For Michele Enck, finding another heart horse was something she never expected to happen again. Enck is Maryland-based and currently works for The Maryland Jockey Club as the stakes coordinator, recently promoted from her role as horse identifier.

A few years ago, while working in her office at Pimlico, Jessica Hammond stopped by Enck’s window. Hammond serves as executive director for Beyond the Wire, a program designed to facilitate safe and enriching placements for retired Maryland-based racehorses.

Three years prior, Enck had lost her pony, her first heart horse.

“I never thought I would find another heart horse in my life,” she said. “And I did.”

Enck with Rebound (Courtesy of Michele Enck)

That day Hammond stopped by Enck’s window and said, “I think I found your horse.” She shared a picture of a bay horse named Rebound. It was Rebound’s kind eye and adorable face that immediately captured Enck’s heart. His smaller size, under 16 hands, was another bonus, but Enck already felt there was something special about him.

“I said, ‘You found my horse,’ ” she recalled.

Foaled April 16, 2013, Rebound is a bay gelding who began his life in Ireland before making his way through sales at Goffs and Tattersalls. His journey eventually brought him to Maryland.

Rebound came through The Foxie G Foundation, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization. Laurie Calhoun of The Foxie G Foundation works closely with Beyond the Wire. Beyond the Wire partners with accredited farms to help place horses in new homes.

Enck spent the next three months visiting Rebound once a week at The Foxie G Foundation while searching for the right farm where he could begin his new chapter. With Calhoun’s guidance, the adoption process was seamless.

“[Laurie] made my adoption process as easy as possible,” Enck said. “She still helps me if I need advice on anything with Rebound to this day.”

“Rebound is loved and cared for seven days a week,” Enck added.

Now settled into his new life, Enck and Rebound enjoy trail rides together once or twice a week, a routine that Enck said Rebound wouldn’t have any other way.

Both horse and rider started completely from scratch, without professional training. Enck’s long-term goal was simple but meaningful, to be able to go out on the trails alone with her horse. Together, they achieved that.

“My goal was just for him to love me as much as I love him,” she said. “And we have accomplished that.”

Rebound’s gentle nature does not stop with Enck. He seems to win over everyone he meets, horses and other animals alike.

“Rebound is just so loved by every horse and all different kinds of animals that come across him,” Enck said. “He’s truly one of a kind.”

For Enck, Rebound represents more than a successful adoption. He is proof that sometimes, when you least expect it, another heart horse can find its way into your life.

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.