Sweet Baby James

The ongoing story of a retired racehorse and how the responsible actions of his owner and breeder, Mike and Laura Cumberton helped their horse after the finish line.

Sweet Baby James' career as a racehorse was coming to a close. His owner and breeder Mike Cumberton, Pot O" Gold Stable,New Jersey, had made the decision to retire Sweet Baby James. "Jimmy" was retired sound. The next step, get him started toward a new career. Jim and Laura Cumberton decided to send him to Encore Thoroughbreds.

"Jimmy" arrived November, 2010. It was a 24 hour van ride from Monmouth Park, N.J. to Folsom, Louisiana.

Hello Louisiana!

We were so happy to see him! He walked down the ramp showing class and manners. His greeting party was very impressed.

Hand walking around the ring.

"Jimmy" had just spent 24 hours travel time on the van.

The temptation might be to just let him go, total freedom, immediate turn out. This would be a bad idea.Take your time easing into turn out. Depending on the horse's disposition, total turn out could take days or weeks. Being in a new place and surroundings may be a little overwhelming, it's better to hand walk your new arrival and then get him settled in his stall. Once in his stall he can have a drink of water, relax, and begin to settle in.

"Jimmy" and Catherine getting to know each other.

New friends.

Wrapped up and ready for day 1 turn out time.

Always wise to put polos or tendon boots on your horse for his turn out time. This is for short periods of time in a small paddock or round pen. Also if the horse is wearing hind shoes it is also wise to put on a pair of bell boots.

Freedom at last. Day 1 turn out in the ring. " I really want to go over there".

During the first week "Jimmy" was with us we kept to a quiet routine. He was hand walked around the shed row while his stall was being cleaned. Then tied and wrapped up for his dailey turn out. He was turned out into the schooling ring. He really enjoyed rolling in the sand! When he started to show signs of being bored or anxious he was brought in. By day 3 he was going in and out twice a day. It is important to note that a slow build up of time for turn out really helps the horse to adjust to his new life stlye. The smoother the transition from track to farm, the happier the horse!

Afternoon play time.

By the end of the second week "Jimmy" was spending most of the daytime hours in his paddock. I am sure you have noticed the chickens with him. During his first few days he and the chickens that were at the farm became friends. One orange hen really took a liking to him and every morning she would be in or outside of his stall. He seemed to enjoy her company, at this time "Jimmy" didn't have any other friends, well any animal friends. As "Jimmy's" paddock time increased the hen I call "Henny Penny" found his paddock. She would invite her friends and the whole crew would visit. "Jimmy's " padddock is the only one the chickens will go into. He is very kind to them, never chases them or tries to stomp them.

Early morning "Jimmy and "Henny Penny".

More to come....

a Daisymom05 Production