Who needs a gold watch when you could have a Paint Horse instead?
The Colorado Rockies made a big splash on September 25 when they presented a one-of-a-kind retirement gift to first baseman Todd Helton: a flashy American Paint Horse.
In honor of Todd’s 17 years as a player for the Colorado Rockies, the organization decided to surprise him with an extra special gift during his final home game. Knowing that Todd had a ranch and had recently purchased a horse for his daughter, the club decided to give Todd a horse of his own.
For the honor, they chose APHA World Champion NXS A Tru Bustamove, a 6-year-old black tobiano gelding. The gelding was decked out in a custom saddle as well, complete with Todd’s number, 17, and the Colorado Rockies logo. Todd and his family—wife Christy and daughters Tierney Faith, age 14, and Gentry Grace, age 4—were on hand to take the reins.
It was a lot of fun,” Helton said in an MLB.com article. “It really was, to be able to tip my cap every time I went up to the plate. To be able to have my daughters run out there and grab the base—what a wonderful surprise that was. And I got a horse out of the deal. That’s always cool. It was surprising, there’s no doubt about it.”
NXS A Tru Bustamove is no stranger to the spotlight. The 2007 black tobiano gelding by A Tru Rolex and out of WKM Kendra Colonel (QH) was bred by Beverly Brandes of Cleveland, Texas. A two-time APHA World Champion in Junior Heading and Junior Steer Stopping, the gelding also has a pair of reserve world championships in Junior Heeling.
But NXS A Tru Bustamove wasn’t the only memorable moment of the night. Todd hit a home run at his first at-bat, following that up with a double and a sacrifice fly, driving in a total of three runs for the Rockies. With the roar of the Coors Field crowd in his ears and a Paint Horse to boot, it wasn’t a bad way for Todd to end a stellar career.
CLICK HERE to check out video of ceremony.
