a really hard knocking racehorse and tolerated no nonsense at the track, unless you had a treat for her, but has always been a sweetheart at the farm. Inglewood knocked a small chip off a front sesamoid in her final start (July 2010) and will go through 2-3 months of stall rest at her owners' expense before she will be ready for adoption. A well conformed dapple grey standing 15' 3" with excellent conformation, Inglewood should prove to make a flashy hack with potential to be crossbred. Ice Skating
Ice Skating was a very game and versatile racehorse, winning over various track surfaces at different distances, but this attractive gelding’s successful career was cut short when he had an allergic reaction to an insect bite while being rested on a farm in Ocala. Owner/trainer Lorne Richards gave him plenty of time to recover but his throat passage was so restricted due to the reaction that Ice Skating became winded just walking around. After consulting with Woodbine veterinarians Ross Pollock and Brian Van Arem, we sent him to the Milton Veterinary Clinic for further evaluation and a possible operation to improve his quality of life. Clinic vet Dr. Marc Desjardin decided to perform a tracheotomy and Ice Skating is recovering nicely under the care of foster mom Saskia Bremmers at Harmony Ranch. This operation, which should enable Ice Skating to enjoy his retirement and perhaps become someone’s loving hack horse, is far more commonplace in Europe where horses can come back and race with a tracheotomy. In fact, LongRun Director Janet Black used to successfully show a horse with a tracheotomy. If you have a big heart and an empty stall, please consider adopting this very deserving horse. OUR SINCERE THANKS TO DR. BRIAN VAN AREM AND DR. ROSS POLLOCK FOR THEIR VALUABLE INPUT AND TO THE MILTON EQUINE VETERINARY CLINIC AND DR. MARC DESJARDINS FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND MONETARY HELP. ICE SKATING IS BEING GENEROUSLY SPONSORED WHILE HE RECUPERATES BY WOODBINE’S LEADING JOCKEY, JIM McALENEY!
Jewel's Justice
This extremely handsome gelding came to us as a four-year-old colt with a badly bowed tendon. Dr. Brian Van Arem took care of the “colt” part and current foster farm owner, Alain LeMay, has made great progress improving the tendon and his manners. His tendon is well healed and set, but this stunning guy needs a home where he will be used for flat work only. His confident nature might require a strong rider but it should serve him well as a trail horse, as very little scares this bold boy. He is dominant within the herd, but not nasty. If you are seeking equine eye candy, Jewels Justice might be the horse for you.
Judith's Landing
Judith stands about 15' 3" and is built like a Mack truck. He's a very friendly guy who is recovering from double knee surgery and should eventually be able to be gently ridden. He really wants a nice, loving home and lots of attention. IF YOU AREN'T ABLE TO ADOPT, THINK ABOUT SPONSORING.
Larry's Dream
Larry's Dream is an incredibly handsome 5 year old thoroughbred gelding, standing 15'3'. Although he wasn't a very talented racehorse, his affectionate nature and gentle character should ensure that he will excel at a second career. Uncomplicated and kind, this sensible boy is great hacking and flat prospect, and is as close to bombproof as you can get. He is a favourite at his foster farm and we know that the moment you meet him, he will surely capture your heart!
Major Zee
This compact little speedball, who won at distances from two to six furlongs on both dirt and turf during his lengthy career, was retired and donated to the LongRun program in the fall of 2006 by owner/trainer Mark Fournier. Bred by Steve Stavro's Knob Hill Stables, this veteran campaigner made 79 starts over 11 seasons, winning 20 times (two of his victories came at the age of 13) and earning over $364,000. The Major is in fine shape and is fortunate enough to have a most generous sponsor in Donna Ralph, a breeder of champion show dogs who contacted LongRun after being deeply touched by the saga of Barbaro. Thanks to Donna, Major Zee is enjoying some well deserved rest and relaxation after being a brave and most generous racehorse.
Miandad
Sadly, Miandad's first adoptive placement did not work out. An inoperable ankle chip has been discovered and this would not allow him to continue with his training as a jumper. It is hoped that a period of time off will allow the chip to "set" and thus enable Mian to be placed in a home where he will only be required to assume light hacking and/or companion duties. Mian is a big (17 HH), handsome, bay horse who loves to play and it is this desire to live each day to the fullest that often causes him to injure himself in the paddock. A small, safe pasture would likely suit him best ideally with one or two quiet equine companions who might be able to convince him a more sedentary lifestyle can be enjoyable too. If you think you can offer this beautiful horse a second chance, please contact us for an appointment to visit.
No Surrender
No Surrender is an average sized, attractive bright bay with a friendly and mischievous personality. He has had a lot of time away from the track, and will soon be sent for retraining and assessment as to what disciplines he might be able to go on to. Call or e-mail us for further information.
One Arrow
Recently (June, 2010) donated to the LongRun programme by trainer Layne Giliforte, this very handsome blood bay gelding is pasture sound but currently recuperating from a bowed tendon, an injury which, when set, has never in our experience prevented a horse from performing in any discipline. He stands 15' 3", has an endearing personality and should be able to start light riding later this year. Call or e-mail us for further information.
Questing Knight
Recently returned to our program because of his loving adopter's health issues, this wonderful and talented 11 year old ex-racer, banked over $376,000 during his career. He is seeking a happy companion home to call his own once again. He adored all the kids at his former home and indeed seemed to be quite fascinated by them. He loves activity, he is thriving and of course continues to love his mints. Call or e-mail us for further information.
Shut It Down
This juvenile stakes winner was recently donated to the LongRun Program. He is an eye-catching adoption candidate, standing 16' 2', who exudes class and has been well treated by his racetrack connections. Shut It Down is very handsome and gentle to work. He has an old tendon injury which shouldn't preclude him from going on to be an athletic hack horse for that special someone.
Sir Cheval
"Chevy" as he is called, stands about 15'3' and has a mature and stately look. Sir Cheval found his way back to LongRun after his adoptive family found themselves in personal difficulty and could no longer care for him. As you can see, Sir Cheval is a very handsome horse - he is quiet and a very good boy to work around. Unfortunately, he has exhibited symptoms of EPM but continues to enjoy life (and, judging from his picture, his food). This is a horse that would really appreciate a sponsor.
Solihull
This big (16’ 2”), very attractive and personable gelding has been spoiled
Stuck in Vegas
2000 Bay Gelding This “blue collar” thoroughbred was retired after suffering a knee injury and a subsequent operation which went so wrong for him that euthanization was considered. We are happy to report that, thanks to his loving owners and the great pampering and care he has received from the Goncalves family at his foster farm, Vegas is now pasture sound and enjoying life. He would really appreciate a sponsor.
Sunny Sam
Sunny Sam is a lovely chestnut gelding who made the trip from Mountaineer
Park back to Toronto to enjoy retirement on Foster Mum's Mary Zimmerman's
farm.
Super Tak
2003 Dark Bay Gelding "Soupy" completed his stall rest this spring after sustaining a suspensory injury last season and is proving to be a big, forward mover under tack. Standing 16' 3" with great bone and feet, Soupy might be well suited to a career in dressage, partnered with the right adopter.
Tugaske
Exceedingly fast, handsome and athletic, this four-time winner was retired and donated to LongRun in the fall of 2009. An old bow is set and barely detectable. He is very sound and has been restarted, proving to be very quiet under tack, but we would prefer to place him with an experienced rider, as he could go on to be any kind of horse.
Tuxedo Gold
The first foal of Shar Dawn Aye, and half-brother to the incomparable Bold Finish, this veteran was very good to everyone who raced him and now is enjoying some “R and R” at Mary Zimmerman’s foster farm after having been generously sponsored by Ian and Janet Black. “George” is very attractive and flashy, standing about 16 hands. He does have wear and tear in a knee but should be good to go as a loving hack horse come Spring, 2009.
Way to Run
Handsome Way To Run stands a solid 16 hands and has a definite affinity for apples and carrots. He is unhampered by an old bow and is a nice mover. Unraced since December 2009, Way To Run has had lots of down time and his kind temperament should ensure that he will excel in a new discipline.
Whirly Carol
ADOPTED!!!
Whiskey Spice
New to the Longrun Program is our handsome Whiskey Spice, known by his barn name of "Pretty Boy Floyd". He has recently been gelded, courtesy of Dr. Vicki Banks, and will start retraining shortly. With a bit of time, this very gentle and attractive guy, standing 16' 1' will be ready for adoption and a new career.
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