Mystical Jadeite (but we call him Woody)

At the end of November, a new ex racehorse came into my life. Woody is a four year old (technically still three) 15.2hh bay gelding, and he is lovely.

Bluey was all fire; bold and confident and full of opinions. He was stereotypically chestnut, and always kept me on my toes. Woody's greatest ambition in life is to love, and to be loved. He never bites or kicks, rarely puts his ears back, and likes nothing more than to be stroked and brushed. He has had a little rear when asked to be led away from his field, but he is generally biddable and kind.

He has four little black feet, a white star, and an adorable white spot on his nose. He has spent the last few months bulking on ad lib haylage, eating lots of conditioning cubes, and pottering around on two shoes.

His riding education is still in its infancy, but he loves hacking out with his stablemates or on his own, and has even chaperoned his best friend on her first hack in years. I'm looking forward so much to seeing how he changes and learns as he gets older.

Woody raced nine times, once as a two year old, and eight times as a three year old. His whole racing career was with Grace Harris in Chepstow, where he was a yard favourite. When the horse transporter sent a text message to confirm collection, he added "they must be fond of the little horse, half the yard turned up to say goodbye." Woody was sold under the condition that both Grace and his previous owner were given updated of his progress.

In his passport there is a note from his breeder, stating that he wasn't bred to be passed around, and that they will help should he ever be in need of a home. I emailed them to let them know that he had left training, and they sent me an album of his foal photos, with a note to say that he was a lovely playful foal who they and his mother loved.

Woody won't be hunting until next season at the earliest, but I thought some of you would like a preview of my next lady's hunter.