Where do you get horses?

Our horses usually come directly from the racetrack, a trainer’s barn or sometimes through a track connection. Most horses race in the Mid-Atlantic, though some are from a bit further north. We like to purchase through established and trusted relationships to ensure quality and soundness but we are confident enough to purchase from new connections, sight unseen using just an eye honed over decades with OTTB.

Why buy through a reseller instead of going directly to the racetrack?

Prices through resellers are typically not as low as direct from the track. A budget-conscious buyer who has experience with the track should be able to do their own shopping relatively easily! For those who haven’t sourced their own before, or who would like to be ready to climb aboard and begin the training process, buying from a reseller reduces the chances of mismatch and disappointment. A good reseller should be able to evaluate an OTTB from pictures, video, race history and description relatively accurately (though of course there can still be errors made or lies/omissions). This is often enough to estimate the horse’s soundness, suitability, athletic ability and likely history of injury. The horse is then brought back to the farm, introduced to turnout, handled regularly and perhaps restarted under saddle. An honest reseller then has enough information to provide a prospective buyer with a well rounded picture of the horse in question.

What is “letdown” and is it necessary?

“Letdown” refers to the general process of allowing mental and physical decompression after departing track life. It can encompass activities such as extended turnout periods, reduced handling and expectations, recalibrating feed systems, altering social networks and sometimes very light work or groundwork. Not all horses are letdown after the track and not all sellers view letdown as necessary. The period appropriate varies for each horse. Some are ready to work right away; others may have body soreness, be mentally wound or otherwise require some sort of recouperation. Most horses sold through Pleasant Valley Sporthorses will have received some amount of downtime. We feel it is beneficial to the horse’s mind and body to have reduced expectations while introducing social and structural changes. We often find periods of accelerated physical growth, changes in personality and temporary changes in a horse’s way of going as musculature restructures. It also provides time to assess whether the horse can tolerate becoming barefoot as he reenters working life.

What is the purchase process like?

As of January 2025, for horses in Knoxville, MD the trial and purchase process is being handled by Kalei Lawson of Twin Creek Sales Horses. Larissa is taking time to focus on health and concentrating on the acquisition, acclimation period and care of the sale horses. Kalei can be reached on Facebook at Twin Creek Sales Horses or via text at 301-788-0375.

Kalei will assist pairing a prospective buyer with suitable sales horses and arrange for a trial ride. If both Kalei and the buyer agree to move forward, a deposit will be requested and a PPE may be arranged (if desired) at the buyer’s expense with a local vet and staff will be available to assist with the exam. The purchase price is due in full before transport arrangements are made.

Other sales horses are located in Lansing, NY with Aubrey Graham of Kivu Sporthorses. These horses can be viewed on Aubrey’s website http://www.kivusporthorses.com/sales and she may be reached on Facebook at AP Graham or at 404-509-4655.