Irie Spice

“I began riding when I was 5 years old and spent every spare minute at the barn throughout high school and college. I eventually had to step away from horses to start my career and raise a family and after an 18 year break got back into it in February 2022. I thought I’d casually take lessons for a couple years, maybe go to a show but nothing major. Then, one Friday morning last November, my trainer sent me a photo of a handsome gray gelding. This began a series of text messages which eventually led to me driving 6 hours that night to upstate New York. Before I realized it I was Venmo-ing money and looking for a shipper to take my boy back home. Irie Spice, then called “Ice”, stole my heart. He has a baby face and an old soul brain and has been the best partner, therapist, and friend a girl could ever want. We soon changed his name to Olaf, as that better suited his personality. He is just an all around happy guy that is always willing to try.

The previous year had been pretty tough on our family. I was tired, low on confidence, and in desperate need of a new adventure. Olaf, named after a snowman who loves summer, brought sunshine back into my life. I am so grateful to him and all the experiences we are having as we prepare for the 2023 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover”.