Starting Up (5-year-old Upstart – Mare and Cher, by Old Fashioned gelding) exemplifies our philosophy at Brownstead Farm. We bred, raised and sold him as a yearling at the 2020 Keeneland September Sale and, like every horse we sell, he came with a letter attached to his digital papers that offered to assist with his aftercare when he finished racing. We tuned in for each of his races and cheered him on when he broke his maiden, and when his owners decided to retire him at the conclusion of his 3-year-old campaign, we welcomed him home.

He had his first post-track rides in December, 2022 and January, 2023 and was easy, sensible and straightforward, picking up both leads readily, doing simple pole work and leg yields and navigating courses of small jumps. He was honestly one of the easiest horses I have ever started off the track. He was initially sold in early 2023, but had a paddock accident a few days after arriving in his new home, resulting in a slight non-displaced coffin bone fracture to a hind foot. While his new owner was diligent about his recovery and rehabilitation, she ended up finding a different horse that better suited her goals and we agreed to take Starting Up back.

After getting him back in September and doing a thorough veterinary exam to ensure all was in good order, Starting Up picked up exactly where he left off. He lunges well, is light in the bridle, responsive to simple leg and seat cues, picks up both leads easily (his canter is SO comfy and rhythmic!), hacks out alone or in company and is the same ride on and off property. He has started back over fences, navigating small courses (2’-2’3”) and natural obstacles, and has been ridden by a variety of riders. 

He went to his first show in early November and handled the weekend like he’d been doing it for years, schooling for 20 minutes the day he arrived, for another 15 minutes before his classes and bringing home top honors for his division.

He is great for the farrier and baths (loves playing with the hose!), can be left unattended in cross-ties or tied to the trailer, and is a big fan of treats. Like the other horses we have had out of his dam, Starting Up is an exceedingly easy keeper and will likely continue to fill out as he matures (and will likely get a bit taller).

Video (flat work and a few jumps): https://youtu.be/JCHkIP3dz_Q

Warm-up at first show: https://youtu.be/rj2eUtBjVfY

First cross-country school: https://youtube.com/shorts/KgC6ldGUiog?si=duWg6LhY0_bVQqds 

More videos coming soon!

He is priced at $10,000 (PPEs welcome at buyer’s expense). His price is subject to change as his resume expands.