Retired racehorses have proven that they are more than one-trick ponies once their racing days are behind them. Be it in the show ring or along riding trails, the athletes of the racing world have consistently displayed their versatility. Although, one in particular is showing that he has a flair for the arts.
As an report by CNS TV Maryland explains, a retired thoroughbred by the name of Metro Meteor has parlayed his penchant for head bobbing into a post-racing painting career.
‘Metro’ was forced to the sidelines of the racing world due to chronic bad knees, but that’s when his owners, Ron and Wendy Krajewski, tapped his inner talents.
“He’s always bobbing his head around,” Ron said, “[I thought] ‘If I could teach him to hold a brush in his mouth, maybe he’d put all that head-bobbing to good use.’”
As time would tell, Ron, who is an artist in his own right, was correct. “He picked it up real quick.”
Veterinarians told the Ron and Wendy that Metro’s knees would eventually lock due to bone growth. Ron, Wendy – and Metro – are not standing by idly and allowing that to happen.
As the article states, Metro’s paintings have sold for anywhere from fifty to seven-hundred dollars – one even sold for $2,100 on eBay.
“We donate half of the profits to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, so he’s helping find home for other racehorses just like himself,” said Ron, who explained that the other half of the profits go to Metro for knee treatments.
(With files from CNS TV Maryland and National Public Radio)