Barrel Racing

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Tack Wise’s Rise Tack Wise’s Rise By: Alexis Arbaugh February 24, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Barrel Racing, CANTER Michigan, Pole Bending, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding A few months after the 2022 Hillsdale County Fair in Hillsdale, Michigan, Riley Clark began her search for a new horse. Her previous CANTER Michigan adoptee, Grander Plan (now known as Prince), had been a great fit, but Riley was looking for a younger Thoroughbred to retrain so she could eventually retire her competition mare. She also wanted to free up Prince to be primarily her dad’s horse. Riley started her search at CANTER Michigan, where several horses caught her eye. However, it was a young mare named Tack Wise who truly captured her heart. After riding “Tacky” at the CANTER Michigan facility, Riley knew she had to bring the four-year-old home. Despite Tacky not being fully broke to the canter yet, her potential was undeniable, and Riley felt she was the right fit for her. So, Riley made plans to bring Tacky home. Riley welcomed Tacky to her farm at the end of January 2023 and immediately began working with her daily. Although Tacky was “very willing to learn,” retraining her proved to be a challenge as she wasn’t fully broke to ride. However, Tacky’s intelligence and good nature helped her pick up the training quickly, and she always tried hard to do what Riley asked. During their retraining process, Riley took Tacky on various adventures, including trail rides in Hocking Hills, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Drummond Island. “She did amazing and acted as if she had been on trails her whole life,” Riley remarked. Tacky also participated in 4-H group rides and started competing in local horse shows. Although Riley knew Tacky wasn’t quite ready to be competitive, she took her to the Hillsdale Fair to gain show experience. To Riley’s delight, Tacky consistently placed in every class she entered. Back at home, Riley continued to work with Tacky on perfecting their speed patterns. Riley’s goal for Tacky is to take her to her second Hillsdale County Fair, where she aims to compete in the barrels and poles speed classes. — If you’re interested in Riley’s journey with Grander Plan, read their story here! 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 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