Gypsy Road (Click here for Past Performances)

Gypsy Road arriving at his new home

Gypsy Road had an incredible 92 starts in his career beginning in July 2000 and ending in August 2005. He is truly a formidable warrior and yet so gentle that the barn crew’s children played in his stall. Gypsy was a barn favorite in that he was a perfect gentleman, smart and funny as well.

However, after his career-ending injury he was kept at Bay Meadows in his stall for almost two years because he was so easy to get along with but in the long run this was not fair to the horse.

Neigh Savers was not yet officially formed but in May 2007 I accompanied Gypsy Road as the first horse to be taken off the track by Neigh Savers. It was a very emotional parting for everyone in Armando Lage’s barn and many tears were shed as a dear friend departed for another life.

Gypsy Road came into Armando's life unexpectedly and ended up being a very successful racer and brought him much joy as well. Our first partner, Half Halt Farms in Martinez, and owner Heidi Riddle, her daughter Janell and a close friend Nancy Toten came equipped with a horse trailer and promptly took Gypsy upon first sight. Armando was so broken up and emotional he couldn't even go out to the trailer to say goodbye and had tears rolling down his face. It was a whole other side to these trainers who often are unfairly characterized and portrayed. Armando gave up Gypsy in fairness to the horse and I must say upon arriving at the ranch Gypsy couldn't believe his good fortune. He has a breathtaking view of the valley below and hills from his paddock and immediately made friends with his neighbor interlocking heads and touching noses and then got busy scrubbing his area of any available grass as well. Heidi's facility is known for dressage and three-day eventing and she is a certified dressage instructor. She also teaches basic riding lessons. She has quite a few TB's from the tracks, including a few from Ellen Jackson. At any rate, Gypsy is in a very good place. Heidi was very impressed with Armando in that he said if Gypsy didn't "work out" he would be glad to take him back. However, Heidi said she wouldn't do that and would retire him to one of her pastures (she pointed out the retirees to me as we drove in) rather than return him but she certainly appreciated the sincerity of his offer.

Now Gypsy has become a barn favorite at Half Halt Farms and the entire staff there is constantly amused by his antics and pleasant attitude. For now he is just acclimating to life outside of the track and whether or not he ever becomes a beginner’s riding horse is still up in the air but he has a found a home for life and that is the kind of happy ending we strive for at Neigh Savers as we make the "Thoroughbred Connection."

August 29, 2007 - Update from Half Halt Farms

Janelle and I were just saying that we need to contact you and let you know how well Gypsy is doing and how much we love him. What a wonderful temperament he has.
He is doing low level dressage and jumping small jumps. He loves his life. He has a best friend that he goes out into pasture everyday with. He is so well behaved, hasn't taken a single wrong step. So far, staying perfectly sound as well.

He is happy, healthy and well loved. Thank you for that contact.

As for being a contact partner, Great! I am completely supportive of what you are doing and would love to stay involved in your program. I am very impressed by people like you who donate there precious time to help the happiness and welfare of helpless creatures at the mercy of us humans. Every horse that finds his way into Neigh Savers is a lucky individual. I hope your program flourishes and saves the lives of many deserving 4 legged friends. Keep me apprised of all that goes on.

Gypsy was renamed "Ben" by his new handlers and has now transitioned to a new life.

Heidi offers a few words to update Ben:

Ben went cross country schooling two weeks ago and was awesome.  He is going to his first dressage show next weekend nearby. His rider hopes to take him to a three day event in the near future.