Stanley (Port Stanley) was born in April 2006 in Ontario Canada. His sire was Perfect Soul and his Dame was Alybeal. He is a registered Thoroughbred with the Jocky Club. He was raced from 2008 to 2015 with a total of 44 stars, 9 first, 8 seconds, and 5 thirds for overall earnings of $315,255. His last race was August 23 2015 at Golden Gate Feilds in California where he placed first his race.

At some point in he suffered an suspensor ligament strain and his owners took him out of the race circuit and let him retire. We aren’t certain what happened with him between 2015 and 2017, but he ended up on the Eugene Horse Auction in the Fall of 2017 where he sold for $650.

Bridgett had been looking for a horse and he wasn’t her first pick, but saw him and elected to buy two horses. That’s a funny story. I knew she was getting one horse but I was in Minnesota on business and found out we would own two horses.

Stanley was a bit undernourished and very calm. He was very chill and easy to handle. Further, he seemed well trained and was happy to be ridden. He is an unusual thoroughbred, he is tall at 16 hands, but with very fine features. Many have confused him an Arabian. He requires smaller than normal halters and bridles.

Bridgett started him on Working Equitation in October of 2018 and has done relatively well. He does seem to wish to stay retired at times and has some nervous issues (cribbing, wind sucking, mouthing the bit, and general crankiness on occasion). Bridgett has learned a great deal from him and her riding has steadily improved. He does well on trails and is our herd leader.

The last year he has been boarded with a friend where he can get worked on a regular basis in a covered arena to keep up his strength and stamina as well as keep him sharp for competitions.