Mary’s love for horses began in childhood, where she spent her time riding and showing horses in 4-H. The idea of owning a horse again stayed with her as she grew older. As an adult, she took up riding lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “With the extra free time, I figured it was the perfect time and started my search.”

Unsure where to start, Mary searched through numerous horse adoption sites, hoping to find her perfect match. During a Google search for local rescues, she discovered Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses in Michigan (CANTER), an organization with 13 affiliates across the U.S., three of which are accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. CANTER specializes in rehabilitation, retraining, and adoption of off-track Thoroughbreds.

Curious whether an off-track Thoroughbred might be a good fit, Mary reached out to CANTER Michigan, sharing her riding experience with the organization. Denise Fullhart, an owner of a CANTER Michigan facility, responded and suggested M G Junior as a potential match, encouraging her to submit an application.

“After submitting the app and getting approved, I was able to coordinate a visit to the farm. It was an easy process, and the team was very helpful,” Mary said.

Courtesy of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Before her visit, Mary did extensive research on retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), learning about their temperaments, needs, and what to expect. She also looked into M G Junior’s pedigree for fun.

“From The Jockey Club site, I found that he was actually closely related to one of the horses I had growing up,” Mary shared.

She continued: “The OTTB I had growing up was super chill and such a good horse. I was hoping it would be the same with Junior.”

M G Junior, a 2011 Thoroughbred gelding, raced 47 times and earned more than $90,000 during his career.

When Mary arrived at CANTER Michigan, she immediately felt a connection.

“I saw him in the field and knew that had to be him before Denise even pulled him out,” she said.

Though it was spring and Junior was shedding heavily, he had an undeniable presence.

“He had these long, elegant legs and a pose that just made him seem chill and regal,” Mary recalled. After grooming and tacking him up, Junior stood quietly, like a gentleman. When Mary rode him, she was amazed. “I rode him around the arena, and it was just so easy. With the research, I expected a fast, crazy horse with little handling, but he was chill and just easy. It was a perfect fit for me,” she said.

Their bond was immediate. “He really did remind me of my childhood horse, and I felt connected to him,” Mary said. That evening, she couldn’t stop thinking about Junior. “I never even looked at any other horses before choosing Junior – I knew it had to be him.” 

Since bringing Junior home, Mary hasn’t had to do much retraining.

“I mainly got him for trail riding and pleasure arena riding. I started slow, working on ground commands and lunging. He learned quickly and soon followed me freely around the arena.” Under saddle, Junior continued to impress Mary. “Once I started riding him, it didn’t take long for him to understand what I was asking. Now he freely trots and canters as I ask.”

“Our personalities just fit with each other – we are both laid back and chill, and he even knows what I’m about to ask before I ask it… I really couldn’t ask for a better match,” Mary said. As for the future, she wants to keep things simple. “My plan with Junior is to just enjoy life with him. We mosey down the trails and have fun in the arena. I want nothing but the best for him and to spoil him with treats.”

Update 2025:

These days, Junior and Mary are enjoying a slower pace, focusing on groundwork. “With spring coming on, it’s been nothing but shedding with him,” Mary laughed. “But he makes it easy – he actually lets me use a shop vac to get the mud and hair off. Everyone at the barn gets a kick out of it.”

Recently, Mary has been working on liberty exercises, aiming to encourage Junior to follow her around the arena without a lead rope. “He’s not too keen on trotting next to me just yet,” she said. “If I jog off, he’ll just mosey along at a walk. Then when I stop, he’ll wander up with this look like, ‘Why are you running when walking is so lovely?’ ”

It’s clear the pair are simply enjoying each other’s company. “I’m very happy to have him in my life,” Mary stated. “He’s a special horse.”

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.