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friend of dubai
Friend of Dubai
By: Alexis Arbaugh
Kimberly Quinn rode with Jennifer Blades at Willowbrooke Farm. Kimberly was in search of her next horse when Friend of Dubai joined the CANTER Michigan herd at the farm. Friend of Dubai, a 2016 dark bay Thoroughbred gelding, had raced 21 times and earned $30,523 over his three-year career. Friend of Dubai had only two under-saddle rides off the track, so when Kimberly inquired about him Jennifer said that she was “uncertain about his potential”.
CANTER Michigan is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Oakland County, Michigan. The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) provides retiring thoroughbred racehorses with opportunities for new careers. CANTER Michigan is the founding affiliate of CANTER and one of the three CANTER affiliates that are accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
CANTER Michigan is unique in its approach to transitioning racehorses into new homes. The organization partners with Michigan State University for equine care and rehabilitation before retraining the horses at their various facilities. Willowbrooke Farm, owned by Jennifer, is one of these locations. The multiple farm setup allows CANTER to help more horses and connect with a broader base of donors and adopters.
On the day Kimberly went to try the gangly 4-year-old, Friend of Dubai, she called out to him, and to her surprise, he whinnied back. In that moment, she knew they were meant to be. His sweet personality and kind eye immediately made her fall in love with him.
“He is just absolutely the best boy,” Kimberly wrote. Friend of Dubai quickly bonded with Kimberly’s 6-year-old daughter, showing care and patience around her. “He takes the smallest steps and always keeps an eye on her,” ensuring that he doesn’t frighten her when she’s grooming, feeding, or riding him.
While Friend of Dubai’s progress has been remarkable, it wasn’t without its challenges. Kimberly worked patiently with him, focusing on confidence-building due to his nervous disposition. Their slow and steady approach paid off, and in the summer of 2023, they competed in the 2’3 division at Michigan Hunter Jumper Association (MHJA) local shows. After just two shows, they earned some year-end awards for the division, including reserve champion in the hunter section.
Looking ahead, Kimberly and Friend of Dubai are excited to move up to the 2’6 division. Their journey has been long but rewarding, and they can’t wait to see what the future holds.
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