Career decisions are sometimes hard. Many are left pondering what it is that they want to do when they “grow-up”. Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) are no different. The breed is as varied in ability, conformation, and personality as a Heinz 57 dog. Massive, powerful, refined, cat-like, elegant, lazy, energetic–all are adjectives to describe thoroughbreds. Some horses just LOVE to run; others prefer do not.   The common variables that all of these horses do share is their heart, work ethic, and need for human interaction. Given love and kindness a TB who may not have left their heart on the track will give all their heart to the human they love.

As a young thoroughbred sitting in a stall on the backstretch of a race track, we often look at a horse and wonder what their future has in store for them. They don’t race forever. What happens next? Will they make a Hunter/Jumper, Eventer, Dressage, Western, or Trail horse? Will they have a home? Someone to tend to their needs, cultivate their abilities, give them love? The lucky ones are given time off of the track, time to let down. Then, they are found new homes, new careers.  And then, there are some are just not that lucky. 

Doolledo, “Bowie”, is a 9 years old, 17.3 hand gelding. He is a massive, powerful animal. Bowie is also a laid-back, gentle horse. He is silly, plays with his bucket, and throws his rubber bowl across the turnout. Bowie loves to hang his head out of his stall and socialize with anyone that is willing to chat with him. He’s a gentle giant, just one of the boys.

Doolledo leaving the track

Winning his first race, Bowie showed promise at the track. However after running 18 additional races, Bowie never graced the winner’s circle again. Bowie came off track into the loving care of Craig and Colette Geibel. Here, Bowie spent his days playing in the paddock with his buddies. Occassionally, Craig would ride him on the trails, but Bowie was rather large for the narrow, steep trails. Unfortunately, Craig was no longer physically able to ride and Bowie just hung with his other equine compadres.

Participating in the holiday festivities at Geibel Farms, Bowie puts his best hoof forward

Thoroughbreds thrive on routine and consistent work. It was clear that Bowie needed a job. Bowie was listed on the Neigh Savers site as available for adoption. Neigh Savers was contacted by the Presidio Park Mounted Police Department. They were looking for a BIG and quiet horse. Bowie, with his giant stature and goofy personality fit the bill. The police departmet scheduled an interview with Bowie. He passed with flying colors save one exception–he had a love of munching on the American flag while mock protesters waved it in his direction. Not bad for an Off-Track Thoroughbred. Spooky, hot, Bowie scoffed at those words used to describe his breed.

Sgt. King welcoming Bowie into the Presidio Park Mounted Police training program

Unfortunately for the Police Program, Bowie decided that their work shifts were entirely too long for him. Much to the dismay of the Sargeant, they had to pass on him after nearly 3 months in training.  It was a difficult decision for Sgt. King for Bowie had every attribute the police were looking for and in previous years they would have invested much more time to get Bowie to accept his longer shifts.  In fact, they had another horse exactly like Bowie that they had the luxury to work with until they molded him into the perfect police horse.  Unfortunately with budget cuts and staff cuts the Mounted Police needed a horse that could be ready for duty within 90 days.

Back to Geibel Farms and the Neigh Savers Program he went. First career as a race horse was not Bowie’s speed, second career as a trail horse, was a little too steep, third career as a police horse, a little too long of a day, well maybe the fourth time’s the charm…enter Mike.

Mike von Disterlo, of Kimberlee Farms has always dreamed of having a police horse and has always had a love of thoroughbreds. In his 20’s, Mike had the opportunity to compete in Southern California Hunter/Jumper shows on an Off-Track Thoroughbred. Mike has not shown in years and has spent time in the saddle with his elderly rescued Quarter Horse. Mike has yearned to have the opporunity to jump again. He wanted a Thoroughbred and he wanted to be a part of an off-track Thoroughbred’s story.

Mike’s dream has come true. Bowie has moved down to Kimberlee Farms, where Neigh Savers’s Southern California Program is based. Bowie is being restarted under saddle and will ultimately be trained for a career in Hunters/Jumpers. Mike aspires to get back in the show ring and is proud to have such a special partner to do it with.

One never really does know what their life’s career will be. It is a funny thing that no matter how much planning, training, and time is spent working towards one’s career of choice, life and circumstance can change everything. Horses are no different. When horse’s no longer have the ability or desire to race, Neigh Savers is there to help transition them into a new career. We are creating new beginnings for retired racing thoroughbreds. No longer are they trying to win their race of the day, but together, we are helping them win the race of their lives.

Macho happily munching on carrots from his supporter Allison

As a result of racing injuries, Materazzi “Macho” was suffering from bone chips in his front knees. The bone chips were causing swelling, lameness, and degenerative arthritis. With successful surgery and rehab, horses like Macho can continue their careers, and even continue to race.

Thank you to Dr. Kim Kuhlman for performing the surgery at a significant discount and Dawn Mellen from After the Finish Line for providing emergency medical funding. Macho is now successfully recovering and will never have to run another race; instead, he has won the race of his life. We are grateful to all of his supporters, donors, and previous owners for giving this kind, affectionate and beautiful gelding a chance at a happy and healthy life. Macho’s prognosis is excellent and he will go on to have a productive second career. 

Fritz's bright and happy smile

Neigh Savers’ Northern California program is proud to bring Fritz Grau into its program. Fritz is a six year old, 16.3 h/h chestnut gelding. Fritz was a fierce competitor on the track and known around the barn for his gentle, kind, and even personality. He has always loved the attention of people and munching on his carrot treats. Fritz is currently in rehabilitation for a slight shin fracture and should be able to return to work around August 2010.

Fritz has a special story. His dam, College Band, was found on a feedlot in foal and gave birth to a stillborn foal. After being rescued by a well-known California horse breeder, College Band became a favorite dam and produced some very fine racers over the years.

Geri named Fritz after an old friend who always talked race horses and loved the track and all things racing. However, Mr. Fritz Grau could never be convinced to participate as a race horse owner. Several years ago, Mr. Grau was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although he had never owned a horse, his dear friend, Geri, named this kind, young colt after him. In his final days, Mr. Grau found much joy in visiting his namesake at the barn.

As fate would have it, Mr. Grau’s widow, Susan, is helping to sponsor Fritz in her beloved husband’s memory. Mrs. Grau writes: “Fritz is a gorgeous, friendly horse as you are probably aware, and named after my wonderful, gorgeous, friendly, unfortunately deceased husband. Thank you so much for his care and being there.”

Fritz and Cat's Matching Sock

Fritz has excellent conformation, a short back, and clean legs. With his personality, heart, and physical build, he will make a fine riding partner and best friend to a very special person. We look forward to seeing Fritz find his new career, but in the meantime he and Ymustichasethecat are the best of friends, spending their days paling around the paddock and joined at the hip.  The two chestnuts look like twins.  They even each have one white sock on rear right legs!

Fritz will be available more adoption in the fall. We are currently accepting applications for him. Interested? Email: karin@neighsavers.com