I adopted Danny (“Where’s Danny” IRE) on Saturday June 24, 2017. He is an eight-year-old gelding thoroughbred who was previously a racehorse here in New York at tracks such as Saratoga, Belmont, and Aqueduct.

Danny has 40 career starts including first, second, and third placements. Unfortunately, he was lost in a claims race to someone who is not known for good care of horses. Danny’s previous owners, one of whom is a friend of mine, fought and paid a lot to save him. Once saved, Danny was able to have a proper retirement, at which point his owners brought him to Heading for Home. Heading for Home is a wonderful facility that takes in retired racehorses and breaks them into a great riding horse so they are able to be adopted and have the best chance possible at their new homes.

Seeing how hard his owners fought to save Danny made me realize there must be something truly special about him. And there is.

Danny is a very social boy and loves the mares! We are currently working on his food aggression, which likely started as a result of the bad situation he found himself in after the claiming. As for ground manners, he knows them but needs some work. I remind him that he’s not the boss daily.

Danny was retired just last year, but under the saddle he is incredible and so responsive! He even rides best with no bit. When we put on a rope halter and just used the lead rope, I rode him bareback and he was extraordinary. We have also learned Danny likes to work and wants a job. When he sees that saddle, he’s always ready.

Danny has been a blessing to us. My boyfriend rides rodeo, and we both have such a love for animals. After adding Danny to our family (which also consists of four silly dogs), we couldn’t be any happier.