Gilatine aka“Gil”
Registered Name: Gilatine (NY-bred)
Breed: Thoroughbred (TB), Dark Bay/Brown Gelding
Foaled: March 10, 1999
Pedigree: Obligato – Gila, by Buckaroo
Connections as of Last Start:
Jockey: Peter Sosa Jr.
Trainer: Ambrose Pascucci
Owner: Danzig Stable
Breeder: Vincent Campo Basso
Gil, registered as Gilatine, is a New York–bred Thoroughbred whose story reminds us that behavior is often communication.
After his racing career, Gil transitioned into trail riding, but over time began bucking and reacting when asked to step over obstacles. Rather than risk something worse happening, his owner chose compassion and brought him to Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue.
A full evaluation revealed the cause: kissing spine, a painful condition in which the vertebrae along the back are positioned too closely together, sometimes touching or overlapping. This creates inflammation and significant discomfort—especially under saddle. What looked like misbehavior was actually a horse coping with chronic pain.
Once riding expectations were removed, Gil no longer needed to defend himself. His resistance faded, and his gentle, steady nature surfaced.
Today, Gil enjoys a fully retired life—no riding, no pressure—just pasture time, companionship, and comfort.
And yet, even in retirement, Gil continues to give.
During one of the most heartbreaking seasons of her life, a longtime volunteer came to the farm after losing her daughter. Overwhelmed by grief, she struggled simply to exist in a world that no longer felt the same. Gil gravitated toward her. He stood quietly beside her. He lowered his head into her chest. He did not demand words or explanations. He simply stayed.
Day after day, she found herself drawn back to him. Grooming him. Leaning against him. Breathing with him. In his silent steadiness, she found a place where her grief could rest.
Despite his own physical challenges, Gil became a source of comfort and grounding during unimaginable loss.
Gil’s story reflects why lifelong sanctuary matters. Proper diagnostics, compassionate retirement, and ongoing veterinary care gave him comfort. That comfort allowed him to offer it to someone else when it was needed most.
Your support ensures that horses like Gil are not discarded when their bodies change—but instead are protected, understood, and given the dignity of safe retirement. And in that safety, they often go on to do their most meaningful work.
From misunderstood to healer, Gil’s quiet strength continues to change lives. 🐎💙