Larry's Dream and Louise Spilsbury have gone the distance together

After a modest racing career, Larry's Dream retired to LongRun and has spent the past decade forming a close bond with rider Louise Spilsbury.

Larry's Dream is a 21-year-old Thoroughbred now living in retirement who has spent about a decade with rider Louise Spilsbury. Their story draws attention because the horse moved from a brief racing career into retirement and later into a long-term partnership with Spilsbury. Larry competed 20 times, recording one victory at Fort Erie in October 2008 before leaving the track in 2009. Spilsbury came to him after a period of personal challenges and a search for a horse suited to gentler work. Key details: - Larry raced 20 times with one win at Fort Erie on Oct. 19, 2008; his final start was July 14, 2009. - He was donated to LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society and later lived with several owners, including Mark Greenwood and a young eventer, before joining Louise Spilsbury about 10 years ago. - In February 2020, veterinarian Dr. Alan Young recommended an MRI that showed bruising on the wings of the coffin bone in one foot, arthritis in a coffin joint in the other, and mild navicular syndrome. - Adjustments to his shoeing and care from a consistent farrier helped his comfort; he now lives in a large paddock with three other geldings and is described as enjoying turnout and short gallops. - Spilsbury visits about five days a week and is part of a community-oriented barn where boarders share turnout and evening routines. Summary: Their long partnership highlights trust, mutual care and the role of community in supporting retired sport horses. Undetermined at this time.