Lauren Henry and Stony Creek enjoy a moment at the recent Woodside event in California.
In an effort help an injured T-Bred, a collaborative effort linking two major California horse charities bore fruit this year in the form of Stony Creek, an impeccably put-together Eventing prospect many expect to “go big.”
Stony’s story began shortly after his last race at Santa Anita Park in 2012.
After the strikingly pretty animal bowed a tendon, he was laid up to recuperate at a farm funded by CARMA (the California Retirement Management Account), until his tendon healed. When he proved himself ready for post-racing training, CARMA reached out to Thoroughbred re-training/re-homing organization CANTER California. This is when the magic happened.
Stony Creek
Sire: Bertrando
Dam: Bounty Bay
Foal date: March 7 2009Though she wasn’t in the market for a new horse, Lauren Henry was encouraged to go take a look at the off-track Thoroughbred last July. “He was so impeccably put together that standing in a field, he showed up all the other horses,” Henry says. “He just has this presence about him, and a really kind eye.”
So she made a deal with CANTER California Executive Director Ali Dacher. The women agreed that Henry would start him under saddle, bulk him up, and decide after two months whether to keep him or return him to CANTER.
As if she could ever return him!
“Training him, I realized he was the easiest horse I had ever restarted,” Henry says. “He has a really good work ethic, and within the first couple days of me riding him, he was moving forward and off my leg and willing to stretch into the contact.”
Stony Creek moves injury free thanks to the care of CARMA and CANTER California. Photo by Nell Western
With no hint of his previous injury, Stony is already proving to be quite the talent. In April at the Fresno County Horse Park, he went Novice and ended up in 4th place overall competing against all breeds. “We went up against quite a few fancy Warmbloods—he was great!”
In subsequent events, Stony has caught the eye of some big trainers, who predicted Stony will “take Lauren far” in her career. And her friends, the ones with the Warmbloods, are now telling her they might also consider a T-Bred for their next horse!
“Everybody who sees this horse go, just adores him,” Henry says.
He is just so good looking. And his Daddy was one of my favorite horses. So glad he has a great home and a great 2nd career.
We were happy to have Stoneycreek with us at Los Laureles Equine Rehabilitation under the direction of CANTER and CARMA. He was such a special boy and rehabbed very well. I’m so happy to see him find a loving owner and moving on his new career. He is built so nicely and appeared to be an excellent athlete. Thanks to CANTER and CARMA for allowing us to rehab this special guy!!
Fabulous write up, once again!!! Susan – thank you SO much for highlighting these awesome athletes & the people who love them! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for these two! Great work Lauren – and great work to CARMA & the CANTER Team!
Another great story Susan, thank you! Lauren, congratulations on your successes with Stony Creek. He is beautiful! Love my OTTB’S, they are great horses! Wishing you many happy years together!
Sherrie, thank you!!! It’s you guys making the good stories. I’m just the messenger. 🙂
Yes, rescue a TB, they are worth it, and teach you so much. Mine certainly did!
He’s beautiful!