Not Again Jackie, an 8-year-old Afleet Alex gelding standing just 15.1 hands, is one of those horses.
His journey to LOPE wasn’t a straight line. It was a winding path filled with near-misses, second chances, and many caring professionals. And ultimately, it became a shining example of what can happen when breeders, aftercare advocates, retraining programs, and nonprofits all work together for the sake of one small-but-mighty warhorse.
A Horse Who Gave His All
Jack wasn’t a superstar, but he was hard-working — the kind of horse who shows up year after year, race after race.
He made 55 starts, earning a reputation as a tough, honest competitor and becoming one of Afleet Alex’s leading progeny of 2023.
But like many hard-working racehorses, he couldn’t run forever. His post-track future was unclear — and far less certain than might be expected.
Shortly after his final start in fall 2024, Jack appeared in a low-level auction pen. Then another. His photo was shared on social media, passed around by advocates, and noticed by people who cared — but caring isn’t always enough. Someone had to take action.
That action came when a dedicated horseperson started contacting Jack’s former connections, one by one. They reached Elm Tree Farm, Jack’s breeders — and everything changed.
Breeders Who Stepped Up
Upon learning where Jack had ended up, Jody and Michelle Huckabay of Elm Tree Farm didn’t hesitate. They bought him from the lot, arranged quarantine, and ensured he received the veterinary and farrier care he desperately needed.
From there, Jack went to a quiet Kentucky farm to rest, recuperate, and simply be a horse again. After a few months of turnout and gentle handling, he was ready for the next step.
CANTER Kentucky Gives Jack His Restart
Jack then moved to CANTER Kentucky, a respected TAA-accredited organization known for its thoughtful assessments and professional retraining programs.
There, Jack wore both English and Western tack, tried trail obstacles, and demonstrated exactly who he had always been: A generous, willing horse with enormous try.
CANTER Kentucky’s Executive Director, Ashley Watts, noticed it right away.
“When we first met Jack, we saw a horse who wanted a second chance to be useful,” said Watts. “His try, versatility and kindness stood out. We’re thrilled to see him thrive in LOPE’s educational herd, where his story will teach compassion and horsemanship to the next generation.”
Although his enlarged fetlocks limit him from high-performance sports, those same features make him invaluable as a veterinary case study — and a teacher.
CANTER KY made it clear they would support Jack, whether he found an adoptive home or needed a soft landing for life.
That landing turned out to be LOPE.
Jack Arrives in Texas — and Finds a New Purpose
LOPE specializes in something rare: Warhorses — senior, heavily-raced Thoroughbreds with incredible grit, personality, and heart.
These aren’t always the horses people line up to adopt. But they are exactly the horses who shine in LOPE’s youth education programs.
So when LOPE learned about Jack — his heart, his work ethic, his challenges, and his willingness — it was clear he belonged here.
Jack traveled from Kentucky to Driftwood, Texas, to join LOPE’s permanent teaching herd. And from the first day, he fit right in.
LOPE’s Executive Director, Lynn Reardon, saw Jack’s potential immediately:
“Our students will learn more from Jack’s ankles and his generous temperament than they ever could from a textbook,” said Reardon. “Like so many warhorses, Jack embodies resilience and heart — qualities that inspire kids to want more, be more and give their best.”
Why Jack Is the Perfect Teacher
At LOPE, horses aren’t props or background visuals. They’re active teaching partners in hands-on learning experiences for K–12 students across Texas.
Jack’s unique qualities make him ideal for this work:
- His small size puts young students at ease
- His steady, curious demeanor builds confidence
- His racing wear-and-tear provides real-world veterinary learning opportunities
- His expressive personality invites connection
- His history inspires resilience, empathy, and stewardship
In 2025 alone, LOPE’s horses have reached over 1,250 students and teachers — many of them experiencing their first close interaction with a Thoroughbred.
Jack will help expand that impact even further.
Aftercare Making the Difference
Jack’s story is not just about one horse. It’s a blueprint for what Thoroughbred aftercare can achieve at its very best.
His journey involved:
- A devoted breeder
- A caring quarantine and rehab farm
- A TAA-accredited retraining program
- A TAA-accredited educational nonprofit
- A network of advocates who refused to look away
Every link in that chain mattered.
Because of them, a little warhorse from Kentucky now gets to spend the rest of his life teaching young people about science, compassion, horsemanship, math, veterinary skills — and the heart of a Thoroughbred.
Welcome home, Jack. We’re so glad you’re here!
Stay tuned for updates as Jack begins working with more students this winter. His story is just beginning — and we can’t wait to share the next chapters with you.
