King T’Challa is a 2017, 15.2 hh bay Thoroughbred gelding for sale. Don’t let his size sway you. He has the most heart of any horse his trainer has ever been around. He tries so hard with everything you ask him to do.

He loves having his head scratched, brushed, and washed. He will stand with his head pressed in your chest wanting to be petted and rubbed. His owner and trainer had decided to retire him at the end of this season but the races and distances he normally runs have not been going so he is having to run further than he prefers. He is the barn pet.

UPDATE March 1, 2024: King T’Challa has been SOLD! Congratulations to Bonnie DeMarco of Corryton, TN on the purchase of this fun and happy horse. T’Challa will have lots of fun doing liberty work and dressage with his new mom. We are excited about this match.

Thoroughbred King T’Challa says good-bye to his race trainer Becky and hello to his new mom Bonnie.

T’Challa stands ties for baths and grooming. He is good with the blacksmith and vet. He loads on a step-up and ramp trailer. His trainer has traveled all over racing this horse and she always handles him by herself. He is the best-mannered, sweetest guy who only wants to please you. He is a talker and a greeter when you come to the barn. He loves to train, be ridden, and just be interacted with. He is the complete package for anyone. He is not lazy but rides very easily forward and really could go any direction you wish to train him in.

He is smart. Real smart. It took his trainer about 30 seconds to teach T’Challa how to bow for treats. When you ride a horse, and especially a smart Thoroughbred, you are always either training or untraining. He does need a rider who will be firm with him as he is very smart. He is not a difficult ride, but if he figures out that you don’t know what you are doing, he could easily become the boss.

King T’Challa has two blemishes. His right knee is leaking synovial joint so there is always fluid on his knee. The knee was recently x-rayed and the vet says there is no injury or soundness problem. The injury happened as a late yearling. He has raced with it. The fluid never carries any heat and it has never been drained because the vet said it would just fill up and come back. The second injury is a small outside splint on the right front which happened in a race last June. Splints are considered a blemish and not a soundness issue if they are old. He was given appropriate time off after the injury. T’Challa has never been injected. He has always remained sound during his racing career. His entire medical records and x-rays will be shared with interested buyers.

He was bred by his owner and we know his whole life history. He has always had time off each year from racing. He has not been turned out with anyone else in a couple of years but he should adjust well into a herd.

Requirements of a potential buyer:

Please remember that King T’Challa loves human contact and loves to be handled. He would do best in a home where he is ridden and handled most days. He really could go any direction from trail horse, jumper, barrel horse, or eventer. He has no limitations at all. His owner and trainer will be picky as to where he goes and they would like an occasional picture or write-up about him. This is really imperative.

Making the decision to sell this horse has been very hard, even though he was not the most successful racehorse. He has touched a lot of hearts along the way and everyone knows who he is. He will dress himself with his own crown of hay as you can see in the pictures and videos. He is just the sweetest funniest horse who loves all kinds of treats and fruits. If you’re eating, he is eating it right beside you. He will be your lifelong buddy if your love and care for him. This horse is so trusting and will follow you to the end of the earth.