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 $500 to hold the horse as pending for up to one week additional.
There are quire a few vets in the Ithaca area and you're welcome to coordinate with any of them so long as they're able to arrive when I am also present (schedule coordinating required). Cornell, Starland, Fingerlakes Equine, Early Winter Equine are a few nearby. The horse will still be shown to potential buyers during this time, though it will not be sold out from under you if a PPE has been scheduled and confirmed.
After the PPE, you will have a business day to discuss findings with your vet and confirm your desire to purchase or pass.
If you choose to purchase, a bill of sale will be drawn up and payment must be sent and received before the horse is transferred from the farm. Venmo, Zelle, and Bank Transfers / Cashiers Check are all fine.
Once the horse is sold, I will happily assist in setting up shipping. Temporary board begins the day after the bill of sale is signed and will be prorated to 30$ 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.
Under eval.
Nell cane here straight from the track and has been sweet, kind and easy on the eyes and handlers. This mare has a huge shoulder and the movement to match! I will hop on her this weekend and will have more info once I do. Stay tuned.
Under eval. Check back for more later!
Gin is a positively lovely creature. He is calm, reflective, and most of all, kind. He is also built like a tank and has lovely sweeping movement that will no doubt cover ground.
Gin came in without shoes and exceptionally foot sore due to how nubbish his hooves had become before arriving here (and yes, amazingly still flicks his toes covering said ground). My farrier managed to get fronts on him but his hinds need a little more growth before she can get a nail through (and we need slightly warmer weather to be able functionally glue one on). We did a first ride in steels up front and scoot boots behind and while he was clearly still iffy about his feet, the footing was soft and he gave it a resoundingly positive go.
It is clear that he loves to work and is super kind and intelligent about what is asked. He offered absolutely zero funny business and walk trotted and cantered quietly and learned quickly how to get straighter through his shoulders. His canter is already clear, rhythmic and lovely. No, he’s not using his back (who does with sore feet?) and yes his price reflects that I can’t show off just how nice he is until his feet heal up and grow. But believe me this little tank of a horse is going to be great.
On the ground, Gin is perhaps one of the most polite, quiet horses we have had through. You can tell that he thinks carefully and critically about the world around him and then makes reasonable decisions every time. He loves to be groomed, stands great on the crossties, has no stall vices, turns out well with others and generally is a pleasure to be around.
Gin is suitable for any quality rider with a knowledgeable trainer. I think he would be an excellent fox hunter (he loves dogs), hunter, eventer… dressage… trail, you name it. He is fancy enough for the big time stuff, and smart enough and reasonable enough to be a great all around horse. He would make a great first restart project for someone and he is eligible for the Retired Racehorse Project’s 2025 and 2026 Makeovers (assuming rules don’t change).
Random aside: In an odd twist of fate, I went to my first race this summer on July 4. Gin won the first race I have ever seen in person, and I got to hop in on his win photo due to a friend’s connections. *I know… first race? … I have spent lots of time on the backside of tracks and the training centers but have never had the time or drive to actually watch the real thing. Moving closer to the tracks has made that possible.
Ginnsu Warrior is available at a reduced price of 4000 until his feet heal up enough for me to really show off just how lovely he is. Price will increase with work and hoof growth. No trades or off property trials.
RRP Eligible!
Artie has had about 5 rides post track and has already proved that he’s going to be the real deal. He makes a naturally correct shape with his body and has three clear, super balanced (and fancy) gaits. He’s uncomplicated and like any A student Thoroughbred, very much wants to get the answer right every time.
Fourth ride post-track: https://youtu.be/qTJ-9ISgU0E?si=LMKhBk8H79F_ziew
I have a sneaking suspicion that this kiddo will easy make his way around a big jump track, remaining balanced no matter whether it’s a 1.2m speed class or if someone is clicking around the 250 mpm starter course.
That said, he’ll also score well in dressage and will eagerly learn the tests with you. You just might have to make sure you throw in enough variation or this smart kiddo will memorize it for you.
Artie was a favorite at the track and was purchased to be a dressage diva. He certainly will do well in that field, but his owner has had some health concerns and has had her long time heart racehorse retire and come ready for retraining. Regretfully, Artie is for ⛵️ to the perfect home, but everyone involved is super excited to see him succeed in his next venture!
Artie’s only vice is that he cannot be alone in a stall without friends he can see nearby. He’s great at boarding barns with ample horses and does well with all sorts of stall set ups, just don’t leave him for last for turnout or bringing in. He turns out well with others (mid-pack pecking order) and otherwise has no stall vices.
Artie would do well with a competent junior or adult ammie with a qualified trainer. He is not a hot horse and has shown absolutely zero proclivity towards bad behavior under saddle, but because he can be a tiny bit sensitive / electric, we’re aiming to steer clear of patently hot-seated riders or straight up beginners.
Artie is offered at 6,000 for an efficient movement to the right home.
under eval check back soon!
This is one of my favorite sires and Jenna carries pretty much all of the best traits- flowing quality movement, big bay builds, personable and that trot! I could ride that trot all day.
Hunters take a look - I think she’d kill it! But fox hunt her (she likes dogs) event her, or burn up the dressage arena… she’s going to be a stellar sporthorse no matter what discipline she is pointed at.
Jenna has been off the track for a few years and has been with an amateur. While I think Jenna would do well with a high quality riding amateur again, she is better suited for a program that has good structure and angles towards competition goals. Jenna does well in regular work with clear goals and boundaries both on the ground and in the saddle.
First ride at Kivu: https://youtu.be/NR99kbZ4tdg?si=lurVuBKsFzKSR7-t
Since she arrived, Jenna has been nothing but a pleasure to have in the barn. She’s good with the other mares and easy to keep (aka loves her food). She’s barefoot currently, but would likely be happy to wear shoes as she continues her training.
Her first ride here finished up beautifully. She was fluid and showed off her level head and quality movement. Jenna needs a rider who can keep her in front of their leg and who isn’t put off by some negotiation (this is a mare who does not tolerate being ridden like a gelding. Can’t say I blame her 🤷🏻♀️)
True to her name though, Jenna is prone to think that she’s in charge. She’s not really a boss mare though and seems to be happy to rely on direction when it is confident. She’s mid pack in the here and is a rule follower otherwise- assuming the rules are clear and consistent.
Jenna is offered at 7500 to the right home and program. Trial fees apply (see above) and video of potential buyer riding will be requested before booking a trial.
This is one lovely critter. Bunny is seriously big boned, handsome as the day is long and the kind of goofy that endears folks to the best of the Thoroughbred geldings. He is curious, comical and the type of ding dong that you know is going to be a force of nature out in competition.
Bunny moves well and makes a lovely natural shape with his long neck. He is currently barefoot with huge feet but could use some shoes to help support his growth.
Bunny could go in absolutely any direction though I think dressage and event folks will absolutely love him.
He is brave and talented but also playful and totally an overgrown toddler so Like most of these guys, he’s suitable for good riding folks with trainers experienced in Thoroughbreds who knows how to enforce boundaries. He has no vices under saddle or on the ground.
Fox hunters also should take note as those big bones and elegant shape will certainly look the part out with the hounds.
Bunny is offered at 7,500 to increase with training and experience. Trial fees apply. See above
Seriously good (tall, UPHILL) egg alert:
Bowing Snowman, ~17h 2018 OTTB gelding by Laoban located in Lansing, NY
Snowman has been here for a little over a month and I like this kid more and more everyday. Do Not Let Me Keep Him! He is coming out of his shell and has a reserved but very goofy personality that I find quite amusing. He’s an absolute gentleman for everything on the ground and has figured out fancy under saddle (now we’re building strength to make it even more impressive).
Recent video: https://youtu.be/LD6par2c3ok?si=BtQCdawwa6S6LbOW
Literally folks, this horse is the whole package for someone who can ride- he’s tall, dark, handsome and kind and he’s honestly going to be an eventing, dressage, fox hunting, or show jumping phenom. *But you have to be able to ride and is experienced with Thoroughbreds.* He has zero vices under saddle but he is a huge horse who gets tight and worried if you get tight and then he parodies a Dutch harness horse until you can get him in the outside rein. Each ride there’s less harness pony and more fancy, confident awesome Snowman who enjoys his new job.
Watching him figure this all out has been a joy and I won’t lie, when I have limited time and need to fit one more ride in. I hop on this guy. He has hacked out alone, ridden in the arena with others (and alone) braved extremely cold temps and snow and ridden out because he was cursed with the name Snowman so it is only appropriate that he’s the one snowy ride of the small blizzard day. He is good around dogs, with farriers, crossties, turnout … you name it. And he’s gamely started over cross rails.
To sum it up, this horse is just a tall, smart, brave, kind all around good dude. Oh and he’s RRP eligible. I’d love to see him at the Makeover next year- he’s going to make waves no matter where he goes and I’m so excited to follow along.
Because it is the winter and I need to keep ponies moving, Snowman is priced at $8000 to increase with training and experience. No offsite trials or trades.
Leni is the type of filly that turns everyone’s heads. She has the geldings, the mares and the humans watching her strut around the farm. Leni is currently coming along well at the WTC while we see what she can and wants to do.
Her backstory is pretty straightforward: Leni came off the track last year and went to a knowledgable home with her owner, who restarted her and with the help of their trainer, had her going well WTC.
Leni does best with a consistent schedule, so when life got in the way, they decided to prioritize her and move her to us to help get her back on a regular schedule of rides and to someone who can also keep her clicking along and making steady progress.
Most recent flat video:
https://youtu.be/ossB85nAEJc?si=RYBRySE5-_SCbSbL
https://youtu.be/ossB85nAEJc?si=LTEOwdxHwoRcPk2k
Leni has done exactly that since she arrived. She has taken a breath, sorted through all the newness of this place and begun to really make huge riding strides. While she still needs a bit of strength and to lift her core a bit, her gaits are fantastic. This little mare is going to be flashy not only in her conformation but in her movement and toe-flicking correctness as she covers ground. I am also super excited to see how she handles fences (once she is ready).
Leni does have some "growing up" to do on the ground and in the field but we're well situated to help make that happen and she is learning how to be super good at speed.
Leni is offered at 7k to increase with training and experience. No off-site leases or trades; trial fees apply. (see above).
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!!!!
So here’s one I haven’t done before…
I have my fastest favorite horse available for a steal (with a few catches). Read on please…
Fig (Ekati’s Verve), 2016 16.2h OTTB warhorse (55 starts) gelding in Lansing NY
About a month ago, I was perusing Facebook and a horse stopped me in my tracks. He wasn’t fancy or shiny or much of anything except a name and a gut reaction. “Ekati” showed a redhead warhorse (ran 55 times) with some chrome and a blaze foot sore as all get out and yet being a super good citizen and popping over some cross rails.
All of the Tale of Ekati offspring I have handled have been outstanding, kind, super smart, solid citizens who have so much to teach each person who is lucky enough to have them in their lives. Ranger (Cowboy Night) is a good example, and a generation later, so is Koops (Sire Girvin by Tale of Ekati).
Took about two minutes to reach out and send money. When he arrived he was pretty much a mess. Swollen ankles from standing in the mud and being barefoot, dead lame on all four (footsore), fungusy and quite thin.
He got renamed Fig (Ekati’s Verve —> Verve means vigor —> Vig is a dumb name. Fig it is) It has been about three weeks and if I could keep this one as a pet I would. He steals my beer, begs quietly for attention, and is the absolute kindest, most easy going old soul. We managed to get four shoes on him and he’s on stall rest with arena turnout until we have softer less frozen ground to totter around on.
He’s back to light walk and some trot rides to build muscle and top line and strengthen his hind end. But he has a bit of a road until his feet recover and he’s ready to really go do all the things. When he gets there though, he’ll be athletic and fancy but likely still quite ammy friendly. I have no doubt he could fox hunt, event, or cook around the hikers. This is one of those all around dudes who lives for
making people happy.
I dont mind if he stays here and rehabs and then gets to find his own person (they’re going to be ridiculously lucky) but if anyone is like, yes- this guy! I’d offer him at what I have in him and cut my training board in half to keep him here until he rehabs and is good to go and do. It’s a gamble, sure, but also a hell of a deal.
So reach out directly if you’re game to roll the dice on a horse who deserves all of this and more. If no one bites, he’ll still rehab here and go on the market for a proper value once he’s good to go.
Currently offered at 3500 with half price training and rehab board for as long as he needs. No offsite trials. Will need to be a pretty perfect fit.
Some!
OK folks, here's the horse everyone has been waiting for - yes, he is a Palomino Thoroughbred. Yes, he is handsome. Yes, he has a great tail. Yes he is barefoot, but could use shoes. And yes, he is going to make someone a seriously wonderful competition partner.
Now for the nos: No, he is not a packer, no he is not the barbie dream horse, and no he is not for sale to someone buying him for his color alone. His owner and I both agree that he is talented, kind, quirky and needs to be in some form of a program to bring out his best. He has plenty of years to just be pretty in a field later on, right now, he needs a job with someone who is capable of taking him up the levels.
On that front, Butters is a sensitive ride with lovely gaits and an impressive way of going. He is doing all his flat work comfortably and playing with some first level dressage. Butters has been started over small fences and will continue to gain experience while here. His jump is even and smart and I have no doubt that there is scope to go with it.
Schooling ride Jan 11: https://youtu.be/YUcz5CVxZwU?si=ojMf9fEkRwieGKvW
Butters is an intermediate and above level ride. He’ll excel in dressage, eventing, or jumpers, and I think he’d look quite dashing out on the fox hunt field. He has the brain for all of it but he 100% needs someone able to ride with independent aids and who does not rely on their hands for balance. **NOT A PACKER**
When a rider gives that confident, tactful soft ride, he makes every effort to not only do right but do fancy too.
Butters is offered at 15k in Lansing, NY. Trial fees apply. See above.
Tiz Octavia (15.-3h 2015 OTTB mare by Freedom Child (Malibu Moon) x Tiznow mare)
Reach out to Linda Ayer directly for information
Kivu Sporthorses
655 Ridge Rd, Lansing, NY 14882