By Alexandra Kokka
Kentucky-bred Shackles N Chains raced in both Canada and Florida. At the age of 5, the son of Yes It’s True retired to TAA-accredited Florida TRAC with a record of 4-3-2 out of 13 starts.
Adopter Karen Goodberlet was in search of a mount with good potential to be a kids horse. Shackles N Chains had been at Florida TRAC for a while, and Goodberlet speculated he had been overlooked, likely due to an old bowed tendon.
“Katie Schmit at Florida TRAC is so good at matching horses with what your goal is,” Goodberlet said. “She showed me several great ones, but once I got on (Shackles N Chains) I knew he was what I was looking for. I feel lucky that I was able to end up with him.”
Goodberlet test rode the stakes-placed gelding twice before deciding that this was the horse she was searching for.
“I rode him on a loose rein in a snaffle and he just seemed unphased by anything,” Goodberlet said. “He’s very sensible and that’s all I cared about. I figured we could figure out the rest with his future depending on what made him happiest.”
Now Shackles N Chains, or “Shack,” is enjoying life as an amateur show horse and gentle teacher to Goodberlet’s four children.
“It’s been a year and I have gone very slow with him on purpose,” Goodberlet said. “I now have a great trainer and we are just starting to do the show experience with him. My kids–ages 3, 4, 6, and 8–ride him all over our farm, and he takes such good care of them.”
“Shack” earned just under $43,000 on the track, but has since found an invaluable place in the Goodberlet’s hearts.
“I would like to see him as a short stirrup packer,” Goodberlet said. “He has a great mind and my kids absolutely love him. So for now, I’m just preparing him for that.”
