After Racing: Retraining Thoroughbreds

Moving to WordPress

2010-05-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

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Featuring Jewel!

2010-05-17T22:03:00.000-04:00

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!

Wilson's Video Debut

2010-05-17T20:10:00.000-04:00

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

Pasture Ponies

2010-05-12T17:21:00.001-04:00

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

It took 4 barns in 1 year to find a place that was 1) within my budget, 2) within a reasonable driving distance and 3) offered the kind of consistent care I was looking for. And by consistent care I mean things like...
- clean water available 24/7/365
- regular feedings with quality feed (which I can provide, if necessary)
- quality hay or pasture (with grass on it) when turned out available year round
- 12+ hours of turnout each day
- an acre/horse (in other words, don't have 30 horses on 10 acres and expect there to be any type of pasture)
- a responsible, horse-educated barn owner with good people skills and barn management skills

Okay...so that last one is the hardest to come by, but it has to be on the list. While it might seem challenging to find a place that adheres to all of the above items -- well, it WAS challenging to find it -- they are out there.

And something else...I consider my horse to be a show horse. I don't have a trailer, so I don't get to show and take lessons as frequently as I would like. However, that doesn't mean that I consider my horse to be any less valuable than any horse that does get to show more frequently. When we do show, we are earning respectable scores (mid 60s) at first level dressage with our sights set squarely on 2nd level this fall. And aside from that, my eventing itch has resurfaced, so maybe we'll be doing that too. I just think its silly when people think or say that their show horse just can't be turned out. Hogwash.

Anyhow...I just wanted to share some photos of my horse and my foster horse enjoying the life outside. By the way, the picture at the top of this entry clearly shows a disproportionate head to body ratio, which is why you should never stand at your horse's head to take a picture of him. ;) Always stand perpendicular to their body. It will be much more flattering and your friends will think you're a great photographer!

Here is Wilson hanging out up near the water trough and gate.

Wilson & Jewel, the two OTTBs.

I find it comical that the 2 TBs hang out together.

Jewel getting a drink.

Now really...she doesn't look too bad for a show horse that actually lives outside most of the time, does she?

And so...this is the life of my horses. I've been lucky enough to find a place that turns them out more than they're in. In the summer, they come in 2x a day for a couple hours to have grain. Otherwise, they're out on pasture - even over night! *gasp* In the winter, they're out 10-12 hours, weather permitting. If they're turned out on the dirt lot, they have multiple round bales to munch on. Round bales are also available during the winter. In short...they're happy and I'm happy.

Such a Good Boy

2010-05-10T18:48:00.001-04:00

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!

Don't Like Your Neighbor? Get a Friendly one!

2010-05-04T15:10:00.000-04:00

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!

Hard Work & Appreciation

2010-05-03T19:38:00.001-04:00

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!

Photos of Wilson

2010-05-03T12:20:00.000-04:00

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.

Could a Thoroughbred be Your Next Horse?

2010-05-03T12:03:00.004-04:00

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.

Riding Time

2010-03-25T09:44:00.001-04:00

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!

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-09T17:38:00.000-05:00

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.

Two New Woolly Boys

2010-02-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

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.

Sunny Thoughts

Friendly Neighbor

As you can see, they're both in need of a good grooming, but bother are put together pretty well. I think when spring comes, we're going to have a couple of ugly ducklings turned swans. :) Keep an eye out here for more information and pictures.

Roxie's Last Day

2010-02-22T14:20:00.000-05:00

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.

Roxie Has a Pending Adoption

2010-02-16T17:29:00.000-05:00

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.

Show Time

2010-01-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

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!

Book Review: Second-Chance Horses

2010-01-04T13:14:00.002-05:00

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.

Thoroughbred racing can learn from greyhound ban

2010-01-02T14:01:00.002-05:00

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

A Visit with Sawyer

2009-12-31T13:02:00.003-05:00

Over the holidays, I was lucky enough to be able to travel home to Wisconsin and spend some good old quality time with friends and family. On December 23rd, I headed to Madison to spend the day with Pam Groth, adopter of Sawyer, one of my first foster horses. Sawyer's registered name is Jimmy Kool and we called him JC.

Through the months since Pam adopted Sawyer, I have gotten photos and little updates from her. However, this was the first time I had been able to actually go visit him since he left here in March. I'm thrilled to report that Sawyer is doing fabulous. I didn't get to see him under saddle because Pam had the chiropractor out the day I was there. However, he is in excellent weight and appears to be very happy and healthy. In addition, its quite obvious that Pam simply adores him. They are a good match. Please enjoy the following photos of Pam and Sawyer.

Pam & Sawyer in the barn.
Look how glossy his coat is!

Outside in the snow!

Where's my blanket?

His "Do you have a cookie?" face.

Gone Trail Riding Without You! Love, Jewel

2009-12-21T08:34:00.000-05:00

So I should have known better than to go trail riding on my mare without lunging her first. Especially since the ground has been icy, so none of the horses were really able to run around even when turned out. She was alert and aware when we set off from the barn yesterday with Holly (another boarder) riding her mare Trendy. But even with birds, deer, dogs barking and bunnies literally coming up between her legs, she remained calm and just walked. We were a good 20-25 minute out on our ride when something, lord knows what because neither Holly or I ever saw anything, caused Jewel to do a nice rollback and then start bucking. The rollback got me a bit off balance, but when the bucking started, that was it for me. With Jewel's help, I made it to the ground hitting my left side pretty hard. Thank goodness I always wear a helmet because I landed on my left hip, shoulder and side of my head. I felt like one of those football players who comes up with grass stuck in his helmet after a good tackle. That was me, except it was snow! Holly had some precarious moments as Trendy considered joining Jewel's escapades, but she stayed on and got Trendy settled.

Jewel decided to head back to the barn, except that she got most of the way down the trail (bucking and snorting) and then turned around and galloped back. She did a few circles in the cut cornfield managing to get both her front legs inside the reins (but didn't break them) before finally coming to a stop and letting me catch her. Unfortunately, at 16.2h, she's just too big for me to get on from the ground. Or rather, I'm unpracticed at it as I always use a mounting block. So we headed back to the barn -- both of us on foot. When we got back, although sore, I mounted up and we took a short ride around the neighboring hay field. This was more for the "fall off, get back on" theory than anything else. By the time we made it around that small field, the adrenaline had worn off and I was beginning to feel the soreness. With that, I left Holly and Trendy, who ventured back out to the corn fields where Jewel and I had parted ways. I untacked Jewel, turned her out and headed home for the comfort of the hotpad and ibuprofin.

I'm happy to report that I'm still sore, but feeling much better today. I might even ride this afternoon...but not before lunging my horse!

Roxie's Breakthroughs

2009-12-20T08:27:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to report that Roxie has had a pretty major breakthrough with her ears. I think she finally realizes that they're feeling better and that it isn't going to hurt to have me touch them. Yesterday, I took the bridle on and off three times without issue! Woo hoo! What a good girl!

She also had a breakthrough about the mounting block. She figured out that it is a good thing to stand still at the mounting block. She is also learning to come to me at the mounting block. This is going to require a bit more work, but she's trying. She's figuring out that the whip isn't a bad thing and that when I tap her with it, she needs to move that body part (that got tapped) away from the whip, even if its towards me. This is a new concept for her, but she seems to be catching on quickly.

Under saddle Roxie is wonderful to ride. She thinks a lot and gets frustrated if she doesn't understand what I'm asking. She shows this by swishing her tail. In typical TB mare fashion, she would prefer to do what she knows and just take over the situation. But she's doing well. Yesterday, she did very well at moving off my leg laterally. She is very responsive to shifts in body weight. She started trotting off of my seat (didn't even need to use my leg) and then came back to a halt from trot off my seat. She's light in the bridle, but wants contact. She's comfortable stretching down into contact. She is going to make someone a very nice horse!

Happy Holidays from Roxie!

2009-12-20T08:17:00.002-05:00

Wings Finds a Home

2009-12-08T15:10:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled to report that She's Got Wings, one of my former fosters, has been adopted! Congrats to Susan on her adoption of Wings. Susan recently lost a special horse and in her healing, has grown particularly fond of Wings. I'm thrilled for them and I know that they will have many good adventures together. Yay!

Riding Roxie

2009-12-05T18:48:00.000-05:00

I got on Roxie for the first time yesterday. She is still uncomfortable having her right ear bent when putting the bridle on, but aside from that, she was just fine tacking up. Dave held her for me for mounting. She was a little unsure of the whole standing still thing, as well as my legs being down so low on her sides. However, she quickly relaxed and stretched down into contact (yay) and we walked and trotted around the ring. It was no big deal.

I met a young woman a couple months ago at the Octoberfest horse show who had galloped Roxie during her days on the track. This young woman said that she was thrilled that Roxie had been retired to FFI and that she had been one of her favorites because she was a good horse and comfy ride -- "a Cadillac" she said. Its true from what I can tell. She has a big, long strides at the walk and trot. There is a lot of spring in her step. I'm looking forward to future rides!

An Earful from Roxie

2009-12-01T08:34:00.000-05:00

Roxie has been doing really well. She has a wonderfully thick coat (for a Thoroughbred) and has put on weight since we added a cup of Ultimate Finish to her feed each day. I'm really pleased with how she is looking going into winter. I'm also pleased to report that she is doing very well in her ground work and prep for riding. She is consistent on the lunge line (w/t/c in both directions) and works well in both the bitting rig and the side reins. She is really coming along nicely!

The only thing standing in our path is her ears. Yesterday, the vet was out to remove aural plaques (believed to be a form of papilloma) from her ears. This is typically a young horse thing, so we were surprised that at 6 years old, she had plaque in both ears. While the papillomas are benign, they make her ears incredibly painful and sensitive to touching. As you might imagine, this makes bridling an issue. So, yesterday we had them removed. I was originally planning to ride her today, but we'll see how she is when I get out there today. I do have a schooling bridle that is easily taken apart so that I don't have to mess with her ears. That may be the answer. I'll report back later today as to what I do and how it goes.

Jewel is doing very well under saddle too. The chiropractic adjustment last month has made a huge difference. She is really coming along nicely with a lot of power from the hind end. Right now, we're just doing strength building exercises. I started a little bit of collection work yesterday after having doing a few weeks of long and low work to build back muscle. She still isn't strong enough for a lot of collected work, but she can do a little bit at a time with frequent walk breaks to stretch and relax the muscles. I was quite pleased with her work yesterday!

Jewel is also looking great going into winter. She too has a thicker coat than usual. Hmm...are the horses trying to tell me something? I've given both of them a modified bib clip so help the dry a little faster after working. In the past, Jewel has been a little on the thin side going into winter. However, I think we FINALLY found a good combination of feed and fat supplements because she has PLENTY of excess weight right now. Of course, she did have most of the summer off due to my schedule, so that allowed her to just pack on the pasture. Oh well, I would rather have her head into winter being a little overweight (knowing that she'll loose some) than to have her be thin.

Other exciting news is that I'm planning to attend the schooling dressage show up at Foxton Farm on December 12. Weather permitting, I'll be heading up there to ride Jewel in a couple dressage classes. I'm thinking of doing Training 1 (in the side saddle) and Training 4 in the regular saddle. We'll see how things go. If you're there, please stop by and see us! :)

New Pictures of Roxie

2009-11-18T10:03:00.003-05:00

I took some new pictures of Roxie the other day. She is fitting in really well and seems to be happy enough. I'm planning on ramping up ground work this week and next with plans for starting her under saddle at the beginning of December. Here are pictures of her stretching her legs on Sunday. Enjoy!

I can just see her galloping with a rider after jumping a XC fence!

Whee!!

Lots of potential here!

End of October Updates

2009-11-04T18:58:00.000-05:00

Technically its November, but I figured I'd bring everyone up to speed on what was going on with the two ponies.

Jewel is doing great. She was chiropracted a week ago Monday and it made an unbelievable difference. She doesn't have a lot of strength or endurance, but the willingness and the initial thrust is there. We've been riding each day just doing long and low work. No collection and in fact, didn't even start cantering again until a couple days ago. I'm really pleased with her progress. She is already starting to change her body shape, which really pleases me!

Roxie is pretty much just hangin' out. She couldn't be sweeter. She greets me in the pasture whenever I go out to get Jewel. She knows I'll love on her a bit and stands quietly while I do. She integrated into the herd fairly seamlessly. No fuss or fighting, although I have noticed a couple of bite marks on her (and on Jewel), but nothing serious. She's starting to get a fuzzy coat, although TB fuzzy, not "normal horse" fuzzy. TBs just don't seem to grow shaggy coats. Well, none of mine ever have. We'll re-evaluate her in a month or so and see how she's moving and how her feet are. Hopefully I can get on her soon. I think she's going to make someone a really nice horse!

Do You Have What It Takes?

2009-11-04T18:53:00.002-05:00

I watched this video today and it gave me goosebumps! I had to share! :)

Tweet This: Roxie's on Twitter

2009-10-26T10:40:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered what the horses are thinking? Now you have a chance to know! Follow Roxie on Twitter for regular insight into what a new exracer is thinking as they transition to a new life.

Here is Roxie's twitter page!

https://twitter.com/2003Roxie

New Pictures of Roxie

2009-10-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

We Have a Name

2009-10-20T12:36:00.001-04:00

Roxie's registered name is Moro Rapidoe. Check out her pedigree here: http://www.pedigreequery.com/moro+rapidoe

Now that we know who she was, I found that Roxie had 33 starts and won over $48,000 during her racing career. And she's SOUND and has CLEAN LEGS! If racing couldn't break her down, she'll be ready for any discipline out there. She is really showing herself to be a sweetheart. I can't seem to find anything that the vet would be worried about. We'll see come Monday! As for right now, I think Roxie is going to make someone a really nice horse. Any takers out there?

Quick Update on Roxie

2009-10-13T20:36:00.000-04:00

Roxie is doing great. I measured her today. She was a bit freaked out by the measuring device, but with some assurance, stood quietly and realized we weren't going to hurt her. She is 16h and 1/4 inch. She has shoes on right now, which will be pulled soon. That will probably put her at exactly 16h. She also got turned out in the dirt lot which is adjacent to the pasture where the rest of the herd was turned out. After a bit of fence running and one touch to the hot wire, she determined that the large round bale in the center was probably her safest and most fulfilling, or at least filling, choice. She contentedly munch on that during the hour I was there. She at least got to meet the rest of the horses over the fenceline. Once her racing plates (with toe grabs) are pulled, she'll be able to go out with everyone else.

The New Mare: Roxie

2009-10-13T13:12:00.000-04:00

Why You Should Attend the IHC Octoberfest Show

2009-10-09T18:57:00.001-04:00

There is an immediate need at the Hoosier Horse Park to provide safe footing that can accommodate various disciplines, while minimizing dust, maintenance, and concussion to the horses and providing necessary grip. The solution being considered for the dressage and stadium arenas at the Hoosier Horse Park is the same fiber product sold by Premier Equestrian that the Kentucky Horse Park has installed in its new Main Arena. For more information about this product, visit http://www.dressagearena.net/pages/ggtarenafooting.html. This fiber meets the critical needs mentioned above and has a life expectancy of 10 years or more. The approximate cost of this material for these arenas is $25,000. Baker Arena will require more effort with a new clay base and sand installation, while ensuring that the liner is not damaged. Estimates are being investigated, but preliminary numbers indicate that it will cost approximately $25,000 to complete the Baker Arena project. A grant request is being submitted to ECLR to help supplement footing and drainage improvements in addition to this fundraiser.

By repairing the most critical concern of the varying disciplines, our goal is to re-establish Hoosier Horse Park as a first-class equestrian facility, resulting in expanded use of the Park. The growth in use of the Park illustrates the need and interest of the equestrian community in these facilities. This then provides a strong argument to present the hotel tax bill in next year’s legislative session to obtain long term funding which will be necessary to renovate and maintain the Park for future equestrians.

The opportunity arose for organizations that utilize the Park and that would benefit from these footing improvements to partner with the Indiana Horse Council and provide much needed support from the equestrian community to increase the fundraising efforts. The Horse Park is a proud partner with the Indiana Horse Council in an effort to benefit both organizations, and all equestrians.

More information on the show can be found here: http://www.indianahorsecouncil.org/Events/octoberfest.htm

New Mare Arrives on Monday

2009-10-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled to say that another new foster horse will be arriving on Monday. Yippee!! All I know is that she is a 6 year old bay mare, approximately 15.2h. I'll definitely get some pictures posted when she arrives.

To Part Lease or Not

2009-10-06T22:51:00.000-04:00

So I made a sort of brash decision today and listed Jewel for part lease on dream horse. Now its not because I don't have time to ride. Well, okay, I don't have time to ride -- but it really that I don't have as much time to ride as I would like. There is a difference, right? Hmmm. I got to thinking that I would really like to have my horse ridden more frequently than I'm able to get out there. She could easily go 6 days a week and she really needs to get back into shape. I'm planning to ride 3-4 days per week now that I'm home again. If I found the right person to ride her, I think it could work out well. The key is going to be having the right person. I'm also requiring that any person who is going to part lease take at least one lesson per month with Amanda Pisano. Amanda knows Jewel best and will also be honest with me about the skills of the rider and whether she believes it will be a good fit.

Aside from wanting Jewel to be in regular work, I will be taking on an FFI horse this fall and at some point, may be asked to ride him/her. It will be nice knowing that Jewel will still be in regular work even if I ride her fewer times each week.

Anyhow, we'll see how it goes. I may also find that I'm a bit of a stickler about who is good enough to ride the precious princess. Ha! I'll be sure to post here when and if I move forward...or if I change my mind! ;)

Saribel Cruz (aka Flirt)

2009-10-01T16:14:00.000-04:00

More info on Flirt is available on her page by clicking here!

Fall Updates

2009-09-29T17:14:00.000-04:00

Well, for those of you that don't know, I was travelling for work and vacation through most of August and the first part of September. I'm home and I've actually ridden my horse and it was great! Yahoo!

Just an update on my previous fosters.
She's Got Wings - Adoption Pending
Sea Dar - Available
Soothe The Soul - Available (perfect husband horse)
Saribel Cruz - Available

It just now occurred to me that all of their registered names begin with S. How weird is that? Anyhow, visit the FFI website for information on them including pictures and video.

Saribel Cruz (aka Flirt) has been started over ground poles and little Xs. She is doing really well and is going to make someone a REALLY nice horse. She's only just turned 4 and is just shy of 16h, so I think she'll probably finish around 16.1 when its all said and done. Someone needs to snatch her up!

Our tracks will be closing in a couple weeks for the winter. That means that new horses will be available soon. The date of the track sale has not yet been announced, but I'll certainly put it up here when it is! I'll have new fosters in at that time and will certainly post about them here.

Let me know what you're doing with your horses and how the summer went. Just reply to this thread to keep in touch!

Roman's First Show

2009-08-03T08:22:00.003-04:00

Sarah & Roman participated in their first USDF show over the weekend. Roman (aka Shedroe Warrior) is one of my former foster horses. While they had a bobble in their first test where Roman left the arena and it caused them to be eliminated, he evidently determined that this dressage thing wasn't bad and did beautifully on his second test! They did so well, in fact, that he earned a 68.5% -- good enough for first place! Many congrats to Sarah and Roman and I look forward to many more blue ribbons in your future!

Roman @ First USDF Show

2009-07-31T13:54:00.003-04:00

I am thrilled to announce that my former foster horse Roman is making his USDF competitive debut this weekend under new owner Sarah-Jayne. They will only be competing in Intro, but he I'm thrilled for them none-the-less. I'll definitely take my camera with me, so look for photos!

Upcoming WEG Events

2009-07-31T10:51:00.003-04:00

So its sort of an exciting time here in the midwest because next year, Lexington KY, which is about 3 hours away, is going to play host to the World Equestrian Games. Over 600 horses will be present in pretty much every equine competitive discipline out there. The logistics of the whole thing have got to be completely crazy.

While surfing the web today, I came across an interesting article on the Quarantine location for the games. It looks like they're going to be turning part of the parking lot at the Cincinnati airport into a quarantine facility. Here is a link to the article.

And so discussion of WEG begs the question of whether or not I plan to attend. The best I can do right now is "I'm thinking about it." I looked into what it would take to be one of the many official event photographers, but it appears that in order to get a media pass, one must actually be associated with the media. Hmmm. Go figure! One of the issues everyone will face is where to stay. I suppose the good news is that if I decide on an event (or events) to watch, I live close enough that I could actually drive home and not have to get a hotel. While a round trip in one day to Lexington is not ideal, I've done it before for Rolex. And if it meant the difference between going and not going, I would most likely do it just to say I got to go. :)

First Ride on Wings

2009-07-20T23:29:00.004-04:00

I had my first ride on Wings tonight. She was great. We did quite a bit of ground work first. She quickly figured out that moving away from the whip was much better than moving towards it. She also learned to stand still for mounting (and getting over the scary mounting block -- aka kitchen step stool). After I was on, we really just worked at the walk in getting her to relax. She figured it out, stretched downward and out and even learned how to step to the outside (off the inside shoulder). I'm really proud of her. She is definitely a thinker. I like it! :)

Magic is on the Midnight Train to Georgia

2009-07-20T11:18:00.004-04:00

Okay...so he didn't leave at midnight, but Magic did head southward to his permanent home in Georgia at around 8AM this morning. Over the last 5 months that he's been here, he has relaxed considerably. He's figured out that trail riding is pretty much the best job ever. I'm really proud of how far he's come. :)

In addition, Wings has been approved for work. I've already been working her in the round pen and plan to get on her later today! Yippee! Flirt and Jewel both went very well in lessons last week with Sarah. We'll be taking another lesson a week from today. I definitely enjoyed the lessona and I'm looking forward to the regular feedback.

Fabulous Flirt

2009-07-12T16:47:00.005-04:00

I had a really excellent ride on Flirt today. Instead of having any preconceived hopes of what we would accomplish, I just focused on having a calm ride. It worked! She was great, despite the "dance of the riding lawn mowers" going on across the road. Apparently it was a good day to mow the lawn. ;) Anyhow, Flirt took everything in stride. She had a very nice, relaxed trot. Transitions to walk came easily. Lots of walking on a long rein. She was fabulous. And so different than last weekend. We're definitely going to have to deal with her issues of working with another horse. However, I'm thrilled with how well she did today on her own. This filly is going to make somebody a *really* nice horse. Know anyone who wants a (nearly) 16h 2005 dark bay TB mare? Send them to Friends of Ferdinand. The website link is above. :)

I also rode Jewel. After nearly 3.5 months off due to various injuries, it was great to have a ride where I feel like she actually worked some.

I have lessons scheduled with both mares tomorrow with Sarah-Jayne Bower. She's a British Riding Club certified instructor. I'm looking forward to them. The vet is also coming out to do exams on Wings (aka Smoke) and Sully. She's also going to do a health certificate and coggins for Magic, who will be leaving for home next week some time.

I'm showing Sully tonight to a potential adopter. I think it will go really well. He's a super nice horse. Stay tuned to find out what happens! :)

She's Got Wings

2009-07-09T17:40:00.001-04:00

Playing With Ponies

2009-07-09T15:02:00.003-04:00

Kim came over this morning and we played with Flirt and Wings. Kim rode Flirt, who was anxious as ever in the outdoor arena. After a good 20 minutes outside, we went back in the indoor because it started raining. Flirt calmed right down. Its quite obviously her comfy place. After about 20 minutes indoors, we went back outside where she stayed quiet and Kim had a couple really nice walk-trot transitions and then finished on that note. Kim's going to come out and ride Flirt as her schedule allows. I think that is a good thing.

Afterwards, we played with Wings for a while. I hadn't done anything with her. We turned her out in the outdoor and got some video of her moving around at liberty. She's a lovely mover. When we went back inside, she was pretty anxious at first and called a lot to her buddies (Darcy). I stuck her on the lunge line and she pretty quickly figured out that she was supposed to go around in a circle. Once she figured out that her buddies weren't going to save her, she settled in and started paying attention to me. We worked both directions on the lunge line. I would have liked to have used the round pen but the footing was pretty mucky. Anyhow, after about 10 minute each direction on the lunge, we did some in hand work, getting her to yield her haunches and shoulders. She picked up on it very quickly. Afterwards, she stood quietly in the cross ties, allowed us to groom her and love on her, pick up her feet, etc. She also stood reasonably well for pictures. All in all, she was really good. She seems to be a very intelligent horse who learns quickly. She also seems to be a thinker rather than a reactor. I like this. :) She's very athletic and I couldn't see any lameness or prior injury that would keep her from doing anything. We'll see what Doc Angie says. :)

Outside with Another Horse

2009-07-07T08:36:00.003-04:00

Well, it was a bit of an eye opening thing to ride Flirt outside with another horse. To date, I haven't ridden Flirt with another horse. It makes sense that she would be strong and unfocused with another horse cantering towards her, but somehow I didn't think of that when we were riding. I'm hoping that Erica will be out soon to ride Darcy so that I can ride with another horse in the ring. I think using Sara's feedback about the two horses working at opposite ends of the ring and passing each other on figure eights will be useful for Flirt, especially since she tends to have a lot of tension (perhaps from the track) about working around other horses. Her only skill before then was to run with them. So it makes sense for her to not understand that we don't want her to run.

Anyhow...we'll see how today's ride goes.

Good Ride on Flirt

2009-07-02T19:42:00.004-04:00

I had a nice ride on Flirt today. I finally got to canter her outside. Even though I had ridden her quite a few times before, the footing and weather outside just never worked out for me to get to ride her out there. So finally, today I did. And while she was distracted and seemed to have forgotten most of what she had learned just 6 short weeks before, she eventually settled into steady, stretching contact and worked well for me. We even got to canter! Her canter is quite stiff, but she really listened to my seat and body position and was pretty quiet.

Hopefully on Sunday after the prospective adopter rides her, we can get some video of her going under saddle.

I was planning to ride Jewel as well, but unfortunately it looks like she got kicked in the belly. She has a nice arc-shaped wound on her belly right in front of her stifle. She has some funky drainage pouch on her leg. I'm not sure if the two are related or not. Regardless, she was kind of stiff and not wanting to move out on the lunge (which is very a-typical of her), so I cleaned up the wound and turned her back out. My guess is that she'll be fine in a few days.

Potential Adopter for Flirt

2009-07-02T09:32:00.003-04:00

Well someone is coming to look at Flirt this weekend! :) It is a lady who, I'm told, is a dressage rider from the Chicago area. She is going to ride Flirt and Nightwing (one of the other FFI horses). Both horses are quite nice so hopefully she picks one of them!

Magical Trail Ride

2009-07-01T10:57:00.004-04:00

Just a note to update you all on Magic. He is still hanging out with me, although his owner is planning to have him shipped home around July 21st. We had a wonderful ride the other night. The temperature had dropped and there was a nice breeze. We went out to the outdoor arena and walked, trotted and cantered both directions. He's still pretty sticky with his left lead. He much prefers to canter on his right, which I find amusing (usually its the other way around with track horses). Anyhow, after about 15 minutes, we headed off on the trail. He was a superstar!! He looked around a lot, but just walked. My proudest moment for him was when we came to a mulberry tree and he stood still allow me to pick berries until I had my fill (or at least picked what I could reach from the saddle). Then we headed off to the barn. I'm really pleased with is progress. Will he be a show horse? Nope. But he's perfect for the trail!!

New Pics of Flirt

2009-07-01T10:50:00.002-04:00

Due to circumstances beyond their control, the adopters of Flirt ended up returning her to the FFI program. She had been in training with me, so as far as she is concerned, life never changed. But I think its important to share with everybody out there that Flirt is once again on the market. Here are her stats:

Registered Name: Saribel Cruz

2005 Thoroughbred Mare

Color: Dark Bay w/few white hairs on forehead & 2 hind pasterns

Height: 15.3 1/2

Training: 60 days training & sound for all uses

Pictures of Sully

2009-07-01T10:46:00.004-04:00

Kim & Sully at the Kentucky Horse Park's 2nd Annual John Henry Memorial Adoption Fair.

Sully hanging out in the round pen furing his first day at my place.

Soothe the Soul "Sully" from S.Pratt on Vimeo.

Welcome Soothe The Soul

2009-06-28T12:39:00.003-04:00

I have a new foster horse - Soothe The Soul. "Sully" as he's known, is a former FFI horse that was originally adopted in 2006, but whose owner fell on some hard times. He's a 1999 Chestnut gelding who happily w/t/c under saddle. He's come back to the program to find a new home. Pictures coming soon!

Jewel Stretching Her Legs

2009-05-21T08:51:00.002-04:00

Jewel enjoyed some pasture time yesterday after more than a week on stall rest due to the laceration on her leg. Its healing and and she was happy to be out side where she could stretch her legs a bit!

Welcome to She's Got Wings

2009-05-21T00:06:00.003-04:00

A big welcome to new foster horse She's Got Wings! We're going to call her Smoke, in honor of being the 10th Tony Stewart horse in the program. She is currently under evaluation. More information to follow!

Roman's New Home

2009-05-21T00:02:00.002-04:00

I was lucky enough to get to be part of Roman's delivery to his new home today. I'll let these photos I shot during the process speak for themselves. I really don't think he could have gone to a better place or nicer person!

Magic, Darcy, Flirt & jingles needed for Jewel

2009-05-10T21:26:00.003-04:00

Well I picked up Magic today and he is like a completely different horse. MUCH more confident. Really laid back. Its as though he finally took a deep breath and realized that life just doesn't have to be rushed. I was thrilled to see him go so well and even more thrilled to get to ride him. Jan gave me a tour of the property during a 30 minute or so trail ride. Magic did great and I know his owner Chris is going to be thrilled with him! I'm looking forward to some good trail rides in the upcoming weeks.

Since I had access to the truck and trailer, Sara Busbice, the FFI president asked if I could move a couple of horses around. After getting Magic back home, I headed down to Horse & Hound Vet clinic to pick up Bartlett, who was left there after not passing his vet check to the desires of the adopter. He went back to his foster home and will be starting training for a beginner level horse trial later this summer. He seemed excited to be home. From that foster home, I picked up Darcy (registered name Sea Dar) , who will be heading up to Jan and Archies in June.

When I got back, I brought in Flirt and Jewel to ride them. Jewel had a swollen knee with what looked to be a scrape. Turns out to be a cut. It looks like she just cut the surface skin (the hide) on her right knee. I have no idea what she could have cut it on. The whole knee is swollen, and while she's sore on it, she isn't lame. She trotted sound on the lunge line. I cleaned the wound as best I could and determined that the cut at least is superficial. I can't find anything that looks like a puncture or a deeper slice. I have no idea what she did. I guess it could be a kick, but the cut is so clean that I'm tending towards a wire cut. I gave her a gram of bute and tucked her in her stall for the night. We'll see how she is doing tomorrow. I wish I'd seen it before I drove to the vet's today to pick up Bartlett because would have hauled her down there just to be on the safe side.

Flirt was filthy. Just absolutely gross looking. Such is what happens when we get 7 inches of rain in one week. She was also shedding like crazy, so I decided to give her a bath. She got a good scrub down and looks so much better! She's a bit thin for my taste. She just looks racing fit. I'd like to see more fat on her, but I think the issue is that she's gone through another growth spurt because she is no longer butt high. I left a note for her grain to be increased. After the bath I lunged her out on the grass arena. It is actually dry enough to work out there (I'm surprised!). If the weather holds out tomorrow, I hope to get to ride her out there. Keep your fingers crossed!

Picking Up Magic

2009-05-10T10:09:00.003-04:00

This post will be short and sweet, but just wanted to let everybody know that I'm heading out to pick up Magic today. He's been up getting some trail ride training at Jan & Archie's place for the last month or so. I'm excited to be able to get him out on the trails and such outside over the next month or so. Here are a couple of the pictures they sent me of him figuring out that there is more to riding than running and racing.

This Why I Retrain TBs

2009-05-03T17:24:00.001-04:00

Ignoble Endings Far From the Winners Circle
by William C. Rhoden
Published April 30, 2009 - New York Times

A Couple Nice Rides

2009-05-03T16:32:00.002-04:00

Well, I had a couple nice rides today. I didn't expect greatness from my horse since she's had about a month off and it sometimes takes some convincing that she should actually work again. But, I was pleasantly surprised the good effort she gave. I would have like to have ridden outside, but it was just to wet out there yet. Heck, I nearly lost my muck boots just walking out in the paddock to get her. My muck boots go up to my knees and I had mud within two inches of the top. At one point, I wondered if I should continue further. Thankfully, it got shallower instead of deeper.

Anyhow, after riding Jewel, I rode Flirt. She is doing really well. I'm really pleased. She w/t/c both directions on the lunge with ease. Her lateral work on the ground is really coming along. I do have to remind her (under saddle) to move her shoulders to the outside. She really wants to fall inwards. We've been doing some turns on the haunches, which require her to pick up the inside shoulder and shift her weight to the outside in order to do so. They're a little sloppy yet, but getting better. She is also standing quietly in the cross ties and standing quietly at the mounting block. I'm proud of where she's at and how far she's come!

After riding Flirt, I was pretty much wiped out. Linda was giving a lesson to another border and there was quite a lot of dust in the air. I just needed to not be breathing all that in. In other words, Roman got another day off. The good news though is that someone is interested in him and is scheduled for a visit on Wednesday. From what I know of this person (based on her adoption application), she would make a great home for him. Hopefully it all works out!

Riding Finally!!!

2009-05-03T10:05:00.001-04:00

After nearly two weeks of no riding due to ankle injury and then a nasty cough, I'm finally riding today! All the horses have had it fairly easy with just ground work, but now its back to work. Plus, its actually sunny out today. Yippee! I probably won't be able to ride outside, but at least I'll be able to get on them in the indoor. Updates on rides later. :)

No Clinic for Me

2009-05-02T10:44:00.002-04:00

Today is a clinic with Linda Heiny and I sure wish I were riding in it. Unfortunately, I've contracted a nasty respiratory cold. Dave had it. Now I have it. And while I don't have flu-like symptoms (more like sinus infection type symptoms), I'm going to stay away from the barn for today to keep the dust out of my lungs. I figure everything I can do to speed along the recovery (and not pass along my germs) is a good thing.

I may stop by the barn later this afternoon and just peek on in the ponies and make sure everyone is doing fine. They've no doubt been enjoying the past few days off.

An Interesting April

2009-04-28T08:35:00.001-04:00

Its been an interesting April. Flirt is doing really well and I'm very pleased with her progress. Hopefully the weather clears up so that I can get on her outside without tearing up the footing in the outdoor. I'd really like to get some cantering under saddle time on her before she leaves.

Roman has had it pretty easy. The family that came to look at him from Ohio determined that they probably weren't going to be a good fit for him. While they were great riders, they don't offer nearly the same amount of turnout that Roman gets at my barn (nearly 24 hours in the summer). They were concerned that his very mild cribbing could become an issue if he is left in a lot more. I too think it could be an issue. Plus, physically, he does much better being turned out than standing in his stall.

Jewel continues to be the princess. She is fat and sassy as ever. There is a clinic this weekend with Linda Heiny, but I don't know if I'll be riding in it. Probably not. Considering my riding has been restricted this month pretty much to client horses, I think I'll wait until next month when I have the chance to ride my own horse a little more frequently. :)

Magic is doing very well up at Jan and Archie's place. They sent photos today of him being ridden out on the trail. It looks like he is really coming along well and I couldn't be more pleased. Its exactly what he needed!

Quarterly Inventory

2009-04-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

Well its the end of the quarter, so I guess I'll do a little update on the ponies.

The first is Flirt, who I haven't written too much about. Flirt is a former FFI horse that was adopted in March 09 by Stephanie from Michigan. She is a 2005 filly and a Seattle Slew grand daughter. She is a super cute filly and tends to learn pretty quickly. She has made major improvements over the past month. Round pen work has been great for her. She really needed to understand that she wasn't in charge and that it was okay for her to trust a human. She has also calmed down in cross ties as well. She didn't freak out in them, she just danced in them. However, I think we've finally gotten that taken care of. Under saddle, she is improving greatly in regards to balancing herself. She still needs help moving over to the right (lifting the right shoulder and stepping outwards), but she is happy to yield her haunches. The ground work we've been doing has been helpful as well. She's understanding more that she needs to step under rather than just shuffle sideways. Its a combination of a young horse and track horse thing and she's very willing to learn a better way. All in all, I'm pleased with her progress.

Magic is the 2nd horse that I'm working with. He continues to be nervous with a strong flight instinct even after the two months with me. After some discussion, it looks like someone will be taking him up to Jan and Archie Pickets for 30 days of trail training. He'll actually get worked every day, which is exactly what he needs. He is only getting worked 3 times per week with me. Anyhow, I think it will be just what he needs to build confidence. And then he'll still have a final 30 days with me before heading down south to his new home.

Roman is the 3rd horse. Technically, his official training time is over, but I will continue to ride him and help him progress until he is adopted. I was able to ride in two clinics with him. Linda is really thrilled with his progress and how much more supple he is getting. He's still a stinker about wanting to give to the bit, but he's getting better. And he's a very smart horse, so part of it is just him testing the line to see what he can get away with. But, he learns so quickly that I really think that with more consistent work, he's just going to blossom! There are also people driving from OH this weekend to see him. I'm really excited about that because it sounds like they're going to be a perfect home for him.

And finally we have Jewel. More and more, I look at Jewel and just can't believe that I own such a nice horse. Her weight is fabulous. I think the worming every month was exactly what she needed to maintain her weight. I recently rode her with Linda Heiny, who said that aside from working on some position stuff with me, she felt that Jewel was ready to show 2nd level. This is so gratifying for me. We're finally back to where she was before the colic surgery. I couldn't be more pleased with her.

And so there we are after the first quarter of the year. :)

Roman

2009-04-07T10:33:00.001-04:00

Roman is really coming along nicely. I rode him in a clinic with Linda Heiny on March 28 and really got some great information on what I need to do to continue progressing with him. Here is a pic from that ride:

Getting Back into The Swing of Things

2009-04-07T10:25:00.000-04:00

Well, after all the prep work for the Horse Fair, I attended up not attending. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away on Monday, March 30. It was unexpected and quite a shock to the family. However, he did not suffer and was in no pain. He had a massive stroke on Sunday night and slipped into a coma. He was not on life support and passed on Monday morning. His services were over the weekend in Wisconsin and so Dave and I spent the weekend with my family there.

I did help get the booth and everything set up for horse fair though. Personally, I thought it looked great. If we can only get a section of carpet, we'll be set for next year.

Now I'm just getting back into the swing of things after a week off of riding. The weather is lovely today and I'm nearly finished with the emails and catching up that I needed to do from being out of town. I plan to ride Flirt and Jewel for sure today. Perhaps Roman as well. We'll see. :)

Improvements & HHF Preparations

2009-03-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

I just have to write that I have had some of the best rides on my mare lately. I've really been asking her to come over her back and engage her haunches. I've been riding exercises from the clinic last month as well as being very aware of NOT blocking her outside hind with my outside rein. Its made an incredible difference! Duh! Go figure. ;) When I ride, not only can I feel her lift her back and raise me up, but I can also hear her hind feet clicking against the front feet as she swings the hind feet forward. She's also sweating on her topline. Love it! Its amazing what a few simple exercises can do to make improvements.

And so now I'm just preparing for horse fair, which is two weeks from today. It will be Jewel's 4th appearance there. And like last year, we are only doing the breed demos, no clinics. They actually don't have a dressage clinician there this year, which is unfortunate. Last year, they had the Lipizzaner stallions from Temple Farms and the head trainer as a clinician. This year, I think they have an eventing clinician who is doing a day of dressage and 2 days of jumping. Seeing as I don't currently own a jump saddle, that's not something we'll participate in. However I do hope to watch some of the rides.

I Heart Roman

2009-03-17T09:24:00.000-04:00

So, in an amazing change of events, I find myself falling more and more each day for this short, QH-looking, smart-as-a-whip chestnut TB gelding. Its as much a surprise to me as it is to everyone else, considering I wanted nothing to do with Roman when he first arrived. But then, maybe that's because he has done a complete 180 in temperament. His is an ugly duckling meets Beauty and Beast type story, where he is actually all three characters. You see, he's learning to trust again. When he first arrived, he didn't trust anyone. His fear response was to kick -- and a lightening fast kick he does have!! That was him being a Beast.

At the same time he was kind of shaggy (because he eats his blankets, so he doesn't wear one). He's also looks like a classic QH. He's been going through growth spurts and was kind of down hill. He has short, stocky legs and a butt that is a big, round and full as any QH I've ever seen. He even has the small head. In short, one would probably never guess he was full TB. Maybe an Appendix QH, but not full TB. This is him as the Ugly Duckling.

Then, around the end of January, I put him on the lunge line to see how we was moving. I could not believe my eyes when I saw that he had the most natural dressage movement I had ever seen. I just couldn't believe it! He is a beautiful mover. Scope, suspension, and TONS of impulsion. In the words of Linda Heiny, the dressage clinician I frequently ride with, if he moves like this now, with race muscle, imagine what he's going to be like with actual self carriage muscle. To see Roman move is to see him as Beauty.

And under saddle, he's pretty willing, but you have to be very sure of yourself. I haven't seen him spook at anything yet, but he's the kind of horse that has to want to do something. There is no making him do something. But when he wants to do it for you, its amazing. He trot is big and powerful, and his canter is so smooth. And he is really easy to stop. There is no running away. This little horse's perfect home would be with an experienced dressage or event rider looking for a diamond in the rough.

A Diamond In The Rough

2009-03-01T13:08:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of riding three of my mounts in a clinic with Linda Heiny. It was at Centerline Stables in Greencastle, IN. The facility was beautiful and boasts a 20m x 60m indoor arena with heated viewing area and bathroom. The footing was lovely and the arena was full of natural lighting. It is an ideal place for a dressage clinic and those who board there are indeed lucky!

The clinic itself was also fabulous. I started by riding Magic who is one of my training rides. He has a lot of the stiffness issues similar to Jewel. I keep some lateral flexion in order to help him stay soft. He's pretty much a 2x4. He also can't be allowed to hang on me anywhere. I must constantly soften him and help him to yield his jaw and poll. Part of what I learned is that I must be very conscious of the outside rein and not lifting it or bringing it across the wither. It was a very revealing lesson for me and what I need to do to help support him. The key though will to not allow him to hang on me or ignore my aids all the while, I must not be reactionary. He reacts to things versus thinking about them.

The second ride was on Jewel. This lesson was amazing! Jewel has a very hard time loosening her back. Linda helped me to see what I was doing to block her hind legs from really coming forward so that she could stretch down and track up behind. My big issue is blocking that forward motion of the outside hind with my outside rein. I have a much better understanding now of what I need to do to allow her to take longer strides with the hind legs. By half way through the lesson, Jewel had really loosened her back and was swinging over her topline. It was really cool!

One of the biggest challenges I have with Jewel is shifting the weight back onto her haunches and getting her to sit. Linda gave me an exercise to work on that will help her learn to lift and sit. Here is the outline of the exercise done at a trot:
- make a 20m circle at one end of the arena to soften the horse
- with the horse soft, come across the diagonal
- about 2 strides in, change bend and go into shoulder-in (while still traveling on the diagonal)
- from shoulder in, move into haunches in
- in haunches in, do a 1/4 turn on the haunches
- continue straight and then change bend

So for example, to start, 20m circle to the left. When the horse is soft, come across the diagonal. Straighten and change bend to the right. Shoulder in to the right. Haunches in to the right and 1/4 turn on the haunches to the right. Continue straight ahead and change the bend to the left. When done correctly, the horse shifts its weight onto the haunches, sits and raises the forehand during the pirouette (1/4 turn). Jewel's challenge has always been to sit. This exercise really helped her figure out how to sit. Linda said that she could see her sit and lift her wither a couple inches when doing the pirouettes. This is huge for her (Jewel). I'm excited about having a tool to really help her shift her weight.

My final ride was on Roman. He came out and I told Linda that I loved this little horse. She kind of gave me this look like she just didn't understand. As always, Roman's appearance is deceiving. For starters, he looks like a QH. He has a giant butt, short legs and his neck is set on low. He just simply looks like he's going to have a short strided gait. However, once he gets moving, how he looks just standing there is completely forgotten.

Regarding his movement, Roman has the most amazing natural self carriage, "uberstreichen" and "schwung" of any horse I have ever ridden -- including warmbloods. He doesn't look like he should carry himself the way he does, but he does! Unlike the other horses which needed to be ridden with some lateral flexion in order to create longitudinal flexion, Roman didn't need interference. As Linda put it, for whatever reason, he was like a young warmblood just starting off under saddle. He has tremendous natural impulsion and just needs to be ridden straight and forward. In fact, all she had me do is ride him straight forward and comb the reins. He automatically sought out the bit and stretched down. I rode him on the buckle with is head down nearly to the ground. And although his head and neck were stretched all the way down, he was not on the forehand. He was overstriding behind by 6-8 inches. The swing and impulsion were incredible and he just floated around the arena. Linda, I and the others there watching were in amazement. It was the most amazing feeling -- and so unexpected. I knew he was a good mover, but this lesson was truly an amazing ride. I can say without questions that Roman is the most talented dressage horse that I have ever ridden.

AT the conclusion of the lesson, Linda was all smiles. She was just as thrilled as I was with his natural talent. One of the things that she said that stuck with me was "if he is like this now while still with racing muscle and very little self carriage muscle...imagine what he will be like when he actually has the correct muscle! There is no limit to his ability. He is truly a diamond in the rough." I must admit that I am quite fond of Roman. While I adored JC, I just love Roman to pieces. He is an extremely talented little horse.

On a side note, Roman showed some of his true character as well. Centerline has very large mirrors. I have mirrors at home, but they're set up a little higher. I don't think he can see himself in them. Every time we went past the mirrors yesterday, Roman looked at himself. He was quite smitten with himself and it was very funny. He had to turn his head and look at himself each time we rode past. It gave us all a good chuckle.

And so I am home resting today and giving all of the ponies the day off. Aside from being tired, its really chilly out. However, I'm excited to implement the tools that I learned in my lessons throughout the coming rides. Linda will be back on March 21 at Centerline and I hope to be able to ride all three with her again at that time.

Magic & Roman Coming Along

2009-02-21T18:12:00.000-05:00

Magic is really settling in well into life at the barn. Its pretty laid back here with not a lot of action, so its a great place for exracers to come and learn that life can have a slower pace. He does have some bite marks on his butt, but nothing terrible. He seems to have quickly figured out his place in the herd. He is also buddies with River, who is another TB gelding at the barn. I've seen the two of them running around together and playing. Their favorite game seems to be "I'm going to bite your butt and run!" Its pretty comical.

I don't know if Magic had been lunged before, but he took to it pretty quickly. Its been cold and I've wanted to take it fairly easy on him, so he's just been working on the lunge so far this week. However, I do plan to get on him tomorrow. I don't think it will be a big issue. I would have ridden him today, however I was by myself at the barn much of the time and I make it a practice not to get on a track horse for the first time when I'm by myself. They usually don't do anything stupid, but you just never know. I'd rather be safe than sorry. And I know there will be others out there tomorrow, so that will work out fine. Plus, I'll have the week to prepare him for the upcoming clinic with Linda H, and it would be a good thing to have a couple rides on him before we go.

Roman is also going to the clinic. I'm really thrilled with how well he is doing. I rode him again today and he did really well. Like most exracers, he has a hard time getting off of his right front leg. When tracking right, moving outwards on the circle is really difficult for him, even at a walk, he really has to work to lift the right shoulder and move it over to the outside. It will get better with time. He's also going through a growth spurt right now. He was 15.1 and fairly level when he arrived in November. He's currently 15.2 in front and 15.3 behind. That doesn't make it ay easier to lift the front end. Speaking of growing, his last baby teeth are falling out and his canines are starting to come in.

I lunged him outside yesterday too. He did great! I also let him run around the outdoor to get some action shots of him. These aren't bad considering he's having a hard time lifting the front end up and his neck is a little on the short side (not to mention being totally upside down from racing). Once he really gets some carrying strength and builds the right kind of muscle, he is going to be a very nice mover!

Jewel

2009-02-21T18:09:00.000-05:00

Self Portrait: Roman & Amy

2009-02-21T17:12:00.000-05:00

Going, Going, Gone!

2009-02-21T17:06:00.000-05:00

JC didn't leave the round bale all day. :)

Going

Gone

Amy & JC

2009-02-21T17:03:00.000-05:00

Isn't he just the cutest thing you've ever seen? JC has been adopted! Yippee! Congrats to Pam Groth of Madison, Wisconsin. Pam snapped this picture of JC and I when she was down to visit on Valentine's weekend.

Riding Roman

2009-02-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

After a little time off for a stone bruise, Roman was officially started under saddle yesterday. I couldn't have been more proud of him! We started off working in hand with the dressage whip so that he understands moving away from pressure. He quickly figured out about moving away from the tapping without over-reacting. He also figured out about moving towards me when I tapped on the far side of his body (so, away from tapping even if it is towards me).

He was very agreeable under saddle. If anything, he was a little sluggish. He was not opposed to me carrying a whip and moved any of the body parts over that I tapped on. This was very good in getting him to move his shoulders and/or haunches out and over on the circle. I finished the ride on a high note, which was when we actually had 5-6 trot strides with him stretching down over his topline into contact. He was such a good boy!

I really don't think the ride could have gone better and I'm really looking forward to watching him develop under saddle.

Magic is Doing Well

2009-02-17T11:23:00.000-05:00

Magic arrived on Saturday afternoon. He has since settled in nicely and is doing very well. He is a real sweetheart! I think its a little strange for him since this is probably one of the first times that he has gone somewhere that Tianna didn't take care of him. Tianna was his owner/trainer. He was a little worried at first, but seems to have really settled in well.

I worked with him Monday on the lunge line. He was happy to be out and about. He has a VERY nice trot and figured out lunging quite easily. He also picked up both correct leads at the canter on the first try. I could tell he was uncertain about what we were doing, but he tried hard and that's all I can ask for. I was quite pleased.

After lunging I worked with him a little in hand getting him used to a dressage whip and moving his haunches or shoulders over when they are tapped. This is how I start to teach them to come to me at the mounting block. He's very smart and tries really hard to do what I ask.

JC's Visitors

2009-02-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

Some old friends of mine from Wisconsin came down to see JC this past weekend. It was a wonderful time for all. JC was his usual, charming self. I think he won their hearts for sure. He had multiple riders, including myself, Nicki Butler (my old riding instructor and the person who will be his trainer), Olivia (the daughter of the woman buying him) and Denise (another friend and experienced horse woman). I really don't think it could have gone better. In fact, it was nice enough on Monday morning that we were able to lunge him outside and they could see him canter. I also rode him at the canter so that they could see what he was like. He's such a good boy.

The next step for him is to plan the vet check. After that, its just a matter of finding him a ride to Wisconsin on or around April 1. :)

Granny & The Round Bale Feeder

2009-02-16T20:20:00.000-05:00

Around 2pm on Saturday, I was heading out to the pasture to get Jewel and JC to ride them when I noticed a horse blanket in the round bale feeder. Then I noticed a leg sticking up out of it! *GASP* It was Tara, or "granny" as I call her -- the 36 year old Arab mare. As I looked closer, I could see three of her legs sticking up out of the feeder. It looked as though she had finally passed and just happened to fall into the round bale holder when she did. Poor girl. Her pasture buddy Count, he happens to be the alpha horse in the herd, guarded her body and licked her face. I ran over to the house to see if anyone was home who could help me get her out of the feeder. There wasn't. I ran back to the paddock and called the barn owner, who was in Tennessee to let her know that granny had died. As soon as I said the word "granny" out loud, Tara picked up her head and looked at me. She wasn't dead after all. Now I had to figure out how to get her out of the feeder. Upon closer inspection, I could see she was laying on her right side with her right front leg wedged up against the inside wall of the feeder. All three of her other legs were up over the side of the feeder and she was laying on a huge pile of hay. I don't know how she got herself in there, but she was smart enough to know not to struggle.

I'm not too familiar with round bale feeders, so I don't know if they're all like this, but this particular feeder was in three sections. It was held together with rebar. Pull the rebar out and the three sections came apart. Unfortunately, the feeder was partially burried in the ground. I don't know where the strength came from, but I was able to get the rebar out and pull each section out of the ground on my own. I only had to move two of the sections to get Granny free. I didn't know how long she had been laying there, but she looked a little shocky to me. However, within a minute of being free of the feeder, she stood up. She favored her right hind and held it in the air, but would walk on it gingerly to move about.

During this entire time, I had been on the phone with the barn owner's daughter, who was coordinating help to move the feeder, as well as talking with the vet. After she finally got up, I spoke with the vet and told him that there were no cuts or broken bones that I could see. He said to give her 2 grams of bute and let her rest in her stall for the next day or so. He also said to keep in touch if her condition worsened.

Thankfully, my dear friend Nicki, who is a certified equine massage therapist was visiting and got there later Saturday afternoon. She also does energy work and was happy to do work on Granny's hip. She worked on her for probably 1/2 an hour Saturday afternoon and I believe made a significant difference. Granny looked much improved Sunday and as well today and doesn't seem any worse for the wear.

New Horse in Training

2009-02-11T09:57:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to announce a new horse that will be in training with me. His name is Magic Trial and his owner is Chris from Florida. Magic will be arriving on Valentine's Day. He is a 2001 TB ex-racehorse who was locally bred and raced. He will be getting a good foundation for a new career and new home. I'm looking forward to working with him!

New Videos of JC

2009-02-09T09:21:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple new videos of JC. This first is one of JC's newly acquired skills. He has overcome his fear of riding crops and can now be directed into position for mounting at the mounting block. He also stands quietly for mounting.

The second video is just general work under saddle. He quietly and happily goes about his business.

Updates

2009-02-08T10:42:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update on everybody:

Roman
This guy is turning out to be a solid citizen and is a VERY nice mover. I was quite surprised to put him on the lunge and see a lovely trot with suspension. Too cool! I'm looking forward to seeing how things go with him.

JC
Has a hidden tooth that needs taking care of (a wolf tooth hidden under the skin). Other than that, he's doing great. I took him out on his first trail ride the other day and he was fabulous! We were alone and he was just fine. What a good boy! He also has a serious adoption application submitted on him. Some friends of mine from Wisconsin are coming down to look at him next weekend. I'm very excited about it!

Stormy
Stormy is moving today to a barn with a trail rider who will be putting more time on him. That is what he needs. I think its the perfect situation for him.

Legend
New horse that I haven't received yet. He'll be coming at the end of the month. I'm excited to meet him!

Jewel
Doing very well! She got her first intentionally done flying changes yesterday. I was so proud I almost cried. :)

More to come!!!

New Video of JC

2009-01-21T15:03:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, January 18, some folks came out to look at a few of the horses. It was a dad and his daughter. She has been taking riding lessons for a couple of years and they are on the search for a horse for her. Ultimately, I think she'll end up with Mr. Bartlett, another FFI horse. However, this is some of the footage from her time with JC. I think it shows what a wonderful horse he is! Enjoy!

New Year Equine Inventory

2009-01-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted much over the holidays because I really hadn't been out to the barn too much. The temperatures dropped considerably the week before Christmas, only to rise into the 50s on Christmas eve, the day I left for WI to be with family.

However, I'm happy to report that I've ridden twice this week and the horses, aside from their normal look of "Is she coming to get me?" or "If I don't make eye contact, maybe she won't see me standing here" seemed willing enough to get back into a regular schedule of riding and work.

JC continues to do well. He is maintaining his weight well, and doesn't really seem to have lost a tremendous amount of muscle throughout his let down period. But then, he was just very fit, not necessarily like a body-builder. There have been some inquiries for him, but no adoption applications submitted as of yet. My friend Kim in WI has been helping me spread the news about JC and the rest of my brood. Kim's trainer apparently has a student that is interested in looking at JC for eventing. That would be great. I would love to send him to a home in WI, where there is a fairly large eventing scene. We'll see what comes of that. His most recently video is, I think, a great testament to his sane personality. He steps a bit short in it, but he was only 3 weeks off the track when filmed. Plus, he's still ouchy from having his shoes pulled (along with having no soles and a contracted front RF heel). All of these things will go away with time. We're really just working at slowing him down under saddle and getting him to take longer strides. No cantering under saddle yet, as the indoor arena is just too small to do it safely on an unbalanced horse. I have to keep telling myself that the last time he was cantered under saddle, he "circle" had a 1/4 mile diameter. That is quite a bit different than a 50' wide indoor arena.

Stormy is being treated for worms. For the amount of work he had been getting, he just looked very pot-bellied and what topline he did have has gone away. And its not as though he's not eating. We're just shoving the feed down into him (2.5 Qts of Ultium, twice a day plus all the grass hay he can eat) and he just isn't gaining weight. And so, he'll be getting a Panacure Power Pack starting on Monday or Tuesday and will hopefully start putting on some weight. Even in the pictures of Erin riding (a few posts back), he just looks frumpy. He is definitely does not have the same body mass he did when he arrived in August. However, I believe the power pack will make a difference. In the mean time, we'll continue to ride.

The good news with Stormy is that he may be getting adopted! Yippee!! There is a woman who has had experience with Thoroughbreds, and actually works at one of the tracks here in Indy, who is interested in getting a horse for trail riding. She has shown an interest in Stormy and is apparently going to submit an adoption application for him. I'm excited about that as it will be a perfect home for him! Hopefully that works out.

Roman is slowly but surely moving better. I haven't done much with him in the past few weeks (mostly due to the holidays). He seems to have relaxed into his new lifestyle. He walks to and from the pasture at a leisurely pace and doesn't really bother the horses too much. He is still stiff on his right hind, but I think it will be quite a long while before he really has any pushing strength back in that hind leg. For now, I'm happy to see that he walks pretty evenly. For him, that is a huge step in the healing direction. Maybe he will be ready to get on for short rides in another month? We'll see. Only time will tell.

My own mare Jewel continues to improve under saddle as well. I'm very pleased with our rides lately and excited to implement the homework that Linda Heiny has given us. I've really been focusing on strengthening her hind end and carrying capacity for second level work. In the last year and half, she's come back from colic surgery and a severe hock injury. While she has fully recovered from both, the time off to heal (nearly 1.5 years) meant that she lost most of her topline and carrying strength. And so we're back to teaching her, once again, how to sit and push through from behind. She is slowly getting stronger behind and lighter in the bridle. Its a pretty cool feeling. I'm very much enjoying our rides.

And so that is the update for the beginning of 2009. I'm looking forward to the adventures that 2009 has in store for me and the ponies. Happy New Year!

JC During Lesson

2008-12-20T16:25:00.000-05:00

This is JC during our recent clinic session with Linda Heiny.

My TB Mare Jewel

2008-12-20T16:23:00.000-05:00

Jewel and I during a recent lesson with Linda Heiny.

Storm Cellar - The Trail Horse

2008-12-19T09:13:00.000-05:00

New Video of JC

2008-12-19T09:10:00.000-05:00

Here is a new video of JC from a clinic I rode him in on Saturday 12/13. The purpose is just to show his way of going and how very laid back he is. He ground ties and is just super well behaved. I think he would be perfect for either an experienced rider that wanted to bring a young horse along (pick your discipline). However, I also think he would be fine with a novice rider that had regular instruction to help bring him along. His temperament is quiet enough for a novice.

JC Coming Along Great!

2008-12-08T02:47:00.000-05:00

I am really thrilled with JC's progress under saddle. He is really starting to understand that when I put my inside leg on, he should stretch down into contact. He also is more than willing to carry himself and lift his back. He is usually good doing so for about 5-6 strides at a time. We're working on figure 8s and he is about 50/50 on being able to stay soft and round through the change of bend. Usually though, it is my fault that he doesn't stay connected as I forget to support him. He remains extremely willing as well as very soft and light in the bridle. Every once in a while he falls out of balance and becomes heavy and stiff. But really, he tries so very hard to do what I ask and I simply can't ask for much more than that at this point. I'm extremely pleased with his progress under saddle. If he is still around (and the weather cooperates) I'm thinking about entering him in the Come Again Farms dressage schooling show in January (intro level).

I have also started lunging him at the canter in the arena. My indoor is fairly small (about 15 meters wide), which is pretty tight for a horse that is used to the big sweeping corners of a race track. For this reason, I haven't asked for the canter under saddle yet. I really don't think that stopping him will be the issue. Rather, he is still figuring out how to canter on the 15m lunging circle, so until he can canter in a somewhat balanced state on the lunge, I'm not going to ask him to do it under saddle. Perhaps if we ride at a larger arena, we'll ask for the "C" word under saddle.

Here are some recent photos of him:

Standing quietly in the cross ties.

Ready to Ride!

What A Cutie!

A Friend for Stormy

2008-12-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce that Storm Cellar (aka Stormy) has a wonderful volunteer that is coming out to ride him. He needs some long and low work to help strengthen his back and hind end. The volunteer's name is Erin and she is a good rider who is very enthusiastic about riding Stormy and helping him improve. We're hoping that the winter is somewhat mild so that we can get out to do Stormy's favorite activity: trail ride.

Here are Erin & Stormy:

Roman's Coming Around

2008-12-05T07:48:00.000-05:00

I think Roman has finally decided that he's pretty much at a good place. His whole demeanor has changed in the last couple of weeks. He seems to be quite a smart boy and can size people up very quickly. He is also looking for a buddy. He just wants someone to join up with. In fact, he's quite a sweetheart. I've determined that he can stand quietly in cross ties as well.

He and Stormy are both the bottom of the pecking order in the turnout group they're in, so they have decided that being friends is better than fending for themselves. I'm glad that they have each other.

I haven't been doing very much with Roman in regards to training because he is still so very sore and stiff on the right hind. That is to be expected just two weeks out of racing. I have been massaging the muscles in his right hind and his left fore. This really seems to help him. And he really enjoys it as well. He knows he's not supposed to bite or nibble, but he reaches his head around toward me (when I'm working on his shoulder especially) and his lips quiver as though he wants to groom me. Its pretty cute.

I think turnout is going to be essential for him as well. He's even more stiff in the morning when he gets turned out, but moves quite a bit better by the end of the day when he's been out moving around on it. I'm sure the cold weather doesn't help at all. The true test will be this spring/summer when it warms up and the horses are out all night long.

So anyhow, I also stuck him on the lunge line last night just to see what he knows. He understood about going out to the end of the lunge line and understood to try and trot. He is still very weak (or at least sore) in the hind end and its obvious on the lunge line. However, there has been tremendous improvement in his gait since he arrived and I think that is a good start. I'll continue to massage the muscle and work him very lightly on the lunge line to help him figure out some balance.

I sure am enjoying watching him come out of his shell. He really is a good guy.

Clinic Report: Linda Heiny

2008-11-26T11:02:00.000-05:00

At the urging of FFI president Sara Busbice, I signed up to ride in the Linda Heiny clinic that was scheduled for Friday, Nov 21, 2008. I didn't know much about Linda except that she had given some clinics to other FFI foster horse riders and was well liked and respected by them. The clinic was held at Hilltop Farm Equestrian Center, a lovely facility on the SW side of Indianapolis. I was riding 3 horses and showed up at Hilltop around 9:30AM to have time to get all the horses settled in. I wasn't sure if there would be auditors or how strict the scheduling would be.

My first ride was scheduled for 11:00AM. This gave me plenty of time to turn out each of the three horses individually in the arena. I wasn't worried about Jewel as she is a pro about this stuff. But JC and Stormy had never been to a dressage clinic and I wanted to make sure that both had a chance to check out the scenery before I asked them to work. All three horses were just fine. The arean was big and well lit and none of the horses had any issue with it.

Linda arrived around 10:45 as I was tacking up JC. He was being a perfect gentleman and standing quietly in the cross ties. We had the chance to chit chat and learn about each other. It turns out that she is quite an accomplished rider and trainer. And she rode under Walter Zettl, a dressage hero of mine, for a number a years. That was really thrilling to hear! I was very happy to learn that we were on similar (if not the same) pages in regards to riding horses and training dressage horses. It was also a bit of a relief to find another local trainer that trains in a similar fashion to Amanda Pisano, my regular trainer. It was also interesting to hear about her dedication to Thoroughbreds and her life-long love of the breed.

As we were standing there talking, she asked about the horse in the cross ties (JC). I told her that this was the horse that had come off the track just 4 days previous. She couldn't believe how quiet and well behaved he was. She said she knew that a fresh track horse was coming to the clinic and so she was prepared to have a ground work lesson. However, upon seeing him and his wonderful attitude in person, she had no problem with me riding him. And thus our lesson began.

We started on the ground and she asked me to show her what I had been working on with him. I showed her how I had been working to both desensitize him to the whip and teach him to yield to its pressure. She showed me a couple handy tools to help with this process. After that, I mounted up and she worked with his under saddle. We worked at the walk and the trot in both directions and focused on teaching him that "there is a better way" as Linda kept saying. The better way involved yielding the jaw to the hand and haunches to the leg in order to create submission and lifting of the back. This was right on track with what I had learned from Amanda. The key that Linda pointed out for this exercise was that the horse MUST step under himself when yeilding the haunches, or he hasn't really yielded them. If the horse stops moving the inside leg either pushed out to the side or behind, the haunches are not yielded and the horse is resisting the rider.

Overall, he lacked balance and had a few drunken sailor moments where he wasn't quite sure what direction to go, but for the most part, JC was incredibly willing to learn. And more importantly, once he figured something out and we praised him for it, he didn't forget it. Linda was thrilled at how willing and intelligent he was. She just kept saying "we have to make sure this horse find a really nice home." I concur!! There is a post on here entitled "A Week In The Life of Thoroughbred" which has a video of JC's first week in his post-racing life. In it are some video clips from the clinic.

When we finished working with JC, it was time for Jewel to get ready. We took a little bit longer break and allowed her to get out into the arena and stretch her legs. I bought Jewel off the track in 2003 and have done all of her retraining. She has been through a lot in the last year and a half. We were working consistently at 2nd level dressage and schooling 3rd in the spring of 2007 when she suffered a torsion colic which required surgery. She was just beginning to work in collection again this past spring when an altercation with another horse left a deep puncture wound just above her right hock. These two incidences have affected her physically leaving Jewel underweight with a weak topline and a bit of a sagging belly. She's 1.5 years past colic surgery and finally back to a healthy weight. We are starting the road back to collection and this is where Linda found us.

Linda started by putting us through our paces to see where Jewel was at as far as skill level. What Linda noticed is something that we've been dealing with since coming back to work from the surgery and injury. That is, Jewel doesn't want to lower her croup. She frees her shoulder by lifting them, but is disconnected behind the saddle and doesn't drop her croup. True collection occurs when the horse drops their croup to raise their front end. Jewel had figured out a way around this and I was letting her get away with it. So the majority of our time was spent at a walk and trot working on really engaging Jewel's hind end. We rode squares in a collected walk. We also worked on slowing down the trot and lightening her contact with the inside rein through lateral flexion. Finally, we worked on extending and collecting her strides completly off my seat. I am excited about the tools that Linda gave me and I'm committed to building my mare's hind end strength over the winter. My goal is to have a good medium trot by spring 2009. Linda commented on what a willing partner Jewel was and that while the issues that we worked on weren't HUGE, they were a big deal if we ever wanted to successfully do tempi changes and correct extended and collected gaits.

The third horse I rode was Stormy. Stormy's life since the track has been a little different that the above two horses. Of the three, he is the least built for sport horse disciplines. His neck is short and very upright, but its set on low, so its hard for him to work over his back. For about the first 9 months off the track, he dealt with an old hip injury. The vet guesses that its some sort of bursitis, but unless we do a thorough set of tests with x-rays and other diagnostic tools, we'll never know. And really, it doesn't matter what happened. What does matter is that time and turnout have made it better. Unfortunately, he is a also a pretty severe cribber, which hasn't helped his neck any. His cribbing is controlled by wearing a collar and he must wear it all the time because he prefers to crib rather than eat. Therefore, he is also a bit on the thin side.

Stormy is currently a walk/trot horse. He is just getting to the point where he can canter more than a full circle on the lunge line. We may begin cantering under saddle later this winter as his butt and back muscle up. We'll have to see how he developes. And so this is where Linda found Stormy and I as well.

Our lesson was primarily done at the walk and trot. We worked at helping Stormy to relax over the topline. Because of this conformation and his lack of carrying muscle, it is really hard work for him right now to lift his front end off the ground while his head is down. Plus, because of his cribbing addiction, the muscles on the underside of his neck are very large and tight. These are the muscles that he uses on a regular basis, so they are the strongest. Linda gave me a number of tips and tools to use with Stormy to help him get his head down.

The biggest tool she gave me was the understanding that with a horse like Stormy, who is very independent and willful, is that I needed to make sure that I was creating a puzzle for him to figure out in which the correct answer was the thing that I wanted him to do. In other words, Stormy is very smart, but a little stubborn. So in order for him to get to do what I want him to do, I have to create a situation where Stormy thinks its HIS idea to do the thing that I want him to do. It requires a lot more thinking on my part than working with horses like JC and Jewel who are more willing. However, once I started approaching Stormy's training from this new viewpoint, it has actually become easier to train him. It has become a game instead of work -- for both of us!

After finishing with Stormy, I was exhausted, but very proud of my three mounts. While each is very different from the other, they are all three benefited from the knowledge I gained by working with Linda. The keys for me to remember with each horse are:
- Slow down (I have a tendency to push the speed of each gait beyond what is a comfortable working gait for the horse).
- If they're stuck in the bridle, more lateral flexion from inside leg to outside rein.
- Always ask a question for the horse to answer.

And so on that note, I'll end this entry. I look forward to riding with Linda again in the future.

Shedroe Warrior (aka Roman)

2008-11-26T10:24:00.000-05:00

Roman is a 2004 chestnut Thoroughbred gelding standing just shy of 15.2 hands. He came off the track on Monday, November 17, 2008. He is one of "Tony's ExRacers" and is supported financially by a grant given to Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. from the Tony Stewart Foundation. Roman has been evaluated by the vet and farrier. He has also had his shoes pulled. He is getting some well deserved time off and pasture turnout to learn how to be a horse again. He is sore on three feet due to severe thrush and contracted heels. He'll be evaluated again in a couple months once his hoof issues have resolved.

Personality wise, he is just looking for someone to trust. He LOVES getting massages and really relaxes into them. I'm looking forward to helping this guy come out of his shell. I think he's going to make someone a really nice horse!

A Week in the Life of a Thoroughbred

2008-11-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

The following video click was created to show just how versatile, sound and sane Thoroughbreds can be. This is literally 5 consecutive days in the life of one of my new foster horses. This guy is looking for a home! Enjoy.

Clinic at Hilltop Farm

2008-11-20T22:46:00.000-05:00

I'm taking 3 horses to Hilltop farm in the morning for a dressage clinic. I'm really looking forward to riding them. I'm taking two FFI horses: JC and Stormy. I spoke with the vet about taking JC and she thinks its a great idea. Stormy just needs to get out and get some more long and low work. I'm also taking Jewel. I figure I might as well get some insight into her needs, even though she's quite a bit more advanced than the other two. It should be fun and I'll report back my findings!

JC The Star!

2008-11-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to share a couple photos and say that JC was a superstar today. I rode him and it was a total non-event. Yes, of course he has regular race horse steering and balance issues. But, he's extremely willing and VERY quick to catch on to what I want him to do. A super sweetheart!

JC: A Quick Learner

2008-11-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

I'm am thoroughly impressed with JC. Not only is he well built, but he has a great mind. I decided to actually do some work with him yesterday. I started out with a lunge line. He picked up on lunging very quickly. I think someone may have done some natural horsemanship type lunging with him because he understood to go the direction I pointed and to halt when I pulled on the line and said "Ho." In general, he was w/t/c on the lunge, both directions, in about 10 minutes. And the best part, he never once tugged on the lunge line or used it for balance. He just stayed out at the end of the line and went around me. His trot was rushed and his canter was very quick and unbalanced, but he was willing to do whatever I asked in both directions.

So because he figured that out so quickly, I added sliding sidereins to the equation. I figured he could actually do some work if he already understood lunging. These were just no big deal. At first he bumped his mouth trying to pick up his head, but very quickly figured out that it was most comfortable to go around with his head stretching down and out. Pretty soon, his trot slowed down to a real nice rhythm and his stride lengthened. I could see his topline muscles working on the top of his neck and along his back. He looked GREAT! I was thrilled with how quickly he picked this up, especially for being 2 days off the track.

After lunging for about 25 minutes, I decided to move on to something else. One of the best things I ever taught my mare to do was to come to me at the mounting block and stand for mounting. I can get on the mounting block (or truck tailgate, or log, etc.) with her pointed in any direction and she will sort of parallel park herself into place so that I can get on her. Its pretty cool, not to mention very helpful. So I decided to work on this with JC. It starts by finding out how they react to a riding whip (I used a dressage whip). He was a little nervous about it, but I rubbed him all over his body with the whip and praised him every time he chewed or took a deep breath. Pretty soon it wasn't a big deal to tap him with the whip.

At that point, I started having him move away from the whip at whatever point I touched him. This is really key to teaching them to move towards you on the mounting block because you might need to tap the outside hip and have it move towards you. He quickly figured out this game as well and I had him yielding to the whip in any direction in the arena. He is such a smart fella!!!

So then I got on the small mounting block and had him move around me. I then quit driving him around me and waited for him to stop. He did and then I praised the heck out him. We did this a few times and then I worked on getting him to step up to the mounting block. It wasn't too long before I could get him into position so that I could have mounted had he been tacked up. He stood patiently while I rubbed him all over and praised him.

I said it above, but I'll say it again now. I'm REALLY impressed with this young gelding. He really aims to please and is a very quick learner. With some consistent work, he will make someone an awesome riding horse!

JC Cleared For Work, Roman Needs Rest

2008-11-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

So the vet was out yesterday to give the horses a basic exam and see where they are after coming off the track. She looked at JC first. He was a very good boy and stood quietly during the exam. He also trotted along side me needing little persuasion so that the vet could see him go. The vet really likes him and mentioned that he was one of the nicer horses to come through the FFI program. He was declared sound and could begin light riding. The vet did mention though that although JC is tattooed an papered as a 2004 -- which would make him 4 1/2 years old, his teeth say otherwise. His 4 1/2 year old teeth haven't yet come in, which made the vet think he is only 3 1/2 years old. We're going to keep an eye on his mouth and see what developes. He may just pop those teeth later than normal.

Roman was seen second and he was a bit more on edge. After some discussion, we think he may have been given Equipoise at the track, so it may be a while before he's back to himself. At any rate, he is sore on both the left front and the right hind. The right hind is sort of a given with track horses since it is the leg that does the most work -- in the left lead, they push off of it the most. However, the vet couldn't find any reason why the left front is sore (no heat). There is an old splint that was popped some time ago, but its not warm. Roman is approved for turnout, but no work. We're going to give him a month or so to see how he does on his left front.

Both horses will have their shoes pulled tomorrow.

JC was approved to head to a dressage clinic with me on Friday. I'm looking forward to working with him there and seeing how he does. It may be his first post-race ride.

Big Welcome to Roman & JC

2008-11-18T11:20:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to offer a huge welcome to two new FFI horses: Roman and JC. Both of these horses are considered part of "Tony's ExRacers" which means that they are being funded by a $20,000 grant received by Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. from the Tony Stewart Foundation. I don't have great pictures of either right now, although I'm planning to take some today. Here is the scoop on both:

Roman (registered name Shedroe Warrior)
2004 Chestnut Gelding
Roman is a bright coppery red with a white star. He was fairly anxious yesterday about arriving to the knew barn and seems to be quite full of himself. I think his let down period will take a little longer and I'm interested to see what type of personality he really has once he lets down his guard. He has decent enough conformation. He is a more compact type with thicker body and neck. My guess is that he stands about 15.2 - 15.3h. I haven't had the chance to really do much of anything with him, so I'm looking forward to getting to know him.

JC (registered name Jimmy Kool)
2004 Bay Gelding
I don't know much about JC either, but he seems to be a very sweet guy. He is plain bay with no white markings, but he makes up for his plain coat patterns with a very regal presence. He has a beautiful, refined head and very nice conformation. He was also very willing to please, entered the barn quietly, although was a little looky at thing. He lead easily without a chain and stood quietly for blanketing.

The vet is coming today to check them both out. I'm looking forward to hearing what she has to say about them. Pictures will follow!

New Volunteer & Rider for Stormy

2008-11-14T10:07:00.000-05:00

I am very pleased to announce that I met a wonderful woman who is a new volunteer with FFI. She is going to become Stormy's primary rider and will be working with him under my supervision. I met Erin, the new volunteer, on Wednesday night. Although a tad rusty, she obviously has quite a bit of experience handling horses. I was pleased to see her comfort level with Stormy and how well she handled him both on the ground and under saddle. I'm looking forward to good things from her!

As we make room for two new thoroughbreds at the barn, it will be wonderful to have some assistance in working with Stormy to make sure that he continues to progress and learns to trust yet another human. Keep checking back here as I will definitely add photos and hopefully some video of Stormy and his new human. :) I'll also be adding pictures and information on the two new horses we are scheduled to take in on the 17th!

Making Room For New Horses

2008-11-11T17:39:00.000-05:00

We're making room for new foster horses at the barn. Next week, after the Paddock Sale at Hoosier Park, we're expecting two new horses fresh from the track. I'm looking forward to helping transition these horses to new lives and careers.

I Want to Be a Trail Horse

2008-11-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

...so says Stormy. Stormy is really happy just being out on the trail. He is happiest moving at a walk. He will trot and canter if you ask correctly, but pretty much prefers to take it easy. A confident rider is necessary, not because he is tricky, but rather because he can lack confidence if his leader lacks confidence. He has been taken on public trail rides (see the post below) and did VERY well. Not only did he take great care of his rider, but he didn't even get nervous when they lagged behind a bit and he couldn't see other horses. He does have some bursitis in his hip which means that he shouldn't be ridden on hills or jumped. But other than that, he's good to go.

So if you know of anyone who is looking for a low-key trail horse, please let them know about Stormy!