Good To Go never made it to the starting gate in the afternoon and at the age of 3 was retired to Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation. The daughter of Euroears spent five months at the TAA-accredited organization before garnering the interest of an adopter.
Aimee Robinson began searching for her OTTB partner in January 2020. Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation was an easy choice for Robinson, a resident of Oklahoma and an advocate for all kinds of animal adoption.
“As a lover of rescue dogs and OTTBs, I so wanted to adopt through Nelda Kettles' organization that saves both dogs and horses,” Robinson said. “I shared with her my wish list–a mare with a kind eye, willing and sound for eventing, but gentle enough for everyday trail riding. That's a tall order to fill. She invited us to her farm to trial several horses to find the one. All were lovely. It would be a tough decision, and I went home to study.”
Some weeks later Robinson saw a video of Good To Go, who she had not seen on her visit, during a training session at Horse and Hound and instantly felt a connection.
“I noticed (Good To Go's) kind eye, and we hopped in the truck right away to meet her,” Robinson said. “After our first ride I immediately submitted our adoption application. It was a wonderful process, and I recommend any equestrian to look into OTTBs with Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation. They will work to find the perfect one for them and their individual goals.”
Good To Go, now known as “Wicklow,” was not Robinson's first OTTB. Her love for Thoroughbreds can be attributed to a kindhearted horse affectionately known as Sadie, who Robinson lost to colic some years ago.
“I had the most wonderful OTTB mare I named Sadie,” Robinson said. “She was my best friend, and we did everything from eventing to weekend trail rides across the state of Oklahoma. My senior year of college at Oklahoma State University, Sadie survived her first colic episode and she underwent surgery at the OSU veterinary school. One year later, I moved her with me to Wisconsin, when I took my first 'adult' job after college. She experienced a severe colic episode, and she was too far gone. I lost her, in a state 14 hours away from home. It was heartbreaking.
“I've been searching for an OTTB who reminded me of Sadie's kindness,” she said. “Wicklow has Sadie's build, and even more so, Wicklow has Sadie's kind eye that I very well remember. I knew right away that Wicklow was the horse for me. She is so kind, curious and an absolute joy. Our family just loves her.”
Now, the Oklahoma-bred is enjoying life with her person and is learning the basics and starting over small fences, with their sights set on eventing, jumpers, and dressage. But their favorite activity is trail riding, and Robinson anticipates they will have many fun camping and trail adventures in their future.
“We haul on the weekends to different horse parks for relaxing rides and camping fun,” she said. “'Wicklow' is a 17-hand girl, so we make sure to clear the spider webs for everyone, including my boyfriend who rides our spotted Appaloosa. She loves exploring and relaxing, but she places focus when we need to get to work too.
“I truly believe that OTTBs are some of the most versatile horses. Wicklow's wonderful demeanor and willingness is a perfect example.”
Republished with permission from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Find more stories like this one here.
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