Nijinsky Sun is enjoying the sunset of his life after a career of service to young riders. The 1983, yes you read that right, Ontario-bred gelding only raced five times in his short racing career before he was retired. He made four starts at Woodbine in Canada and then made his final start at age three at Canterbury Park in Minnesota, with his best finish coming in the form of a seventh place. When the time came for the hard-working gelding’s second career to come to an end, he was permanently retired to Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement.
“Walter” was not cut out for racing, but he soon found a new career as a school and show horse, teaching young riders how to be better horsemen and to ride in the show ring. The beloved gelding excelled in his career as a teacher and friend for 20 years, which included being bought by one particularly adoring fan who wanted to show him exclusively. Walter shared his kind-hearted wisdom with his new charge and acted as her showing partner throughout her youth until the time came for her to leave for college. Her family wanted to ensure Walter continued to have excellent care and a much deserved retirement, which is why they chose to retire him to Mitchell Farm where he lived out the rest of his days in relaxing luxury.
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, located in Salem, CT, operates on the mission of “Providing a safe, comfortable retirement alternative for aged and infirm horses.” Mitchell Farm was founded in 2004 and accredited by the TAA in 2013. Learn more about their program and horses at: www.mitchellfarm.org.
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization who accredits and funds organizations that provide aftercare for Thoroughbreds. For more information on the TAA, visit: http://thoroughbredaftercare.org/.
