Holly Zecchin was in the market for a horse with the potential to compete in Western Dressage when she found Buckeye Warrior on the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program website. Buckeye Warrior, a 2016 bay gelding, had run from 2018 to 2021, earning a total of $43,819. Unfortunately, at the time he was listed on the website, Buckeye Warrior was rehabilitating from a stress fracture in his left tibia. Consequently, there were no videos of him, only photos showcasing his conformation.

Holly initially passed on the dark bay gelding, thinking his injury might affect their future together. However, the more she looked at his photos, the more she realized that she “should take on Buckeye.”

Even with his injury, Holly believed Buckeye’s conformation was ideal for Dressage. Leandra Cooper, Buckeye’s trainer at New Vocations, provided Holly with detailed information about Buckeye’s personality. Leandra described him as having a kind eye and a quiet nature. Though a bit reserved, he was also trusting and smart. After meeting Buckeye in person, Holly wrote, “Leandra’s description was so accurate.”