Bichette, photo courtesy of LongRun
Matthew Lomon, Woodbine Press
As Bo Bichette, the star shortstop of the World Series-seeking Toronto Blue Jays, enters the biggest moment of his baseball career, his equine namesake has already become a winning addition to Kristine Hahn’s lineup.
A dedicated rider and training show regular, Hahn first met Bichette – the unraced gelding out of the Perigee Moon mare Moonlit Beauty – two and a half years ago at LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society.
Hahn, a long-time advocate of LongRun – and a former employee from the company’s Hindmarsh Farms days – has gained a wealth of experience working with Thoroughbreds in both racing and riding environments.
“I have had a love for Thoroughbreds from the start of my time in the industry, so it is great to be able to give them a second chance at a different career,” she said.
Hahn is equally effusive in her praise for LongRun, one of the most respected equine boarding and adoption programs in the industry.
“I love everything LongRun does because they are such athletic breeds and they can do anything. I just can’t say enough about organizations that do that and find homes for their second careers.”
Adopting one of her own children had always been in the back of Hahn’s mind, so when the right opportunity arose, she didn’t hesitate.
“I participated because of one of my horses [Winston] was getting older, and since we only had two, I worried that if he passed away, I would have to bring something in quickly. I no longer show, as I used to in my younger years, but I still ride eagerly and do training shows.
“I submitted my application to LongRun and contacted them because I did not want to leave my other horse behind [Red] alone – and they quickly got me in.”
Once on site at the picturesque 100-acre facility in Hillsburgh, Ontario, Hahn watched in awe as the striking bay, bred by Ron Gierkink, walked toward her.
The connection was instant.
“When we put him on the saddle, it was just his behavior. And the way he looks reminds me of my older horse – we just clicked.”
With the help of LongRun farm manager Lauren Millet, who personally brought Bichette to Hahn’s stable, the son of Silent Name (JPN) was in her care within days of their first interaction.
It’s a memory that is as fresh now as it was then.
“It was a great moment because as soon as he got here, I put him out with my other horse [Red] and it was just amazing to see; it brought me to tears because they immediately bonded and cuddled. That was great, introducing him to my current horse.
“There was no arguing, no discussion about ranking. They were immediately happy.”
Bichette, now Hahn’s “Bo Bear,” has since been everything she envisioned him to be.
“When I first met him at home, he was still the same: just a calm thoroughbred, but he had some courage. It felt like we were meant for each other. He’s just been a great horse.”
The bond between Bichette and Hahn continues to grow stronger as the couple now lives together full-time.
“We have a farm, a place of our own, and we have let him get used to a new environment. We are working on the basics, taking it easy, but he is really coming into his own.”
Settling into the West Grey, Ontario estate was a breeze for Bichette, who wasted no time in befriending his bovine neighbors.
“He’s the fearless one,” Hahn laughed. “We have a few cows as neighbors and the calves always come to visit from the field next door when they are first born. My eldest says: ‘No way, I don’t want anything to do with it.’ But Bo is always there. It’s quite funny.
“He’s doing great and we’re having a lot of fun.”
Hahn has already begun exploring possible second career options for Bichette, with schooling shows and western riding in the mix.
The latter, she added, is quite popular among people in the Mount Forest area.
Whatever path he chooses, Hahn is content to let it happen naturally.
“Once we start jumping, I might take him to school shows… but we’ll see how it goes. Right now we’re going out with our neighbors and enjoying the countryside.”
Like his Major League namesake, Bichette remains a fan favorite, especially for those who know him best.
Hahn included.
“Every morning and evening it’s always a joy to see him because he’s my big teddy bear – he just loves attention. When I do night checks he gets his love, but seeing him every morning is just lovely.
“I’ve been around horses all my life and it’s great to have him with me.”
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