“These are folks who understand both sides of the horse’s career. They understand both the track and the sport horse life. Basically, these people are translators. And the best of them work to make both sides understandable to each other…” (more…)
In the series Barn Aisle Chats, we meet equestrians from all walks of life and disciplines. Today, we chat with Erin about racehorse rehabilitation and rehoming. (more…)
Barn Aisle Chats is a series where we meet equestrians from all walks of life and disciplines. Today, we chat with Donna Keen, founder of the Remember Me Retired Racehorse Program. (more…)
“Physically speaking, Jobber is not the right horse for this job… Try telling him that when he’s got the grit to run nose-to-nose with a reluctant-to-load bull…He doesn’t know he’s not built for this job, because he loves this job.”
“Horseback riding is a relationship and … should be pleasant for all parties involved. There should be mutual give and take and if the relationship turns toxic, you should have the opportunity to step away without being ostracized by other people in our community.”
“It takes a brave and self-aware equestrian to take on the challenge of transitioning a recently retired racehorse, but it takes just as much bravery and self-awareness to know one’s own limits…” (more…)
As the application deadline for the Thoroughbred Makeover draws near, many riders are acquiring their fresh off-the-track horses. Here’s a hilarious tongue-in-cheek look at what those horses would say if they could talk.
Working with off-track horses is both challenging and rewarding. Although each horse is unique, here are six commonalities that can be found in off-track Thoroughbreds and off-track Standardbreds.
“My goal for Buns since the day of his accident was to provide all the resources I had available to ensure his healing process was smooth and efficient…Around approximately week two post injury, proud flesh decided to rear its ugly head.”
“To all the fellow trainers, volunteers, employees and vendors making the trip to Kentucky, good luck and have fun. Nessi and I will be cheering for you from home.”
“Don’t let one bad experience or occurrence ruin your outlook on the entire breed. These horses make incredible partners no matter what discipline or how leisurely you ride.”
“It is imperative that off-track Thoroughbreds are marketed correctly and efficiently to show that they are the right choice for the job or they will easily be bypassed for a more common selection.”
Off-track Thoroughbreds aren’t for everyone… but if you’re up for the challenge, the process can be rewarding. Meghan Lalonde outlines her reasons for riding an OTTB.
Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we’re recognizing the National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization.
“‘Why should we spend so much money and time getting these horses out of Puerto Rico when there are so many that need homes here in the US?’ Well, these horses are from the States originally — they deserve to come back.”
“I had wanted to go so badly, and no matter how much I told myself that this show was just one step on the longer road, I was crushed, watching Jobber hobble around the layup paddock. We had worked so hard, and frankly I had been starting to feel that we deserved to go.”
New for the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Retired Racehorse Project is presenting a free Makeover Master Class on October 7: watch four trainers evaluate off-the-track prospects and demonstrate introductory training.
