“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.
“It’s not easy to admit, but very few of us are perfect horsemen.” Kristen Kovatch loses sight of her ultimate goal with her OTTB Jobber, but finds her way again thanks to the heart of her willing horse.
A one-of-a-kind halter worn by Triple Crown winner Justify and autographed by Bob Baffert and Mike Smith is currently up for auction with 100% of the proceeds to benefit Remember Me Rescue!
The award will be presented at the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover & Symposium in October to a professional horseman who responsibly rehomes horses off the track. Nominations are open now!
Grade I winner Ring Weekend has earned more then $1.5 million in 33 career starts, and now he has begun training for a second career in eventing with Phillip Dutton!
“The number of good guys so heavily outweighs the bad. I think we need to flood the world with these stories. Highlight the good guys and explain their love for their horses — win or lose, profit or not.”
