Hirondelle Estate is 200 acres of unspoiled tranquility, a Xanadu for all, including the two ex-racehorses who call it home.
“It is so relaxing to see them, to see them whole, and to see them well,” said Sabine Veit, owner and proprietor of Hirondelle. “I look out the window and there they are. I have them in a pasture that is at the highest point of the property. I see them a lot and I love that.”
Known as Cat’s Whisper during his racing days, the 9-year-old bay gelding, nicknamed “Rocky,” and his companion, Low in the Forest, also known as “Hulk,” now roam in a 50-acre pasture in the serene setting located about one hour west of Toronto, just east of Guelph.
Hirondelle, French for “barn swallow,” is nature personified.
The responsibly stewarded grounds – its 150-year-old buildings have been meticulously restored and include original board and stonework – are home to sustainably planted crops, protected trees and forests, wildflower gardens, chickens, bees, butterflies, and birds. The landscape also includes habitat to support the threatened barn swallow population.
From the crest of the hill where the barn stands offers an embarrassment of riches for the senses – where melodic bird calls, the smell of grains and wildflowers, and the sight of serene sunsets over rolling hills and the Eramosa River greet those who visit Hirondelle.
Cat’s Whisper, who went 2-1-3 from 25 starts in his racing career, and Low in the Forest, who constructed a 3-4-3 mark from 20 starts, came to the estate and care of Veit this spring through LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society.
Established in 1999, LongRun is the first industry-funded adoption program in Canada, earning status as one of the most respected horse retirement and adoption organizations. Over 50 retired racehorses currently reside at its sprawling 100-acre property.
A visit to LongRun’s farm in Hillsburgh, Ont., about 25 minutes north of Hirondelle, came after a discussion Veit had with a friend.
“I was looking for horses who I could have here and that would be well taken care of. A friend of mine, who has a couple of horses herself, eventually, in conversation, I told her I wanted to get some horses of my own. My friend suggested LongRun – her daughter is in riding competitions – so we went to their farm.
“We fell in love with Hulk and Rocky, who Lauren [farm manager, Millet] suggested would be a good fit for us. We have had them here since the spring. They are beautiful and we love having them here.”
The pair have a doting owner in Veit.
“If you have animals, you have to look after them well, no matter what. For me, it is looking after them, as well as looking at them and knowing they are well taken care of.”
All those who call Hirondelle home, including Cat’s Whisper and Low in the Forest, most certainly are.
Trained by Shelley Fitzgerald, who co-owned with Martin Wickins, and Patrice Likamshum, and co-bred with Martin Wickins, Cat’s Whisper, a son of Silent Name (JPN)-Katz Reign, had an inauspicious start to his racing career.
On Sep. 15, 2017, he bolted nearing the turn, and completed the race, but was distanced throughout and walked off.
His second race, 15 days later, was the polar opposite.
Over five furlongs on the main track, Cat’s Whisper rallied to win by a head at 32-1.
His final race came on July 30, 2021. A month later, he was donated to LongRun.
Low in the Forest, trained by Elizabeth Elder, for owner and breeder Bred Cold River Farm, launched his racing career on Nov. 30, 2014.
The first win for the son of Old Forester-Lady Low was Oct. 2, 2015, when he posted an 8 ¼-length score as the 2-5 choice. His final race was Sep. 22, 2017.
Now, the two geldings are living the good life, thanks to Veit and others.
“Rocky is a bit of a cribber (when a horse repeatedly grasps an object between its teeth and sucks in air), so he is a bit insecure. But he looks great, and you can tell he is happy. He is very gentle and appreciates the care. He enjoys the love and attention and being taken care of. The first thing Rocky does when he gets in the stall is to lie down and roll, legs up, back down. Hulk is the boss – he is very sure of himself. They both love their brushes.”
While there will be changes to come at Hirondelle, the peaceful environment Hulk and Rocky have come to know will remain unchanged.
“It is a property that will be an event space at some point, but I just want the animals to lend to the ambience of a real farm – for visitors to see them and to pet them. It’s a holistic view of owning this type of land, which is all organic. I want to do everything that works together for every creature or insect who resides here.”
Veit is grateful to LongRun and its staff.
“I feel for horses because you want to ensure that they have a good life. You hear stories where some of these horses have been mistreated, which makes me very sad. But that is what makes me appreciate places like LongRun. They care and they do a wonderful job following up and checking in on the horses. I appreciate that so much. I email them if I have any questions, and they get right back to me.”
The addition of two ex-racehorses to the place that is home to creatures great and small has been a most welcome one for Veit.
There is, she noted, a distinct feeling of added serenity with Rocky and Hulk now at Hirondelle.
“Absolutely. Seeing them, petting them, brushing them, feeding them – all of it is very peaceful. That does so much for me, for my well-being, to look after them.”
