AGE: March 27, 2013

BREEDING: Freud - Figlia D’Oro, by Medaglia D’Oro

RACING STATS: 27 Starts: 5 First, 3 Seconds, 4 Thirds. Won $171,099

SEX: Gelding

HEIGHT: 16.3 hh

ABOUT: How's Your Sugar, affectionately known as Sugar, came to Akindale in 2017 with a right front bowed tendon. We took our time rehabilitating him, giving him the opportunity to heal properly before beginning the process of restarting him under saddle.

When Sugar was finally ready to return to work, we couldn't have been more excited. He had all the makings of a top horse, and from the very beginning, he was wonderful! With his talent and potential, we had high hopes for what his second career might look like.

Unfortunately, as his training progressed, we began struggling to keep him sound in a consistent program. After further investigation and X-rays of his feet, we discovered a navicular cyst in his left front foot. We tried corrective shoeing in hopes of keeping him comfortable and allowing him to continue working, but despite our efforts, Sugar simply couldn't hold up to the demands of a full training program.

While a lighter riding schedule might have been an option for some horses, Sugar wasn't the type who would be happy or mentally suited to being ridden just a couple of times a week. He was a horse who thrived on consistency and having a job, and unfortunately, his physical limitations wouldn't allow him to maintain the workload he needed.

As disappointing as it was to see such a talented horse unable to reach his potential, his long-term comfort and well-being were always our priority. We ultimately made the decision to retire Sugar to our sanctuary, where he could enjoy life without the physical demands of a riding career.

Today, Sugar spends his days out in the fields with his herd, enjoying the freedom and companionship that sanctuary life provides. While his second career didn't turn out quite as we had hoped, he has found his place at Akindale, where he will always have a safe home and the care he deserves.