It's not goodbye.... it's see you next year!

Today we bid farewell to Canterbury Park's 2011 racing season. For many it's bittersweet and a roller coaster of emotions. For some, experiencing the anxiousness, stress and excitement of moving yourself and your stable of horses to another track, for others it's saying goodbye to those leaving. It signifies the end of summer and the promise of another long winter ahead. It leaves some asking the question "What now?" and really, that sums it all up.... What now?

For those of us who stay here in Minnesota, it's a valid question. We are used to spending our weekends, (and many Thursday and Friday nights as well) at the track. During 4 hours of racing, we surround ourselves with others like us, those who live and breathe Thoroughbreds, and we end up becoming somewhat of a family. Now we find ourselves wondering what to do with that extra time. Maybe some will take up another hobby, find a part time job, or spend more time tending to household chores that may have been neglected (GUILTY!!).

Although each year as the season winds down and I promise myself a life after the track,  I always find myself equally as busy. For me, I'm sure those 4 extra hours will be occupied with the horses. Both the new additions left behind because they were too injured or too slow to move on to the next track, and the permanent fixtures here at the farm.  I'm sure I will I will make time to reschool Robin, the old broodmare, and take Topper out a few more times to stretch his legs. I will pick cockle burrs out of Scotty's mane and I might even catch up on MNRRP paperwork. There are also fences to repair and paint, the tackroom to finish, weeds to cut, and manure to move. Ahhhhh, an extra 4 hours. I love racing, but I have to admit, I do enjoy the extra time. Always a bittersweet ending to the season.

So - as midnight rolls around on the last day of racing, I say adios and good luck to my racing family. The trainers, owners, jockeys, grooms, and Canterbury employees that I've come to know over the years and the new friends I've made this season.  In a few days the last trailers will pull out and  the barns will be empty. The sound of horses will fade and the backside will again, become a ghost town full of memories.  It's hard to say goodbye, but in 6 months the snow will start melting, the trees will begin to bud, and we'll know that racing season is just around the corner. At the end of April, the backside will again start to become alive and we will welcome back those who left. So really, it's not goodbye, it's see you next year.... and that makes it easier.

A note of thanks...

 Canterbury's racing season is winding down... and we are at our busiest. There is a waiting list of horses, overdue vet bills, dwindling hay supply and the stresses of tending to multiple injuries. Add onto this lack of donations - I have been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. As the Director of the program, I feel obligated to carry the weight of the burden and have funded the majority of this out of my pocket since it's inception in 2009. As much as we'd like to take on, the reality is that it's only a two person operation. As stressful and trying as this occupation can be, payment is usually in the form of little things like Topper having a good day and being able to walk outside with minimal pain and eat grass. Like Casey and her wonderful family adopting Eddie G, watching the children giggle while they sat on his back as he fell asleep. Or appreciating the nicker from Scotty who was found nearly starved to death nearly three years ago. It's these things that matter and make me want to continue moving forward. Truth is, without people like our friends at Grevelis Racing, who donated 1% of their racehorse's earnings for the year, or people like Sarah Parker and her wonderful mother who adopted Warren. We waived his adoption fee; however, they still felt compelled to donate. And it's people like Emily Barker who sponsors Wasson Island. Without these small, but much needed acts of kindness, it's questionable if this program would be able to continue.

Today a note was posted on Facebook by a friend of mine, and I'd like to share it with you. It means a lot that someone would take the time to say such nice things and attempt to spread the word about the program and what we do. This really touched my heart and literally brought me to tears:

To all the peopled who prayed and donated to Standing in the Gap:
The first horse Maverick, (Eddie G - his racing name) has been with us for a few years.
He came with a severe bowed tendon as a pretty high strung race horse. He also came with scars and trauma from being in a kill pen for several days. When I searched for him, I literally found him being loaded on a trailer to go off to slaughter.
He was nursed everyday for quite some time to heal his tendon and trauma. He was put in a pasture with my horse, Moses, eventually and they became quick buddies.
Maverick soon calmed down enough to work with. By this time, I suffered a broken/fractured pinky and ring finger from a kick of his. Boy, did that happen fast. I lunged him, ponied him around with my horse, saddled him often and just generally worked with him over and over. I developed a great bond with him and he trusted me with almost anything. http://youtu.be/-21pZ_JCeeI
After my wife and I split, I took possession of him and started to ride him often. My desire was to bring him to Florida when I move. Sometimes, you have to do what you think is best instead of what you want. I placed him with my friend, Annie and her non profit, MNRRP. I board my personal horse there. http://retiredracehorses.blogspot.com/
Here is a recent picture of him and Annie's daughter riding him...
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaT0NykVVwRc5G_Kn59GVLIvbm2I4plljIlsVDTmgpR6UKDkvBG8NP35XOSJ3ZB0b9PDuopYkqS2nCBpcky-P7mJURk3odga9vx711caruoB5jSXV7f2aQD1Bn0JBA6ZOe2eJOwZPCwVc/s1600/_DSC0361.JPG
After I started riding him and working him along with Annie, he quickly became a loving and obedient horse. He was and is very happy.
Annie has also quickly become one of my best friends ever. I love my time at her place and with the horses placed in MNRRP. I can't say enough good about her and her work. She has healed and placed many, many horses. I can only give a small example of her heart toward the horses. There is one there that was on the verge of being put down because the problems he has are causing to much discomfort and the healing is questionable. Annie still has this horse and is working hard to make it comfortable while healing can occur. Annie hasn't given up when everyone else has. I believe this horse will be healed because of her heart alone. Pray for him.
Thanks to Annie, MNRRP and her daughter, Maverick was recently placed with a family with two young daughters  on their farm. From the beginning, I would have never guessed Maverick would be good enough and calm enough to be around children. Turns out, after much hard work and patience, he is a great horse for this now.
If you or anyone else you know has a heart to donate and help animals, I highly suggest MNRRP as a choice. There is much heart and love given to these animals. The link is http://retiredracehorses.blogspot.com/
I have seen Annie and her daughter also take on horses personally and save them from certain death. They and their friends who run this non profit are amazing people.
I made a good choice for Maverick and he has many, many happy years ahead of him. I cannot name all the individuals who prayed, donated and helped with this enough. Please accept this as my thanks from the inner most of who I am. I am so thankful to have been a part of an amazing journey.
I also made one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. I have given possession of my personal horse to Annie and her daughter. It is not a financial decision. My horse is about 23, 24 years old and has a mild case of arthritis. I can either take him with me or leave him with Annie to retire. After seeing her care for so many horses who are injured, lame, emaciated and have many more problems, I decided that he would get just as much love as I could give and even better care for a retirement future. Annie has been so kind as to tell me never to consider him as any one's horse but mine. I made a good choice.
My future? I will seek and be involved with a horse non profit in Tampa, FL and see where it goes from there. One of the biggest goals of mine is to ride horses on the beach every Sunday and put as much time as I can to help out with horses that need it. I also will try hard to get a horse from MNRRP and ship him down to me.
All I can say is that God is very good to me.
If you do decide to give and donate to MNRRP, please let Annie know that it is in honor of her helping out with Maverick. I would have been lost with her.


Thank you Fred, for the touching note. And thank you to everyone who has donated, supported and prayed for us. There is no way I could possibly have done this alone, and no way there are words that could encompass the gratitude I feel in my heart.

New Horses Available!

MNRRP is excited to announce the following horses available for sale or adoption:

"This Creek Runs" -  Creek is a 3yr TB gelding that has been retired from racing. He's already started his re-training and is going along really well. He is about 15.2h and very easy to handle. He will still require an experienced rider under saddle to finish him out. We could see him excelling in Dressage or Low Hunter. He is slightly off on the LF. This handsome gelding is available for $400. Contact Emily Barker at 952-212-1416. Creek is located in Shakopee.

"Proxy Fight" - This guy is absolutely stunning and amazingly athletic! Rigalo, as he's know around the barn, is a 10 yr TB gelding who was retired at 3 from racing. He has been re-trained and used in lessons for the past 5 years. He was also used as a trail horse for one season; however, he prefers to be in the arena. He has been free jumped and shows a lot of potential and talent. This horse can go in any direction. He does need a knowledgeable rider as we were told he does know his stuff. He has an extended trot to DIE for!!! Rigalo is a bit out of shape at the moment, but could be in the show ring by the fall. He's had only the best care and his owner donated him to MNRRP to ensure he found a wonderful home. Rigalo is aprox 15.3h and has substantial bone. He is an easy keeper and kept out on pasture. He is super easy to be around and his only vice is that he cribs on the fences. Rigalo is available for $800 and is located in Shakopee.

"Jump to the Rescue" -  Impeccably bred, Jumpy is a 4yr TB filly who has a ton of potential. She stands at least 16h and has excellent conformation. Jumpy just retired sound from racing and is ready to start her re-training. She is exceptionally quiet for a youngster and is very easy to handle. She could really excel in any direction, even as a broodmare if desired. Jumpy is by Jump Start out of Rescue Mission and if you know bloodlines, you'll recognize she's something special. She is available through our program for $600 and is located in Shakopee.

"Almost Dangerous" - Don't let the name scare you - Addie is as sweet as they come. She is 5yrs old and just doesn't want to race anymore. She bowed her RF tendon at 2, rehabbed and raced sound for 3 years. It's a low bow and doesn't effect her at all. She will be sound for any discipline - and we could see her excelling in Dressage or as a Hunter/Jumper. Addie is aprox 16.2h with excellent conformation and great breeding. She is by Prime Timber out of Private Pouf. Addie is available through MNRRP for $500 and located in Shakopee.

"Wasson Island" - Wasson is a sweet, 5yr TB mare who just retired from racing due to a chip in her ankle. She will be sound again, and suitable for lower level performance, however she does need some time off before re-starting under saddle. She is easy to handle and stunning to look at. Wasson has excellent breeding and is by Dayjur (Danzig) out of Sugar Hills Miss, a Blushing Groom granddaughter. Wasson is aprox 15.3h with really nice conformation. She is available through MNRRP for $300 and is located in Prior Lake.

"Hidden Character", known in the barn as City, is gorgeous and he knows it.  He is 16.1+h and will be suitable for recreational riding after a little time off. He did well on the racetrack for his owner and trainer and in return they retired him into our program, hoping to find him a good home and a new career.  City just arrived and we are just getting to know him. He has become a giant puppy dog and is the kids' favorite around the farm due to his good, easy going personality. City loves apples and is always at the gait looking for attention. Due to past injury to his right knee, he will not be a high level performance horse, but will look extremely flashy hacking down the trails or even possibly in the dressage arena.  City is a little thin after coming off his racing career, but he's gaining weight nicely. He is currently a little bumpy as he's adjusting to all the bugs. City is located in Prior Lake and his adoption fee is waived with a small donation to the program.

"Impress Cache"  20 yr brown mare. Aprox 15.2h. "Robin" as we call her is a very sweet mare who's had a big run of bad luck. We originally found her at an auction and were unable to buy her. We then found her at a feedlot and watched her get loaded on a trailer bound for Mexico. Upon our return to the feedlot the next day, we discovered she had been unloaded as the trailer was too full. We decided we needed to buy her and she's been sitting in my pasture ever since. In her younger years, Robin was a racehorse. As of late, she's been a broodmare. She gets along with other horses, is super easy to handle and we've even been on her. She would need a refresher but there is no reason she can't be someone's recreational riding horse. She stands tied, accepts a saddle/bridle/rider and has no vices. Really a sweetie who deserves a home of her own. Robin's adoption fee is waived with a small donation to our program. She is located in Prior Lake.

 "Clo Jo"  Noelle is a 20 yr bay Standardbred mare. Aprox 15.3h. We originally found Noelle at a feedlot, saw she was tattooed and brought her home. We discovered she is extremely well broke, and GAITED! She does walk, trot, gait, and canter. Noelle was a pacer in her younger years and also had one filly. She had been used as a family horse until they sold her at auction where she was bought by a dealer and shipped to the feedlot. ANYONE can ride this horse in the arena or around the farm. She's been ridden by kids and beginners alike. On trail she does need someone with a bit more experience as she does have a big, ground covering walk which can be intimidating. Noelle is a sweet girl, loves being doted over and brushed. She does have a couple "special needs" which really aren't that big of a deal. Noelle does best when separated from the herd. She does well with other horses, but she is lead mare and will worry about the others at all times. She tends to get a bit buddy sour and will not eat her grain when separated. We've found she does best in her own paddock where she can eat her grain at her convenience. She is on the thin side, as she lost weight while she was sick - but she is healthy now and ready for a new home. She will need to continue to get grain 2x daily. Noelle is really an awesome horse - very well broke. A great addition as a kids horse, for the "spare" mount, or husband horse. $300. Noelle is located in Prior Lake.

"Twister"  Weanling Thoroughbred bay colt. Sired by Late Edition, Twister is a very quiet, sensible colt. He came from a reputable breeding farm where his breeders thought he'd be better suited for recreational riding rather than racing. Twister's front right leg turns out slightly, which shouldn't effect any low level performance career. He is such a sweetie. Easy to catch, halter, handle, and he leads and ties. Twister is free to a good, approved home with a small donation to MNRRP. Twister is in Prior Lake.

Welcome to the City!

Hidden Character, known in the barn as "City" is the new addition at MNRRP. He is gorgeous and he knows it.  He is 16.1+h and will be suitable for recrecational riding after a little time off. He did well on the racetrack for his owner and trainer and in return they retired him into our program, hoping to find him a good home and a new career.  Since City just arrived, we dont know much about him; however, his trainer says he's a sweet horse with loads of talent. Due to past injury to his right knee, he will not be a high level performance horse, but will look extremely flashy hacking down the trails or even possibly in the dressage arena. His adoption fee is waived, if you know anyone looking.

Warren gets a home!

Warren's Good Storm was adopted today!

Congratulations Sara from Dayton, MN. Warren, now named Chase, will be used for recreational riding and dressage. I will be sad to see him go next week, but it's a great match and I think they will accomplish wonderful things together. Hopefully I'll be able to post updates on the blog as we follow their journey. It was fun to see them do a little bonding today, and as you can tell from this photo, Chase really seemed to like all the attention. Sara has a little work to do on refreshing his manners as he's been sitting idle in a pasture since he was gelded, but he's a smart horse and should be an easy re-training project for her. We wish them the best of luck in their new adventures!

Available horses

Below are a list of horses available through MNRRP as well as other listed for individual owners.

Warrens Good Storm - 3 yr bay gelding. Aprox 15.3h. Recently gelded, he has an old LF bow which he raced on and he retired late July due to a knee chip. Warren will need at least 3 months off before riding.  We have not taken films on him, but he's totally pasture sound at the w-t-c-g. As a colt, he was easy to handle with a great personality, now he's even better as a gelding. He's super quiet and not much bothers him. He's pastured with a mini donkey and a goat. He does require grain 2x daily at this time. Warren's adoption fee is waived with a small donation to the MNRRP program.

My Topper - 4 yr brownish gelding. Aprox 15.3. Stunning 4 white socks and a star. I cannot say enough good things about Topper. He is so quiet and easy to handle. You can lead him around with just a rope around his neck. We've ridden him in the arena and around the yard both western and bareback. His second ride off the track was with a 12 yr old girl. Topper is currently extremely foot sore since we've pulled his racing shoes. He needs some time off before retraining and will need to be shod. He is stalled at night but does well in the pasture with other horses too. He gets grain 2x daily and will need to be kept on that program for a while to maintain weight. He will make a nice kids horse - or 4H project. Topper's adoption fee is $250

Impress Cache - 20 yr brown mare. Aprox 15.2h. "Robin" as we call her is a very sweet mare who's had a big run of bad luck. We originally found her at an auction and were unable to buy her. We then found her at a feedlot and watched her get loaded on a trailer bound for Mexico. Upon our return to the feedlot the next day, we discovered she had been unloaded as the trailer was too full. We decided we needed to buy her and she's been sitting in my pasture ever since. In her younger years, Robin was a racehorse. As of late, she's been a broodmare. She gets along with other horses, is super easy to handle and we've even been on her. She would need a refresher but there is no reason she can't be someone's recreational riding horse. She stands tied, accepts a saddle/bridle/rider and has no vices. Really a sweetie who deserves a home of her own. Robin's adoption fee is waived with a small donation to the MNRRP program.

Noelle - 20 yr bay Standardbred mare. Aprox 15.3h. We originally found Noelle at a feedlot, saw she was tattooed and brought her home. We discovered she is extremely well broke, and GAITED! She does walk, trot, gait, and canter. Noelle was a pacer in her younger years and also had one filly. She had been used as a family horse until they sold her at auction where she was bought by a dealer and shipped to the feedlot. ANYONE can ride this horse in the arena or around the farm. She's been ridden by kids and beginners alike. On trail she does need someone with a bit more experience as she does have a big, ground covering walk which can be intimidating. Noelle is a sweet girl, loves being doted over and brushed. She does have a couple "special needs" which really aren't that big of a deal. Noelle does best when separated from the herd. She does well with other horses, but she is lead mare and will worry about the others at all times. She tends to get a bit buddy sour and will not eat her grain when separated. We've found she does best in her own paddock where she can eat her grain at her convenience. She is on the thin side, as she lost weight while she was sick - but she is healthy now and ready for a new home. She will need to continue to get grain 2x daily. Noelle is really an awesome horse - very well broke. A great addition as a kids horse, for the "spare" mount, or husband horse. $300

Twister - Weanling Thoroughbred bay colt. Sired by Late Edition, Twister is a very quiet, sensible colt. He came from a reputable breeding farm where his breeders thought he'd be better suited for recreational riding rather than racing. Twister's front right leg turns out slightly, which shouldn't effect any low level performance career. He is such a sweetie. Easy to catch, halter, handle, and he leads and ties. Twister is free to a good, approved home.

Eddie G - 8 yr brown gelding. Aprox 15.2h. Eddie is an awesome trail horse - he's been camping and road riding. He does well in a group or alone. Although he has no formal professional training, Eddie is as solid as they come. He is quiet and sensible and will walk along on a loose rein, trot and canter when asked, and has a great stop. He does have a few minor quirks - He will stand tied all day long, however when saddling, he needs to be loose or he will pull back. Once he does this he'll stand tied again. He also hates bugs and will walk off when mounting (a typical trait of ex racers). If you could overlook a few small quirks, he'll make a great trail partner. Anyone with a little experience can ride him, he's had a 12 year old girl and a couple novices on him consistently. He needs a little weight and will need to be grained 2x daily in his new home. He will also do best with shoes. $500

Cambridge Castle - 5 yr chestnut mare. "Kip" is a sweet mare who was retired at the end of last season. She went to a loving home where she got the very best care. Unfortunately, Kip's owners are having a hard time keeping her sound. We think she'd be best suited as a broodmare or pasture pet. Kip is easy to handle, stunning to look at and by Sire Sam Lord's Castle. She's a sizeable mare with good bone. Kip's adoption fee is waived with a small donation to MNRRP.

Apollo - 16ish yr Anglo type gelding. This horse is not in the MNRRP program,  he was an auction rescue. Aprox 15.2h, Apollo is a GORGEOUS bay with a huge white blaze. We don't know anything about his history, and he came to us severely underweight but he's proven to be extremely well broke. It's evident this horse was used for showing at some point. He has a lovely w-t-c and can also sidepass. He collects nicely and does the WP jog when asked. He can also extend. He lunges beautifully. My 12 yr old daughter was going to keep him, however he's proven to be a bit more horse than she likes. She's ridden him down the road, in the arena, and around the farm. He'd be suitable as an intermediate rider, as a lesson or 4H horse or for showing. He's still on the thin side but has a great appetite and should be back to normal very soon. He's ready to go to a home that will continue with his weight gain. He has no vices, is easy to handle, stands tied, and is super friendly. He does have a slight sway to his back but now that he's gaining weight and muscle on his topline he doesn't look so bad anymore. Asking $500

Updated!!! Available horses.... and oh, our website is down!

It's rediculous how little time I have. It's 7am on my only day off and I'm attempting to update this blog. 14 horses, a mini donkey, a goat, 2 kittens, 2 dogs, and a baby turtle are (not so) patiently waiting for their breakfast. There is much to do around the farm. The pastures need to be de-weeded and new fence needs to be put up. It's also time to start finding homes for our program horses. In the midst of this, our website is down and inactive. Our hosting site was financially ridiculous and did nothing for us. I am not sure when I will be constructing a new site; however, I will make updates here until that happens. I've had some people ask if we still exist.... I can assure you, we are still here.... and VERY active.

We currently have 8 horses in our program, a record for us. Some are trail broke, some need a little time off, some just need someone to love them. Of course, there is a shortage on tall, sound geldings..... which seems to be what everyone is looking for at the moment. With most of these horses, the adoption fee is being waived, with a suggestion of a small, reasonable donation to the program.

I will have a detailed list posted later today with updated photos. Stay tuned.