RETRAINING A FORMER RACEHORSE by Priscilla Clark 661.823.0307 www.tranquilityfarmtbs.org
[email protected] WHY ADOPT A THOROUGHBRED? Have you ever wondered why so many Thoroughbred horses with wonderful potential are lost to slaughter before they ever have a chance for second career, and why people who love Thoroughbreds are constantly on the emotional rollercoaster of abandonment and rescue? How can something as magnificent as a Thoroughbred end up as an “unwanted horse”? The answer is quite simple. The economics of racing dictate that an injured horse must be removed from the training bill as quickly as possible. Regardless of the ethics of this practice, it is an economic reality that must be dealt with. Enter the retirement non-profits, so often the only hope for horses who suddenly find themselves homeless. But there is a hidden aspect of the slaughter problem, one in which everyone who is concerned for the fate of these horses can play a role. Close examination of the “unwanted horse” issue reveals far too many breeders of Thoroughbreds, and far too few trainers who have experience in transitioning them into a second career. They are often misunderstood by people who are accustomed to working with show or pleasure horses, and out- of- hand are dismissed as too difficult for the average rider. When you adopt a Thoroughbred and embark upon retraining you are providing an alternative to slaughter for one horse. When you share your training experience and mentor others you become part of the greater solution. To help and encourage new Thoroughbred owners this training guide is offered to any and all who will take one of these wonderful horses into their hearts and give them a second chance.