For Wendy Muir, the horse that overcomes all difficulties is a gift that never stops giving.
Ports N Porsches, or “Portsie” to those who know him best, is one of more than 50 retired thoroughbreds who reside on the 100-acre ranch of LongRun, one of the equine breeding and retirement organizations established highest rated on the continent and the first industry-funded adoption organization. program in Canada.
He is, among many things, a crowd pleaser, a humble horse that attracts attention and holds his head proudly every time someone walks towards him, reaching out to pat him and a some carrots.
Those scenes, which take place hundreds of times a year when guests visit the hotel, never get old for those who work at LongRun, including its executive administrators.
“He’s always happy to see me,” Muir said. “I’ve never seen him pinch his ears or be aggressive towards anyone or any other horse. He’s just a lovely spirit.”
That he found a home in LongRun, nestled in the hills of Erin, Ontario, is a little miracle of sorts.
On the track, Ports N Porsches has forged a solid career, mostly in Honeysuckle, won nine races and peaked three times in 30 runs from 67 starts, accompanied by earnings in excess of CA$300,000.
Bred by John Franks, the deposit flying gelding was a consistent competitor throughout his racing life. In 2011, in his last campaign, he didn’t make it to the winner’s circle but had four runner-up attempts in seven starts.
The last race of the Ports n Porsches took place on October 31 of that year, second place is shown at Erie . Fortress.
He finally got to LongRun almost eight years ago, but not before enduring some tough circumstances.
Fooled in Florida in January 2003, Ports N Porsches, was taken to LongRun’s foster ranch in Peterborough, Ontario in July 2014, where it was cared for by keeper Amanda Blake.
“We weren’t sure he would make it through tonight,” recalls Muir. “But, we had the vet there and Amanda stayed with him, hand-fed him and looked after him that first night. Any chance she got, she would. sat on a bucket in his stall to be with him.After 10 days, he came over to Amanda and laid his head on her lap.We all knew at that moment that he was going to be fine. “
Muir, who was once the groom of Ports N Porsches, Native regent , feel a deep connection with the horse.
Vicki Pappas, President and founding member of LongRun, who used to own a horse dam, too, Lady Ritzy .
“We see him as our grandson,” Muir said. “We both have a history with his family and for us it means to the world that we can have him here and know that he’s happy and fulfilled. here opened in 2016, and we were delighted and very emotional that day he came.”
It was a very nice, sweet house, the one for Portsie, who was partly funded by Jean Heathcote.
If she’s having a tough day, Muir doesn’t have to walk far to find a remedy.
“I smile whenever I see him,” she said. “He beams any day and makes me feel better.”
Just as he does with anyone who interacts with him.
As for who gets more joy out of those playful moments, Muir considers it a death sentence.
“I know his influence on people and I love seeing how charming he is and how people react positively to him. He’s been a great ambassador for Thoroughbreds and helps. people see how important our program is.”
When asked what three words would best describe him, Muir took part in an informal poll of LongRun employees.
Muir chose “happy, willing and intelligent.” Farm manager Lauren Millet-Simpson comes with “smart, kind and charming”. Tania Veenstra, a farmer, chose “handsome, strong and playful”. Finally, Julie Belanger, the organization’s communications director, made a “sweet, intuitive, believable” offer.
Every word is a perfect word, Muir noted.
“He really is a special horse. We are so lucky to have him here with us. I’m sure he knows how much he is cared for, he brings happiness to everyone. us and so many others, and how happy he is to get all that attention.”
Normally, Porsche Ports N creates some form of holiday themed decor around this time of year.
And no matter what, the 19-year-old horse is about to never disturb.
It’s really fitting that he’s going to show off an unmistakably festive Christmas look.
After all, Portsie is, in every sense of the term, a gift to Muir and many others.
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