Trail Guide
Born
March 8, 1987
Died
September 13, 2018
Pedigree
Sire: Our Native
Dam: Trail Ride
View Pedigree
Progeny
1993: Saginaw Jim by Runaway Groom
1994: Mercedes Melody by Mercedes Won
1995: Tomcolval by Robyn Dancer
1996: Georgias Joey by Jeblar
1998: Jebs Lucky Girl by Jeblar
1999: Opposing Force by Helmsman
2000: Camp Takatoka by Meadow Flight
2002: Doros Don Juan by Kissin Kris
2003: Sassy Skipper by Skip Away
2004: Codeys First by Code One
2005: Wendy My Girl by Code One
2006: Birdseye by Birdstone
2007: Mano Point by Mingun
2008: Addison Trail by Birdstone
2009: Trail Trick by Hat Trick
Racing History
15 Starts, 2 Wins, 41 Places, 0 Shows
Career Earnings: $9,042
About
Our Mims Retirement Haven, a nonprofit sanctuary for retired Thoroughbred broodmares in Paris, KY, sadly announces the passing of Trail Guide. The mare was euthanized due to the infirmities of old age the morning of September 13, 2018
Kentucky-bred Trail Guide was the 1987 daughter of Our Native and the fifth foal foal for Triple Bend mare Trail Ride. Trail Guide raced fifteen times with a total earnings of $9,042 on the track. She bore fifteen foals. Three of her foals earned over $100,000 on the race track; Sassy Skipper, a 2003 mare by Skip Away, earned $153,876.
The mare arrived at Our Mims Retirement Haven on November 13, 2010. She was donated to the Haven by her owner, Sarah Wells. Wells chose to send Trail Guide to the Haven because she needed the mare to retire to a secure environment.
Jeanne Mirabito, Our Mims Retirement Haven founder and farm owner recalled Trail Guide’s unusual job on the farm: “Trail has a special talent, one I’d never witnessed before. When another horse was ill, we usually knew a day or two before symptoms showed because Trail told us. She stood next to her ill friend, bringing her shoulders forward and arching her neck. We knew to call the vet. Trail was never wrong.”
Mirabito continued, “Once, we had a woman visit while the horses were outside in the pasture. Trail stood next to the lady in her ‘alert’ posture, not once, not twice, but three times. Each time I asked the lady if she felt okay. The third time, I explained Trail’s talent. A few tears fell from the woman’s eyes, and she said, ‘I am here in Lexington for a cancer screening. I guess I have it.’ I never heard from the lady again, but I think of her often.”
Mirabito said of the mare, “Trail Guide was probably the kindest horse I have ever known. We will miss her lovely, soft eyes, her incredible intuition regarding the health of her friends, and her gentle ways. As we grieve we will remind ourselves that it’s our broken hearts that hurt. Trail is free from the bondages of old age.
“Run with the wind, Trail Guide. We will listen for your hoof beats in the thunder.”
Trail Guide was buried in the Haven cemetery.