O.T.T.B.: "OH! That's the Beast" (I need)

I know, I know, you thought this was a blog about being in the business school. It is, I promise you. But in case you missed it WE'RE EQUINE BUSINESS MAJORS! Horses are our business!

At first when I told my mom I wanted a Thoroughbred, she looked at me like I was crazy. She didn't want me riding crazy beast that had been trained to run at top speed all it's life. As far as she was concerned, I'd get myself killed. I should tell you I already owned a grade pony mare that will not canter without bucking, who runs at trees on the trail and goes to great links to put me on the ground when she doesn't want to ride.

A few former racers turned lesson horses helped me make my case and, after 3 disappointing trips, found my boy Oz.

  

I wanted a jumper and I wanted a Thoroughbred. All four horses I looked at were Thoroughbreds, and only one of them was a little crazy (but hey, he hadn't been ridden in ten months!). First off, I gotta tell ya, these off-the-track-Thoroughbreds love people! If you want a horse that likes you, that looks forward to your visits, get a OTTB! They grew up surrounded by people, playing with people, traveling with people, working with people! And you are probably people, right?

The OTTBs I've had the please of meeting all have great work ethic! Oz had never jumped until he came to me. I didn't have actual jumps, so I set up some tree branches and saddle pads, and he barely hesitated. He looked over them and decided to give it try. You know what? He loves it!

So now that you're interested in Thoroughbreds, and I've thoroughly convinced you that not all of them are crazy, you probably want to know where you can get your own right? RIGHT? That's what I thought.

Emerald Downs is starting a new program to promote retiring racehorses as riding horses on the track. In fact they intend to host Thoroughbred only shows on the track itself! Check out the article @ Off-Track Thoroughbreds.

Okay, maybe Emerald Downs is out of your range, and maybe you're not so sure you're ready to own your own horse yet. That's okay, The Maker's Mark Secretariat Center has volunteer opportunities and horses available for adoption. I've had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture given by the Director Susanna Thomas (another perk of attending U of L's Equine Program!) and I can tell you she's very enthusiastic about her work with horses. She's also very good at communication. What does that have to do with OTTBs? Eh, it doesn't matter, it's important for business!

Second Stride is also another great source for OTTBs and volunteering. If you're thinking about adopting, you can get a really nice horse through them for a great price. Some adoption fees are also sponsored by current owner. They even start many of the horses that come through them over jumps. Back when I was painting, they were kind enough to let me come off to take reference photos (the following photos were taken by me). These three have been adopted!

Finn

First and Gold. I got to watch her third ride off the track and she behaved beautifully!

Cat Springs http://www.horsesales.com/catsprings.htm

    CANTER is also a great source of Thoroughbreds in transition. I never looked at horses with them, but I have met a few horses that were/ are listed with them. I have also met the Executive Director of the Kentucky Division Amanda Graham, who is very nice as well. The following photos by me of the horses I've met that are a part of the Canter program. Both are still available as of April 4.

Coors, a very, very sweet boy.

Azure Hills, also very sweet!