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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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Adoptions
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.
Beautiful Lily
2003 Chestnut Mare 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
Unfortunately, Tony was not as talented as his stakes winning sibling, Frankiefourfingers. Retired with a fractured sesamoid, Bullet Tooth Tony was sponsored and kept throughout his recovery by Dr. Vicki Banks. He is quite comfortable now but should be considered for light hacking only. Tony is a good size – 16’ 1” – and would make a quiet, gentle trail horse but his adoptive home will have to provide him with a paddock mate and lots of attention, as he will walk the fenceline when lonely or bored.
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
2005 Dark Bay/Brown Gelding Celtic Knot is a very handsome boy and he knows it! He was donated to LongRun by a very supportive owner, Robert Proctor, after he fractured his canon bone. Thanks in part to the generosity of Dr. Marc Desjardins and his associates at the Milton Equine Clinic, we were able to improve his chances for a full recovery by operating. Celtic Knot spent time on stall rest and is now in the process of being reevaluated at Windreach Farm’s beautiful facility east of Toronto. He will be restarted under saddle and, although he doesn’t seem to be quite as docile as Impropriety and Lindros, two LongRun graduates who are being used as therapy mounts at Windreach, he should become an excellent riding prospect for that special someone.
Celtic Ruler
2003 Dark Bay Gelding 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
2005 Bay Gelding “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.
Crimson Sky
Sound and very pretty, Crimson Sky showed minimal talent as a racehorse, so her loving owners decided it was best to retire her rather than run her for a claiming price. She is well mannered and affectionate, standing about 15’ 2”, and should make a terrific hack for the right person. Any potential adopters should be aware that she will be offered only to a lifelong, very special home.
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
2005 Chestnut Gelding 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.
Genius Jones
This lovely and gentle chestnut 15’ 3”gelding lost an eye due to infection; he cost $230,000 as a yearling which gives you an idea of just how handsome he is! Jones has adjusted well to this major change in his life and we are glad to report that he has made a friend in El Grande, his pasture mate. Jones enjoys being in the company of people, his ground manners are very good and we expect to be restarting this great gelding under tack in the near future.
Glad's Laddie
Glad’s Laddie, or “Stuart”, is becoming quite a fancy horse and may be a hunter hack candidate in the future for and experienced and sensible rider. Young Stuart is 15’ 3” with lots of growing to do, so LongRun will be looking for an adopter who will give this horse time to mature and bring him around responsibly. He is affectionate and learns his lessons well, according to foster mom Heather Pollock who, along with her husband, veterinarian Ross Pollock, have kindly taken Glad’s Laddie under their wing and are slowly reschooling him for a new career
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
Profile to be added soon.
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!
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!
Jalama
2007 Bay Filly Jalama is a beautiful dark bay filly standing 16.2 hands with the potential to finish at 16.3hands. This gentle and quiet filly was donated to the programme due to a lack of ability or talent as a racehorse. Jalama if given the opportunity has the potential to become a perfect equine companion for any caring individual. This gorgeous and sweet filly is enjoying some time with her female herd mates and has become fast friends with another young filly who she shipped to the foster farm with! If Jalama has any of her sire’s attributes, she will become a brave and hard-trying mount with the right individual.
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.
Kia Ora Cat
Profile to be added soon.
Larry's Dream
2005 Dark Bay/Brown Gelding Larry is a very quiet, sound and kind gelding standing 15.3H, dark bay in color.We are expecting to be restarting Larry soon and think that this horse will make someone a lovely riding horse. Larry is very affectionate and is capable of stealing your heart after you spend some time with him.
Love to Shine
This big, agile youngster was retired during the fall of his two-year-old year due to a tendon. Fully recovered, he is a big mover and his foster farm thinks he will make a really nice horse for that special someone.
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.
Manderlay
2005 Dark Bay Gelding Gentle giant Manderlay carries himself as the classic, old-school field hunter. This kind and inquisitive gelding gets along well with his herd mates and is a very well mannered horse. Manderlay came to the programme too slow and uncompetitive for racing at Woodbine. We expect that with reschooling some lucky individual may have the equine partner of a lifetime, with this 16.3 hand gelding.
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.
Night Terror
This is a solid 15.3hh horse with a kind eye and a sweet disposition who enjoys human companionship. Due to having chips in his right knee he would be fine for light hacking, however he is seeking a companion home.
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.
Sabina Park
This picture does not even come close to doing this handsome youngster justice – he is the loveliest little guy you could ever imagine and has an extremely sweet personality. A bright bay standing a bit over 15 hands, with a most elegant head, Sabina is very well conformed and sound, but was retired with a case of the “slows”. Sabina Park comes to us from the caring barn of trainer Steve Attard and was donated by Les Periera’s Beclawat Stable. This horse could go anywhere with some retraining.
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
Bred by industry leader Adena Springs, this happy 15.2 hand gelding was lucky to have their support, as they helped him find his way back to Ontario and retirement after a knee injury put an end to a brief racing career. His problems are seemingly behind him as he is sound under tack and enjoys being ridden.
Super Tak
2003 Dark Bay Gelding Favorite to adoption coordinator, Sheri Van Sickle who worked as a foal watcher to the dam of this 16.3 hand gelding, is he expected to make a full recovery from a suspensory injury which we have cautiously provided post injury care to. Take note that after having been stall-bound since August, as per the attending veterinarian’s advice – “Soupy” still maintains a winning attitude towards people and is always gently trying to win your affection
Tugaske
2003 Dark 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.
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.
Western Wall
This very attractive and well-bred gelding stands about 15.2 hands and is elegantly built. He had been bothered by wear and tear in an ankle but has been given plenty of time to recover and has now been restarted under saddle. Western Wall is eager to work with an experienced rider but is looking for flat work only.
Wild Fury
This very attractive youngster was sidelined last year with the start of tendon problems and, when the tendon started to flare up while he was in training this spring, the decision was made to retire him unstarted. “Rory” has been given time off and will be started back slowly under the watchful eye of foster mom, Edie Urbasik. Edie reports that he is very kind, loves people and that anyone who adopts him will be getting a “steal”. Many thanks to owner Scott Chen and trainer Les Frost for giving Rory the opportunity to go on to a new career.
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