Cambi Lion: A Racehorse’s Journey to the Hunter Jumper World
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] 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
A New Start For Asuka
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post A New start For asuka A New Start For Asuka By: Alexis Arbaugh May 29, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Circle A Home For Horses, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Asuka at Circle A Home For Horses Ruth Cheyenne Gilman had been a volunteer at Circle A Home For Horses, as well as having adopted a horse previously from the organization. In the fall of 2022. Asuka, a slender and beautiful Thoroughbred mare arrived at Circle A Home For Horses in Virgina Beach, Virginia. Initially, Asuka appeared moody and seemed to be “thoroughly scared of people,” wrote Ruth when she met the bay mare. However, after having time to adjust to her new environment and get to know her new caretakers, Asuka slowly came around. Less than a year later, in the summer of 2023, Asuka was ready and in need of a new home. Fortunately for Asuka, Ruth’s husband had always been drawn to her, and when he found out that she needed a home, he knew just how to persuade Ruth. Asuka was just a “feisty, opinionated, misunderstood mare” who needed a place to call home. Circle A Home For Horses Soon after getting the mare to Ruth’s house, her husband went back to work and Asuka became Ruth’s sole responsibility. For a while Asuka remained scared and closed off to the environment and people, as she was when she first arrived at Circle A Home for Horses. Once Asuka realized that Ruth and her husband were her new herd, her aggressive behavior started to slowly disappear. “She is still incredibly opinionated but so am I [and] seeing her come around has been amazing,” Ruth wrote. With “consistency, confidence, and trust” they continue to chug along in their training. Ruth couldn’t be prouder of Asuka. Some days they make a lot of progress and other days they just make small steps, nonetheless they move forward. Ruth is very careful with the number of expectations she puts on Asuka because she understands that Asuka probably had quite a demanding life as a racehorse. She just wants Asuka to be happy. “We work every day on physical and mental health,” wrote Ruth. Starting in the summer of 2024, Ruth will evaluate Asuka on if she wants to be a riding horse. Ruth is not worried one bit if Asuka decides that she doesn’t right now, she is committed to going at Asuka’s pace and doing what Asuka wants when she is ready. “My # 1 goal is [to keep] Asuka safe, happy, healthy, and [that] she knows she is loved], Ruth wrote. Asuka | Ruth Gilman 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
The Adventures of Starship Chewy
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous PostNext Post the adventures of starship chewy The Adventures Of Starship Chewy By: Alexis Arbaugh May 10, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Mounted Shooting, Parades, Playdays, Remember Me Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Ashley Kruse was browsing through Remember Me Rescue’s Facebook page when she happened upon Starship Chewy’s listing. Intrigued, she made an appointment with the organization to meet him. Ashley traveled to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Burleson, Texas, eager to meet this promising horse. Starship Chewy, a 2015 gelding, had a racing career that spanned six years, during which he competed 45 times across California, New Mexico, and Arizona, earning a total of $45,882. His racing days behind him, Chewy was ready for a new chapter. During her first ride on Chewy at the ranch, Ashley quickly fell in love with his stoic personality. “There was a banner that was waving in the breeze, Chewy did not seem bothered by it and even allowed me to walk him up to it while I was mounted,” Ashley shared. Chewy’s calm and alert demeanor impressed her. An incident in the barn further cemented her admiration for him. As Ashley was unsaddling Chewy, a goat in a nearby stall jumped up on the gate, causing a loud ruckus. Chewy simply flinched, turned his head to look, and calmly realized it was not a threat. Ashley knew then that Chewy’s composed mind made him the perfect trail horse. “Chewy is doing amazing now,” Ashley reported. She has taken him to various events and exposed him to numerous new experiences. Together, they have attended a horsemanship clinic, participated in playday events, and carried flags in local parades. On their camping trips, Chewy has encountered wagons, cannons, gunshots, being high-lined overnight, flags, and many other noises, all of which he handled without issue. Even on trail rides next to busy highways, Chewy remains unfazed by the noise and commotion. Ashley believes Chewy deserves a “slow life” after his competitive racing career. She has no desire to compete with him, preferring to enjoy a relaxed and “chill” life together. “Chewy has an incredible spirit and mind,” Ashley wrote. “He has surpassed my expectations with so many things I have thrown at him.” On Sunday mornings, when the weather is nice, Ashley, Chewy, and his “brother” Rocket, another gelding, go to the Lone Star Cowboy Church of Limestone County to greet churchgoers at the gate before service. This has become a cherished routine for them. Ashley hopes to try mounted shooting with Chewy one day, but her primary goal is to ensure he remains happy, healthy, and enjoys a peaceful life filled with new adventures. “He is the perfect boy,” Ashley concluded, expressing her gratitude for having Chewy in her life and her plans to keep him as part of her family forever. 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
Smoking Romance and His Girls
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post smoking romance and his girls Smoking Romance and His Girls By: Alexis Arbaugh May 10, 2024 Success Stories Tags:english, Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, hunter, hunter jumper, Huntseat, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In the spring of 2021, Charlotte Qualley and her mother Betsey attended the Iowa State Fair. At the fair, they noticed Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART), a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. They conversed with the HART representatives about horses that were available for adoption, and discussed which horse would be the most suitable match for the mother-daughter duo. They were primarily focused on a horse for Charlotte, but were interested in a horse they both could ride. Part of the criteria for a horse was one that could grow and develop alongside Charlotte. A horse that wasn’t too young or green” and that would help Charlotte become a better rider. Smoking Romance was a nine-year-old bay gelding who had raced 41 times during his five years on the racetrack. They wanted a horse who had the potential to adapt and learn new things, and Smoking Romance seemed to be a great candidate for that position. After Betsey and Charlotte’s second time visiting Smoking Romance they knew he was the one for them. They realized that he was willing to try anything that was asked of him and was a fast learner – perfect for Charlotte. “He just needed to build some trust in someone,” wrote Betsey. At this point, S’more, as Charlotte and Betsey call him, had been with them for over two years and is thriving. “He’s had a lot of growth,” Betsey wrote, “he’s picked up everything that he learns and has built a trust with both of us, particularly Charlotte, who is his only rider”. Charlotte and Betsey paid close attention to S’more and discovered what makes him happy. For example, he prefers front shoes only and benefits from regular chiropractic adjustments. S’more’s ground manners have improved significantly since they adopted him, as he now pays more attention to and trusts his rider. They worked extensively on trailer loading, focusing especially on straight-load trailers. When Betsey and Charlotte adopted him, he would only load onto a slant-style trailer, but now he loads onto both with ease. S’more had been treated for ulcers with Betsey and Charlotte, and they work to ensure that his diet keeps him happy and healthy. “We feel like we’ve gotten him to a pretty good place,” wrote Betsey. They learned that he would rather be out with his herd than cooped up in a stall. “We’re always working on finding the best fits for him, whether it’s saddle fit, bridle, food, or any other care,” Betsey explained. Betsey and Charlotte’s future plans include getting S’more comfortable with loading and unloading from the trailer so that they can take him on adventurous trail rides. Another goal is to teach him more cues for riding and eventually compete in a fun horse show. 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
Andrea and Britta’s Journey
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Andrea and Britta’s Journey Andrea and Britta’s Journey By: Alexis Arbaugh May 3, 2024 Success Stories Tags:dressage, hunter, hunter jumper, jumper, LongRun, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society Andrea McGowan adopted her first LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society graduate in 2010. The organization was recommended to her by a friend, who exercised racehorses at Woodbine, as being a trusted source for horse adoption. Creemore was Andrea’s equine partner for 11 years before his well-deserved retirement in 2021. After retiring Creemore, Andrea knew where to look for her next horse. “There was no question of where I’d find my next partner in crime,” Andrea declared. Rule the Sea, now known as Britania or Britta for short, raced 7 times at Woodbine Racetrack and Fort Erie Racetrack from 2020 to 2021, earning a total of $6,794. She was just a couple of days off the track when Andrea rode her for the first time at LongRun. “It was just about love at first sight,” wrote Andrea. Britta was all business, seemingly unbothered by the pigeons that flew around in the area. “She just put her feet down in such a confident, classy way,” Andrea said. Andrea quickly recognized Britta as the smartest and quickest horse she has ever had the pleasure of riding. The pair progressed rapidly in their training. They competed in their first Hunter/Jumper show just 18 months after Britta’s adoption, pinning in every class they entered. “In her first Jumper class, she turned and burned like a pro,” Andrea remarked. Soon after their successful first show, they tried their hand at short-course Eventing. Andrea has big goals for herself and Britta, but most importantly, she wants to enjoy every second that they have together. Her ultimate goal is to have as many wonderful adventurous years with Britta as she did with Creemore. “I look forward to Britta becoming a great all-rounder,” Andrea shared. She hopes to continue to progress in Dressage, participate in lots of clinics, and continue to show in the Jumpers. Andrea expressed, “I’m so grateful to Longrun and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for giving these superb athletes the chance to shine in their post-racing life.” 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
Jonny Be Bueno
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Jonny Be Bueno Jonny Be Bueno By: Alexis Arbaugh April 16, 2024 Success Stories Tags:CARMA, Dresage, Jumping, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance The first time Marisa Isbell rode Jonny Be Bueno at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles, California, she could feel that he was a special horse. Even from the walk, she could tell that he was attempting to communicate with her and understand her with every leg aid that she applied. He seemed eager to converse with Marisa through the only way they could: body language. He was an incredibly sensitive horse, so he always responded right away, eager to figure out what Marisa asked. Jonny is a gray ten-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. Sired by Rattlesnake Bridge and out of Silver Spook, he had an impressive sales history. Sold first as a yearling at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale (OBS) 2016 August Yearlings sale for $55,000, then again as a two-year-old at the OBS April 2017 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training for $80,000. Jonny then ended up in California in the fall of 2017, where he raced at Del Mar and Los Alamitos before retiring. That is when he ended with CARMA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, beginning a new chapter with Marisa. “He is doing so well,” wrote Marisa. For the first ten or so months that Marisa owned Jonny, they did mostly groundwork. Groundwork serves as the first step in building a trusting relationship with a horse, as it allows both horse and rider to get to know each other before progressing to riding. They did so much groundwork because Jonny was extremely reactive, and Marisa could tell that he needed time to unwind. He needed to get used to his new environment and surroundings, as well as gain some confidence. Marisa started riding Jonny shortly after the ten-month mark of his adoption. “He has completely blossomed into a confident, poised, well-developed horse,” Marisa shared. Jonny, once prone to spookiness and tension, can now remain calm even in the face of heavy winds, playing dogs, and passing cows. Jonny loves the mental stimulation and consideration that comes with practicing dressage. Marisa has even started teaching him how to jump over small jumps, which he is not impressed by in the slightest. Marisa is looking forward to the continued journey of growth and partnership with Jonny. With dedication and perseverance, she aims to further develop their dressage skills. Marisa is also eager to focus on improving Jonny’s jumping technique. As they progress, Marisa hopes to compete in three-day eventing competitions, where they can showcase their combined talents and celebrate their remarkable bond. Together, they embark on an exciting journey filled with shared achievements, unforgettable moments, and the unwavering companionship that only a horse and rider can share. 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
Overcoming the Odds
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post overcoming the odds Overcoming the Odds By: Alexis Arbaugh April 12, 2024 Aftercare Editorials Tags:dressage, Eventing, Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, Rodeo, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding When Tara Webster made the decision to retire her older gelding, she began to ponder her next horse. Ready to explore adoption prospects, she turned to her friend at Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART), Amanda Wilson, who was eager to introduce Tara to the horse Seven Thirty. Soon after concluding the conversation with Amanda, Tara traveled to HART to meet the exciting new prospect. “Seven Thirty was a tall, bay gelding and just stunning,” wrote Tara. Tara was utterly mesmerized as she watched him work, and in that moment, she knew without a doubt that Seven had to be hers. She was quick to fill out the adoption application. Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds reviewed and approved the application, which allowed Tara to adopt her new equine companion. Besides observing Seven’s work at HART, Tara was drawn to his sweet personality. “He is always down for a snuggle, hug, kiss, or a treat.” Seven was gorgeous with big eyes and long legs. Tara could sense his gentle spirit and willingness to learn through his eyes. As she was searching for a Thoroughbred to train as a jumper, Seven seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Tara adopted Seven on December 3, 2021, when he was only three years old. Once she brought him home, she began daily training sessions. “I cannot say enough good things about him and his willingness to learn,” Tara shared. Seven seemed fearless, showing a natural aptitude for retraining, including jumping. About four months later, the pair was ready to compete in their first show in March of 2022. It proved to be a fantastic first show experience, as they placed in all of their dressage and show jumping classes. “I was just so impressed [with Seven],” Tara wrote. Ever since that first horse show, they have been quite active at other events, including a HART show, many dressage tests, trail rides, a parade, a rodeo, and even moving cows. Seven is a very versatile horse, and “no matter what the scenario is he quite quickly gets comfortable as we work towards the goal,” explained Tara. Unfortunately, in March of 2023, Seven was diagnosed with kissing spine. Kissing spine is a condition in horses where the vertebrae in the spine migrate closer and closer together until they touch or overlap. This can cause mild, consistent back pain in the horse. Most treatments include making the horse comfortable with pain medications or easy work. Seven spent the rest of the spring and all summer relaxing with his friends in the field and receiving “regular spa” days with Tara. His back needed time to decompress before he could be approved for surgery. Seven had his surgery in September 2023, and in the following months after his surgery he spent time rehabilitating. Tara’s veterinarians are positive that Seven will make a full recovery back to riding. In the meantime, they work diligently on their hand walks and groundwork. Once Tara and Seven start their training again, their biggest goal is to compete in a recognized event. “He is such a good partner to work with that I think this goal is easily achievable,” explained Tara. Another one of Tara’s dreams is to be able to compete in a roping class at a ranch show. “I have no doubt that we can do anything we put our minds to,” said Tara. Tara and Seven have a bright future ahead of them thanks to Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds. “HART is an amazing organization and I’m so happy they were able to pair me with my boy!” 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
Here Comes Sharyn
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Here comes sharyn Here Comes Sharyn By: Alexis Arbaugh April 3, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Circle A Home For Horses, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding Heather Mathias was drawn to Circle A Home for Horses in Virginia Beach, Virgina, by her passion for her horses where she sought an interview for a position on the farm. On the day of her interview, she encountered a delightful surprise. Inside one of the stalls stood a bay gelding named Here Comes Sharyn. As she approached his stall, he greeted her warmly by gently pressing his forehead against hers. After an amazing interview, Heather was offered the job at Circle A Home for Horses. From then on, every morning, Here Comes Sharyn faithfully awaited Heather’s arrival in his stall. It appeared that both couldn’t commence their day without exchanging the same affectionate greeting they shared on the day of Heather’s interview. With such genuine affection from such a sweet and kind horse, Heather couldn’t help but fall in love. Here Comes Sharyn’s eyes light up with admiration and love whenever he sees or hears Heather, a look reserved solely for her. As months passed, Heather and Here Comes Sharyn grew increasingly close. Heather found herself wanting to bring him home with her. Heather approached Alicia Mahar, the Founder and Executive Director of Circle A Home for Horses, to inquire about the adoption process. After gaining clarity on the procedures involved in adopting from Circle A, Heather made the decision to proceed with adopting Here Comes Sharyn. All Heather wanted was to be “his special person to love [and] care for him the way he deserves.” In the fall of 2023, Heather finally brought Here Comes Sharyn home. Since the day Heather met Here Comes Sharyn, she noticed he was an avid cribber. Therefore, the first thing Heather wanted to address when she brought him home was his cribbing habit. Cribbing is a behavior observed in horses where they grasp onto an object with their front teeth, contract their neck muscles, and pull back, often swallowing air in the process. While there are no definitive answers on why horses crib, most veterinarians assume that boredom and stress are the main causes. Heather ordered him a brand-new cribbing collar and began to work to find the cause of his cribbing. She dedicated hours observing Here Comes Sharyn’s behaviors both in his stall and out in the field. Through this process of spending extensive time together, their bond deepened significantly as they grew to understand each other beyond their time at Circle A Home for Horses. Currently, Heather is focused on helping Here Comes Sharyn rebuild muscle. She approached their training sessions with patience. Having been through so much in his life, she allows him to progress at his own pace. She feels that teaching him how to relax and to “just be a horse” is more important than a rigorous retraining schedule. With no pressure for competitions on their agenda, they opt for a slow and gentle approach, focusing on their bond and his well-being above all else. Despite their laid-back schedule, Heather and Here Comes Sharyn continue to accomplish new goals every week and she is proud of the information that he retains from one ride to the next. Confidence, trust in each other, and under saddle work are crucial to reaching their long-term goals. Eventually Heather would love it if Here Comes Sharyn wanted to ride the trails and explore with her. She has all the faith in the world that they will make that goal a reality one day, but for now they are content to keep” building up our bond and love for each other. 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
A New Beginning
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Scouted: A New Beginning Scouted: A New Beginning By: Alexis Arbaugh March 28, 2024 Success Stories Tags:dressage, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding, Win Place Home As Olivia Holland searched for the perfect horse, she discovered Win Place Home, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization in Canyon County, California. This organization offers former racehorses a supportive environment during their transition from racing to a new career. To aid in this transition, Win Place Home employs Elisabeth Hower, a certified Monty Roberts instructor. The training program developed by Monty Roberts educates individuals in the principles of natural horsemanship, focusing on both students and horses. Through these lessons, participants gain insights into horse behavior and its impact on their bond with the animal. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as pressure and release, leadership abilities, setting boundaries, ensuring safety, desensitization, and more, all aimed at fostering a collaborative partnership between owner and horse. Olivia attended several Monty Roberts sessions with Elisabeth, and after evaluating various Thoroughbreds, she ultimately found her perfect match. Originally registered as Scouted, he was soon renamed BoJack. Among all the horses Olivia considered, BoJack stood out. “Bojack’s calm and gentle nature is what stuck out the most,” Olivia said. “Out of all of the horses I got to try at Monty Roberts he felt the calmest and most reliable”. After experiencing BoJack’s serene demeanor and unwavering reliability, Olivia made the decision to adopt him, eager to embark on their journey together. BoJack has adjusted seamlessly to life at Olivia’s home. He now happily shares a spacious pasture with a friend. They can be seen chasing each other around during the day and napping together at night. However, BoJack’s greatest joy lies in the simple pleasure of being groomed, where he thoroughly enjoys the sensation of being scratched, petted, and showered with affection. Presently, Olivia and BoJack are diligently focused on their retraining regimen, beginning with groundwork to cultivate a positive relationship between the pair. Together they work on Dressage and building confidence through trail rides. They are also working on getting BoJack into shape and teaching him how to effectively engage and utilize his hind end. “Although the training process hasn’t been easy, it has been fun,” wrote Olivia. “Ground work has been key to creating a positive relationship”. Olivia remains hopeful that as his confidence continues to grow, that they will soon be able to go on extended trail rides. Their transition from trail walks to Dressage work has been very smooth. Olivia has hopes to take BoJack to some schooling shows in the future. Olivia’s dedication to BoJack is unwavering, ensuring he receives excellent care and a fulfilling life. “I am very grateful to own Bojack and I am excited for our future,” Olivia shared. BoJack’s steady improvements in their training and positive influence on Olivia’s confidence and riding abilities have her eagerly anticipating their future adventures. 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
Pioneering Trust and Riding Resilience: Anna and Pioneerofan Empire’s Enduring Story
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous PostNext Post Pioneering Trust and Riding Resilience: Anna and Pioneerofan Empire’s Enduring Story Pioneering Trust and Riding Resilience: Anna and Pioneerofan Empire’s Enduring Story By: Alexis Arbaugh March 20, 2024 Success Stories Tags:dressage, hunter jumper, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Knowing where to start when you are ready to buy a horse is very unnerving and a difficult process if you don’t have guidance from someone who is experienced in purchasing horses. Anna Krupka sought assistance from her trusted long-time trainer, who then reached out to Lynn Sullivan at Thoroughbred Athletes. Thoroughbred Athletes is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Gutherie, Oklahoma. It serves as a haven to off-the-track Thoroughbreds who needed caring homes. Lucky, Lynn knew which horse to pair Anna with when her trainer explained exactly what Anna was looking for. Lynn was confident in matching Anna with Pioneerofan Empire. She knew he would find a loving home with Anna and benefit from a well-structured training program. When Anna and Pioneerofan Empire met, there was an instant connection. During their first ride, Anna noticed his enthusiasm for work and willingness to adapt and learn new skills. He displayed a desire for affection but remained cautious, seemingly nervous to get too close. Anna explained, “he was this mysterious mix of wanting love and attention and to learn and go to work, but it’s like he was internally at odds with the fact that he didn’t fully trust people”. His immense personality intrigued her. After their ride, Anna and her trainer both knew that Pioneerofan Empire had found his new home. As part of their regular protocol, Thoroughbred Athletes provides their rescue Thoroughbreds with an opportunity to undergo retraining for a fresh career. As a result, Pioneerofan Empire received some under-saddle training before joining Anna. That training combined with his thirst for knowledge made the transition into a new program very easy. Anna admitted she experienced “ups and downs” in their initial riding sessions. It takes a while for horses and riders to adapt to one another’s styles, personalities, and quirks. The pair continued to work together, and Anna noted gradual improvement as they arrived on the same page. Throughout their journey, Anna found the more they worked together, the more trusting Pioneerofan Empire became. The hard work the pair put into their training allowed a special partnership to develop. Anna discovered that Pioneerofan Empire is dynamic and intelligent. She shared her awe that he enjoys versatility across disciplines. He remarkably transitions from Dressage to Hunters effortlessly, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor regardless of what he is asked to do and eager for new challenges. Currently in their training, Anna and Pioneerofan Empire are schooling First Level Dressage. The duo has been successful at many schooling shows, scoring in the upper 60s and low 70s. Anna is optimistic that soon they can compete in their first recognized Dressage show at First Level. Pioneerofan Empire also enjoys jumping around in the Hunter ring, so Anna is making sure that he gets his fair share of jump schools. Anna hopes to move up to the 2’6 classes and looks forward to participating in some T.I.P. (The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program) classes, which are exclusively for Thoroughbred horses. “There’s a lot more to the story, but [I] enjoy sharing whenever possible as a platform to support Thoroughbred Aftercare,” Anna wrote. “I used to work in horse racing in Lexington on the commercial breeding side of the business so it’s a cause very near and dear to my heart”. Thoroughbred racehorses, after their track days, deserve a fulfilling second chapter. Accredited organizations who belong to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance offer care and opportunities for these horses, unlocking their potential beyond racing. Examples like Pioneerofan Empire demonstrate how these horses can thrive in new roles such as riding or therapy, each fulfilling a unique purpose in their post-racing life. 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