Born on Jan. 30, 2020, Arrogate Ocean was bred to be a racehorse. However, after it became clear that life on the track wasn’t the right fit for him, he found his way to New Vocations, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization dedicated to retraining and rehoming retired racehorses.

Katie Wallach had been casually considering the idea of owning a horse again but hadn’t begun actively searching. That all changed when her best friend, who worked with an equine dentist, happened to be at New Vocations on the day of Arrogate Ocean’s very first ride. She watched him under saddle and immediately knew this was the horse Katie needed.

Courtesy of Katie Wallach

Arrogate Ocean, later known as Sailor, had just arrived at the facility and hadn’t even been listed for adoption yet. But without hesitation, Katie’s friend called and urged her to inquire about him. “Boy, did she have an eye,” Katie said. “I met him a few days later and instantly fell in love.”

From the start, Sailor stood out. “His conformation was impeccable, his blaze was the most intricate design – it was mesmerizing,” Katie recalled. “He was an absolute puppy. All he wanted was snuggles. The true definition of an in-your-pocket, derpy gelding.”

As Sailor progressed in his retraining, he proved to be a willing and capable partner. “Retraining Sailor was a dream,” Katie shared. “He was so eager to learn and please.”

They focused on building a solid foundation on the flat and gradually introduced him to jumping and poles. “The more he grew and matured, the bigger and more beautiful his movement became,” she said.

Beyond his athletic potential, Sailor gave Katie a renewed sense of confidence and peace of mind. She had been away from the show world since high school, but with Sailor, she felt ready to return to the Hunter and Equitation classes she once loved.

Sailor wasn’t just a talented athlete – he was also a sweetheart with a few quirky favorites.

“Sailor’s favorite things were giving pony rides, free jumping, kids, and dogs licking his nose!” Katie said.

His playful and affectionate personality made him a barn favorite, and it was clear that Katie had found her perfect match.

From off-the-track prospect to beloved partner, Sailor’s journey is one of luck, love, and perfect timing. And for his adopter, it’s proof that sometimes, the right horse finds you exactly when you need them most.

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.