By Alexandra Kokka
Queens Honor made only five starts on the track, all as a 3-year-old. The Kentucky-bred daughter of To Honor and Serve never broke her maiden but she’s now finding her calling outside racing.
She spent less than 10 months at TAA-accredited LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society near Toronto before being scooped up by adopter Tattyianna Leskie.
“I had the opportunity to go and meet a few horses that (LongRun) felt would be a good match for me. I test rode Eliza Jane and Queens Honor,” Leskie said.
The rider had a choice to make, but one that proved to be easy when she and Queens Honor shared a special moment.
“Following my ride on Queens Honor, she went completely relaxed. It was like a zen moment,” she said. “She loves to work. She had a lot of personality, but at the same time she was a total sweetheart.”
Now, at the age of 5, Queens Honor and Leskie are navigating cross-rails in preparation for an upcoming schooling show.
Patience and dedication is the name of the OTTB retraining game, but the progress with Queens Honor is a testament that the process is worth it for Leskie.
“The retraining process has had its moments of toughness, but far more rewards,” she said.
Longterm, Leskie’s goals for her mare are to compete in hunters and possibly dressage.
“My main goal, however, is to live a long, healthy, and happy life with her.”
