Over the past couple of years, LOPE has welcomed retired broodmares for the first time. These mares had once been racing champions, winning at the track in their younger years before transitioning into motherhood. As broodmares, they produced foals that went on to race, continuing their legacy. But as they aged and became less fertile, their future options dwindled. Older mares, especially those who haven’t been ridden in years, are often overlooked in favor of younger, sport-ready horses.
Enter Sweetie, Lulu, and Gigi—three bay mares ranging in age from 11 to 19—who came to LOPE to start their next chapters. Despite their differing personalities and needs, they all shared one remarkable trait: a quiet confidence in knowing what they wanted.
Sweetie: The Choosy One
Sweetie was the first of our broodmares to find a home. With a kindhearted yet slightly aloof demeanor, she made it clear that she valued proper “protocol” in her interactions (a very mare-like trait!). When two sisters—previous LOPE adopters—visited Sweetie on a chilly January morning, we witnessed a transformation. Sweetie, who typically kept her distance, began nuzzling them and charming them outright.
It was clear: Sweetie had _chosen_ them. She practically announced, “These are my people,” and the connection was undeniable. Sweetie went home with the sisters that day and has been thriving ever since. Her confidence in selecting her humans taught us to trust horses when they make such clear decisions about their companions.
Lulu: The Glamorous Companion
Lulu, the tallest and flashiest of the mares, came to us with a white belly spot and striking chrome (including an endearing white lower lip). At first, we thought she might want to be ridden again; she adjusted so easily to being saddled and bridled that it seemed natural to assume she was ready for a new career.
But Lulu had other plans. She gently but firmly communicated her preference for retiring as a companion horse. She didn’t want to work—she wanted to graze in peace, make friends with another mare, and let people admire her beauty from a distance.
Finding the right home for Lulu was a pleasure! She’s now living her best life as a companion, adored for her calm presence and stunning looks. Lulu reminded us that not every horse wants to take on a new job after retirement. Sometimes, just being appreciated for who they are is more than enough.
Gigi: The Quiet Communicator
Gigi, the youngest of the trio, is still at LOPE. She loves a big pasture and the company of other horses but hasn’t yet made her preferences about riding clear. With some stiffness in her hindquarters and unique conformation challenges, Gigi may end up following in Lulu’s footsteps as a companion horse—or she might surprise us and enjoy light riding.
One thing is certain: Gigi will let us know in her own time. She’s a subtle communicator, but her signals are clear if you’re paying attention. Observing her has been a reminder that patience and careful listening are essential when helping horses transition into new roles.
(Note: Update on Gigi: She is now providing important care as a companion horse to an elderly paint mare. Gigi has helped the mare’s health improve and stabilize! For now, Gigi is letting us know that being a caretake to this mare is her most important priority).
The Broodmares’ Greatest Lesson
What all three mares have taught us is the importance of honoring their choices. Horses, especially mares who have spent years making decisions for themselves and their foals, value being heard. Whether it’s Sweetie choosing her humans, Lulu opting for retirement, or Gigi showing us she needs more time, these mares remind us to pay attention to what they’re telling us.
(Many thanks to After the Finish Line for helping Sweetie, Lulu and Gigi come to LOPE!)
