Merlin F is a lovely young Thoroughbred mare searching for a special person to continue her journey. She retired after just three career starts, with her final race in September 2025, and is now ready to begin the next chapter with someone who values building a true partnership.

Merlin is eligible for the 2027 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover. She has been intentionally kept under the 15-ride threshold to preserve her eligibility, making her an exciting prospect for someone wanting to compete in the Makeover while bringing along a talented young horse.

Merlin has been thoughtfully restarted with an emphasis on quality over quantity. She has done extensive groundwork and has only been lightly restarted under saddle. She is kind, willing, and enjoys having a person she can connect with as she continues to learn.

She has a rhythmic canter, correct movement, and natural balance that we believe will allow her to excel in the hunter ring with continued training. Her athleticism, correct conformation, and willing attitude also make her a lovely prospect for lower- and mid-level dressage. At just four years old, she has the time and potential to develop into a versatile sport horse.

Merlin retired from racing with a bowed tendon that was professionally rehabilitated. She is currently veterinary cleared for flatwork and can begin jumping in September 2026. She has also lost vision in her right eye, which veterinarians believe is most likely the result of a previous injury rather than a hereditary condition. She has adapted well and is comfortable working despite the vision loss.

Because of her age, pedigree, correct conformation, and sweet personality, Merlin would also make an excellent broodmare prospect. This could provide her additional time to mature physically before beginning a more demanding riding career.

In the pasture, Merlin lives comfortably with other mares. She is respectful within the herd, will stand up for herself when needed, but generally falls lower in the pecking order. She was barefoot through the winter and is currently wearing front shoes for comfort after becoming mildly foot-sensitive on hard summer ground. Merlin does crib in her stall, but she wears a collar and it is a manageable part of her routine.

Merlin is best suited for a confident handler and experienced rider - someone who enjoys developing a young horse and appreciates the rewarding process of building trust and confidence together. She is not a finished horse but rather a quality blank slate with unlimited potential for the right home.

If you're looking for an honest young Thoroughbred with excellent sport horse potential and the added bonus of 2027 RRP eligibility, Merlin deserves a look. Merlin is available for adoption through Blue Dahlia Equine (https://www.bluedahliaequine.org/).