Lora Eike was familiar with Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA) as she had previously adopted a 2009 gelding named Crafty Noble in 2019. In 2022, Eike was enlisted to help a friend find an off-the-track Thoroughbred, so she reached out to Kelley Stobie, co-founder, secretary, and executive director of CTA.

Eike’s friend was looking for a horse suitable for a 13-year-old girl in a training program. Stobie recommended Trust in Russ, a 2015 Kentucky-bred dark bay gelding. In his four-year career from 2018 to 2022, Trust in Russ had 71 starts and earned $68,731 with 12 wins.  

A perfect match, Eike and Rico (Lora Eike photo)

Eike’s friends decided to adopt a different Thoroughbred from CTA, which left Trust in Russ open for adoption. Stobie was adamant that Trust in Russ (Rico) would have been perfect for a 13-year-old girl because of his kind and sweet nature.

“I knew he had to be good, and so I wanted him for myself,” Eike wrote.

Eike planned to ship “Rico” from Puerto Rico to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Unfortunately, during his layover in Ocala, Fla., he ran into a fence and injured himself badly. “He is doing amazing now,” Eike wrote.

After getting him home to Virginia and helping him heal from his injuries, Rico is a happy and healthy horse.

Rico spends his days “living his best life” by taking inexperienced riders through the mountains of Virginia. He takes perfect care of everyone who rides him and is, “truly a gem and a complete gentleman.”

Eike is immensely grateful for CTA and all that they did for “Rico” so that she can care for and love him for the rest of his life.

“From the flight to Miami and the vet bills from the injury at the layover barn, I'd like you to know that this horse is worth every penny spent, and a whole lot more,” Eike wrote.

The Jockey Club supports many aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers. View all of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.