A Rainy Meeting with Irish Gold
On a dreary August afternoon, Susan Winsor and her husband, Doug, arrived at Alivia Kettleson’s farm in Thorsby, located about 60 km southwest of Edmonton. The rain pelted sideways, and the thermometer in their horse can barely read above 10°C, with water pooling everywhere.
The Winsors were there to meet Irish Gold, a retired thoroughbred distinguished by his deep-red forehead adorned with a white snip and two white socks on his near side. Despite the miserable weather, Susan was immediately taken by the nine-year-old horse.
A New Purpose for a Former Champion
Irish Gold, once a speedy stakes winner, had an impressive racing history, with six victories out of 28 races. He was renowned for his wire-to-wire wins, such as his stunning three-length triumph in the Red Diamond Express in September 2018 and his allowance race victory in Winnipeg in June 2020, where he led from start to finish. Dale Ellson owned him, Jerri Robertson trained him, and Bar None Ranches bred him. However, his racing days were over.
Robertson, having recently achieved her 500th victory, mentioned that they had tried to make Irish Gold a stable pony, but he wasn’t sound enough. "He needed a new career," Robertson said, describing him as a wonderful horse, almost like a pet.
This is where the Winsors stepped in, known for purchasing Thoroughbreds to give them a second chance. Susan saw Irish Gold standing in the rain and knew instantly he was the one. “When he came out of his stall, he looked at us as if to say, ‘Why don’t we just go home together?’” Susan recalled. Robertson had assured her that Irish Gold was the kind, intelligent horse she was looking for, and she was right.
Susan and Doug weren’t just adding another horse to their collection, which included up to 50 horses at times, many of them borders. "Bud Keiser used to bring us horses that trainers said weren’t fit for the track anymore," Susan explained. They had found homes for numerous horses over the years, wanting each one to have a good home.
Healing Hearts: Ice and Irish Gold
But this time was special—they were seeking a companion for Ice, a 34-year-old grey horse who had recently lost his best friend, Bird on a Roll. Bird, also a former Thoroughbred racehorse, had passed away at 33 in January the previous year. The loss devastated Ice, leaving him despondent and nearly suicidal.
“Ice was grieving deeply,” said Susan, who has been riding horses since she was three. Originally from Scotland, Susan moved to Canada at 20 and now resides on a quarter section west of Calgary. Ice’s distress was palpable, and he often seemed on the verge of jumping the fence in his search for Bird.
When Irish Gold arrived, he immediately approached Ice and nuzzled him, as if to say, "Hi, I’m here. You should come with me." Ice visibly relaxed, and the two became fast friends, much to the Winsors' amazement. “It’s incredible how quickly they bonded,” Susan remarked.
Irish Gold’s calming presence wasn’t just limited to Ice. The Winsors soon added Remington, a two-year-old sire, to their group. Remington, already over 18 hands tall, fit right in with Irish and Ice. The trio often played together, establishing a playful hierarchy through their Black Stallion game.
The Irish's nurturing nature extended beyond horses. One fall, an orphaned deer with an open wound appeared at their doorstep. Irish adopted the deer, sharing his food and even cuddling up with him and Ice in a straw bed during cold nights. The deer eventually left in the spring, but might return when hunting season approaches.
Nowadays, Irish people enjoy exploring the hills and forests near Winsor's property. Though Susan no longer competes in equestrian events, she still enjoys hopping over natural obstacles with Irish, appreciating his intuitive nature and responsiveness.
At Fish Creek Ranch, where they currently have 13 horses, Irish Gold stands out. “It’s like magic,” Susan said. “People are moved to tears when they hear his story. It’s truly one in a million.”