Denise and JJ ribbon at their first show, a year after she adopted the unwanted gelding off the track.
Though Denise Kalfayan started riding at age 7, it wasn’t until age 42 that she hit the horsey jackpot with Jeanne’s Jackpot!
She adopted the OTTB from ReRun, Inc. in April 2012.
“I saw him and fell in love. He was my first horse in 24 years that I owned. He’s so sweet, gentle and quirky that everyone at the farm, especially kids, loves him,” she says.
Nicknamed Dog for his puppy personality, JJ got his hooves wet with schooling shows in 2013. Pictured at the Central Jersey Horsemen’s Association show in June of 2013, the pair took home two 6ths and a 5th. “We were thrilled!”
When she isn’t riding her beloved OTTB, Kalfayan can be found volunteering for Thoroughbred nonprofit New Beginnings Thoroughbreds.
Just a wonderful looking fellow. He looks extremely proud of himself as he should be.
Congratulations, Denise! The very best to you and your very handsome horse!!!