We frequently have more available than are listed on the website. Reach out for more details about our horses, sales program, or how we can help you find that new family for your horse.
When it comes to training, each horse needs something a little different. Our flexible program provides the correct number and type of rides for your horse (3, 4, 5 a week? grids? field hacks? XC schooling? basic stadium work? etc) to help set them up for success and find them find that perfect home.
We are always happy to present horses to prospective buyers. For the benefit of the horse and the human, buyers are carefully "vetted" to be sure that they would be a good match with the horses they get on. Aubrey does the demo ride and if the horse seems appropriate, she will teach an abridged lesson /work with their trainer to provide a positive experience and show the horse.
We are happy to help you market your horse on this page and on social media! We have a large client base and good connections with varied budgets. Using video and photo, we aim to make a good match and find quality homes.
Aubrey is a professional photographer and with her knowledgeable team, creates attractive conformation and under saddle photographs. Video is always essential for sales, and the Kivu Team is happy to help create short films that show off your horse's skills and movement either at home or at competitions.
Please reach us at aubreygraham@gmail.com / 404-509-4655 if you cannot find an answer to your question below
You are welcome to come try horses here or to purchase remotely. In both cases, I will do my best to ensure that any horse you wish to purchase or try is a good fit. Please expect that I may request videos or inquire about your background as a rider / with training OTTBs. There are no offsite trials. **Making a good match that makes rider and horse happy is my first goal.**
To try horses here a (refundable upon purchase) payment of $100 must be sent to Aubrey 24-hours before the trial to hold your slot. (*This is not a scam - I just got tired of folks wasting my time and not doing their due diligence before coming out - aka tire kicking, booking a ride and bailing day-of, or of not checking with a trainer/bank/husband first, etc.) You're welcome to try any suitable horse(s) that is(are) for sale for that one-time fee, but time slots are booked ahead of time, so please plan accordingly. Each horse takes around 45-min to an hour to discuss and trial ride. *If you choose to come back to try the horse again, that will be charged like a lesson (100$) and will not be refundable.
For each horse, we will use my tack which is already fitted to the horse. Feel free to bring your stirrups and leathers though as I'm tall and we often have to roll them for shorter riders. Generally I will hop on first and show you the horse through the flat and fences (if applicable). You have a choice to hop on or pass at that point, and we'll go from there. Please expect that I will coach you through the ride, especially on the greener Thoroughbreds.
Once you have decided that you wish to purchase a horse, you have the option of setting up a PPE. The PPE must occur within one week - if for any reason it takes longer than that, there will be a nonrefundable (but can go to the purchase price) deposit of $500 to hold the horse as pending for up to one week additional.
There are quire a few vets in the Ithaca area and you're welcome to coordinate with any of them so long as they're able to arrive when I am also present (schedule coordinating required). Fingerlakes Equine and Early Winter Equine are a few nearby. The horse will still be shown to potential buyers during this time, though it will not be sold out from under you if a PPE has been scheduled and confirmed.
After the PPE, you will have a business day to discuss findings with your vet and confirm your desire to purchase or pass.
If you choose to purchase, a bill of sale will be drawn up and payment must be sent and received before the horse is transferred from the farm. Venmo, Zelle, and Bank Transfers / Cashiers Check are all fine.
Once the horse is sold, I will happily assist in setting up shipping. Temporary board begins the day after the bill of sale is signed and will be prorated to 30$ a day. The horse will continue to be fed and cared for as usual until pickup. At this point, I will no longer be riding the horse, unless a training ride package is discussed and agreed upon.
While I would love for new owners to visit their horses before shipping, this must be scheduled and will be limited as this is a training facility, not a boarding barn. The goal is to get them to you and settled in as soon as possible.
And from there, it's all the fun of training and riding and caring for the new horse. BUT if you run into trouble, or just want to share the joy and excitement of bringing them along, I'll be there to help, take a look at videos, and make suggestions. In some more extensive cases, lesson fees may apply, but I will do everything I can to help out (and celebrate successes) as you go forward.
This kid is super cool. He was snapped up by a good riding Eventer last year and is now back for resale. He’s a good egg, loves hacking out, traveled well to Aiken, enjoys a good nap in clean bedding and is started over fences. But at the end of the day, he just doesn’t really fit her program.
I picked Cove up in July of last year. This handsome but weedy gentleman needed to do some growing up and let down from the track. He has since packed on at least 200lbs and begun to move confidently through the world around him.
Cove nearly stayed in my program but too many moves this last year forced me to move all the nice and rideable ones along - his canter gave me goosebumps. Yes, he needs to learn to use his back and his lanky body, but this folks, appears to be a true three day horse. He is big and rangey, but he's going to be able to gallop a big course. He'd also look ridiculously smart out on a hunt field, or in eq classes.
Cove has zero limitations. He is sound, kind, goofy, and pretty easy going all around. On a scale of 0 (deadhead) to 10 (fire breathing dragon), I'd confidently put Cove at at a 5. He is sensitive but not particularly complicated and I think any good riding individual with a quality trainer versed in young OTTBs would do well.
Cove is offered at 10k. Information on in house trials available above
Vader is the cutest, fanciest, flashiest little guy. He’s kind, even keel, and easy to be around on the ground and in the saddle. He’s a total metronome under saddle, soft and willing to try whatever you throw at him.
Vader is super versatile - event him, take him in the hunters, spin around a few jump rounds, go sand dancing or the like. He’s also uncomplicated enough for a good riding ammie or junior with a trainer.
Vader came off the track last year and was restarted by a jockey / trainer in KY. She put a lovely foundation on him and then gave him time to let down and be a horse. Vader arrived here after a winter and spring mostly off, with a body that is loose, relaxed and ready for a new job.
Vader arrived barefoot and has good feet. I’ll end up tossing at least front shoes on him to help him manage the rocks up here, but his angles look good and he’s comfortable without steel currently. He has no stall or under saddle vices.
Vader is offered at $6500 to increase with additional training. Trial info above. No trades or off site trials.
Coming soon and will be evaluated upon arrival
coming in soon!
Based on his breeding, this one should be both ammy friendly and MOVE. Will post more once he is here and evaluated.
Manhattan (Ten Bits 2021 16.2h OTTB gelding with Tale of Ekati lines) located in Lansing, NY
For the last three weeks we have been in negotiations with upper level riders and elite coaches about this horse. We respect the riders and coaches a ton, but all the run around hasn’t found Manhattan his home. So here we are again…
There’s no doubt that this horse has upper level potential and he would do best with a very capable rider to bring him along. We’re still hoping to find that needle in the haystack and to help that along, Manhattan’s owner is open to outright transfer of ownership or creative shared ownership deals to get him into the right hands.
Ready out directly if interested.
Recent jump school: https://youtu.be/cuG_4jRXEFQ?si=CkE5uGSD-qq_7X4O
April flat: https://youtu.be/zZcrRmiCom8?si=6GLkUl14vNbF5W5x
I love Tale of Ekati kiddos and Manhattan is no exception. Just like his relatives (Koops, Fig, Ranger, Preston) he is kind, snuggly, polite, smart, and wants to work. Oh and he, like them, is crazy athletic with a big, fancy ground covering stride. His canter is simply out of this world
Manhattan has been brave and game for everything we have thrown at him. Hop over baby pools? Neat. Little xc logs, sure. Lunge quietly? Ok fine. Patiently work on his rhythm in all gaits? Yep. Hack out alone or in a group- no prob.
He comes over his back easily and gives 120 % everytime asked. He is green and needs an experienced rider to develop him without skipping steps, but like his siblings, he’s not particularly complicated and has shown no vices under saddle or in the barn.
If I was a betting woman, I’d put money on this horse being someone’s horse of a lifetime. He’s just that kind, capable and intelligent.
Manhattan is eligible for the RRP this year if anyone is hoping to do a last minute entry. I think he’ll kill it in eventing or show jumping… ok ok or dressage (his movement is great).
listed at 7500 trial info above
Bowen as he was called in his former home (or Rhino as we have always affectionately call him here) is a beautifully built flashy chestnut who could go in any direction. His good looks and class come from a successful race career and his Giants Causeway bloodlines.
🎥 Jump field school w xc:
https://youtu.be/x0DXt1DRvrg?si=ORb5im12rpPUl58I
🎥 flat school with Aubrey:
https://youtu.be/0U5ZI-UlAaE?si=UKnvGnZnSOYLGfQJ
🎥 dressage school with Lily:
https://youtu.be/dmHoF550NxI?si=Ndqxvh7WKZ1SOPeE
This is a gelding who is absolutely kind but more professional than in your pocket. He likes a stable residence, predictable turnout and regular work. Classy Cowboy is more accountant than cowboy, but that doesn’t impact his athleticism. This handsome gelding has swinging gaits, correct carriage, and ample experience in dressage with some dabbling in low level eventing.
Classy Cowboy came off the track in 2022 and came to me through a trusted race connection. He found an ammie owner not long after arriving and has been with her until he came back here this spring.
Bowen/ Rhino is a quality moving horse with absolutely no limitations. He does, however, need someone who is good at establishing and holding boundaries. He can be pushy but when told, “not a chance” he remembers his manners. The same goes for riding. Sit up and kick on and he’s all business and frankly damn wonderful.
Keep dressaging him, event him or play in the hunter-jumper realm - he’ll be happy with a job to pursue and a person who sorted on him (with boundaries). Classy Cowboy requires a confident rider who is versed in TBs. He has not shown any riding vices here (and he has no stall vices) but I also know he needs that strong-but-kind ride that lets him settle and gives him confidence to work as a team. In other words, he is not appropriate for folks returning to riding after years off or kids, beginners or folks who only have limited Tb experience. For experienced riders, this horse is going to simply shine.
Classy Cowboy is offered at 6k negotiable to the perfect home. Onsite trials allowed, please see guidelines and fees above.
August is the real deal. He had 5 total starts, finishing his race career on March 9th. Barely two and a half months off the track and he is moving like
August learns to jump: https://youtu.be/Ntvo55I6_iE?si=dOEGFGjilyJeajDq
Recent flat video: https://youtu.be/oEnFwjAbonc?si=N6cLBu9YTKQo1a2O
This horse will absolutely kill it in an eventing, hunter or fox hunter career. He is literally all class. And he is uncomplicated enough to be able to do so with a quality riding ammie or junior (with experienced trainer of course).
August has the Shackleford movement and temperament - making him not only fancy AF but tolerant of rider asks and mistakes (think Louis - Unbridled Bayou). Sure he has opinions and is not a packer yet, but in the right hands this guy will do it all and get noticed along the way.
August loves getting groomed (which is a good thing considering he also loves the mud) and he’s good in turnout with geldings. Professional for the farrier, easy on the ground and ready to leg up and do all the things under saddle… I can’t really find anything to not like.
August is offered at 13500. Onsite trials described above. Fees apply.
“Emmett” (JC Oboy) 16.2h 2019 OTTB gelding by Limehouse located in Lansing, NY
Emmett has been packing on the pounds and topline and keeps proving that he has all the potential trial to be one hell of an amazing sport horse. I ride this one saying, “I really should find a way to keep you.”
Emmett is whip smart, honest, kind, and has so so so much talent. Like this one is going to JUMP in the right hands. We put him over a small grid and some x s and I grinned at how he figured it out. Good kid, Emmett!
Emmett recently had a PPE that is basically a great example of “ride the horse, not the X-rays.” He has a handful of small things the most significant of which was his pedal osteitis. We stuck front pads on him and the vet watched him go two days later and was like, “that’s already more than 50% better!”Happy to discuss that / share rads and chat through other findings with serious buyers.
Flat and fences first school outside: https://youtu.be/C2QQtSWSZXg?si=-bsbBsgeWidsfvqV
First fences and flat video before pads: https://youtu.be/2_QQQwRxn24?si=RHiR5UHTyk6iDScB
More flat: https://youtu.be/2_QQQwRxn24?si=TB0cBMUvMc1M8ySn
Emmett is plain bay sure, but he’s also plain lovely. Smart, kind, willing, and just good and sensible. He’d be a great option for an advanced junior or an intermediate or better adult ammie. He should turn out to be the all around good egg type who can do anything asked. Sure. I think he’ll excel in eventing and jumpers but this kiddo would handle the hounds just fine too.
As an aside- this kiddo came off the track looking very, very rough. His owner did a great job getting weight on him and were continuing the trend up here. He needs another 100 pounds and a bunch of topline and muscle but he’ll get there soon! The last photo is how he was off the track. Lucky duck to have landed with his owner and we’re lucky to get to work with him here
Emmett is offered at 5500 and man is that a steal of a deal for this horse. Onsite trials available- see info above.
recent 2’6” video
https://youtu.be/xKfpXTzvQyA?si=frx6zo3mJA8ov6Db
Indy is one that I don’t really want to list, but I don’t get to keep them all. I have loved this kid since my friend Erica Brown picked him up for the 2021 RRP Makeover. We co-trained him and competed him as a team, winning the Team Eventing division that year.
Indy is kind, in your pocket, goofy as hell and outrageously talented with an easy riding stride and fantastic jump. But he’s not without his lumps and bumps (happy to discuss with serious inquiries). Manage them correctly as we have and you will have a horse with unlimited talent and try. I have always thought this kid could head towards the upper levels, but he’s just as happy clicking around BN.
I have run him BN (he ran that at the Makeover too) and he has schooled Novice elements. Erica took him to a long format Starter in 2022, and he was a rock star. Olympian Dorothy Crowell has loved this horse and his gallop since the Makeover, and has contributed to his training with Erica.
In the between years, his former owners have transitioned to more western disciplines and he has just hung out. I jumped at the ability to buy him in the summer of 2024 and have spent the last 6 months reconditioning him for a sport horse life. He’s now fully ready to go and do all the things and keep you laughing along the way.
Indy will have new video coming as soon as it dries up enough to jump here again. In the meantime we’ll get arena video this week.
Indy is offered at 10k to increase with show experience this summer. On site trials only as scheduled and described above
For Lease
Can be tried in Talking Rock GA (til the 21st) and then Lansing, NY)
Forrest has been out on lease with @adelanarovich and @ilsesimmons for the last year. Adela was coming off a tough ride and needed a horse to give her confidence on xc.
Forrest checked that box and then some.
In the last year the pair has moved from Starter to Novice and has had a blast. Adela is ready for a horse that can carry on up the levels and Forrest needs to stay BN- so he is available again to teach another good riding junior or adult ammie.
Forrest is up for an onsite or off site lease preferably in the worlds of Eventing, Show Jumping or Dressage.
Adela’s chosen videos:
Xc schooling:
TIP championship stadium BN
Old ad info:
Forrest is the OG Thoroughbred at this farm and my former upper level hopeful. He has competed through Training (but really now needs to stay BN and below) and is surprisingly good with beginners (him more so than me). He’s a sidekick and the first horse that I would pick to ride into battle (thankfully not something currently needed). I owe this horse everything and he owes me nothing.
Forrest is available for lease on-site or off-site to an intermediate or more experienced rider. I’m looking for a lessor for him who will show up regularly, love him the way I do, and give him all the attention and exercise he needs. He could pack a beginner around, but that would have to be an off-site lease with a good trainer. This horse is capable of all the things - ride here, go show with us, hack out, have fun, hone your dressage, or work on your low level stadium courses.
That said, Forrest is an attention hog on the ground (treats are a no-go until you’re done for the day for a reason) and pretty crafty, despite his “hold my beer” tendencies and serious dad bod. He will pack you around the lower levels at home, but off property or moving up in fences, he can be a bit wild and a LOT more horse - or what I affectionately call a “freight train.” He has brakes, but you have to know how to engage them, pitch and pull and he’ll just keep chugging along.
Forrest is usually my makeover application horse for fun since he was the first one I took (RRP2018, 10th in show jumping) so here’s recent ish video:
XC (his favorite) https://youtu.be/ACD0zEQpRmc?si=SphaHW0HagmJeAUk
Stadium (https://youtu.be/pmaKBDI0UCg?si=N-B5c44E1dlEvcir)
Dressage (https://youtu.be/YvMrifjJl_c?si=zSocQnfnT90C-epf)
If you’re a timid rider and have show goals, this is not your horse. Timid and want to stay home and practice?…maybe. Bold an ballsy and want to do any or all the things with a trainer, fabulous.
Forrest is sweet, but he’ll challenge the best of them to keep him in line and quiet off property. AKA do not be lulled into complacency by how easy (and how much you have to kick) he is at home. Anyone who knows this horse will tell you that showing him or riding off property is a much more “exciting” experience (he’s not “bad” off property just a lot more excited about life and riding and jumps and and and…)
That said, he is the bravest horse I have ridden - has never refused a fence - stadium or cross-country and has schooled through prelim with the occasional intermediate element thrown in. I’d rather him stay around Starter, BN (capped around 2’6”) but the talent is there if he is properly conditioned and maintained (hock and stifle injections annually).
This horse deserves nothing but the absolute best. So if you want to ride one hell of a wonderful Thoroughbred and learn a ton along the way, reach out. He might not be for everyone, but hell, neither am I.
I will be picky where he goes so reach out if you think you're a good fit. Located in Talking Rock, GA until the 21st then back in Lansing, NY with me.
Reach out for details
On-site lease only in Lansing, NY
I love this little snapping horse. He is the most amazingly grumpy, athletic pain in the ass out there. And I adore all of his ridiculous overflow of personality (hence me putting off selling him since I bought him at the end of February of 2023). But I legitimately own too many and while I think he’ll be able to do anything anyone wants, my gut tells me that this horse will be a killer first flight fox hunter and or mid-level eventer with the right rider and situation.
I may consider an off-site lease in an exceptional situation but before you read any further, he is NOT available to a boarding barn situation. His sense of humor and snapping turtle nature are too much of a risk and I don't want him anywhere he won't be loved as much as he is here.
Makeover XC
https://youtu.be/QXDovQIdPu4?si=MJ_z7HRlzyl4XVoz
Makeover Dressage:
https://youtu.be/bXhorTcXJ-Q?si=m2T8Iej2FKssi1qh
So I’m legging him up to hunt and event and see what he thinks. In the meantime, he is for lease to a human that will put his quirky, odd-ball self first and enjoy all of the comical, sweet, but gnashy bits that are Wolf.
OK, more specifically, Wolf competed in this year’s RRP Makeover in show jumping and BN eventing and he has miles at starter before that. Man is that horse brave. In KY, he took in all the arenas and all the fences, water, down bank, ditch etc etc etc without batting an eye. Wolf has scope for plenty more, though grids will definitely help him nail down his footwork. He has all the movement and presence to stop traffic, even at just 16h.
Wolf did all of this well on less rides than I would have liked. His letdown from the track took a while and came in fits and spurts where he would get body sore and would get more time off. When I competed him in KY, I think he had maybe 30 retraining rides… MAYBE. He is now past the sore part, has packed on the pounds (finally) and is onto the “needs a job” stage.
Wolf has a hell of a hind leg and is put together like a proper Ferarri. He ran 63 times mostly in Louisiana and was sound for the duration - this kid is tough as nails and knows (and loves) that job. Thus, he is definitely not for an inexperienced rider.
Add to it that he is smart - frankly smarter than most people I know - and thus is super good at getting himself in slightly comical trouble. He does not have a buck or rear, but he will outsmart you undersaddle if you're not on top of your game or if he feels your boundaries are merely suggestions.
That said, Wolf is ALL WORK when in the tack. He loves his job and likes nothing more than to show you that he can do it. Wolf is INtense not tense. But whether in the saddle or on the ground, he mandates a sense of humor. Like many Malibu Moons and Ghostzappers, he can be … “expressive.” He is food aggressive and is generally likely to snap in your direction or lift a leg to threaten to kick when being groomed. Please note, he has no intention to bite or kick you… it is a game. And according to a vet who knew him when he was a yearling - he has always been like this. We just laugh at him, tell him it is not allowed and oddly he wins hearts on a daily basis.
*We have gastro-scoped etc etc etc and all clean .. .He also receives maintenance and adequate appropriate for a 9 year old horse who ran hard for 7 of those years. He has earned it.
Despite all his goofy-grumpy antics, he is easy to love. See, he actually likes people, but it seems that he has no ability to be normal, so snappy affection is his go-to. I’d love to see this petit powerhouse of an alligator run through the mid-levels or cruise around the fox hunt field. He will always have a home with me, but in the meantime, he would love to have his own human and go do all the things.
Wolf’s lease would be 450 half lease, 900 full lease, lessons required (price additional) . Must be able to coordinate ride schedules and be 18 or above. Located in Lansing, NY - on-site trial fees apply (see above)
Found a human!!!
Tetris is a bit of a long story. But the important part of all of it is that this handsome golden retriever of a Thoroughbred wants a new human best friend. In the meantime he’s making do with me and my hectic trainer schedule. But really, he’s settling. He’d trade me in a heartbeat for the classic, enthusiastic ammie - the rider who visits him daily, spends all the time grooming and pampering and is as happy to swing a leg over and go work as to hack about bareback or just go graze together and crack open a brew (or sprite…).
Tetris is a front man. He and his blond locks need all the attention and accolades along the way. But this attention- (and food) hungry kiddo is not short on athletic abilities. He has no limitations and could just as easily run the jumper rounds as event or fox hunt. He has xc schooled and done small jumper shows in the past and will be back out on my course as soon as it dries up outside.
Recent flat: https://youtu.be/WNPtIsO23zk?si=_72ps5vW5j7aNCIo
Last year’s xc school: https://youtu.be/WNPtIsO23zk?si=_72ps5vW5j7aNCIo
Tetris would do great with an adult amateur or a talented junior with trainer. He has no vices besides wanting your attention regularly or hoping second breakfast might appear. He does wear pads up front and shoes on all 4.
The quick backstory is that in late summer of 2023, I restarted him and put 2/3s of a year of training in before moving him along to a good home. Their situation changed, and a year after I sold him he arrived back at my farm, ready for some tlc and some legging back up. A month and many of those second breakfasts later, Tetris is ready to get back out there and do ALL the things with his new human 💚
Asking 6k increase with upcoming show experience
Placed!
Welcome to the first ad for a horse supported by Stall13 (stall13.org). Stall 13 is a 501c3 run alongside Kivu Sporthorses and is a non-profit focused on helping Thoroughbreds get on (and stay on) the right path. The organization is geared to address challenging cases, specifically horses who have struggled physically, mentally, or temperamentally at the end of their track career and / or in their second careers. Stall 13 therefore provides space, rehabilitation, and retraining for hard-to-place horses like warhorses, those needing rehab, redirection and those whose second careers have left them frustrated or without a safety net.
We’ll do a proper opening one of these days but in the meantime let me (re)present Sews!
Sews is a huge, elegant goof ball who has three lovely gaits and a jump with clear, pretty knees. He feels great and has made it very clear that he is ready for a job! What job does Sews need? He could succeed at pretty much anything – eventing, dressage, fox hunting, jumpers, and even hunters for his daisy cutter movement.
That said, Sews absolutely needs a herd… and he needs to have someone in that herd who can keep him in line. He struggles to differentiate play from “knock it off” cues and he’s so big that it can get him in trouble.
Under saddle he is pretty uncomplicated and has been hacked regularly by a talented young rider, and has been in my program a couple days a week. He is successfully and “fancily” showing off his flat work and happily popping over small fences (to increase as he keeps coming along).
Recent flatwork
https://youtu.be/aYVFzVgdcEk?si=n0CGgE425hBG2py9
Sews came through my program in Georgia last year and was with me from Christmas to March. In that time he gained a solid foundation and was coming along well.
He shipped to Washington to a very knowledgeable rider, and didn’t quite work out in the situation. To no fault of anyone’s he just needed a set of other geldings to play with. Alone in a paddock next to a pony, Sews just got himself in more and more trouble. His owner did everything under the sun – she treated for ulcers, worked him on the ground, and xrayed his back – he does have kissing spine, which he does not palpate to. *I'm happy to share more insights here as I do not believe that this is a limiting factor for him.* Unsure how to go forward, she kindly shipped him back across the country.
Sews has hung out with my geldings and found his feet and herd. Goofy has become his primary personality trait and hes easy to handle on the ground and in the saddle. He would love a doting human with a good sense of humor who understands that hes a dingbat and has at least an intermediate or above riding level.
Requirements:
- Shoes (he has tender feet)
- A herd of geldings
- A rider & trainer with intermediate or better skills in the saddle and solid abilities to maintain boundaries
-Very correct saddle fit
Sews is available for an adoption fee of 5k (see www.Stall13.org for more) to the perfect, knowledgable home. Adopters will be asked to fill out an application before proceeding with transfer of ownership.
Tiz Octavia (15.-3h 2015 OTTB mare by Freedom Child (Malibu Moon) x Tiznow mare)
Reach out to Linda Ayer directly for information
Rook is a sporty dude who came in from Second Chance Thoroughbreds to get restarted and going. He is a project horse at this point, but coming along quickly under saddle. He has since returned to Second Change TBs after learning to WTC and pop over small crossrails.
Rook is one of those horses that I did not expect to absolutely love. Alas – here we are. I adore the hell out of this happy oddball.
Long story short-ish: Rook had an abysmal track record, retired after his fourth run, and found himself in a home somehow as an accidental pasture pet (for like 7 years). He had a month of post track training at some point during that time – and all I know of that is that they tossed him in draw reins and the training didn’t stick. After a number of years, Rook ended up at Second Chance Thoroughbreds and they sent him to me for training.
When Rook showed up two months ago, he was anxious. He was unsure of his stall, his people, his turnout, mounting, riding, getting caught… you name it. But in the time he has been here, he has settled in, gained a TON of confidence and decided that trusting the process is worth it. He now walks, trot, and canters quietly, is happy to be caught in the field and settles right into his stall when he comes in. With shoes on and slowly building up his sport horse muscle, he stronger and ever more willing.
Recent video: https://youtu.be/yjlkAXQklkA?si=1StW7DMpLUTp2n6v
To cut to the chase, Rook is lovely, kind, and wants to be your best friend. BUT he is a slow burn horse. He’s in your pocket once he trusts you. And he will let you ride and ride well, once he knows you won’t scare him. Basically, I need to find a kind, talented rider who wants to go slow, build the relationship and show this kid the ropes of riding-based off track life on a time table that makes sense for Rook. If you rush, it just won’t work. Rook’s carrots are very flexible to the very right home.
So who does Rook need? Someone who wants to put in the time and isn’t hurried by show goals. I’d prefer someone with a trainer and ample OTTB experience as well as someone with an arena. I think he’ll do great on trails eventually, but that’s a big ask right now – so in an effort to set him up to succeed, I’m hoping to find him a sporthorse home with no deadlines and very flexible, accommodating training schedules. I can pretty much promise that he will make all the “go slow” worth while.
At this point, Rook is available to a good rider with a trainer who understands Thoroughbreds. He could go in any direction - he’s certainly catty enough for eventing and jumpers, but he may also enjoy trails and a more easy going way of being. That said, despite looking like a kids pony, he is firmly not a beginner’s horse.
contact Second Chance Thoroughbreds for more info
Kivu Sporthorses
655 Ridge Rd, Lansing, NY 14882