Local Teen Gives Retired Racehorse "Makeover"

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- When a racehorse named "Kiss an Angel" crossed his final finish line eight years ago, he retired to a quiet West Virginia pasture. Until now.

"Hi buddy," Celene Jedrzejewski said.

Jedrzejewski is training the thoroughbred for a second career, at her family's Circle J Stables in Burgettstown.

The 18-year-old is one of 12 finalists in a nationwide contest called "Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover."

"When I first got him here, he was nervous," she says. "He wasn't sure where he was, since he had been in the field for the past eight years. I thought maybe since he was an older horse, he wouldn't be willing to work for me. But he has been."

Celene's mother, Karen Jedrzejewski, says "Kiss an Angel" has come a long way, as he learns the art of barrel racing.

"He was nervous and would shake," Karen says. "And as you can see now, he's just really calm and relaxed, and she has gained his trust."

Celene learned to trust horses at an early age. That hasn't changed.

"Kiss an Angel" will compete with other finalists in a Negley, Ohio fundraiser the night of August second. But then what?

"I'm not sure what I'm going to do with him yet," Celene admits. "I'm falling in love, so I'll have to see if my friend will let me keep him."

For more information on the championship event in Negley Ohio, log on to: http://www.dreamingofthree.com

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