“The blood runs hot in the Thoroughbred and the courage runs deep. In the best of them, pride is limitless. This is their heritage and they carry it like a banner. What they have, they use.”
–C.W. Anderson
2004 Bay Thoroughbred Gelding
Harlow was a heartbreaker at the New Holland auction, who came to Horses With Hope in May of 2014. Jockey Club registered as “Lootin’ Kisses,” this handsome gelding raced in Michigan 15 times with a mostly losing record, and a lifetime earnings of around $3,000. When the HWH crew found him at auction, he was nearly 300 lbs underweight and had completely lost interest in what was going on around him. It was later discovered that Harlow had been sold at another livestock auction just two days before ending up at New Holland, and with his poor condition he would almost certainly have ended up on the slaughter truck.
Harlow is a real sweetheart, but it was clear that he would need extra time to recover both mentally and physically from his past experiences. We gave Harlow a long 'let down' period before beginning his re-training, and we have taken it very gradually from the ground up. Harlow has been introduced to obstacles and groundwork, and regularly does poles, lunging and round pen work to build his strength and coordination. Before winter arrived we had begun hacking out, and now during the snowy months we are focusing on basic flatwork indoors. This handsome boy is really beginning to come out of his shell and is a quick learner. He will certainly benefit from more time spent in steady training, and we look forward to his progress in the coming months.
Update: June 10, 2015 Harlow was placed in his forever home! He now resides in a peaceful town in NH with a wonderful family who absolutely adores him and a loyal equine companion to frolic and ride with. We are so happy for this very special rescue horse to have found the quiet, stable, and stress free loving home he always longed for!