At the All Thoroughbred Showdown at the Horse Park of New Jersey, a nearly white mare named Hope stood out for competing without a bridle due to melanomas that made wearing one difficult. Hope, ridden by 12-year-old Ashleigh Mohr, used a bridleless bit called a war bridle, which consists of a piece of rope with metal rings and a piece of rope or rawhide in the mouth. The change was made after research and Hope quickly adapted to the new tack with Ashleigh’s help.

Hope was purchased for $672.19 in 2011 from a New Jersey auction house as a 3-year-old Thoroughbred recently off the track. Her name, Heaven Sent, was inspired by the circumstances of her purchase, as she was seen as a gift from a previously lost horse. Ashleigh and Hope have been a team for two years, focusing on jumpers after trying various events together. The Mohr family also has other off-the-track Thoroughbreds at their equestrian facility, including Zeus and Dash, who are being trained for different purposes.

Sarah Mohr, who runs the Morning Glory Farm equestrian facility, does the training with Ashleigh and emphasizes teamwork and support among the riders. The facility also includes other off-the-track Thoroughbreds, with a focus on bringing them up for various disciplines. The story of Hope and Ashleigh is just one of many horse stories covered by Lancaster Farming’s Mid-Atlantic Horse, which highlights the bond between horses and their people.