If you’re a horse person who keeps up with the latest trends, you may have heard of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program that give prizes and recognition to horses who were former racehorses and are now excelling in new careers. There are even events like the Thoroughbred Makeover where trainers compete with horses who have recently raced in a bunch of different disciplines. New as of the end of 2016 was the Thoroughbred Incentive Program for recreational riding like trail riding!
Starting in January of 2017, I have been recording all of my rides with my off-track thoroughbred (OTTB), Prophet. Last year we completed enough hours to reach the 25 hour goal (and then some!). In recognition, we received a nifty patch and certificate.
Just recently, we received our certificate and prize (a hat this time) for meeting our 100 hour goal.
I think it sits pretty cunning (high five if you get that reference)! While we would be doing these trail rides anyway, I think this is a great way to promote the breed as sport horses once their racing careers are over. My horse had 14 starts and retired at 3 years old, which is pretty common of racehorses. These horses who retire at 3 or 4 or 5 years old have so much life left to live.
Prophet back in his days of racing glory at age 3 (yes, I swear it’s him – he grayed out very slowly).
To…. Prophet and I bareback in just a halter during a trail ride on a camping trip out of state at age 18
Prophet is an amazing trail horse. He trusts me and he will try for me all day long. Even at the end of a 15 mile trail ride when he must be exhausted, he will still go where I ask and try his heart out. He’s also by far the fastest horse in our trail riding group, which is just plain fun (see our previous blog post about speed!)! I’ve had several people challenge us to a race thinking that they can beat him, and I have yet to find another horse who can keep up even though he’s now pushing 20 years old. There’s nothing quite like galloping along on an ex-racehorse!
I think it’s also important to note that OTTBs are not for everyone and many of them probably would not make very good trail horses. However, if you find the right one and have the experience to retrain one or work with an experienced professional, they can be the most wonderful trail partners.
Happy trails!
Kerrie
You and Prophet are a perfect pair!
Great team!
I love watching you and Prophet gallop, Kerrie! Your smile is ear to ear and it’s obvious how happy and harmonious the two of you are together. He’s a fantastic fella!
He’s definitely one of a kind! I can’t imagine doing all of these adventures without my best buddy.
Prophet rocks! He is calmer on the trail than my Shire/Dales cross! How is that possible?