Witt Way’s Second Chance
All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous PostNext Post Witt Way’s Second Chance Witt Way’s Second Chance By: Alexis Arbaugh October 28, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Lonestar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Beginning his racing career as a two-year-old in 2012, Witt Way developed chips in both knees during his three-year-old season. His connections opted for surgery to remove the chips, and after some downtime to heal, he began his racing career again as a four-year-old. Although he was completely sound, he just wasn’t progressing in his training, and after just fifteen career starts, it appeared that Witt Way was not destined to be a great racehorse. Fortunately for the young Thoroughbred, his thoughtful connections all agreed he would excel in another career and in 2014 Witt Way retired from racing and began looking for a new home. That is when Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers (LOPE) decided to take him. “His racing connections thought he had plateaued at that point,” Founder and Executive Director Lynn Reardon said. “They felt he needed a new career and donated him to LOPE. The vast majority of our horses are donated by their racing connections, which is really cool to see.” The four-year-old gelding arrived at Reardon’s Driftwood, Texas facility in October of 2014 and made his presence known right away. “One of the things that stands out to me was how friendly and kind Witt Way was,” said Reardon. “He was of course tall, dark and handsome — with a splashy star too! But Witt Way was truly a case of ‘Handsome is as handsome does’ — he was sensible, willing and just a sweet guy all-around.” From his arrival at LOPE, “Witt,” as he is now called, exhibited his natural abilities and proved to be a nice mover on the ground. His knee chip removal could prove difficult for any future jumping or Eventing homes, but Reardon and her team were confident that he could excel on the flat. “He had the perfect build and movement for dressage,” stated Reardon. A tall, dark, and handsome natural mover was just what Roxanne Ellingsworth was looking for when she began her search for a new dressage partner in 2015, that’s when she happened upon the LOPE website. “I found him online and fell in love with him,” said Ellingsworth. “He looked like a diamond in the rough to me.” So Roxanne hooked up her truck and trailer and headed to LOPE. “[I] had to have him,” she said. Although Reardon and the rest of LOPE had witnessed Witt’s natural movement from the ground, he had yet to have his first ride off track, which didn’t sway Roxanne at all. “He was never ridden at the rescue,” she said. “I was the first one on him after the track and he was a perfect gentleman.” So together they began Witt’s retraining in dressage. “He was taking to it [Dressage] like a duck to water,” Roxanne recalled proudly. “[He’s a] complete Dressage diva!” The pair trained and competed in lower-level dressage successfully for the following seven years, until just last year when something about Witt didn’t feel right to Roxanne – her beloved gelding was suddenly struggling at the canter. “We just kept thinking it’s his feet, he has typical Thoroughbred feet – thin soles no heel,” she explained. “But it was getting worse, and I know him so well, something [was] wrong.” Knowing her partner better than anyone, Roxanne began to do some research, looking for a solution to what was ailing Witt. “Sure enough he fit the bill for kissing spine disease,” she said. Overriding dorsal spinous processes, also known as “kissing spine”, occurs when the vertebrae in a horse’s spine are too close together, causing the small bits of bone that extend upward from the vertebrae to “kiss” together. The lack of space between these bones reduces mobility in the back and in turn causes pain and/or discomfort as the spinous processes interfere with each other. It is one of the leading causes of back pain in equines, but can be treated in a variety of ways, one of which includes surgery. While Witt begun his rehab and recovery and Roxanne is happy to look to the future. “Once we are back fit again it’s off to 1st level and my goal is my USDF Bronze Medal with him. That will take us to 3rd level,” she said proudly. “He is gorgeous in the show ring and just struts his stuff. He was born for 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
The Many Careers of Missn Suesann
All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous PostNext Post The Many Careers of Missn Suesann The Many Careers of Missn Suesann By: Alexis Arbaugh October 9, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Remember Me Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance With only one start on her record as a three-year-old, Missn Suesann was not long for the racehorse life. Trained by Dallas Keen, husband of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited Remember Me Rescue Executive Director Donna Keen, there were no questions about her retirement just one month after her exit from race training. “Missn Suesann was sent to us in the fall of 2009 along with 2 other horses from a small breeder named Todd Martin. She was always a little spitfire,” Keen recalled. “I can not remember what ended her career, but I was so glad Mr. Martin let us rehome her.” Missn Suesann would retire to Remember Me Rescue after her first and only race in March 2010, where she would find her true calling at her forever home with Amanda Frye. Amanda found her long-term partner on Remember Me Rescue’s Facebook page in April of 2010. “When I first saw her photo, I was amazed at her beauty and athleticism,” said Frye. “She had the kindest, sweetest eyes and face.” Not wanting to waste any time in contacting the organization, and after a lengthy conversation with Executive Director Donna Keen, Frye made the trip to Remember Me in Burleston, Texas the very next day. Although Amanda had originally been drawn to the bay filly for her outward appearance, the deal was sealed when they met and experienced Susie’s kind demeanor in person. “It was love at first sight,” Frye recalled. “When I first met Susie, we just clicked. I think we both knew we belonged to each other.” After filling out the required adoption application and awaiting her approval, Susie was on her way home to begin her new life. For the first five and half years with Frye, Susie was retrained and worked as a ranch horse. “[She was] sorting pairs, doctoring, roping, riding fence,” she recalled. “Just whatever we needed done on our ranch.” Although, Susie loved he ranch horse life, it wouldn’t be long before the duo began a new journey that lead them to the show ring. “When I decided I missed jumping, I pulled her out of the pasture and she started the show horse life,” said Frye. They began competing in the Show Jumpers in 2016 and have enjoyed their time cruising around the Jumper ring together for the last seven years. In 2021, Susie stepped into her fourth “career” as a mother. Her foal was born on April 16, 2021, and was affectionately named “Dragon” as a way of honoring her mother’s fiery spirit. “She gave me a beautiful filly,” Frye gushed. “Susie was the original fire breathing dragon, so baby dragon just stuck. [Her] registered name is Capchure FR.” When looking towards the future, Amanda and Susie’s goals haven’t shifted much. “Most of my goals have been accomplished with Susie over the years. But our main one now is to work our way back up to the .95-1M Jumpers and maybe do some Take2 Thoroughbred classes,” Frye reports. “[I’m] hoping to possibly qualify for TIP Championship in the fall of 2023.” Although Susie showed no interest in racing, her athleticism and passion made her capable of so much more. “I have ridden close to a hundred [Off Track Thoroughbreds] in my life. And I have yet to find another breed that has the heart and try that a TB does,” Frye stated. “They give you their all every single time you climb on their back. If a Thoroughbred gives you their heart, you will have a partner for 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
The Bright Future of Fast Leroy Brown
All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous PostNext Post The Bright Future of Fast Leroy Brown The Bright Future of Fast Leroy Brown By: Alexis Arbaugh September 25, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Remember Me Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance The Son of the multiple graded stakes winner Early Flyer, Fast Leroy Brown would only start on the track five times in his entire racing career. Never breaking his maiden, it was clear to trainer Dallas Keen and the rest of Fast Leroy Brown’s connections that the three-year-old gelding just wasn’t interested in racing. Luckily for “Leroy,” his connections at the track ensured that he went to an excellent retirement facility. Founded in 2008 by Donna Keen, wife of Thoroughbred trainer Dallas Keen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited Remember Me Rescue was started with the mission to provide owners and trainers with a safe, trustworthy option for retiring their equine athletes. So just three days after Leroy’s final race at Louisiana Downs in September 2018, Leroy was headed to Keen and her team in Burleston, TX. While Leroy was adjusting to life off the track, April Prince was busy looking for her next Eventing prospect. “I wrote to several rescues while looking for my horse,” April reported. There was something about Remember Me Rescue that stood out to her because she decided to make the trip to meet and try some of the horses they offered. After looking at a few but not feeling a strong connection, April finally met Leroy. “I knew Leroy and I were a match!” she said, citing his sweet demeanor as what sealed the deal. “I’m an adult amateur, and I knew I wanted a horse that would make me feel safe,” said April. “Leroy certainly calmed me.” For the last four years, April and Leroy have taken things easy, allowing the young Thoroughbred to ease into his retraining and build a solid foundation. “We’ve taken our time, as I’ve done a lot of the retraining myself,” April said. “We started working on dressage, did small schooling shows, attended clinics, and have a solid training program.” The duo’s slow and steady approach has already paid off, as they boasted a second-place finish at a recent combined test! The future looks bright for Fast Leroy Brown with April’s goals remaining clear and consistent. “We’re at the starter level gaining confidence, and I hope we can slowly make our way up the levels,” she reported. “I feel so lucky that I found Leroy. He is such a joy to be around, and we have learned so much together.” April hopes that they are able to compete in the Novice Eventing division some days soon! 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 Bright Future of Fast Leroy Brown Monday, September 25, 2023 By: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Fast Leroy Brown and April ride dressage in eventing competition After looking at a few but not feeling a strong connection, April finally met Leroy. “I knew Leroy and I were a match!” she said, citing his sweet demeanor as what sealed the deal. “I’m an adult amateur, and I knew I wanted a horse that would make me feel safe,” said April. “Leroy certainly calmed me.” For the last four years, April and Leroy have taken things easy, allowing the young Thoroughbred to ease into his retraining and build a solid foundation. “We’ve taken our time, as I’ve done a lot of the retraining myself,” April said. “We started working on dressage, did small schooling shows, attended clinics, and have a solid training program.” The duo’s slow and steady approach has already paid off, as they boasted a second-place finish at a recent combined test! The future looks bright for Fast Leroy Brown with April’s goals remaining clear and consistent. “We’re at the starter level gaining confidence, and I hope we can slowly make our way up the levels,” she reported. “I feel so lucky that I found Leroy. He is such a joy to be around, and we have learned so much together.” April hopes that they are able to compete in the Novice Eventng devision some days soon! Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
The New Life of Money Talks
The New Life of Money Talks Thursday, September 21, 2023 By: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance A promising young racehorse with $195,248 in career earnings, Money Talks had multiple listed stakes under his belt by the time he was four-years-old. He even ran in the Prince of Wales (Black Type) at Woodbine in 2014. Unfortunately, after being stepped on during the OLG Elgin Stakes (Black Type) a month later, his interest in racing waned significantly over the following years and his connections made the responsible decision to retire him. Located on over 100 acres of beautiful landscape in Hillsburgh, Ontario, LongRun, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization, was the perfect place for the son of multiple graded stakes winner Mobil to begin his new life off track. When he stepped off the trailer in November of 2019, Money Talks exuded confidence. “The main thing I remember about Money was his class. He walked off the trailer and settled in like he owned the place”, recalled Farm Manager Lauren Millet-Sampson about the day Money Talks arrived at LongRun’s facility. “He did everything we asked of him with such high class and took his new life in stride from day one”. While Money Talks was assessing his new domain at LongRun, adult amateur Jillian Wainwright was beginning a new journey of her own. “My Quarter Horse mare was well into her twenties and I had been looking for a new horse for some time,” she said. “I saw many horses, but nothing about them said this is ‘The One’.” When a friend suggested that she take a look at an off track Thoroughbred and pointed her in LongRun’s direction, Wainwright was hesitant to say the least. “My first thought was ‘That’s insane!’ I could never ride a racehorse! I knew nothing about Thoroughbreds or racing,” she recalled. “However, I went onto the website and knew instantly that there was something special about these horses. Their gentle, soft eyes caught my attention right away.” Money Talks being silly at Jillian’s farm After filling out an adoption form for pre-approval, it didn’t take long for the team at LongRun to find the right fit for Wainwright- the nine-year-old recent retiree, Money Talks. “Within a few weeks LongRun contacted me saying that they had a horse they thought I might like to meet,” said Wainwright. Wainwright saw herself go from being hesitant, to considering an ex-racehorse, to being interested in one with 49 starts on his record. In May of 2020, she and a friend made the over six-hour drive to LongRun to meet Money Talks. “He was in his stall and as I approached, he put his head over the door. There was an instant connection, he looked right into my eyes and put his head on my shoulder,” she recalled. “It was like being reunited with an old friend and I knew right then and there that I had found ‘The One.’ I spent time grooming him and walking him around in the arena, but I already knew this beautiful horse and I were going to have a future together.” It was official, Money Talks had found his forever home. A sweet moment between Money Talks and Jillian One month later, on June 17, 2020, Wainwright welcomed Money Talks to her farm, grateful to see that she wasn’t the only one excited for her new partner to arrive. “My other horses accepted him immediately, no whinnying, no squealing,” she said. “It was almost as if they knew he was meant to be there! It was the easiest transition I have ever experienced.” Money Talks would spend the next several months relaxing and enjoying his transition to life as a retired racehorse. “We spent time together, just getting to know each other,” said Wainwright. Ever the cool customer, the bay gelding had no issues adjusting to his new life, so it came as no shock when he effortlessly began retraining for his new career. “Our transition to riding went just as smoothly,” Wainwright reported. “We are taking our time with training and are being helped by a good friend who is an experienced trainer. There is no rush, no deadlines that have to be met.” With Wainwright and her trainer’s help, Money Talks has begun to slowly accept more contact in the bridle as well as tackle the strange new world of trot poles. “He thinks is the most bizarre activity as why step over them when you can just go around?” Wainwright said. His personality continued to shine and it wouldn’t take long for him to earn a new name. “Money Talks is a ray of sunshine in my life and it wasn’t long before he became known as Sunny,” reported Wainwright. “Sunny is truly Mr. Personality! He is incredibly smart and has an amazing work ethic. He learns so quickly and doesn’t forget. He gives his best every time we ride.” Money Talks and Jillian practicing Since they have been taking things slow and steady, the duo has developed a strong foundation together and Wainwright couldn’t be happier. “Adopting Money Talks, aka Sunny, was the best decision I have ever made,” she proudly stated. “He is an amazing horse, and I am incredibly lucky to have him. I will be forever grateful to his owners and to LongRun. They have given me the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dreams.” Jillian giving Money Talks a bath Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
Let’s Rumble
By: Jen Halliwell Following twelve starts on the track and earning $61,450, Let’s Rumble was retired in September 2020 through Monmouth Park’s Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement program. He found his post-racing home at After the Races, another Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited facility. This decision was prompted by the discovery of some changes in one of his knees. Recognizing the changes in his condition at an early stage, his connections made the responsible choice to retire him and give him the opportunity to thrive in a new career after a well-deserved break. Although he wasn’t destined for racing greatness, trainer Jeanne Vuyosevich wanted to ensure that whoever adopted the 2017 gelding knew more about him. She left behind a handwritten note for his next owner, sharing insights into his personality, including his love of bananas. After a couple months off, “Rumble” had settled into racing retirement, benefitting from the time taken to let his knee heal. Meanwhile, Courtney VanErstvelde had begun her search for a new barrel racing partner. When she contacted After the Races and explained what she was looking for, they enthusiastically recommended Rumble. “Courtney was originally looking for a horse that would do well in western disciplines in general and who had a certain temperament” said Bonnie McCrae of After the Races. “He was so calm, cool, and collected when we rode him, and I thought his build, size, and temperament would suit well for trail riding and other western activities… I mostly just did my best to match her needs with a horse that would fulfill them, and it seems like I got it right!” “The amazing staff knew me better than I knew myself and found me an amazing partner,” VanErstvelde explained. It didn’t take long for their relationship to bloom, and Rumble’s personality began to truly shine. “After some time running around the pasture with his new friends his goofy personality has really come to the forefront and his new favorite thing is hugs,” said VanErstvelde. Rumble’s newfound bond with VanErstvelde on the ground has also had a positive impact on their partnership in the saddle. The duo has been successful enough in the ring to qualify for the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) World Championships in October and plan to make Rumble’s first rodeo appearance soon. “He has so much heart and try into everything in front of him,” VanErstvelde said. “He really is a special horse and has inspired others in the area to look at thoroughbreds in a whole new light.” Faith Sampson, in need of a mount while her own horse was recovering from an injury, had the chance to be part of Rumble’s journey as a barrel horse. During this time, Rumble became Sampson’s partner while VanErstvelde dedicated her attention to developing her greener horses. “It has been such an amazing opportunity to get the chance to work with Let’s Rumble,” Sampson stated. “Never in my wildest dreams would I [have] thought I would like a Thoroughbred, let alone an [Off the Track Thoroughbred] – but Rumby has changed my opinion on them completely. So much, in fact, I ended up getting my own OTTB with hopes I can train him to be just like Rumby.” While he continues to enjoy his barrel training, Rumble also enjoys going on trail rides, playing in the water, and has even taken on the role of a lesson horse for VanErstvelde’s beginner boyfriend. “More than any competition or time he’s ran, I’m so happy that he gets to enjoy being his whole goofy self,” said VanErstvelde. “Thank you for doing everything you do for these guys! I never would have imagined the impact my Rum boy has had on my life – every day he has the ability to put a smile on my face no matter the circumstances.”
Save Me Paula
When professional Hunter/Jumper trainer Joyce Brinsfield of Ballyhigh Show Stable, Ltd. received a call from her long-time friend Paula Singer one day in March 2021, she knew she would soon be a part of a new journey.
After 25 years of friendship, it didn’t take much to convince Brinsfield to accompany Singer to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-Accredited Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville, KY to meet SAVE ME PAULA- a 2017 Super Saver gelding in need of a new home.
Digger
By: Mary Eddy/NYRA When a graded stakes-placed dark bay gelding named Digger crossed the finish line third in the 2011 Mister Diz at Pimlico Race Course, his connections knew it was time for the veteran of 39 starts to turn the page and look to a new life beyond the racetrack. It was then that he was sent to New Vocations – a non-profit that retrains and rehomes retired racehorses – and adopted by Verena Brassfield to spend the rest of his days on a tranquil 600-acre farm in Tennessee. “I’ve always had a thing for thoroughbreds and I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” said Brassfield. “I had a thoroughbred before him who passed away, and at first, I didn’t want another horse. But then someone gave my husband the website for New Vocations, and the first picture I saw was my baby. I said, ‘That’s him.’ A week after I applied, I got a call that I was approved.” Digger, a Maryland-bred son of Yonaguska, made his first outing as a juvenile in 2006 and graduated at fourth asking by an impressive 9 1/2 lengths that December at Laurel Park. As a sophomore, he captured three more stakes at Laurel in the Deputed Testamony by a dominating 11 3/4 lengths, the Northern Dancer and the Jennings Handicap to close out the year. In 2008, Digger moved north to the NYRA circuit, where he scored a pair of victories at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The following year saw his greatest Empire State successes when he earned four victories at NYRA tracks, led by a determined score in the Gravesend to cap his productive campaign. Ridden by Rosie Napravnik, Digger showed his typical frontrunning tactics and raced with Pashito the Che tracking close in second. Digger put 1 1/2 lengths between him and Pashito the Che at the stretch call and was able to fend off his determined rival by a nose in a final time of 1:11.66 for six furlongs over the inner dirt. Digger earned one more stakes victory to kick off his 2010 campaign with a 3 3/4-length victory in Laurel Park’s Fire Plug, and visited the winner’s circle for the last time in March 2011 before owner Repole Stable and trainer Bruce Brown decided to retire the evergreen veteran at age 7. “I watched the replays of his races and if someone had told me then that one day he would be mine, I would have told them they were crazy,” Brassfield said. “He was a good racehorse, and he could run, and still can. When he takes off in the paddock, he leaves everybody behind.” Digger was sent to one of New Vocations’ Ohio facilities where he was cared for until Brassfield saw his posting and applied for adoption in the spring of 2012. It was not long before she was approved, and Digger found his forever home. While Digger needed a great deal of patience and commitment to learn how to be ridden beyond racing, Brassfield was determined to help the beloved gelding settle down and enjoy his retirement. New Vocations, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded by Dot Morgan in 1992 and is one of 81 facilities accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), an accrediting body that fundraises and awards funds to its accredited organizations throughout the year. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and its horsemen support the efforts of the TAA with each owner who participates at a NYRA racetrack donating $10 per start to thoroughbred aftercare. Additionally, horsemen donate 1.5 percent of the purchase price of horses claimed on the circuit to the TAA and to the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s (NYTHA) TAKE THE LEAD program, which provides veterinary exams and the funds for transportation and retraining costs for horses at NYRA racetracks. “Digger was donated to our program on February 5, 2012, by Mike Repole and was in our program for four months before he was adopted,” said Anna Ford, the Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations. “He was a very classy guy.” Brassfield said Digger has been the best teacher she could ask for. “He’s so happy, but in the beginning, he was crazy,” said Brassfield, with a laugh. “He was headstrong and if the boy doesn’t like you, you’ll know it. He’s honest, and I said, ‘Even if I can’t ever ride him, he has his forever home.’ He gives me everything I need just by being here. He taught me more than any horse could have taught me.” 10 years after stepping off the racetrack and with much patience and gradual improvements, Digger enjoys some light riding and flatwork and has settled in beautifully to his retirement. Brassfield describes Digger as “a puppy,” his gentle nature and intelligence allowing him to teach even the youngest of horse lovers. “I started training him and working with him every day,” said Brassfield. “He’s good with kids – another boarder at the farm says Digger is the only horse she trusts with her 3-year-old daughter. He’s not spooky, he’s willing and there’s nothing I can’t throw at him that’s he’s not willing to accept. He has a sense of humor and likes things a certain way.” Digger, who once ran Beyer Speed Figures exceeding 100, leads a quieter life these days, enjoying his time out of the spotlight and with his devoted owner. Though he is a bit limited in his abilities under tack, Digger enjoys the occasional trail ride and flatwork, along with his time to himself in his large paddock with a herd of friends. “He does trail riding and we did lessons for a little dressage, but other than that, he’s leisure and pleasure. He has 30 or 40 acres to roam with about eight other horses. He loves it and loves being out there,” Brassfield said. “All the mares in the pasture are his according to him. He has made one friend that came two months ago, a quarter horse
Strummer
By: Mary Eddy/NYRA
In January of 2006, a plain bay named Strummer made his connections proud as he crossed the finish line first in the $65,000 Jimmy Winkfield to score his first stakes victory.
Nearly 17 years after posting his biggest accomplishment on the racetrack, Strummer is still putting smiles on the faces of those around him as one of 16 retired racehorses who have found a home at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, N.Y.
Vindication Alley
After 12 starts in the States, the son of Flower Alley ran an additional 23 races at Camarero Race Track in Puerto Rico. In 2020, “Vinny” was able to return home to the mainland with the help of TAA-accredited Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare and the willingness of TAA-accredited aftercare charities in the U.S. to take in these horses upon their return.
One More Broad
When One More Broad arrived at Hope’s Legacy in September of last year, he had already lived two lives- one as a racehorse, the other as a show horse.
After only six starts on the track, earning just $4,260, the son of Broad Brush spent the next 21 years as a competition horse before he was ready to enjoy retirement. At the ripe old age of 24, it was certainly time.