Valentine is a handsome 16 hand bay Thoroughbred who is as sweet as he is hot. He will go as high and as fast as you want at the lightest touch.

Valentine spent most of his life as a racehorse with GO on his mind, and so he would want to wind himself up while being tacked up to prepare for the "race." Helping Valentine relax and learn that riding can be a peaceful activity has been a major focus of my work with him.  I also had to learn to honor his sensitivity and communicate with him in ways that were clear. He has been my biggest riding and training challenge HANDS DOWN. Consequently he is also the horse that I have learned the most from HANDS DOWN.

I cannot tell you how much he has improved my skills as a rider and as horsewoman. I am endlessly grateful to him. He really has a heart of gold. And all of the great rides I have with him now-I feel I have earned. They are a celebration of our partnership.

Valentine was bred in Kentucky by Dale A. Dickinson & Grant Dickinson. He was foaled on March 20, 1995. Valentine raced from 1999 until his retirement in 2003. His pedigree includes Codex, Man O'War, War Admiral, Never Bend, Native Dancer, Ack Ack, Arts and Letters, Fair Play, Alsab, Ben Brush, Bimelech, Blue Larkspur, Bowl of Flowers, Broomstick, Peter Pan, Ribot, and Bold Ruler. 9 wins at 4, 5, 6 placed at 8, unplaced at 7. $70,718 in 30 starts in NA. He is registered with the Jockey Club.