Having participated in only a handful of races, The Big Kahuna concluded his racing career in early 2022, amassing $77,870 in prize money. Born in March 2017, this striking bay gelding was welcomed into the care of the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in April of that same year, embarking on a new phase of his life. New Vocations is an organization accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, committed to the rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming of Thoroughbreds that have retired from racing.
Loran Schubarg initially discovered The Big Kahuna, now affectionately known as Maverick, while searching for adoptable horses on the New Vocations website.
“The adoption process was incredibly smooth, and the trainers at the facility were extremely helpful,” Loran recalled from her initial visit to meet Maverick.
The decision was made the moment Loran encountered Maverick in person.
“I chose to adopt Maverick because of his elegant movement and his distinctive appearance,” Loran explained.
Since welcoming Maverick into her home, Loran has actively participated in his training and development.
“I ride him on my own almost every day. We go for rides in the woods and then practice dressage movements,” Loran mentioned.
Their dedication bore fruit last summer when they competed in their first combined training event: “We began jumping last summer and successfully participated in a ‘tadpole’ combined test, achieving second place.”
Building on their achievements, Loran is looking forward to a promising future.
“I hope to compete in T.I.P Combined Tests and earn a spot at next year’s championship. Ultimately, I would like to compete in eventing with him,” Loran shared.
At home, Maverick’s unique personality shines through in his interactions with everyone and every animal he encounters.
“He asserts his dominance over my other horse and is very attached to him. We often joke that he has an emotional support horse,” Loran added.
Loran expresses her gratitude for the chance to have been matched with such a promising and expressive Thoroughbred. Loran exclaimed, “I adore my OTTB!”
With Maverick’s charisma, skill, and a dedicated rider at his side, they are demonstrating that anything is within their reach.
The Jockey Club is a supporter of numerous aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only organization that accredits aftercare facilities, and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which promotes the retraining of Thoroughbreds in different disciplines after their racing careers. Explore all the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.
