What qualities make a great racehorse? Speed? Stamina? Power? Thoroughbred breeders try to breed for the best traits to make the best racehorses in the industry, and those decisions, if successful, can help horses go on to such incredible second careers.

Ruth Cheyenne Gilman had been a volunteer at Circle A Home for Horses, and she also had adopted a horse previously from the organization. In the fall of 2022, Asuka, a slender and beautiful Thoroughbred mare, arrived at Circle A Home for Horses in Virginia Beach, Va.

Initially, Asuka appeared moody and seemed to be “thoroughly scared of people,” wrote Ruth about her first impression of the bay mare. However, after having time to adjust to her new environment and get to know her new caretakers, Asuka slowly came around.