After Racing: Retraining Thoroughbreds

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I'm excited to announce that Jewel is being featured not once, but TWICE in the next month or so.  Be sure to look for articles and fun pictures telling a few tales about our adventures together.

- Midwest Thoroughbred Magazine
- Off Track Thoroughbreds

Ahhh...if only the Princess knew she was being recognized! She would definitely approve!

Here he is in all his glory...Mr. Wilson!!!

I'm a big believer in turning horses out.  I think 90% of the issues that horses and humans have could be resolved if the horse was just permitted to be more of a horse and less of whatever its human thinks it should be.  I board my horses, which makes it somewhat of a challenge to find someone who feels the same way I do about horse care.  I think that having a stall is nice and should be available during inclement weather, but really...I want my horses outside.

I never realized how important LOTS of turnout time was until I got a Thoroughbred.  What seemed to be the normal turnout of 4-6 hours per day just wasn't cutting it for my horse. At the 4-6 hour turn-out level, there were attitude issues, lots of extra energy and of course, the requisite lunging session before I could even consider riding.  And so, I went on a barn hunt a few years ago to find turnout.  I live on the outskirts of Indianapolis.  There is a very large hunter/jumper population, a moderate dressage-riding population and a whole lot of "anything goes."  To me, this translates into

Option 1: uber-pricey ($600+/mo) boarding barns with 1-2 hours of private paddock turnout

Option 2:  pricy ($350-$500) 4-6 hours of small group turnout on an acre or two

Option 3:  Reasonably priced (under $300), but crap shoot when it comes to care

I had such a wonderful ride on Wilson today.  He takes a while to warm up -- a good 1/2 hour of trot work on the lunge or in the round pen.  But then under saddle, he is just wonderful.  Today was the first day he really figured out that it is easier (or perhaps more comfortable) to stretch down rather than go around like a giraffe.  We have yet to canter as I think he needs a bit more work before we go there.  Aside from that, he is really doing nicely. Of course, he still has stiffness and balance issues, but he's really trying so hard and starting to figure things out.  I'm so very pleased!

This is Friendly Neighbor, aka Ned, a 2001 Thoroughbred gelding. Ned retired from racing in 2007 and lived the life of a pasture ornament until earlier this spring when he was donated to Friends of Ferdinand Inc. Then, for a short time, he was one of my foster horses. Ned arrived with Wilson (see previous posts) and went off to "summer camp" where he has learned about trail riding, going forward and in general remembering that thoroughbreds do indeed have a really good work ethic. ;) He's looking and doing great -- and he's still available for adoption. Although I doubt he'll be around for very long. The quick stats:

YOB: 2001
Height: 16.0h
Weight: 1100 lbs (this is a big boy)
Skills: Awesome on trails - alone or in group; will start learning ring work next month
Temperament: Very laid back and easy going

More information: Click here!

I really enjoy teaching the track horses new skills.  There is definitely a workout in it for me though!  Today, Wilson's only real requirement was that he had to be soft.  I didn't care where his head was, he just had to be soft in the jaw and the poll.  And so, in order to help him understand about driving the energy forward into the bridle, my legs and seat got a major workout.

Wilson is a good boy.  He figured out quickly that a whip in my hands does not mean run forward, but rather "move this body part over."  This came in handy when asking him to be soft.  The biggest issue is lateral stiffness through body, especially to the left.  He wants to fall to the inside when going left, so to actually create left bend while moving outward on a circle requires quite a bit of support from my inside leg.  It helps having the whip to tap either on the haunches, the shoulder, or just behind my leg.  Typically, its his shoulder that has troubles moving independently.  Keeping an opening rein both directions helps him shift his balance outwards (off that inside foreleg) and move outwards on the circle.  We had previously worked on the ground learning to yield to the whip (or pressure in general) and he quickly figured out moving away from pressure.  It has translated well under saddle, but his balance (or lack their of) makes it difficult for him to move his limbs laterally.

Still, I was pleased with the results.  Most of our work today was at the walk, but I had a nice, engaged and active walk that was also stretched down and forward -- oh yes...and soft in the poll and jaw.  I think it was probably the best walk that he could give me today, and I was quite pleased with him.  He really is trying hard to figure out what it is that I'm asking him to do. Such a good boy!

And its rides like that on Wilson that make rides on my mare even more fun.  Today, I rode Jewel outside.  I love having a big fenced outdoor arena.  I didn't lunge to warm up, instead I got on and walked for a bit, then a bit of trotting followed by some good gallop.  The outdoor is large enough (around 100 x 275) that we can have some good hand gallops where she can really move forward, I can get up into 2-point and she can stretch down over her topline.  We did a couple sets of gallops each direction and it really got her thinking forward.  We had some really nice, long, forward stretchy trot work after that too.  I don't know how I'll ever sit that trot.  Its powerful and long, but bounces me up even when I post.  God...please grant me the discipline to strengthen my core enough to sit that trot.  Thanks! 

It was a long time coming for Jewel and I to get to where we are today though.  I would never have been able to ride Wilson (and any of the other foster horses) if I had never been through all the work with Jewel first.  Its been an amazing ride and it just keeps going.  I love it!

Just wanted to share some photos of Wilson.  When he focuses, he is really a good boy!  Someone is going to get a nice horse in him. 

I am a Thoroughbred lover. In fact, maybe even an addict. But I never thought I would be. However, since owning a Thoroughbred, I will be hard pressed to ever own another breed of horse. I don't mean to downplay anyone else's favorite breed, but I have found Thoroughbreds to be athletic, incredibly intelligent and noble all at the same time. So...let me tell you a little bit about Thoroughbreds.


First of all, most available Thoroughbreds have some racing history in their background. They were most likely bred for the track and either went to a training facility or actually raced. Most likely they raced. That right there is enough to turn most people, especially trail riders, off. They don't want a horse that will run away with them. Now, a racing background isn't necessarily a bad thing. Here are just a few of the things that horses from the track typically have had lots of exposure to:

• loading on trailers (many on a daily basis)
• multiple handlers
• multiple riders
• bathing, clipping and standing tied
• crowds of people
• lots of horses
• grand stands
• loud speakers & PA systems
• flag, umbrellas and other things that move on their own
• tractors and heavy equipment
• traffic / vehicles

Those are just a few of the things that immediately come to mind, but the list goes on and on. Life on the track is an active place. People and horses are almost always coming and going. Things are happening all around them. This is what Thoroughbreds are used to. Think about it...we spend considerable time and effort desensitizing the home-bred horse, that has never been off the family farm, to a lot of those things. Heck, we may never be able to train the home-bred horse to easily load on the trailer, so that right there could be a selling point! However, the Thoroughbred ex-racehorse typically comes with that training already under its belt. People, other horses, traffic, flags, PA systems, etc. This is all old hat to the Thoroughbred.


Aren't they taught to run?
Thoroughbreds are actually ridden and worked on nearly a daily basis at all three gaits and both leads. Yes, most horses on the track are galloped regularly, but most usually come with brakes and are very responsive to the riders seat and weight. Keep in mind that most horses retire from the track because they are no longer competitive. In many cases, they've lost the desire to run and given a little time off, easily come to love life as a pleasure horse. Its important to note that horses coming directly off the track should be considered green broke. They are handled extensively, can be tacked up, hauled places, etc. but they typically don't understand subtle aids from the seat, leg or reins. Most have only ever been ridden by a light weight exercise rider or jockey who balances up over their necks. Therefore, they need help and time learning to balance under the weight of a rider who sits in a typical english or western saddle.


Aren't they broken down when they come from the track?
In most cases, the horses that come from the track are too slow to be competitive. While they're at the track, they are given excellent care because they are valuable athletes. However, once they stop winning, or become injured, they typically will be sold on to other owners as quickly as possible. Sometimes those other owners are rescue organizations or private individuals. Sometimes though, thoroughbreds end up in the hands of slaughter dealers.


What I've Done with My Thoroughbred
Here is a short list of activities that I have participated in with my Thoroughbred exracehorse:

• dressage shows
• trail riding
• breed demo at horse fair
• riding clinics & lessons
• sidesaddle demonstrations
• cowboy mounted shooting
• parades

I just want to trail ride.
Perfect! Thoroughbreds make excellent trail horses. In fact, one of the major competitions that TBs participate in is 3-day eventing. In 3-day eventing, horses must go out by themselves onto a natural course, cross water, jump small (or large) obstacles and in general, keep their rider safe. Usually this is done at a canter, but slow it down and its pretty much trail riding! The photo to the left shows Stormy and Print Out, two Thoroughbred exracers, having a great time trail riding on the B&O ride at Natural Valley. In fact, Stormy has gone on to be adopted by a competitive trail rider.


Are All Thoroughbreds Really Tall and Fine Boned?
I have only owned one Thoroughbred, but in the last two years, I have fostered 11 off-track Thoroughbreds. And let me tell you -- they come in all colors, shapes, sizes and temperaments. If you're willing to wait long enough, you can get exactly what you're looking for right down to the sex, color and markings. I've fostered everything from the 17h big gelding to a barely 15h mare. Bays are definitely the most prominent, but chestnuts and grays are readily available too. Regarding size, most Thoroughbreds average around 15.3h. There are many available at or above the 16h measurement, but quite a few are in the 15.2 - 15.3h range, which can make a nice family sized horse. Big enough for dad, but short enough for the kids.



How about temperament? I always thought TBs were crazy?
Most thoroughbreds have an excellent work ethic. They just want to know what their job is and then have you allow them to do it. I have found that there is one consistent factor which has given thoroughbreds a bad name: inconsiderate or unknowledgeable owners. Thoroughbreds are very thin skinned (bred that way so that they can cool down quickly) and can be very sensitive to external stimuli. By this I mean, stiff brushes, whips, spurs, biting flies, big bits, etc.. They also are very intelligent and seem to be in tune with their riders, moreso than other breeds. But because of this sensitivity, Thoroughbreds will definitely let you know when something you're doing bothers them. This is often mistaken as a temperament issue, when really, your Thoroughbred is just trying to communicate with you. For example, if you use a stiff brush on their thin skin, they'll probably dance around when you groom them. They're not being bad, they're trying to tell you that it tickles -- or maybe even hurts -- and you just need to use a softer brush. If your Thoroughbred's saddle doesn't fit, they will probably react by not wanting to move forward off your leg or seat. It doesn't mean you need spurs or a whip. It just means you need to look at how your tack is fitting.


I don't want to ride english.
No problem. As along as the western saddle you own fits your thoroughbred properly, you're perfectly fine riding western! Remember that Thoroughbreds typically have a narrower frame and taller withers than your average quarter horse or trail horse. Therefore, the saddle you use on your QH, TWH or other wider breed most likely will not work on a Thoroughbred. Thoroughbreds are also used to snaffle bits. They typically have never had a curb bit or curb chain used when riding at the track. In addition, many thoroughbreds have small mouths and flat pallets, which can make western bits very uncomfortable. Making sure that the tack you use is properly fitted is key to ensuring a happy, productive relationship.




Recycling a Racehorse
I could go on and on about what makes Thoroughbreds great horses, but if you really want to know, you've got to own one. There are a number of places that you can get Thoroughbreds. In fact, many of them are for sale for very cheap. However, a cheap price tag doesn't necessarily mean its a good choice. And although I've talked thus far about the benefits to owning a Thoroughbred, horses that are directly off the track don't generally make good beginner or first time owner horses. You'll also want to have a good knowledge of conformation and good eye for soundness issues because buying a horse directly from the track can be limiting. You can't ride or vet the horse at the track. What you want to do is find a reputable trainer or organization that can help you find the right horse for your skill set and desired partnership (trail, show, etc.).


The organization in central Indiana that immediately comes to mind is Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. (aka FFI). FFI is a 501(c)3 that works to transition thoroughbred exracehorses from the track to long term homes. They take in donated horses from trainers and owners who want their horses to have a chance at a good life after racing. These Thoroughbreds from the track are usually sound, but just need some time off to recuperate from the stresses of racing. Occasionally, a horse who needs surgery will be taken in assuming that FFI has the money to pay for the surgery and the horse has a good prognosis for being sound after the surgery.



Once the horse has been donated to the organization, FFI pays for a veterinarian to come out and look at the horse, determine soundness issues, update it on vaccinations and either give it a clean bill of health or prescribe a layup time for the horse to continue to rest. Once the horse has been deemed healthy and ready to work, FFI sends the horse to a trainer who will put 30-60 days of riding time on the horse. Make no mistake, the horses are still fairly green after this time. But, a great deal more is known about the horses temperament, personality, ability, and work ethic. Plus, they generally will be able to walk, trot and canter quietly both directions, as well as halt and stand quietly, after this training time.


So if I've sparked your interest on the perks of owning a Thoroughbred, you might check out Friends of Ferdinand's available horses. www.friendsofferdinand.org  They have over a dozen horses available for adoption with various skill sets.  If Indiana isn't close to you, then check out FFI's list of related organizations to find an OTTB near you.

I've started riding Wilson (pictured at left).  He is a really good boy so far.  I've been lunging him outside in the pasture.  The footing is quite a bit dryer out there than in the outdoor arena (the outdoor doesn't drain as well).  He doesn't have very much topline muscle and he tires quickly.  But, he's willing enough.  I got on him for the first time last Sunday.  It was quite a treat, actually, because Pam and Olivia who adopted JC (now known as Sawyer), were visiting.  They got to meet Wilson and Ned and were there to witness the first ride.

Wilson was really quite good though.  He stood quietly for mounting, which is something they usually need to learn to do.  He's very out of balance at this point, mostly because of the lack of muscle.  So he's using his neck to really held him out (which means the underside is quite thick and strong).  I'm going to start working him in the side reins to encourage him to flex at the poll and stretch down and foward. I think this will help him start using himself correctly.  I've also been working with him in hand with the dressage whip so that he has an understanding of moving away from pressure.  He caught on to this very quickly and is very willing to move laterally.  Yay!

As far as riding was concerned, he did great.  Aside from the fact that he does go around like a giraffe right now, he's very responsive to my weight.  We walked and trotted both directions coming back to the walk or the halt simply from a shift in my weight.  He falls to the inside and really needs support on the right shoulder from the crop/whip to help remind him to shift his balance over on the circle.  I find this to be pretty common though.  I used a dressage whip to help support the shoulder and he quickly figured out that the whip didn't mean go faster, but rather move over.

Slowly but surely, I think he'll make a really nice horse for someone. :)

In other news, Ned is heading up to Jan and Archie's for some trail riding work.  He leaves on Saturday.  I think that will be really good for him.  He needs to go to someone who can ride him through any potential issues and see where he's at in riding skills.  It should work out well.  He'll be there for a month and get a lot of saddle time.  I'm looking forward to seeing how it works out with him.

Jewel is also coming along nicely.  I've been able to lunge her outside and its making a big difference.  March is usually her crazy month -- spring sillies.  She's been really good.  I've been working her for a good 1/2 hour on the lunge line before I ride though and I really do believe that it makes a difference.  She is getting fitter and I'm looking forward to really building some good back muscle on her this summer.  She just needs more muscle.  But I must admit that she is looking better physically (coming out of the winter) than she has coming out of any other winter that I've owned her.  I'm really pleased. I think the combination of grass/alfalfa mix hay, strategy and Ultimate Finish, along with regular work, are really a good thing.  I am going to be putting her back on the Ukele oil now that the temps are above freezing.  She really likes that stuff and tends to do very well on it.

Aside from the muscle/strength building, I'm really going to be working on developing our trot lengthenings and working on her connection at the canter.  She likes to rush the lengthenings and wants to come above the bit at the canter.  They're all getting their teeth done in a month or so, so after that -- NO EXCUSES! :)  In the past, Jewel and I kind of came to an agreement which worked really well for training/first level.  The agreement was essentially this:  I won't ask too much of you as long as you don't fuss and just go along quietly.  Well, now that we're really at a place where we should be showing second level (accept for the stength issues) its time to kick that agreement up a knotch and say hey...its time for you to carry yourself where I put you.  Of course...Jewel being a mare means I have to more request it and then convince her its a good idea.  Ha ha.  Time will tell. Stay tuned!

Friendly Neighbor or, "Ned" as we're calling him seems to clean up well.  He's still pretty fuzzy, but I think he's going to be a nice looking horse once that winter coat drops off.  For all you Simpson's fans out there..."Hank" and "Flanders" were the other choices for barn names.  He doesn't really seem like a Flanders, but Ned seems to suit him well enough.

The vet was out yesterday and both Ned and Wilson (Sunny Thoughts) are good to go for work.  Wilson is going to stay with me for a while and we'll see how things go.  He is a nice mover and seems to be a little nervous, but has a willing attitude.  I think he's going to be a nice horse.  Ned is going up to another trainer in the Lafayette area to get some trail riding experience.  I think that will be really good for him.  He seems the "heavy hunter" type, so experience crossing water, getting out of the barn, and working hard will translate well to that.

In other FFI horse news, two of my previous foster horse's Saribel Cruz (aka Flirt) and Soothe the Soul (aka Sully) have beend adopted!  This is wonderful news and we're all really excited because both homes are fabulous.  Sully went to Pattie D., who has fostered him since August.  She recently realized that she just adored him way too much to ever see him leave her pasture.  Flirt was adopted by Nicole Pearson of Foxton Farm in Romney, IN.  Flirt will be added to Nicole's line of personal show horses.  We're very excited to watch Flirt blossom into a really nice show horse!

Jewel and I participated in our first show since her colic surgery nearly 3 years ago.  There have been a couple of other injuries since then that have prohibited her return to the show ring, but we finally did it.  AND, I'm really proud to say that we did pretty darned well!  Despite receiving 6 penalties in our First Level Test 1, we still earned a 64.4%, which was good enough for 2nd place.  We might just have finished in first had we actually ridden a clean test.  Despite my bobbles, I was really pleased and look forward to showing again in the near future.

Well, the good thing about being a foster home is that there are always horses in need.  With the ending of Roxie's chapter as one of my foster horses, a new chapter was started yesterday with the arrival of two very woolly geldings, Sunny Thoughts and Friendly Neighbor.  Both are exracers who retired in 2007 and were, to my knowledge, pretty much made into pasture pets.  In addition, both have pretty decent conformation and are big bodied, big boned (and more importantly) big-footed fellows.  My initial thought is that they will make good hunters or possibly eventers.  They're very sweet and seem to be well mannered.  I'm looking forward to getting to know them a little bit more. 

It was a bittersweet day on Saturday when Roxie, who was undoubtedly my favorite of foster horses, left for her new home in the Dayton, OH area. I have every belief that Rachel, Roxie's adopter, is going to give Roxie a fabulous home and life. In fact, I think she's probably the perfect home as she not only has a great support system that is very familiar with Thoroughbreds, but she also has experience with horses who have quirky behaviors or issues (like her ears). I think all is well, but that doesn't mean I don't miss her just a bit. :) Here are a few pictures of Roxie starting life with her new mom!  I'm really looking forward to photos and stories of their experiences together throughout the future.

I'm excited to report that Roxie has a pending adoption! Yay! Her would-be adopter visited this past Friday and despite very cold weather (it was only 7 degrees by 9:30AM), was cheerful and excited about meeting Roxie. Roxie was a very good girl about the whole thing. She was a little anxious and fidgety in the cross ties, but this was a little different than her normal routine. Regardless, after some lunging, she settled right in. I rode her, followed by Rachel (the adopter) and her friend/trainer Lori. Roxie did great and Rachel really seemed to click with her. I think it is going to be a good match!

While it isn't finalized yet, I'm thrilled about it and believe Rachel will provide Roxie with a very good home. Check on the FFI homepage to keep an eye on her status. As of right now, although the board has approved it, the adoption is pending approval of the facility by a local veterinarian. Roxie will be going to an eventing barn SW of Dayton, OH.

Roxie is really coming along nicely. I'm quite pleased with her! The tenderness of her ears is decreasing despite the fact that her ear plaque is coming back. :( She also has some funky looking warts on her vulva and anus, so I'll be having the vet out to check on those. I think part of her tenderness is just plain old head-shyness, but when combined with very sensitive ears, it makes for a difficult time bridling and haltering. The good news is that we can now halter without issue. Bridling has come a long way as well. The first time I tried to bridle her, I resolved to taking the bridle apart after nearly 20 minutes of struggling. Now, I no longer have to take it apart and she stands quietly. I still have to take things slowly with no sudden movements. And I have to talk to her and love on her the entire time. But, she allows me to bend her ears and put the bridle on. It is no longer a huge production. So I'd say that's improvement!

Under saddle, I couldn't be more pleased. She is learning to come to me at the mounting block. She pretty much has the "come to me" part figured out. Its the proximity that she needs to work on. That is to say that she gets too close. But still, to have a whip-shy, head-shy horse be able to take direction from someone on a mounting block holding a whip and then stand quietly for mounting is a pretty big accomplishment.

Her gaits and temperament under saddle couldn't be nicer. She is a very floaty mover with long, stretchy strides. She responds wonderfully to the seat and shifting in weight. She's doing so well that we're registered for the February 6th dressage show at Foxton Farms. Part of this is to get her out and let people see her go. Another part is to see how her mind handles going to a new place with new horses. The only other time she's done that has been to go to the track. She could be just fine. She could be a spaz. We'll see. ;) We'll be riding in Intro A & B (just walk/trot). I don't think it will be a big deal as long as she settles into things. I'm also taking Jewel and riding Training 4 and First 1. It should be a fun day!

I was contacted by Jennifer Haas Hoyt of Eclipse Press in December about possibly reviewing a book about success stories of off-track Thoroughbreds.  With my passion for exracers, how could I do anything but say "Of Course!"  The official title of the book is Second-Chance Horses: Inspiring Stories of Ex-Racehorses Succeeding in New Careers.  That sounds pretty much right up my alley...doesn't it?

I finally got around to starting it yesterday (and finished it this morning).  Second-Chance Horses a moderate size at 214 pages.  The version sent to me is a hardcover with a lovely full-color dust jacket.  There is a really nice forward written by Nick Nicholson, the president and CEO of the Keeneland Association, 18 chapters of wonderful stories (usually just one store per chapter) and its followed up with a Rescue Resource Guide listing equine rescues that work on placing exracers.

The stories are heartwarming and entertaining.  They are well written and many contain multiple B&W photos of the horses succeeding in their new lives.  As a Thoroughbred owner and lover, I was not really surprised to read any of the stories about these retired beauties because I already now how fabulous they are!  However, I do think this book is an excellent way to introduce someone to the possibility that a retired Thoroughbred could be a good horse for them.  Anyone who is a horse lover will certainly enjoy this book.  Its sort of a Chicken Soup for the Thoroughbred-Lover's Soul. :)

My only disappointment came when I turned to the end of the book only to find that the Resource Guide was missing a crucial element -- Friends of Ferdinand, Inc.  Not only did they not have FFI listed, they had no listing for the state of Indiana.  With two tracks here and hundreds of Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeders, not to mention our proximity to Ohio and Kentucky tracks, it is really a shame that FFI was not included in their Resource Guide.  Hopefully, if future editions are printed, FFI will be included.

This is an interesting and thought provoking article on the greyhound racing ban and potential implications for horse racing.

Thoroughbred racing can learn from greyhound ban