By Alexandra Kokka
Bobcaygeon, an Ontario-bred son of Niigon, earned $377,004 in his five seasons on the track. The multiple stakes-placed war horse retired to TAA-accredited LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society after 34 starts with a record of 7-7-4.
After two years of searching for her next mount, adopter Tanya Teetzel considered looking at LongRun. Having already owned an OTTB, she knew how special they are.
“I went to try a couple of horses and as soon as I sat on (Bobcaygeon) I knew I had to have him,” Teetzel said.
Despite Bobcaygeon not being competition ready, Teetzel knew he had all the makings of a lovely show horse.
“You could tell he really just wanted to please and tried so hard. He had a wonderful canter for the few steps we did,” she said.
The last two years have been filled with hard work, determination, and a lot of love. A strong foundation of trust and understanding is the product this duo has to show for their efforts.
“He is a 3-foot hunter with room to go higher,” she said. “He takes his time to understand the tasks asked of him and as long as he isn’t forced we both scoured it out.”
Bobcaygeon, or “Jasper,” is turning heads as a hunter and is showing real potential for success. The pair competed in The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program classes at the Twinholm Trillium Hunter Jumper Show where they earned reserve champion in both the 2-foot-6-inch hunter division and the hack division.
“My goal is to compete on the ‘A’ circuit with him next season, and over the course of this season, some small local shows as a hunter (and to try hunter derbies). (And to) have tons of fun while doing it.”
