Michele Enck never anticipated finding a new heart horse, but that’s exactly what happened. Based in Maryland, Michele works as a stakes coordinator at the Maryland Jockey Club, having recently been promoted from her previous role in horse identification.
A few years back, while at her Pimlico office, Michele was visited by Jessica Hammond, executive director of Beyond the Wire, a Maryland nonprofit dedicated to placing retired racehorses in safe and fulfilling new homes. At that moment, it had been three years since Michele lost her first beloved pony.
Jessica showed Michele a photo of a stallion named Rebound, whose kind eyes and charming face quickly won her over. Despite being just under 16 hands tall, Rebound’s smaller stature was an asset, but it was clear to Michele there was something truly special about him. “I said, ‘You found my horse,’” Michele recalled.
Rebound was foaled on April 16, 2013—a Big Bad Bob gelding born in Ireland, who was sold through Goffs and Tattersalls before making his way to Maryland. He retired with a racing record of 7 wins and 1 place. The Foxy G Foundation, accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, facilitated his transition. Laurie Calhoun from the Foxy G Foundation collaborates closely with Beyond the Wire, which partners with certified farms to find new homes for horses like Rebound.
For three months, Michele visited Rebound weekly at the Foxy G Foundation, searching for the right farm to begin their new journey. With Laurie’s support, the adoption process was smooth, and Laurie continues to offer advice whenever Michele needs it.
“Rebound is loved and cherished every day of the week,” Michele said. Together, they’ve settled into a routine of trail riding once or twice weekly. Neither Michele nor Rebound had specialized training when they started, but their goal was simple: for Michele to be able to confidently ride Rebound alone on the trail. They worked hard and ultimately achieved that bond.
“My goal was just to make him love me as much as I love him,” Michele shared. “And we did.”
Rebound’s gentle and curious nature extends beyond Michele—he captivates everyone and every animal he meets. “He’s so loved by all the horses and animals he encounters,” Michele said. “He really is a one-of-a-kind soul.”
For Michele, Rebound represents more than just a successful adoption. His story is a reminder that sometimes, a horse from another path can unexpectedly find its way into your heart and life.
This story first appeared in the Paulick Report’s Horse Care section on February 11, 2026.
Fan Take: This heartwarming adoption highlights the vital role aftercare programs play in giving retired racehorses meaningful second careers. For horse racing fans, it’s a hopeful reminder that these incredible athletes continue to impact lives well beyond the track, embracing new roles that enrich both horses and humans alike.
