My Field of Dreams

My Field of Dreams

My Field of Dreams

My Field of Dreams was a good racehorse. He was just getting started. Of his three races he won his last two. However it was noted one of his knees was sore and gave him some trouble after his last win. The responsible and kind decision was made by his owners and trainer to retire him from racing. He was sent to a farm for rest and to await a home to become a riding horse. A very convincing man came by the farm looking for a horse to buy. He bought My Field of Dreams, then took him to an auction to make a quick buck.

Social media can be a wonderful thing. Jane, a racing and OTTB rescue supporter, saw a Tweet that a horse who’s last race was a win at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds was now up for bid at an auction. Jane watches the races at Pleasanton she wanted to make sure this local boy, who had also won at Golden Gate Fields, did not end up in a trailer to a slaughter house. She donated toward his freedom ticket and was a “Triple Crown Sponsor” for Neigh Savers until he was adopted. She named him “Jackson” after Shoeless Joe Jackson, a play on his jockey club name “My Field of Dreams”. She became known as Jackson’s angel. Jane would visit Jackson almost every weekend with bags of carrots in tow. She was even able to ride him, which was a treat to watch.

Jackson was not what most envision an off the track Thoroughbred to act or look like. He squeaked in at barely 15 hands and strolled around his new barn like he had lived there all his life with a “yeah whatever” easygoing outlook on life. He was given a month off of just turnout and sunshine for his sore body and knee. It was revealed in an xray his right front knee had bone spurs. Finding the right adopter for horses with physical limitations can be difficult. However we were confident Jackson’s charming temperament and mellow nature under saddle would attract someone. Along came Angie and Marlon.

Angie, a very horse savvy person with lots of experience, was looking for just a nice, calm, riding companion. Her horse, Approval on My Legs, is a large and in charge fellow with a personality to match his impressive 17 hand stature. Mr. Legs is currently working for the Sacramento Mounted Police. Angie was looking for the ying to Legs’ yang in a smaller horse with a more laid back attitude that both her and her husband could ride. Posts on our Facebook page like this one caught her eye “Jackson’s first time under saddle today. VERY windy at the ranch! Large box blows across arena right in front of him. Jackson doesn’t care, at all! So I ask him to trot after it & he does. Love this horse!”

Well the first time Angie came out to meet Jackson and he tried to steal an apple out of her purse, needless to say it was love at first site. We had no idea just how special this couple would become for Jackson. At Neigh Savers we now refer to them as “the most amazing adopters” and now Jackson is referred to as “the luckiest horse in the world”. Jackson’s personality won her over and Angie understood how special he is. She was also very understanding to his physical needs and limitations. She has no interest in jumping or strenuous riding either! Before arriving to his new (and luxurious home I might ad) Angie; had him insured, found a trainer, had 3 different equine sports therapists lined up, a veterinarian, ordered a little clay figurine likeness of him based on his last win photo, and purchased a complete wardrobe of brand new tack and color coordinated accessories just for him! Wow!
Jackson had the most fanfare I have ever seen of a horse leaving his Neigh Savers barn AND had a birthday party shortly after arriving to his new barn. The luckiest horse in the world is currently sharing a giant pasture with his new buddy Dundee, learning new things with his family and trainer, living happily ever after.