Cheersto Glory

From AlexBrownRacing

Cheersto Glory was purchased by Friends of Ferdinand in the fall of 2005, at an end of season paddock sale, for $300. No one bid on this injured underweight gelding and he was headed to the kill truck. Cheers had slowed down and was being raced at lesser tracks. The owner, also the track auctioneer, did not believe this 6 year old would thrive in a new career.

FFI knew there was an undiagnosed injury to Cheers' right rear foot. One veterinarian believed he had a tumor and sent the x-rays to Purdue. It was determined that Cheers did in fact have a tumor at the front of his right rear hoof and FFI set about raising the funds to have surgery performed. Cheers did have the surgery in July of 2006. Many volunteers helped with his recovery process - soaking the foot, changing bandages, giving meds, etc. Cheers would make a wonderful recovery, but would not be allowed to jump in his new career.

In the spring of 2007, FFI started looking for a forever family for Cheers. I came across the posting for Cheers in early June 2007 on FFI's website...it was love at first sight. I contacted FFI and started corresponding with Sara Busbice. I learned that Cheers was being boarded at the very barn where we were leasing a pony for our daughter. Right then, I knew we had been brought into this horse's life for a reason. We began spending time with this beautiful thoroughbred and decided we did want to adopt him.

FFI took a chance with our family - we had never owned a horse of our own -we had been leasing horses for our teenage daughter to ride and show for the past three years. And now, one year later, I can not imagine our lives without this wonderful animal. He has taught us so much more than we have taught him. Our daughter now wants to go college to pursue an equine degree. She would like to one day own her own training facility.

Cheers loves his new job - our daughter competes hunter under saddle flatwork with him. This retired racehorse shows us everyday the meaning of strength, compassion, and joy. One of FFI's mottos is 'Retired from racing, but not from life'. This could not be more true with our horse, Cheersto Glory.