In late June, the small northern Idaho community near Coeur d’Alene was shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two firefighters and left another injured.

In the days that followed, Champions Retreat, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization in Hayden, Idaho, offered a quiet gesture of support to those most affected: an invitation for local first responders and their families to spend time with the retired racehorses that call the farm home.

One of Salesman’s best qualities is his temperament. In Richard Mandella’s racing barn, Salesman was always calm, cool and collected. He was never one to be temperamental or overly sensitive and, even when something new may have surprised him, he was reasonable about it all. Salesman was easy for his grooms which added to his popularity in the barn. He had no shortage of fans, especially if they were packing peppermints!