With only four career starts, The Big Kahuna retired from racing in early 2022 with $77,870 in earnings. Foaled in March 2017, the flashy bay gelding arrived at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in April of that year, ready for his next chapter. New Vocations is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization that is dedicated to rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

Loran Schubarg first discovered The Big Kahuna, now known as Maverick, online while browsing adoptable horses on the New Vocations website.

“The adoption experience couldn't have been easier, the trainers at the location were so helpful,” Loran recalled from when she went to visit Maverick for the first time.

A second-place ribbon for Maverick. (Courtesy of Loran Schubarg )

The deal was sealed as soon as Loran saw Maverick in person.

“I adopted Maverick because of his beautiful gaits and his flashy head,” said Loran.

Since Loran brought Maverick home, she has been hands-on in his training and development.

“I have been riding him on my own every day mostly. We hack in the woods and then work on the flat,” Loran stated.

Their hard work paid off last summer when they tackled their first combined test together: “We started jumping last summer and have successfully competed at a 'tadpole' combined test, placing second.”

With some success under their belts, Loran is looking ahead to an exciting future.

“I would like to compete in T.I.P Combined Tests and qualify for next year's championship. Eventually, I would like to event him,” Loran said.

At home, Maverick’s personality shines through to each person and animal he has encountered.

“He is the boss of my other horse and is very attached to him. We tell people he has an emotional support horse,” Loran said.

Loran is grateful for the opportunity to have been partnered with such a promising and expressive Thoroughbred. Loran said, “I love my OTTB!”

With Maverick’s presence, talent, and a devoted rider by his side, he is proving there’s nothing the pair can’t accomplish.

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.