The Gatekeeper is an impressive 17 hand, 7 year old, bay gelding that came to us recently from Penn National, in partnership with New Start. He is a very classy horse that raced 23 times and retired sound. Gatekeeper was part of the famous stallion Arrogate's first foal crop, and must have been impressive even as a youngster, as he was purchased as a yearling for $400,000. By Arrogate, and out of a Smart Strike mare, he has greats like Unbridled, Distorted Humor, Mr. Prospector, and AP Indy all just a few generations back in his pedigree.

Gatekeeper had a great intake evaluation with our veterinarian who found him sound and saw no reasons to limit his next career. He's since had his feet done and is enjoying some much-deserved down time to let down and be a horse. He has been enjoying the sun and nice weather we've been having and seems pretty independent from his current pasture mate.

Gatekeeper changed hands several times before coming to ATR, and when he arrived he was standoffish and wary. Past connections passed along that he could be a total gentleman in the right hands, but he would be a horse to take our time with. Our director immediately developed a soft spot for him, seeing in his expression and body language he just needs some reassurance he's in good hands.

We've made sure to take our time with him, approaching respectfully and offering wither and neck scratches before asking anything of him. He will absolutely melt for those scritches and curl his head down and around you when receiving such affection. While he's not been here long, we can see him softening and we're sure he'll have quite the transformation through turnout and good handling. We did decide to start him on ulcer treatment right away as well to help him feel his best while he settles in.

We believe Gatekeeper is going to make someone a really incredible partner one day. While he can go in any direction, we will be giving special consideration to who ultimately brings him home. Someone kind that truly takes their time to establish trust and bond with him will be rewarded many times over by a horse like this. A person who rushes him or treats him mechanically will similarly not have a good time.