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Wilky G Does It All

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Wilky G Does it All Wilky G Does It All By: Alexis Arbaugh September 27, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, jumpers, OTTB, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In the fall of 2020, Elizabeth McDougald had no plans to adopt a horse when she visited Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was there to pick up a horse for one of her students, but with so many promising horses at the facility, she decided to look for a project horse for herself. Horse and Hound, an accredited Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance organization, specializes in retraining ex-racehorses and finding them new careers. Elizabeth is a trainer at Glenridge Farm, a Hunter/Jumper barn in Elgin, Oklahoma, founded by her parents. Growing up, she worked with and retrained off-the-track Thoroughbreds, so finding a project horse was not a new task. One of the founders of Horse and Hound, Nelda Kettles, introduced her to Wilky G, a “small, plain dark bay, quiet, unassuming 3-year-old gelding.” Although Wilky G was far from the tall, uphill, leggy type Elizabeth typically trained for Hunter/Jumper competitions, something about his kind demeanor drew her in. Initially, she thought he might make a good trail or western horse for someone down the line. Wilky G was foaled in 2017 in Oklahoma and raced seven times in Oklahoma and Texas, earning $8,509 over his two-year racing career. After retiring in June 2020, he was donated to Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, where he stayed until Elizabeth decided to take him home that fall. Despite not fitting Elizabeth’s usual profile for a jumper, Wilky G quickly proved her instincts right. “He had a kindness to him that drew me in,” Elizabeth explained. Once home, Wilky G took to retraining with ease. “He was definitely the little engine that could,” she remarked. He showed a natural aptitude for jumping and seemed to love it, surprising Elizabeth, who had initially thought he’d be a short-term project. “I realized I was having a lot of fun with the horse I thought I’d train and sell,” she said. Wilky G soon became the barn’s “Jack-of-all-trades.” He could be ridden bridleless, was a dependable trail horse, excelled as an intermediate lesson horse, and even shone in the Jumper ring at rated shows. “I’ve had a number of OTTBs, but he is truly the kindest of the bunch,” Elizabeth noted. Elizabeth and Wilky G most recently competed in the Take2 Thoroughbred Jumper division in the spring of 2024. “He defies every young OTTB stereotype,” she said, praising his calm and easygoing nature. His quiet demeanor even allowed him to be used as a lead-line mount at a horse show, and he regularly carries children in lessons at home. “The horse that was meant to be a short-term project doing anything but jumping is now a barn favorite,” Elizabeth wrote. Wilky G continues to thrive under Elizabeth’s care, delighting both her and her students in lessons and at shows. “He’s doing fabulous,” she said, adding that Wilky G will likely remain at her barn for a long time to come. 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

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

Gallant Plunger

Just two months after completing his last work at Ellis Park, the Madaket Stables-owned, Steve Asmussen trainee retired with a record of 3-3-2 to TAA-accredited Second Stride.

Lou Brissie

Named after WWII war hero and MLB professional baseball player Leland Victor Brissie, meet Lou Brissie, the retired graded stakes winner.

Secret Deployment

Despite being the son of Godolphin’s 2008 Eclipse Award winning stallion, Midshipman, Secret Deployment lacked interest in racing.

Impressive John R

Impressive John R served as an equine-assisted therapy horse for 9 years at TAA-accredited Central Kentucky Riding for Hope.

Hushin’ Russian (ON)

Hushin’ Russian (ON) made just three starts for trainer W. Phillip Gracey before retiring with a record of 1-1-0 and earnings just under $50,000. The gelding’s breeder/owner, William Diamant, is married to Vicki Pappas, founder of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)-Accredited organization, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society.

True Simon

True Simon only ran four times. A life on the racetrack wasn’t meant for him, as he never broke his maiden, but he retired to TAA-accredited Secretariat Center to start anew.

Good To Go

Good To Go never made it to the starting gate in the afternoon and at the age of 3 was retired to Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation.

Shanes Gold

Shanes Gold retired from racing after 52 starts with a record of 9-9-5 and earnings of nearly $143,000. The warhorse made his way to TAA-accredited Remember Me Rescue where he made an instant connection with adopter Alexandra Lucas.

Silver Bouquet

Silver Bouquet made 27 starts before retiring to TAA-accredited New Beginnings with a record of 6-5-3 and earnings of just over $81,000.

Sawdust

After 43 starts, Sawdust retired to TAA-accredited MidAtlantic Horse Rescue with a record of 6-7-8 and earnings of nearly $95,000. Upon being shown to Al Gillen’s daughters, Sawdust instantly stole the show.

Our Serengeti

Our Serengeti ran 11 times, never breaking his maiden. The Oklahoma-bred retired to TAA-accredited Horse & Hound Rescue Foundation with $18,504 in earnings.

Indygo Joe

Indygo Joe only made one start before retiring to TAA-accredited Friends of Ferdinand. Although the son of Indygo Shiner wasn’t meant for the fast lane, he has since found his place.

Impressive Edge

Impressive Edge retired to TAA-accredited LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society after three seasons on the track. From 11 starts, the multiple graded stakes-placed son of Harlan’s Holiday had a record of 2-0-3 and earnings of $160,746.

Kevin’sgotaprize

Kevin’sgotaprize ran six times at Charles Town, never breaking his maiden. The gelding was taken in by TAA-accredited MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. Now, Kevin’sgotaprize, or “Dietz” is in his second season of fox hunting with adopter Sally Shirley.

Stormin Eddie

Stormin Eddie earned his warhorse status at 57 starts spanning seven seasons on the track. He retired to TAA-accredited Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana in 2012 with a record of 7-11-7 and earnings just under $170,000.

Kulik Lodge

Shortly after his 12th start, Kulik Lodge retired to TAA-accredited New Vocations with a record of 4-2-0 and earnings just under $181,000. Since the Kentucky-bred’s adoption, the pair has worked hard to build a solid foundation in eventing.

Shackles N Chains

Shackles N Chains raced in both Canada and Florida. At the age of 5, the son of Yes It’s True retired to Florida TRAC.

Special Ops

The Mike Maker trainee earned just more than $383,000 and won the 2017 West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup Stakes, but now his strong work ethic is proving useful in the jumper arena.

TAA High Point Winners at 2019 T.I.P. Championships

The New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Show and Thoroughbred Incentive Program Championships held Sept. 6-8, 2019 at the Kentucky Horse Park was a success for TAA grads. TAA-accredited organizations were well represented in numerous disciplines and their horses shined bright competitive classes. The TAA presented High Point awards in four disciplines: dressage, hunter, jumper, and pleasure. Dressage: Little Latin Lulu and Kara Hertz Hertz adopted Little Latin Lulu from the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in May of 2019. The duo earned first place in both the Intro test A adult amateur and Intro test B adult amateur with scores of 70% and 68%. There were 10 horses from four TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Dressage High Point Award. Hunter: Big City Dancer and Sue Sylvester Sylvester adopted Big City Dancer from the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in 2012. There were 22 horses from nine TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Hunter High Point Award. Jumper: Kulik Lodge and Taylor Wienold Brooke Schafer adopted Kulik Lodge from the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in October of 2016. There were four horses from three TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Jumper High Point Award. Pleasure: Frank’s Gift and Victoria Kupets Kupets adopted Frank’s Gift from the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in May of 2019. There were four horses from two TAA-accredited organizations competing for the TAA Pleasure High Point Award. In total, 12 TAA-accredited organizations were present at the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Show and TIP Championships. After the Races Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue Friends of Ferdinand Kentucky Equine Adoption Center Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Inc New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program Old Friends ReRun, Inc Second Stride, Inc Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana Congratulations to all of our TAA grads on their success in second careers! Photo: Melissa Bauer-Herzog / Pyrois Media Click here to learn more or sign up for the Thoroughbred Incentive Program.

Death Valley

Death Valley ran 55 times in five seasons retiring from the track with a record of 13-9-4 and earnings just over $200,000. In September of 2007, jockey Inez Karlsson earned her first career win with Death Valley breaking his maiden at Arlington Park. Karlsson and Death Valley earned seven more wins together, developing a close bond. Coincidentally, Karlsson is the reason that the Illinois-bred found his adopter Anne Stone. When the rider met Stone’s husband, he mentioned they were looking to adopt an OTTB. “(Karlsson) showed my husband pictures of Death Valley and mentioned he was the first horse she ever won on, and won several subsequent races on,” Stone said. “He was now with Galloping Out and she really wanted him to go to a good, loving home as she had a special relationship with him.” With Karlsson’s recommendation in mind, Stone headed to TAA-accredited Galloping Out to meet Death Valley. “As I was talking to the woman who was working with him, (Death Valley) put his head into my chest and fell asleep,” Stone said. “If I had taken a step back, he would have done a face plant. I knew at that moment I was his person and he was my heart horse.” From 2015 to 2017 Stone and Death Valley, or “Devin”, competed at hunter jumper shows. However, “Devin’s” show career was cut short due to previous tendon and ligament injuries flaring up. “He had on and off lameness issues and was in long-term rehab twice,” Stone said. “Just over a year ago, the decision was made to retire him from jumping and competition for good.” Now, the son of Gulch is enjoying life in the slow lane living out his days with fellow war horse Mr. Rosenthal or “Kip,” who earned more than $300,000 and is a graduate of TAA-accredited New Vocations. “Devin is sound enough to go on trails and he enjoys hacking in the ring as opposed to dealing with bugs out on the trail,” Stone said. “My goal is to make him happy and keep him healthy as long as humanly possible.” Around the farm, “Devin” is known for his antics and often gets himself into trouble. Yet despite all his mischief and shenanigans, Stone wouldn’t trade him for the world. “I’ve been around Thoroughbreds all my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Stone said. “They’re quirky, intelligent, big hearted, and brave. You never know what you’ll get on a day-to-day basis, but they will always give you their all. Good or bad. I feel honored and blessed to have two OTTBs in my life.”

Tag: OTTB