It’s with a lot of sadness that we share that one of the great SAFE horses is gone. Earlier this week, after a severe colic, Bucky B Lucky was humanely euthanized. To his wonderful adopter Ruth, our deepest sympathy to you, and our most sincere thanks for the life that you gave him. Lorenzo has left us all far too soon, and we are so sorry for everyone’s loss. But especially yours, dear Ruth.
Bucky B Lucky’s story spans 17 years, three of which he spent at SAFE, and seven as a happily adopted SAFE alum. A grandson of the great Seattle Slew, Bucky B Lucky had a decent career as a racehorse, with a record of 3–4‑2 in 18 races at Emerald Downs. But at some point after his racing career was over — and like so many other ex-racers — an injured Bucky B Lucky was dumped in the kill pen at the Enumclaw Sales Pavilion and was on a fast track to the slaughterhouse.
He was saved by an angel named Jeannette Parrett, who purchased the 5 year old bay gelding and brought him to SAFE. Lucky required surgery to remove a bone chip, and that surgery was paid for by SAFE supporters. Lucky also caught the attention of KCTS‑9, who featured his story in a news report called From Stable to Table which you can see here: https://youtu.be/Zk-KqtBqTDw
This was the beginning of Bucky B Lucky’s career as an advocate for racehorses, a role he would occupy for the rest of his life. For people who didn’t already know about the horrors faced by former racehorses, Lucky’s story would touch thousands of hearts. His work to help Off The Track Thoroughbreds also included a feature at Emerald Downs called Where Are They Now? which you can also watch at https://youtu.be/JBkN3bt8fNU
Lucky’s first adoption failed, but in 2013, his friends at SAFE rescued him again and brought him back home. He spent another two years at SAFE until his perfect person arrived on the scene in the person of Ruth J, a trainer who was well known to us who was looking for a lower level dressage horse.
Ruth told us that she would never give up on Lucky, and she was as good as her word. Lucky, now known as Lorenzo, would blossom under Ruth’s care. There is no doubt that Lorenzo transformed into his very best self, knowing that Ruth would be there for him until the very end. Their partnership in and out of the show ring was simply beautiful, and will forever be regarded as one of the best adoptions that we ever took part in.
Ruth and Lorenzo had seven years together, with so many joyful accomplishments along the way. There was no adventure they didn’t take on together: on the trails, in the show ring, over fences, english or western, at home or away…their partnership was as good as it gets. It’s devastating to imagine a world without Lorenzo, but there is so much joy in remembering his life, his story, and all the hearts he touched. If you want to know more about this horse, his story is chronicled on the SAFE website at https://www.safehorses.org/project/bucky-b-lucky/ It’s well worth reading.
Lucky Lorenzo, you were a very good boy, and we will never ever forget you. Thank you for being you, and for letting us be part of your story. Rest in peace, sweet baby.
