Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

catonie — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:42:56 GMT

Criminal Type: I'm sure your particular Arabian is good at endurance riding, but most Thoroughbreds would excell at it, if given the opportunity. When it poured rain and the track was a sea of mud, we (as racing officials) had to shorten the stakes races for Arabians as they just couldn't 'stay' in the mud. The Thoroughbreds could and did. Some Arabians in races that day flat fell over and layed there. Sad, for those who were supposed to be known for endurance. It sure showed me the difference that particular day.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

TBDancer — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:01:46 GMT

I have an OTTB in my back yard (well, the barn there ;o) who is 17 years old, ran five times (in the money three times) and his first win was with Chris McCarron on board, Del Mar August 1997. I bought him in July 1998.

He is the BEST horse--I love his heart, his try, his trust, and his fantastic work ethic. I didn't realize I was getting an OTTB because he too looks like a warmblood--but I can tell you I am sold on TBs and would not consider any other breed.

New Vocations has an email signup and I receive regular updates about new and returning retirees with pictures, videos and histories. I live in California and logistically a NV graduate wouldn't be a very economical purchase for me--if they even adopt to people this far west--but I know someone in Ohio, I believe, who got a NV horse and I follow her blog.

After The Finish Line, LOPE of Texas, Second Change for Horses, and Tranquility Farm are fantastic because horses that aren't competitive on the track get retrained and rehomed to become ambassadors for those horses that otherwise might fall through the cracks (idiots like Deputy Broad's trainer notwithstanding--but there is a special place in Hell for people like him).

Thank you, Esther, for writing about this.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

A Horsey Canuck — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:37:36 GMT

Esther, thank you for another great piece. I've shared it with a number of friends who have been thinking of taking on ex-racehorses as hunter/ jumpers. Thanks again.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

Pedigree Ann — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:20:25 GMT

My son's favorite school horse when he was taking lessons (at Robert Murphy Stables!) was an OTTB. We shouldn't think only in terms of competitive arenas for second careers of these very versatile animals.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

Criminal Type — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:19:18 GMT

Teeburt, As talented as Thoroughbreds are, I think most endurance horses are primarily of Arabian influence. Most of the ones I have come across are Arab/QH, Arab/Morgan, Arab/TB, Or even QH/Morgan and QH/TB. Arabians are THE endurance horse. If you look at Tevis Cup (100 miles in 24 hours) results, your going to see lots of Arabian blood. I have a 3 year old 3/4 Arab, 1/4 Morgan colt I am training for endurance. I think he will do very well, he's very smart, willing anf best of all has rock hard feet.

The biggest problems with a TB is that a lot of the endurance has been bred out in favor of speed, and a lot of them have tender feet not condusive to 50 and 100 mile races across country.

Case in point: Sheik Mohammad who's love of the thoroughbred and horse racing is well known. He owns Darley/Godolphin. Stands some of the most sought after stallions in the world in 5 countries. Spends ridiculous money on Thoroughbreds at auction because he can. (no disrespect intended at all) He is a competitive endurance racer and his endurance horses are Arabians. I think he finished 2nd or 3rd in the WEG at Kentucky Horse Park last year.

Im not saying that a Thoroughbred can't be an endurance horse, It depends on the horse, but chances are if your serious about endurance your going to want a more rugged type of horse.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

Dawn in MN — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:21:52 GMT

Esther,

Thank you for this story. These are the stories I look for on Bloodhorse. I am a great fan of the Thoroughbred, and it is the horses that draw me to Thoroughbred racing. Following Thorughbred racing is always a moral dilemma for me, because I worry for the futures of the horses that aren't fast, or need to be retired. I commend everyone who works in finding homes and jobs for retired race horses.

One question, is Sweet William the bay or the chestnut? The second and third photos are two different horses, both identified as Sweet William. I always wonder if any retired Throughbreds compete in western games, or shows? I think the Throughbred would do well in any discipline, like Anna said "They are extremely versatile, hardworking, and athletic; all things you look for in a show horse.”

I think teeburt has a good question. My hunch would be that a very sound Thoroughbred would be a good endurance prospect because they are so smart, and so athletic. The breeding and training produce horses that want a job and have the heart to do well.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

kincsem — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:27:26 GMT

Why not have a NATION WIDE program to fund OTTBs in ALL equine sports? Hmmm?

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

MRO — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:55:00 GMT

I wish I had known about the show in Delaware, Ohio. I would have attended. Glad to see that Seattle Slew grandsons can also excel in the show arena. Thanks for the article.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

Linda in Texas — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:03:21 GMT

Esther, thank you. I hope the trainer from Mountaineer who sent Deputy Broad to slaughter reads this.

Offers to buy him went on deaf ears. The trainer was bound and determined to give Deputy Broad no chance and unfortunately he succeeded and this has opened a huge following FOR second careers for thoroughbred race horses.

Again thank you for bringing this to the attention of so many. And i am so proud and thankful for the people who step up to help them.

It is a double reward, one for the rescued horse and one for his caretaker.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

teeburt — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:48:29 GMT

Would these horse make good to great for competitive endurance horses?

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

Freetex — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:38:22 GMT

I wonder if Sweet William was named after the book.

Sweet William is most impressive and I hope he continues to have a great life.

re: Thoroughbreds Shine at New Vocations Horse Show

GoldenBroom — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:34:41 GMT

I love these stories...thank you! More likely to bump into one of these retirees at the local show ring or the public barn where my Aunt keeps her horse anyway. My 3 favorite "ex-racers" were Strike, a gelding with a horrible looking ankle that went sound on the flat and is still loved by his teenage owner. Shana - by Alleged, who was retired at 3 due to a fractured knee who healed up beautifully and somehow made her way to Brecksville Ohio to be the star pet of the barn adored by her "mom" and "grandparents". And finally Star, a small ex-racer filly with a bad knee (that was fine when her silly owner wouldn't jump her) who was the BEST trail horse I've ever had the privilege of riding.