Retired and Ready

re: Retired and Ready

aspradling — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:11:31 GMT

I am really enjoying learning about your horses and who and how they are working and spending time or were acquired.

especially a Thoroughbred doing cattle and ranch work, like roping, that is not something I hear very often and genuinely interest me. I try to learn about the other breeds. From Dutch Blood Horns to Tennessee Walking Horses for example.

re: Retired and Ready

BridleWise — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:04:13 GMT

I have friends that use their OTTB's for ranch work in Western South Dakota. Not just the OTTB geldings, but their breeding stallion too! Out west, you have to earn your keep year round! Finn McCool (Meadowlake x Joying by Storm Cat) has proven to be quite the handy roping horse when branding cattle! You should see the cowboys' eyes when a Thoroughbred stallion drags a calf to the branding iron! :)

Never doubt a Thoroughbred's heart, courage and ability to do just about anything!

re: Retired and Ready

Michelle — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:28:14 GMT

I adopted a retired Thoroughbred Ex-race horse named Ascot Doll a few years ago via the TRF (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation). They did an excellent job in matching me up with him based upon my goals and abilities.

I am an adult woman who only started riding six years ago at the ripe old age of 36. Ascot Doll has adjusted brilliantly to his new life and really enjoys living at the stables where I board him. He obviously loves his life of lesiure with me here.

He raced 111 times and until he was 10 and 1/2 years old. I ride him only for pleasure and he is a very good horse for me and our personalities are a perfect match as well. He is very devoted to me and it is almost as if he knows that I saved his life.

I intend on adopting many more Thoroughbred retired ex-race horses in the future.

re: Retired and Ready

Jim P — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:45:20 GMT

I'm sure even small donations to some of these outfits are very helpful. New Vocations and Exceller Fund are but a couple. There is a great book out called Beyond the Track that walks you through the do's and don'ts.

There is also a market for rescuing already retired Thorughbreds. At 60+ that's what I'm doing because I make it a point to outlive my animals.

I enjoy the rehabilitation, companionship, and just letting them be nothing but a horse. Even my two 21 yr olds still love to race and challenge each other. The mare has some serious bone issues so I got a communicator to talk to her and slow her down. The ol' gal tells me back "I don't even think about that; I came to shoot fire."

My model now would be to find more horses and get more people involved in rehab. "The Goat" referenced above is a 5x rescue Lead Mare. She's greatful and kind -- and likes things done her way. Her running buddy is a 21 year old "Brad Pitt" chestnut; a beach bum and a playboy.

re: Retired and Ready

Luvthehorses — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:14:51 GMT

Thanks for the video. Wish there were more people that could give homes and love to these beauties.

re: Retired and Ready

lbarge — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:28:41 GMT

Great story. We (15 yr. old daughter) own a retired 13 yr old ex-race horse and she is doing great in her new role as a hunter. She is getting better with age...very athletic and loves the work. We are taking a class this Sat. to be able to volunteer our time at the Heartland Therapeutic Riding barn in Kansas City. We can't wait to help out these children!

re: Retired and Ready

Carolyn in ND — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:47:44 GMT

It warms my hart so much to read all that have rescued or helped with horses in need! I rescued my first ex-racer this summer. Looks like he will have a new owner soon. Mac turns 3 in April & almost didn't get to see 21/2. Glad to see more info getting out for TBs.

re: Retired and Ready

Alexandra — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:15:56 GMT

Great video! Lindros and Impropriety's (Bear and Chance) stories are actually featured in Eclipse Press' upcoming book, Second-Chance Horses. The book is a collection of true stories about ex-racehorses (many of them rescues) succeeding in new careers - very inspiring! Look for it on ExclusivelyEquine.com, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Thoroughbred charities.

re: Retired and Ready

Lawduck07 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:37:59 GMT

I forgot to add that it was through these horses that I became interested in racing once again after a long hiatus.

re: Retired and Ready

Lawduck07 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:36:49 GMT

I rode on the equestrian team at a college in New Mexico that owned its own stock. My favorite "projects" were the ex-racers. I grew up riding on the East Coast and was familiar with thoroughbreds, but being in NM we also get a few QH that were ex-racers, too. I am indebted to the owners who donated their horses to the school for the many hours learning experience and the joy I received from them.

re: Retired and Ready

Dreamer's Mom — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:36:04 GMT

I know of a racer that left the track in March and by August was in the county fair in English Pleasure classes with his very own 13yr old girl. First year a little rough, but last summer a box stall covered in ribbons and his now 14yr old girl, grinning from ear to ear!

re: Retired and Ready

landesign — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:09:17 GMT

I'm so glad to hear that thoroughbreds adapt well to therapeutic riding. A horse I owned in a partnership was bought by one of the partners and he was going to retire her and donate her for therapeutic riding. I will be buying a retiring race horse at the end of the week for a trail horse and can't wait!

re: Retired and Ready

Teunis Ouwehand, Hengelo, Overijssel, The Netherlands — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:13:02 GMT

Hi there, loved to watch your video. And more so the way you go about giving (ex) thoroughbred racehorses a second chance in life. I was really touched by the way the horse in your video behaved with the young kids. Keep up the good work. Kind regards Teunis Ouwehand.

re: Retired and Ready

da3hoss — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:28:25 GMT

The horses who understand the inexperienced or challenged rider are the gems of the equine world.

re: Retired and Ready

geegees — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:27:21 GMT

Long Run has done a wonderful job over the last couple of years. It hasnt been easy to get the financial support that is so sorely needed but the people involved have succeeded the best that they can. I am truly glad that at least one person who has watched this video is now considering rescuing a retired racehorse, now if only a few more do to we are all one step closer to helping all of them.

re: Retired and Ready

Karen in Indiana — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:45:08 GMT

That's funny, Adam. My horse was also pretty considerate. She was a pretty big quarter horse & I'm 5'0". No way I could have done anything with her if she didn't want it. (The vet found that out the hard way.) I'd hold up her bridle & she'd stick her head in it. For my next horse, I am considering a retired or rescued one. Thanks for the info!