Power, grace, intelligence and athleticism
that is a thoroughbred. These horses are bred to be successful. The competitive spirit, the will to win, it’s
in their blood.
Like any other professional athlete
some are superstars and others help support the sport. Either way there would be no sport without them. Some of the sports
the breed has contributed to Racing, 3 Day Eventing, Show Jumping, Fox Hunting, Polo and Competitive Trail Riding.
From the time of conception these
horses are pampered. Probley have a better healthcare plan than most Americans. They are raised and trained with one thought
in mind, going to the winners circle. Some of them visit it frequently, others once or twice in their career, others not at
all. But they all went to “how to become a race horse school.” This is the life they know, this is the way
of life they expect.
Then as their racing career goes on
some get a little sore some a lot sore. Like most professional athletes their time in the spotlight is short lived.
For what ever reason they do eventually retire from racing. And that is truly all they know how to do. And that in itself
is not a bad thing. They do have some skills that can be very helpful in their post retirement career.
Enter Encore Thoroughbreds. We understand that from the beginning they have been groomed,
pampered, hand walked, hand held for baths. Lived in a stall most of their lives. That if they act up, stand on their hind
legs,” they are just full of themselves” We understand that they have been conditioned to be the best athlete
they could be, on the muscle. At this point although beautiful, doesn’t sound like the calm quiet horse that is expected
in the show ring or on a trail ride?
But you take the schooling that has
taught them to go forward, and slow it down. The competitive spirit, teach them how to channel that. Let them know its ok
to take a deep breath; drop there heads and just walk. That sensible horse will start to emerge. This takes time.
This part of the re-schooling process
is so very important. If this doesn’t happen and the horse isn’t started back with the understanding of past training
disaster happens. Without patience and time this same beautiful horse can become very misunderstood and unwanted. Only to
end up confused, tossed aside as un- trainable, “crazy thoroughbred” and then sent to the auction. Maybe even
end up in the killer pen.
