​​Registered Name: FiveFiveFiftyFive

Born in New York on March 24, 2004

Sired by American Chance Out of Social Place by Out Of Place

Hello, I am Nicke, a New York-bred Thoroughbred mare, born on a crisp spring morning in 2004 with the promise of greatness.

My early days were filled with the pride of my owners. I was the firstborn of my mama, Social Place. She came from champion stock; her great-grandma was the famous Shuvee, a champion twice over and the winner of the Filly Triple Crown. Shuvee is even in the Hall of Fame! In addition to winning the Triple Tiara, in 1970, Shuvee became the only filly to ever defeat colts in the two-mile-long Jockey Club Gold Cup. Future Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, who later won the Triple Crown aboard Secretariat, guided her to a seven-length repeat victory in that race in 1971. Shuvee was named American Champion Older Female Horse in 1970 and 1971. My daddy was pretty successful too, a stakes winner of $100,000 or more. He won the Jersey Derby. Sadly, he died in Argentina later in the year I was born.

My earliest memory is of being separated from my mom and sold at the Keeneland auction. I was just a baby, and the experience was terrifying. The ring was cold and loud, filled with other foals just like me, all confused and frightened. The noise of the hammers and the echo of unfamiliar voices created a cacophony of fear. I didn’t know where I was going, and I felt far from home as I changed hands time and time again. I was sold again the following year, and once more the year after that. When I was two years old, my racing career began.

Starting my racing career at such a young age was overwhelming. I was pushed to keep going, race after race, year after year. With veins coursing with the blood of champions, I gave my all on the track. I raced 71 times, earning over $126,000 with eight wins. My name shone bright in the racing world, and I did all that was asked of me, even when it hurt.

I was so excited when, in the winter of my seventh year, I finally had some time off. I thought I might finally get to rest, but the next spring, they started on me again. I only had one race at age eight, and that was enough. I was done. It was my 71st start. How much more could I possibly do?

As time went by, attention grew sparce. When my usefulness waned, I was cast aside, a forgotten relic of the racing world. I thought I had found peace with my dear friend Claudia, who shared in my sufferings. We found comfort in each other's company, believing we had seen the worst of our days.

However, our world was shattered when we were thrust into the dark reality of the slaughter pipeline. At the Sugar Creek auction in Ohio, we were reduced to mere numbers, our identities stripped away and replaced with barcodes. The horrors of this place were unimaginable, and the weight of despair was almost too much to bear.

Amidst this nightmare, Claudia and I clung to each other, our friendship the only light in the darkness. But fate was cruel once more. Claudia, my steadfast companion, lay down one day and could not rise again. The hardships of her past had taken their toll, and despite the love and care we received at Unbridled Sanctuary, her spirit had been broken. In her last month, Claudia experienced kindness and nourishment, surrounded by love. I stood by her side until her final moments. 

At Unbridled, I was a shadow of my former self. My once-glossy coat was dull, my eyes haunted by the ghosts of my past, , and my best friend's passing left a void in my heart. Yet, here I put one hoof in front of the other, and found a glimmer of hope. The compassionate volunteers and the peaceful surroundings began to heal my wounded soul, and it was here that I met NoNo, another mare who had faced her own share of suffering.

In the tranquil surroundings of Unbridled, NoNo and I found solace in each other. Our shared experiences created a deep bond, and now we are inseparable. Our steps became synchronized, our nickers a secret language known only to us. Together, we continue to navigate the path to recovery.  At Unbridled, we have finally found a home and people who love us for who we are, not what we can do.

To everyone reading my story, your support can make a difference. It helps provide a safe haven for horses like me, ensuring we receive the care and love we deserve. Please consider supporting Unbridled Sanctuary, where the broken are made whole, the lost are found, and the forgotten are remembered.

Thank you for listening to my story. Your kindness and support give me hope for a brighter future. smoozzles, Nicke