I can back you up on calm youngsters. I got my horse Secret as a coming 4-year old. At that age I could trail ride him, bareback in a snaffle, and he was not the least bit spooky or anything. Yes, he came right off the track--he was so little, such a baby, I couldn't believe he had been ridden at all yet, much less raced. At 5, suddenly the testosterone kicked in, he grew 3 inches, put on muscle, and started to push the envelope to see where the limits were....
Just out of curiosity, why did the farrier pull his shoes? I mean, was the intent to have him go barefoot, or did he get reshod? I've got two OTTBs, and they both have always had to have shoes. One is retired now, and we tried barefoot, but his front feet just shredded repeatedly, so he has to at least have them in front.
@pvkris He still had racing plates on with toe grabs. They needed to be pulled before he could be turned out. All my horses off the track have their racing plates pulled and are left barefoot for a while to see if they'll be okay. Most are. Only a couple of them have needed shoes for comfort or correction of some issue. :)
ok... i doubt he came RIGHT off from backstretch monday and was sent to get autioned off right then and thier.... he was probably DONE is racing carrer about a month or at least 3 weeks before... his grain was recuced and he probably only got walked mostly and galloped only if during the time before he left got "hot" ... so seeing him a dressage clinic..... NO WAY can a 4yr old off the track do that u.u i work with race horses...very few are that calm and smart ... amazing....
@taa1624 Believe what you wish, but this horse did, in fact, come from the track. I have experience with a good number of TBs as well (taking them from the track and rehabbing them). This is the ONLY one that has ever had such a good brain and disposition. I personally brought him home from the track. He was -- and continues to be -- an amazing horse! :)
@horsepix i never said he didnt come off the track , merely stating that yes you got him from the track but he already had most likely been over training and grain reduced and what not until he found another home, my boss she does it all the time, and it may be possible after a week at a new home to be mellow,
@taa1624 Oh yes, and I'm the foster mom, so I know that how it was depicted is how it happened. ;) Generally, I would agree with you that a 4 year old OTTB needs a LOT more time, but again, this particular gelding is a very rare exception to the rule. :)
Has he been adopted yet? As you know, I've followed him most of his career with Bob Gorham. I just can't stop my habit of keeping tabs on him... He seems lovely and will make someone a wonderful show horse.
He has not yet been adopted, but their have been some inquiries. He is just an absolute doll. I wish every horse were as easy as this guy to work with. Super cute. Super sweet.
I can back you up on calm youngsters. I got my horse Secret as a coming 4-year old. At that age I could trail ride him, bareback in a snaffle, and he was not the least bit spooky or anything. Yes, he came right off the track--he was so little, such a baby, I couldn't believe he had been ridden at all yet, much less raced. At 5, suddenly the testosterone kicked in, he grew 3 inches, put on muscle, and started to push the envelope to see where the limits were....
pvkris 1 year ago
Just out of curiosity, why did the farrier pull his shoes? I mean, was the intent to have him go barefoot, or did he get reshod? I've got two OTTBs, and they both have always had to have shoes. One is retired now, and we tried barefoot, but his front feet just shredded repeatedly, so he has to at least have them in front.
pvkris 1 year ago
@pvkris He still had racing plates on with toe grabs. They needed to be pulled before he could be turned out. All my horses off the track have their racing plates pulled and are left barefoot for a while to see if they'll be okay. Most are. Only a couple of them have needed shoes for comfort or correction of some issue. :)
horsepix 1 year ago
what a nice story...very nice and a real cutie! I'd pay 350 too..great he's in a wonderful home!
SweetestCinBabe 1 year ago
ok... i doubt he came RIGHT off from backstretch monday and was sent to get autioned off right then and thier.... he was probably DONE is racing carrer about a month or at least 3 weeks before... his grain was recuced and he probably only got walked mostly and galloped only if during the time before he left got "hot" ... so seeing him a dressage clinic..... NO WAY can a 4yr old off the track do that u.u i work with race horses...very few are that calm and smart ... amazing....
taa1624 1 year ago
@taa1624 Believe what you wish, but this horse did, in fact, come from the track. I have experience with a good number of TBs as well (taking them from the track and rehabbing them). This is the ONLY one that has ever had such a good brain and disposition. I personally brought him home from the track. He was -- and continues to be -- an amazing horse! :)
horsepix 1 year ago
@horsepix i never said he didnt come off the track , merely stating that yes you got him from the track but he already had most likely been over training and grain reduced and what not until he found another home, my boss she does it all the time, and it may be possible after a week at a new home to be mellow,
ryningwolf 1 year ago
@taa1624 Oh yes, and I'm the foster mom, so I know that how it was depicted is how it happened. ;) Generally, I would agree with you that a 4 year old OTTB needs a LOT more time, but again, this particular gelding is a very rare exception to the rule. :)
horsepix 1 year ago
Why did you cut his tail??
LunasShootingStar 1 year ago
@LunasShootingStar We didn't cut his tail. I think he was swishing it in the picture. You can see in the video that its nice and long. :)
horsepix 1 year ago
@horsepix Oh okay (:
LunasShootingStar 1 year ago
Wonderful Story, Thanks for sharing- and look at that face, just horrible to think what could have happened to him...you just made my day!
nakedgallop 1 year ago
Great video.... I love happy endings :)
itsibitsirider 1 year ago
JC was adopted in February 2009. Congrats to his new owner Pam of Madison, WI.
horsepix 3 years ago
Has he been adopted yet? As you know, I've followed him most of his career with Bob Gorham. I just can't stop my habit of keeping tabs on him... He seems lovely and will make someone a wonderful show horse.
wendyu1 3 years ago
He has not yet been adopted, but their have been some inquiries. He is just an absolute doll. I wish every horse were as easy as this guy to work with. Super cute. Super sweet.
horsepix 3 years ago
i wouldve bid in a heart beat 350 ur mines ... and become a triple crown winner
eaturkat 3 years ago