Arcturus, barn name of Tommy, was named the 2024 “This Old Horse”. A Chestnut Thoroughbred foaled April 21, 1994, in Florida and in May, 2003, Greg and Sue Novak purchased Tommy for Sue to enjoy and compete in the Adult Amateur Hunter Division. He was 9 years old at the time and was purchased from trainer Hunt Tosh, of Georgia.
Originally named Prince Wonder by his breeder, Tommy always lived up to his name. As a young horse, Tommy was sent to train at the racetrack where, fortunately, he never had to race. Tommy began his second career as a hunter for a Junior rider, who changed his name to Arcturus after the fourth brightest star in the universe. His Junior rider showed him for one year in the Junior Hunter Division.
Tommy won his fair share of ribbons and awards with Sue in the irons. Significant highlights include winning the Hunter Amateur Championship at the 2004 Trader’s Point Horse Show in Indiana. Additionally, Tommy and Sue garnered the 2009 win of the Zandra Powers Horsemanship Classic.
Tommy has always given 100 percent to his job as a hunter, and as his original name implied, he was always a Prince. He has constantly been willing to do whatever was asked of him and was always the perfect gentleman. To this day Tommy is so sensitive Greg and Sue are careful never to speak harshly to him. He was retired to Greg and Sue’s farm in 2012 and currently lives with his herd of 4 other horse friends, happily grazing in his pastures during the day.
Currently 30 years old Tommy is honored to be chosen as the 2024 This Old Horse. Tommy, Greg and Sue thank you!
NOTE: Tommy passed away in September, 2025 at the age of 31½. He is deeply missed.
