As Bo Bichette, star shortstop of the World Series–seeking Toronto Blue Jays, steps up to the plate in the biggest moment of his baseball career, his equine namesake has already become a winning addition to Kristine Hahn’s lineup. Hahn, a devoted rider and schooling show regular, first met Bichette — the unraced gelding out of the Perigee Moon mare Moonlit Beauty – two and a half years ago at LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society. A longtime supporter of LongRun – and a former employee from the outfit’s Hindmarsh Farms days – Hahn developed a wealth of experience working with Thoroughbreds in both racing and riding environments. “I’ve had a love for Thoroughbreds from the start of my time working in the industry, so being able to give them a second chance at another career is amazing,” she said. Hahn is equally effusive in her praise for LongRun, one of the industry’s most respected horse retirement and adoption programs. “I love everything LongRun is doing because they are such athletic breeds, and they can do anything. I just can’t say enough about organizations that do that and find homes for their second careers.” Adopting one of her own had always been in the back of Hahn’s mind, so when the right opportunity came along, she didn’t balk. “I put in because one of my horses [Winston] was getting older, and I was concerned because we only had two, that if he passed, I needed to bring something in quickly. I’m not showing anymore, like I used to my younger years, but I’m still avidly riding and doing schooling shows. “I put in my application at LongRun and reached out because I didn’t want to leave my other horse [Red] alone – and quickly, they got me in.” Bichette Once on site at the picturesque 100-acre facility in Hillsburgh, Ontario, Hahn watched in awe as the striking bay, who was bred by Ron Gierkink, strode her way. The connection was instant. “When we were tacking him up, it was just his demeanor. And the way he looks, he reminds me of my older horse – we just clicked.” With help from LongRun farm manager Lauren Millet, who personally brought Bichette to Hahn’s stable, the son of Silent Name (JPN) was in her care within days of their initial interaction. It’s a memory as fresh now as it was then. “It was an amazing moment because as soon as he got here, I put him out with my other horse [Red] and it was just amazing to see; it brought me to tears because they immediately bonded and were snuggling with each other. That was wonderful, introducing him to my current horse. “There was no fighting, no pecking order discussions. They were instantly happy.” Bichette, now Hahn’s “Bo Bear,” has since been everything she envisioned he would be. “Getting on him for the first time at home, he was the same – just a calm thoroughbred but he had some spunk to him. It felt like we were meant for each other. He’s just been a wonderful horse.” Bichette The bond between Bichette and Hahn continues to grow stronger with the pair now living together full-time. “We have a farm, our own place, and we’ve been getting him used to new surroundings. We’re working on the basics, taking it easy and slow, but he’s truly coming into his own.” Settling into the West Grey, Ontario property has been a breeze for Bichette, who wasted no time striking up a friendship with his bovine neighbours. “He’s the fearless one,” laughed Hahn. “We have some cows as neighbours and the calves when they’re just born always come over and visit from the field next door. My older one, he’s like ‘No way, I want nothing to do with them.’ But Bo’s always over there. It’s quite funny. “He’s doing great and we’re having a lot of fun.” Hahn has already begun exploring potential second career opportunities for Bichette, with schooling shows and western riding in the mix. The latter, she added, is quite popular among people in the Mount Forest area. Whatever path he chooses, however, Hahn is content to let it unfold naturally. “Once we start jumping, I may take him to schooling shows… but we’ll see how it goes. Right now, we’re with our neighbours going out on trails and enjoying the countryside.” Like his Major League namesake, Bichette continues to be a fan favourite – especially to the one who knows him best. Hahn included. “Every morning and night, it’s always a joy to see him, because he’s my big teddy bear – he just loves attention. When I do night checks, that’s when he gets his love, but seeing him every morning is just delightful. “I’ve been around horses all my life, and being able to have him with me is a wonderful thing.” * Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
