All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be Present at Colonial Downs for Virginia Derby Day Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be Present at Colonial Downs for Virginia Derby Day FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2024 News Tags:accredited aftercare, Best Turned Out, Colonial Downs, Kitten’s Joy Stakes, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, VIP, virginia Derby Day LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Colonial Downs Racetrack during the weekend of the $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby, set for Saturday, September 7, 2024. The Virginia Derby is a Grade III race that covers 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Colonial Downs, a longtime supporter of accredited aftercare, will honor Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the Virginia Derby Day. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present Race # 7, the Grade III $125,000 Kitten’s Joy Stakes, which is a 1 1/16-mile turf race that is set to run at 4:20 PM ET. Following the race, a presentation will take place in the winner’s circle, where the connections will receive a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded gift bag and blanket. On Saturday, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present Best Turned-Out awards for all six stakes races at Colonial Downs, including the Virginia Derby and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes. The Best Turned-Out awards are generously sponsored by Virginia HBPA. Additionally, a representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. This exciting VIP experience was donated by Colonial Downs. The winners will enjoy a table for six at the 1609 Restaurant, paddock passes and winners circle access for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes, and much more. “I’m both excited and grateful to represent Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at Colonial Downs on Virginia Derby Day,” said Suzie Picou-Oldham, Inspections Administrator, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “We will be presenting Best Turned-Out awards, sponsored by Virginia HBPA. This is a fantastic way for us to celebrate accredited aftercare while awarding the grooms who care for the horses on the track.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post ricky’s good luck Ricky’s Good Luck By: Alexis Arbaugh June 6, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Hunt Seat Equitation, Jumping, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliaince Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS) is a program sponsored by Days End Farm Horse Rescue that assists horse owners with transitioning horses to new ownership. Whether due to an owner’s inability to care for the horse or a change in interest, METS ensures that no horse is at risk of negligence. In 2022, Zoe Kostant stumbled upon an ad for Liam’s Song while scrolling through the METS page. “I saw that face in the ad and just KNEW I had to have this horse,” Zoe wrote. Liam’s Song, a 2007 dark bay Thoroughbred gelding, had a successful racing career with 36 starts across Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware, earning a total of $239,522. When Zoe discovered the ad, it was the weekend, and METS was likely closed. Eager to learn more, she took matters into her own hands. After searching for Liam’s Song’s registered name on Facebook, she found a half lease ad from 2019, at which time he was called Titan. Zoe decided to message the poster of the ad, Emma, to see if she still had the horse. Initially, Emma was hesitant to respond, considering the time that had passed since the original post. However, once they started talking, the two hit it off. Zoe shared stories of her previous Thoroughbreds and her plans for Titan. Feeling reassured, Emma grew comfortable with Zoe taking care of the horse she loved so much. Zoe was persistent in her pursuit of Ricky (formerly Liam’s Song and Titan) because of the connection she felt just from his picture. “You can look right at him and tell he is just nothing but a lover,” she wrote. Soon after bringing Ricky home, Zoe received a call from Bev at MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Bev informed her that Ricky had originally come from MidAtlantic and that there was a contract stating that if he ever needed to be rehomed, he should be returned to them. Bev wanted to ensure that Ricky was in a good home, and since then, Zoe has kept in regular contact with Bev, sending updates and photos of Ricky. Despite some challenging circumstances, Ricky has been doing amazingly well. Tragically, in June 2023, Ricky and his pasture mate, Lucy, were intentionally let out of their field and both were struck by cars. Sadly, Lucy did not survive the accident, but Ricky was fortunate to suffer only minor injuries. After recovering, Ricky and Zoe began working on Hunt Seat Equitation. Although Ricky was 17 years old when he first started jumping, “that boy took to it like a fish to water!!!! He loves it,” wrote Zoe. They competed in several shows during the summer of 2023, where Ricky really shined and even took home two championship titles. Now, they continue to rebuild the muscle he lost during his time off and are looking forward to competing in locally rated shows in the summer of 2024. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post the long road home The Long Road Home By: Alexis Arbaugh August 22, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Facility, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, Success story, Trail Ridig Lora Eike was familiar with Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA) as she had previously adopted a 2009 grey gelding, Crafty Noble, in 2019. In 2022, Lora was enlisted to help a friend find an off-the-track Thoroughbred, so she reached out to Kelley Stobie, Co-Founder, Secretary, and Executive Director of CTA. Lora’s friend was looking for a horse suitable for a 13-year-old girl in a training program. Kelley recommended Trust in Russ, a 2015 Kentucky-bred dark bay gelding. In his four-year career from 2018 to 2022, Trust in Russ had 71 starts and earned $68,731. Lora’s friends decided to adopt a different Thoroughbred from CTA, which left Trust in Russ open for adoption. Kelley was adamant that Trust in Russ (Rico) would have been perfect for a 13-year-old girl because of his kind and sweet nature. “I knew he had to be good, and so I wanted him for myself,” Lora wrote. Lora planned to ship Rico from Puerto Rico to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Unfortunately, during his layover in Ocala, Florida, he ran into a fence and injured himself badly. “He is doing amazing now,” Lora wrote. After getting him home to Virginia and healing from his injuries, Rico is a happy and healthy horse. Rico spends his days “living his best life” by taking inexperienced riders through the mountains of Virginia. He takes perfect care of everyone who rides him and is “truly a gem and a complete gentleman.” Lora is immensely grateful for CTA and all that they did for Rico so that she can care for and love him for the rest of his life. “From the flight to Miami and the vet bills from the injury at the layover barn, I’d like you to know that this horse is worth every penny spent, and a whole lot more,” Lora wrote. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2024 News Tags:Del Mar, Pacific Classic, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, VIP Experience LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to announce its presence at Del Mar for the highly anticipated Pacific Classic Day on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This event promises a thrilling day of racing, with the Grade I $1,000,000 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic headlining the weekend’s celebrations. As one of the “Win and You’re In” races for the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, the Pacific Classic is expected to draw significant attention from racing fans. In a strong display of commitment to accredited aftercare, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will honor Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the undercard of Pacific Classic Day on Saturday. Following the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, featuring a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded gift bag and blanket sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian and Dean Dorton. This race presentation highlights the importance of responsible aftercare for Thoroughbreds. A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The winners will enjoy a table for four in the Turf Club, a pre-race tour of the paddock, access to the winner’s circle for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, and much more. The partnership between Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club exemplifies the racing industry’s dedication to accredited aftercare, showcasing how the impact of racing extends far beyond the track. “Del Mar is extremely committed to the well-being of Thoroughbreds, both on and off the track. Our partnership with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance reflects our dedication to supporting responsible aftercare practices,” said Josh Rubinstein, President, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “Through initiatives like the ‘Off to the Races’ campaign, we’re ensuring that we are contributing to the cause and showing that there is a brighter future for our incredible athletes after the track.” Additionally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is pleased to announce donations from Commonwealth and Ocean Reef Racing. These contributions will significantly support the mission of providing safe and secure retirements for Thoroughbred horses, underscoring the commitment of Commonwealth and Ocean Reef Racing to the welfare of these equine athletes. A combined check presentation for the donations will take place on Pacific Classic Day. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the support of these magnificent animals during and after their racing career has ended,” said Billy Paynter, Managing Partner, Ocean Reef Racing. “It is the responsible and right thing to do by the animal. You don’t get into this game unless you truly love the horses. We look forward to this partnership for years to come.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Holly’s Dream Dressage Horse Holly’s Dream Dressage Horse By: Alexis Arbaugh July 31, 2024 Success Stories Tags:New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Western Dressage Buckeye Warrior’s dressage debut in May of 2022 Holly Zecchin was in the market for a horse with the potential to compete in Western Dressage when she found Buckeye Warrior on the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program website. Buckeye Warrior, a 2016 bay gelding, had run from 2018 to 2021, earning a total of $43,819. Unfortunately, at the time he was listed on the website, Buckeye Warrior was rehabilitating from a stress fracture in his left tibia. Consequently, there were no videos of him, only photos showcasing his conformation. Holly initially passed on the dark bay gelding, thinking his injury might affect their future together. However, the more she looked at his photos, the more she realized that she “should take on Buckeye.” Even with his injury, Holly believed Buckeye’s conformation was ideal for Dressage. Leandra Cooper, Buckeye’s trainer at New Vocations, provided Holly with detailed information about Buckeye’s personality. Leandra described him as having a kind eye and a quiet nature. Though a bit reserved, he was also trusting and smart. After meeting Buckeye in person, Holly wrote, “Leandra’s description was so accurate.” Holly adopted Buckeye in November 2021, hoping he would be eligible and adequately prepared to compete in the 2022 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. “Buckeye has exceeded any objectives I could have set for him this year,” Holly wrote. His “intelligent and trusting nature have allowed him to really excel at Western Dressage.” To prepare for RRP, Buckeye and Holly competed at the Basic Level in Oklahoma, where he was named champion in the open division. He also qualified for the Western Dressage Association World Show, held in Guthrie, Oklahoma, from September 28 to October 1, 2022. When the pair finally competed at RRP in October, they won the Dressage division and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) National Championship for Western Dressage. After RRP, Buckeye had a few weeks off to rest and recuperate from a busy yet successful 2022. Since then, Holly and Buckeye resumed training for Level One Western Dressage competitions. Holly’s goal is to “bring Buckeye up the levels of Western Dressage.” Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Initiatives in Saratoga Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Initiatives in Saratoga FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2024 News Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organizations, Fasig Tipton, Fasig-Tipton Sales, NYRA, Saratoga Race Course, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Whitney Stakes LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will return to Saratoga this August to highlight accredited aftercare with a variety of initiatives at Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present for both the weekend of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes, and the following week of the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling sales. New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will feature Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as its Community Partner during the weekend of the Whitney Stakes. The 97th running of the Whitney Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at NYRA’s Community Outreach Booth on both Saturday and Sunday, where patrons and race fans can visit to learn about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will also be available at the booth in exchange for a donation, including a limited-edition Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance ‘Saratoga’ t-shirt. During the weekend of the Whitney Stakes, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be honored with a named race on Saturday’s undercard. After the named race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, including a branded blanket and branded merchandise. Additionally, representatives from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present the Best Turned Out Horse award on Saturday during the Fasig-Tipton Lure in the winner’s circle. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host the winners of the Saratoga VIP Experience from the “Off to the Races” online benefit auction. This experience was generously donated by NYRA, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and Anne’s Washington Inn. The winners will enjoy a horseman’s box for five, paddock and winner’s circle access for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, a tour with Tom Durkin at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and much more. Fasig-Tipton, another supporting partner of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, is set to hold The Saratoga Sale featuring selected yearlings on August 5-6. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives will be on-site to converse with consigners, buyers, and supporters to discuss accredited aftercare. In addition, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will hand out New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund co-branded rub rags to consigners of the New York Bred Yearlings Sale, which will be held August 11-12. “We are very excited to once again participate in so many industry events and spread awareness for accredited aftercare while we are at the NYRA Saratoga race meet,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, Operations Consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “It’s wonderful to connect with supporters and partners during the race meet and the Fasig-Tipton Sale and to visit and meet with many of our New York accredited organizations.” While in Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will visit accredited aftercare facilities to conduct inspections as part of the accreditation process. Staff will also meet with trainers, owners, and other supporters throughout the week to discuss accredited aftercare. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board members will convene for an annual board meeting on Thursday, August 8. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fourth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fourth Annual Calendar Photo Contest FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2024 News Tags:2024 Calendar Photo Contest, Calendar Contest, Press Release, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announces the opening of its fourth annual Calendar Photo Contest. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is seeking photos of Thoroughbreds to feature in the 2025 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar. Submissions will be accepted starting July 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Photo entries should feature a registered Thoroughbred that is either currently residing at or was rehomed by a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. High-resolution color photos taken within the past year are preferred. Resolution must have a minimum effective ppi of 300 ppi at 11.25 x 8.75 inches (w x h). Photographs should be submitted by the photographer or with explicit permission of the photographer. Watermarked or purchased professional photography will not be considered. Example of photos include: a Thoroughbred showcased in a specific season (spring, summer, fall, winter), a Thoroughbred in training for a second career, an adopter and their Thoroughbred, a Thoroughbred used in equine-assisted therapy, and so on. All photographs must be relevant to the mission of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and adhere to the criteria specified in the official contest rules. Photos will be judged on clarity, artistry, and photographic quality. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will select twelve winners, with one photo featured for each month. Each winner will receive Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded merchandise and a free copy of the 2025 calendar. Additionally, one of the twelve winners will be chosen for the cover and will receive a Tipperary helmet of their choice as the grand prize, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian. Honorable mentions will also be awarded with a free copy of the 2025 calendar. “The calendar contest is a unique opportunity to showcase not only some of our accredited organizations but also the remarkable abilities and success stories of Thoroughbreds in their second careers,” said Samantha Smith, Marketing & Communications Director, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “These photos celebrate the versatility and achievements of Thoroughbreds, highlighting their journeys from the racetrack to new, fulfilling roles. We use these images not only for the calendar but across various platforms throughout the year, including social media, to inspire and engage our supporters. We look forward to all the exciting pictures that are submitted to us each year.” Entry to the contest is free and open to residents of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The contest is open to participants 18+ or with parent/guardian permission for those under the age of 18.  Online submissions will be accepted July 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. For more information, the official rules, and the contest submission form, visit: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/calendar-contest/ About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith859-224-2882ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post finally home for burning bluegrass Finally Home For Burning Bluegrass By: Alexis Arbaugh June 7, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Barrel Racing, Racing For Home Inc., Success story Alana with her distinctive leopard top and Kitten navigating a barrel Racing For Home Inc., a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization, recently shared a heartwarming success story. It all began when they discovered a large group of horses for auction in Ohio. While most had found homes through various aftercare groups, two mares, Burning Bluegrass and Simply Belonging, were still in need. Despite space constraints, Racing For Home Inc. decided to take them both in, hopeful for their future. Fortunately, they had the support of Nacho Barron, a compassionate farrier who agreed to temporarily host the mares on his farm. “Our wonderful farrier Nacho Barron was willing to hold the horses at his farm until we could place them,” said Racing For Home Inc. Soon after giving the horses their well-deserved letdown period on his farm, Racing For Home Inc. successfully adopted out Simply Belonging to a family in Rhode Island who by chance also had her half-brother. However, finding a suitable home for Burning Bluegrass proved more challenging. Another aftercare group initially took her in, hoping to use her in their training program. She was a great lesson horse, and eventually, one of the students offered to give her a good home. However, the girl was not prepared for the amount of work training and owning a horse full-time was, so Burning Bluegrass was returned to the organization and ultimately ended back at Racing For Home Inc. Nacho Barron with Burning Bluegrass “Kitten” and her rider Alana (right). Alana with New Hampshire Championship Once again, Nacho Barron extended his kindness, offering to integrate Burning Bluegrass into his lesson program. Renamed “Kitten,” she thrived under his care, particularly excelling as a barrel horse for his student, Alana Riendeau. Their partnership blossomed, with Kitten and Alana steadily climbing the ranks in barrel competitions, culminating in their victory at the New Hampshire 4D Championship. Their success garnered attention, with Alana donning a leopard print top in honor of her horse’s name, while Kitten sported leopard bell boots. At a recent competition in Syracuse, the PA announcer added a playful touch by introducing them with a “meow” sound after each entry, much to the delight of the crowd. The journey of Burning Bluegrass, now affectionately known as Kitten, serves as a testament to the perseverance and transformative bond between horse and rider. Thanks to the commitment of Racing For Home Inc. and the unwavering support of Nacho Barron, Kitten found her forever home and continues to shine in the competitive arena alongside her dedicated partner, Alana Riendeau. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Let’s Get It Did Let’s Get It Did By: Alexis Arbaugh June 7, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, hunters, jumpers, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Success story After riding and competing on ponies, Camden Conway was ready to step up to a horse. After a lot of thinking, Camden’s father concluded that adopting a horse would be the best course of action to find Camden a new horse. In 2021, Camden received her new horse as a Christmas present. Let’s Get It Did is a 2018 bay mare who ran a total of 3 times at Woodbine Racetrack. Camden’s father adopted her from LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Let’s Get It Did is now affectionately known as Diddy. Camden’s father was delighted that the mare “jumped over the 4-foot fence” when he arrived at LongRun. He had actually planned on adopting a different horse more suitable to what Camden needed but ultimately, he was amazed by the scope and athleticism of Diddy, so he adopted Diddy instead. Shortly after bringing home Diddy, Camden and Diddy competed in their first show where they rode in the walk/trot cross rail division. The pair did well, placing 1st in the equitation over fences, 4th in the equitation under saddle, and 6th in the hunter under saddle. Their next competition was a Silver Series show where they entered in the 0.60 and 0.70-meter jumpers. This was before Camden realized that Diddy needed more jump underneath her for her to make an effort over the jumps – the small jumps were too easy for her. For their last Silver Series Show, Camden and Diddy were entered in the 0.80-0.90 classes to encourage her “to actually pick up her feet,” wrote Camden. The pair placed in every 0.80 class and received 3rd and 8th out of a large group in the 0.90-meter. After many jumper shows, Diddy seemed to settle in nicely to the horse show life. Camden believed that she was ready to compete in a hunter derby. “She completely exceeded both my and my coach’s expectations as she got an 84 in the 2’6/2’9 derby which got her 4th in the class,” wrote Camden. Camden has her eyes set on a bright future with Diddy. She hopes to show in the 1.00 and 1.10-meter next show season. Camden wants Diddy to be the horse that she can “move up the heights with.” The 1.10 Grand Prix in the Silver Series is one of their goals. She also hopes to “get her into some jumper medals as well as the 3’/3’3 derbies for fun,” Camden wrote. Another goal for them is to compete in the Thoroughbred jumper classes and the U25 jumper classes that are on the Gold circuit. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post Cambi Lion: A Racehorse’s Journey to the Hunter Jumper World Cambi Lion: A Racehorse’s Journey to the Hunter Jumper World By: Alexis Arbaugh June 7, 2024 Success Stories Tags:hunter jumper, jumper, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Retraining Story, Success story Chelsea Whalen previously had some experience training and retraining horses but had never worked with an off-the-track Thoroughbred. She embraced the challenge of transitioning a former racehorse into a Hunter Jumper. Chelsea found her perfect match at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. Many of the horses that go to New Vocations are put into a retraining program for a new discipline when they arrive. Chelsea had a list of specific criteria for her potential horse. She sought a horse under 5 years old with clean x-rays, “a horse who was more uphill,” and one with a graceful gait. She was able to check everything off her list when she was introduced to Cambi Lion, a 2018 Medaglia d’Oro. He had raced only a few times, with five starts but some substantial earnings in his short career, having raced at Saratoga, Belmont Park, and Gulfstream Park. He was stunning—a tall, dark bay gelding who looked like the perfect candidate to become Chelsea’s new partner. After unloading from a quiet trailer ride, Chelsea settled him into his new stall to acquaint him with his surroundings. This allowed him to look around the barn and see other horses while being safely confined to a stall. Following his initial settling-in period, Chelsea took him for a walk around the property, allowing him to familiarize himself with the entire barn and its surrounding area. Over the first week or so that Cambi Lion was at the farm, he progressed to being turned out with other horses and settled into his new night turnout routine. Unfortunately, Cambi Lion had a broken splint bone and needed to be on stall rest for about two months before Chelsea could start working with him. Once the two months were up and he was fully healed, Chelsea began the retraining process, both in the saddle and on the ground. Under-saddle work represents half of the challenge in training a horse; the other half lies in groundwork. Despite Cambi Lion’s familiarity with various handling tasks, it remained crucial to consistently work on ground manners to ensure continued good behavior. Thanks to Chelsea’s continuous effort, Cambi Lion now has excellent ground manners and tolerates many situations. Although most horses typically begin with lunge line training before starting under saddle work, Chelsea’s vet recommended skipping this step and proceeding directly to riding. The recommendation was based on Cambi’s a broken splint bone, with the vet believing that lunging would put more strain on the bone compared to riding. Additionally, since Cambi was on stall rest, Chelsea would have more control of him under saddle than on a lunge line. During the initial weeks, she focused heavily on pressure and release techniques, primarily centered around prompting Cambi Lion to respond to her leg aids. “The start of the retraining process begins with riding on the flat,” wrote Chelsea. Retired racehorses also require instruction on how to respond to rein cues for steering within a new discipline, a skill that often needs perfecting after a horse comes off the track. Chelsea began teaching Cambi Lion that the reins served as a means to guide him in the desired direction, hoping he would catch on quickly. While Chelsea couldn’t pinpoint a specific moment when she felt Cambi Lion was ready to start jumping, she vividly recalls the methodical approach she took in preparing him. “Arguably, I started training for jumping disciplines as soon as I began riding,” wrote Chelsea. Their journey began with practicing over ground poles and then building from there. Ground poles are a great way to get a horse used to going over something and to learn not to get nervous or anxious about it. As his “confidence grew and his strength improved,” Chelsea then worked with small jumps and continued to raise the height. When Cambi Lion was ready, he was able to cruise around small courses without a problem. Jumping quickly became enjoyable for Cambi Lion, showcasing both his enthusiasm and natural talent for his new sport. SEE RELATED RE-TRAINING TIP FEATURE: “How to Teach Your Retired Racehorse to Jump” Click HERE for Retraining Tip Feature Retraining an off-the-track Thoroughbred demands significant effort and patience, even for the most seasoned trainer. Chelsea had the honor of working with a close training friend of hers, Freda Jessen. Freda, having worked with numerous ex-racers throughout her career, was an experienced trainer in seamlessly transitioning OTTBs to new careers. In addition to Freda’s guidance, Chelsea had assistance from another trainer friend, whose expertise further facilitated Cambi Lion’s progression into the hunter/jumper world. Given the dangerous nature of training a horse alone, it is safer and easier to work with someone who has a background in it. Cambi Lion was doing so well that Chelsea decided to take him to his first horse show just three months into his retraining. She hadn’t initially intended to show him; rather, she brought him along to acclimate him to the atmosphere of a horse show. Impressed by Cambi Lion’s exceptional calmness, Chelsea decided to enter him in his very first flat class. Cambi Lion remained remarkably composed while at the show and in the show ring. After approximately five months of dedicated training, Cambi Lion entered his first real jumping competition. Chelsea was confident in his ability to both behave and perform well. Observing Cambi Lion’s growing confidence at home over jumps and his increasing comfort with off-site adventures, Chelsea recognized that he was ready to begin his show horse career. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission