Spirit of Jericho: Soaring to new heights

Landen Bury knew it was meant to be.

Not long after the teenager and his parents arrived at the sprawling, picturesque 100-acre property in southwestern Ontario, the one that is home to over 50 retired Thoroughbreds, Landen took notice of the towering 4-year-old bay gelding.

“We were taking a tour to look at the horses,” he recalled of his visit to the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society’s farm. “I saw this beautiful horse at the paddock coming towards us, almost as if to say hello. At first, I thought he was super cute. The whole time, he just wanted to play and look at everything. He was very cheerful, which I love in a horse.”

On that day, Oct. 19, LongRun, which holds status as one of the most respected horse retirement and adoption organizations, was hosting its 2nd Annual Graduate Horse show at its farm in Hillsburgh, Ont.

The afternoon includes horse showing, vendors, food and other offerings for the organization’s graduates and their adopters. 

Ribbons are awarded for the top five finishers, along with cash prizes and overall division winners. Each graduate show class is sponsored by a member of the racing community – Jockey Club of Canada, Ontario Racing, H.B.P.A., C.T.H.S., Jockeys’ Benefit Association, and Chiefswood Aftercare.

On the drive home, Spirit of Jericho was the sole topic of conversation amongst the Bury family.

Bred and owned by Denise Carpenter, the son of Son of Sligo Bay (IRE) out of the Milwaukee Brew mare Ashford Calling was trained by John Simms.

Spirit of Jericho never made it to the races, but was donated to LongRun by Carpenter, who boards a horse belonging to one of the organization’s directors, Carol Hodges, at her Ontario farm.

Days after his first interaction with “Jerry,” Landen and his parents were back in Hillsburgh.

“As soon we got there, I saw Jerry walking out and thought, ‘Yes, he’s perfect,’” said Landen.

The two finally had a chance to be face-to-face.

“He was amazing in the cross ties,” remembered Landen. “He kept wanting to see what was happening. Every time before I would brush him, he had to see the brush. Before the saddle went on, he had to look at it. After that we went for a ride and I loved everything about his gait, his trot was so smooth, and his canter was amazing – everything was perfect.”

Nikita Bury, Landen’s mother, knew it too.

“It is so special to see the bond between the two of them. Before we even entertained the idea of buying a horse, Landen said to us, ‘Mom, dad, I need this horse because we already connected.’ I knew right there we were going to lose the debate on getting Jerry.”

On their next visit to LongRun, the Burys brought Spirit of Jericho back home with them.

“When we left the time before, we talked about it,” recalled Landen. “We were set on him. We went back to pick him up and he was in the stall ready to go.”

Landen shared his plans with LongRun staff.

“I told everyone that I wanted to do Eventing and show jumping with him. I knew he was going to be a great jumper.”

One with a personality to match his size.

“That day we came to get him, I brushed his mane, and he would grab the brush and throw it because he didn’t want to get clean. His personality is just fantastic.”

Spirit of Jericho is Landen’s first horse.

The plan is for the two to compete in the upcoming show season.

“We are just going to start Eventing at Wits End,” Landen said of the multi-disciplinary training and horse show facility in Mulmur, Ont. “The older riders have been showing for about two years. The barn I ride at is geared towards Eventing, so we have a cross-country field, dressage ring, show jumping ring – all of that.

“About two years ago, I was introduced to cross-country, and I loved it right away. I love going fast and flying over jumps.”

Spirit of Jericho has already shown he’s up for the task.

“He does have the speed and I find when I’m riding him, he does like to lower his head a bit more, so that would be amazing for dressage. His jump is very floaty and he is very willing to learn new things.”

That eagerness and zeal did not come as a surprise to Landen.

A front-row seat at Woodbine Racetrack was an eye-opening experience.

“My family and I did go to Woodbine a while ago and that was crazy cool,” said Landen. “I loved watching the races, seeing their speed and strength. Ever since then, I have liked Thoroughbreds. I always see them Eventing and see how well-built they are, how athletic they are and how they are suited for jumping.”

“I love how tall Thoroughbreds are. I am a taller person, and I need a horse I won’t grow out of. Jerry is all that.”

Jeff Bury has high praise for LongRun and its staff.

“Longrun has been amazing to work with. It has been so nice to see that there are facilities that take in horses and help them either retire or retrain for other things. It really shows that their first priority is always the horse and making sure that if they are taken care of at their facility or adopted, they are going to the right forever home. We are so grateful for LongRun.”

A thought echoed by Landen.

“I love how LongRun is committed to horses and to finding them a new home. I also love how they treat their horses. They are always taking care of them. The day we went to take Jerry home, the staff were doting on the horses, brushing them, loving on them – I just love seeing that.”

It is a similar scene for Landen and Spirit of Jericho.

“This week, I have been there every day to clean out his stall. When he first came, I was there every other day, to brush him, play with him, and then ride him.”

The bond between the two is already apparent, something Nikita Bury has seen, first-hand.

“It is so special to watch Landen connect and just know what Jerry is feeling, also helping teach Jerry the confidence to let Landen ride him or jump him over a height that he hasn’t jumped before. Even though they can’t communicate as humans do, they know what each other needs and wants. We look forward to seeing what Landen and Jerry can accomplish together.” 

And just like the first time Landen saw him at LongRun, the horse he now calls his own eagerly waits for him to arrive at Cedar Stone.  

“He’s typically at the fence because he loves people. When I unhitch the gate, he’s right there, wanting to go play and have fun.”

A welcome reminder that it was meant to be.  

Chris Lomon, Woodbine