Bootleggin Posse was claimed by Wasabi Ventures Stables in May 2022 at Canterbury Park. He won on his first time out in their silks, but throughout the meet showed a lack of interest in racing. He was retired in September and moved to a new home with Hannah, where he’s been nicknamed Boots.

Hannah kindly sent this update:

Boots has been off the track since September and is loving his new life! He’s the most spectacular and laid back horse I’ve ever worked with. He’s taken every new thing he’s learned like a perfect gentleman. Currently I’m training him to be a hunter jumper. We started over small cross rails a couple weeks ago, and he proves to love it! Even if he’s free lunging he will often pop over a jump or two, even at the walk.

He also enjoys being outside on the trails on more relaxing days when the weather has been nice. I love him so incredibly much and feel so fortunate that I have him and that he’s remained in good health!

We love happily ever after stories such as this and look forward to sharing more updates on Boots. To read about another WVS retiree, please click here.

Liam is fitting right into his new life as a pampered show pony!  His personality blooms more everyday!  When I walk into the barn I’m greeted by him nickering and kicking the stall.  I cannot tell if he is excited to see me, or if he is more excited for the prospect of treats. The jury is still out on that one!

Health update

I noticed some body soreness issues about a month ago. We promptly had the chiropractor out (his new best buddy).  She informed me that Liam’s body is growing/changing very quickly and that we would benefit from monthly chiropractic visits.  I have noticed a drastic difference, and my sweet boy has returned to his happy go lucky self. 

Liam will also be surprised next week with a brand-new saddle!  I decided to get a saddle with more options to be adjusted so we could easily make changes as he continues to grow!

Training update

Liam continues to flourish in his new job.  While he finds flatwork “boring and unnecessary”, he thinks jumping the sticks is the BEST!

He is learning to answer all the questions I put in front of him and is becoming a trustworthy brave hunter.

Showing update

Liam and I have been showing with our barn team on the NIHJA (Northern Illinois Hunter Jumper Association) circuit.  I could not be more proud of him.  We are starting out this season in the Beginner Adult division.  Liam and I ended up taking reserve champion hunter and won the equitation classic at our last show at Leges! We have two more shows coming up on the summer circuit, and then we will start on the indoor circuit!

I’m beyond blessed to have this little red horse in my life.  He brings me so much joy!

Many thanks to Charlotte, who provided this update on Liam.

To read Liam’s previous update, please click here. You also can see more photos of Liam here.

Sully, formerly known as Midnight Shine, has made his home with Madison since October 2019. We last shared an update for this former Wasabi Ventures Stables runner in September 2021. We are pleased to provide another update on this sweet boy.

Sully is doing great. He has not been to any shows recently, but Madison plans to enter him in some this spring. This eleven year old gelding has been working as a hunter/jumper.

In addition to work on his second career, he also has become quite the family horse. Madison’s five year old has even started showing him some interest. As you can see, Sully is enjoying working with his new family, no matter their age.

We couldn’t have hoped for a better home for Sully. As Madison notes, “He really is the best boy and we love him so much.” That is the perfect version of happily ever after for this retired racehorse.

Golden Spun Lad was retired from the Wasabi Ventures Stables’ barn of Mark Salvaggio in August 2020. In the time since then he has been retrained and acclimated to life off of the track. This past January, he found his forever home with his new friend, Charlotte. He also has been given the new name of Baby Liam.

To learn about Baby Liam’s new home, read this update provided by Charlotte.

I consider myself impossibly lucky to have gotten to bring Golden Spun Lad (lovingly referred to as Baby Liam) into my life. About five years ago, due to an accident my husband was in, I had to rehome my previous horse. That day took a part of my heart. People with a passion and love for the animals can truly understand what it is like to lose your best buddy. Luckily things have improved, so my trainer and I decided to start looking for a new friend for me. I saw a short clip of Liam, and I just knew. Eithin a week he was heading my way. 

Liam has flourished in his new home. He has a huge personality and loves bringing smiles to everyone’s face! The barn staff adore him and constantly compliment his “cute little face”. He is the youngest horse on the farm, so he enjoys bringing “spice” to the turnout pens. Even though he has only been with me a short time he has healed my heart so much. 

We have been working on building our partnership both on the ground and under saddle. I may be biased, but he is by far the most talented four year old I have had the pleasure of riding. It makes me so excited for our future together! It is our goal to show at the local hunter jumper shows this year and to hopefully move up to the rated shows next year.

Words cannot explain how much joy this horse brings me. A good friend of mine told me the other day, “Charlotte you just glow while you are here with Liam.”

He is a special baby horse- I’m such a lucky lady. 

If you enjoyed this update, click here to read about WVS retiree, Beauty.

Timber, who was formerly known as Intrepid Forest, ran for Wasabi Ventures Stables in 2019. After an unsuccessful attempt to start her career as a broodmare, she transitioned from racing to second career with Abbie Fischer. Abbie found Timber’s forever home with Brooke.

Timber’s new best friend, Brooke, has been busy teaching her new roles. Timber and Brooke have moved up in the jumper competitions. Timber also has started trying hunters. Additionally, they competed in their first ever derby in September.

Timber jumping

Timber and Brooke are finding some success in the ring. They were the itty bitty series champions out of more than thirty competitors at The Ridge.

This is just another reason why we love following our WVS horses after they retire from racing. It is so rewarding to see that Timber has found a friend with whom she can learn new skills and enjoy her forever home.

In February 2019, trainer Jesse Cruz dropped a claim slip for Midnight Shine at Oaklawn Park for Wasabi Ventures Stables. It wasn’t a great race for Midnight Shine, but Wasabi did win the claim.

Unfortunately, shortly after Midnight Shine joined Jesse’s barn, some health issues were discovered. While he could have been rehabilitated to race again, it was decided that the best choice for this then eight year old gelding was to be retired.

Working with New Vocations, Midnight Shine was transitioned from being a racehorse to being ready for adoption. In October 2019 he found his forever home with Madison Myers. Now known as Sully, he’s been training as a hunter/jumper and has competed in the baby green division, placing well in a few divisions.

According to Madison, Sully “has the sweetest puppy dog disposition.” She also says that they could not have gotten luckier with him.

We are so grateful for this happily ever after story for Madison and Sully.