Back when I was coming to a conclusion on which university I wanted to attend, I also started looking for horses. Through Tumblr I made a friend who owned a handsome chestnut horse named Percy. He’s a (now) 14 year old (2007), OTTB gelding by Reddatore. He had a handful of issues over fences and on the flat on bad days that unfortunately lead to some pretty bad injuries rider wise ultimately leading to his sale. She and I were also friends with another local trainer, who is the only one left that I am friendly with of our trio unfortunately.
He was bought by a girl on Instagram with a decent following and a cute Quarter Horse to match this incredibly handsome TB gelding. Ringo (her QH) and Rocket (formerly Percy) were the cutest red pair. They lived in the same flat pasture out at Webb and I would see them everyday on the drive in to work and on the way out at night. She and I actually became friends because I knew Rocket previously, and because she helped put a good word in for me with Summer at Webb when I was being considered for the job. Funny series of photos with Caz questioning their every move is here.
Over the time that he resided at Webb he conquered flat work, the jump arena across NorCal and even cross country. I was fortunate enough to see him go and compete/school and I formed a connection to him through that. He started having similar issues as before in a regular work routine, and Fallon was actually enlisted to lease him to make sure he stayed flexible and in shape with regular riding/exercise. We had a couple outings together with Rocket and Capone, photos and videos below, but it didn’t make anything better for Rocky.
He was told to rest per vets orders pretty much didn’t the whole time and then he was tested for anything that could be causing pain. It was found that he actually had kissing spine and had been working quite hard over all these years with explosions caused by back pain. Of course it was remedied for his sake and drained his moms bank account. But the road to recovery was going to be long.
There would be some hiccups along the way because horses, but he was ultimately rehabbed to cantering work, holding a proper frame and even being ridden. Unfortunately, all the struggles piled up and Rocket was put up for sale so his owner could have a break from 2 horses for a bit and sort life out. A very thoughtful and hard decision to make.
Funny enough he was sold to my other local trainer friend from Tumblr and he is now named Draco. He’s living the life as a mostly muddy pony coming back into jumping and relearning how to horse after all the anxiety pre-operation. I joke all the time that I will probably end up with him at some point, but I don’t think I would have a use for him with my riding now. (Update since this was scheduled for you guys. Draco was sold again, and I unfortunately missed it so I’m not sure where he is these days to be honest.)
Fun fact about Stealth Rocket, he looks just like California Chrome!! Chrome and Rocket were both bred at Harris Farms. Chrome’s dam Love the Chase was originally bred to Reddatore and it was unsuccessful so they brought in Lucky Pulpit instead and California Chrome was born, they could have been half brothers. Once upon a time I heard his ancestors were also related to George Washington’s horses, so that’s kinda cool too.
Grey2Bay 