When you run an aftercare adoption program, you try your hardest not to get attached to the horses that use your facility as a stop over into their new homes. But that plan doesn't always work out as Kelley Stobie understands.
Strike N Win made all 90 of his starts in Puerto Rico at Camarero, mostly in the claiming ranks. The Illinois-bred son of Tenpins made his last start in May of 2016, retiring with 10 wins and $72,854 in earnings. Then he came to TAA-accredited Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare for a new life.
“I try to not let myself get attached to any of the horses,” said Stobie, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare's co-founder. “But 'Strike' grew on me more and more. After being with him for about six months, I decided to adopt him.”
Since coming into the program and being adopted by Stobie, Strike N Win has developed mentally and even helps Stobie with acclimating some of the organization's new arrivals.
“In the beginning, 'Strike' was a real loner,” she said. “Aggressive toward other horses and always had to be turned out alone. Over the three years that I have had him, he has really blossomed and is a completely different horse.
“His job now is to have free rein at CTA, welcome new arrivals, and teach them the ropes of life after racing. He is kind of the babysitter and security guard of the farm.”
While Stobie doesn't always have time to ride Strike N Win with a barn full of horses that need to be retrained to find their new homes, the horsewoman and the bay gelding have progressed in their relationship and trusting of one another.
“He has come a long way considering he was terrified of cement floor and did not like loading in a trailer,” she said. “He would also pull back and flip over when tied. Now he does none of these things and is much more trusting. Now you can turn him out with whoever and he will be their friend.”
As the duo continue their lifelong partnership together, Stobie's next plan involves a bit of fun.
“Next step is taking him to the beach!”
This article was reprinted with permission from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Find more success stories like this one here.
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