After Racing: Retraining Thoroughbreds

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!