Success Stories

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous Post Taking a Leap of Faith Taking a Leap of Faith By: Alexis Arbaugh September 26, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Georgia Hunter Jumper Association, hunter jumper, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Allince, Thoroughbred Incentive Program, TIP Photo Credit: Joy Nakrin Joy Nakrin took a huge leap of faith when she adopted a horse sight unseen from Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, located in Blanch, North Carolina. Blue Bloods is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run organization whose mission is to help transition former racehorses from the track to their new homes. One of the organization’s unique qualities is its collaboration with the Equestrian Studies program at Averett University to help market the horses. In 2021, Joy was searching for a trail riding horse who could also be a companion for her “bossy older mare.” She shared with Elizabeth MacDonald, founder of Blue Bloods, that she wanted a horse to enjoy on the farm, one that would get along with her dogs and pig, and, most importantly, be safe for her elderly relatives to handle. “I had no plans or expectations to do more, let alone compete (or win),” Joy wrote. Elizabeth believed that despite Enduring Honor’s two previous failed adoptions, he would be the perfect partner for Joy. “It was worth a try,” Joy wrote when she learned of his story. Enduring Honor, an 8-year-old war horse gelding, had raced 52 times across the United States, earning $156,233 over his career. Joy decided to adopt him sight unseen—without a visit, trial, or video. She “took a leap of faith” and told Elizabeth to “send him to me.” Joy recalls eagerly waiting to meet Enduring Honor as he traveled from North Carolina to Georgia. When the trailer arrived late at night, Joy led him off, and he was calm and gentle, soon becoming the center of her attention. Not long after his arrival, Joy became “completely obsessed” with Enduring Honor, who seemed to thrive on the attention. Enduring Honor quickly won her over with his affectionate personality, enjoying hugs and kisses and always eager to please. He would constantly “ask” what he could do next to earn more praise from Joy. Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Their bond led them to try jumping, which soon progressed to entire courses, bigger jumps, and eventually, competing in shows. In just two years together, Joy and Enduring Honor have earned numerous championships, even against “imported warmbloods that cost twenty times or more than his price, and some piloted by professional riders,” Joy wrote. In 2022, their success included winning the Georgia Hunter Jumper Finals Green Hunter Championship, the Derby, and the Top Amateur Rider award. They also claimed The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championship in the 2’ division and the Reserve Championship in the 2’3 division. Joy and Enduring Honor received the Top Amateur Rider award in both T.I.P. Championship divisions. The year 2023 brought even more impressive achievements. They moved up to the 2’9″ division at the T.I.P. Championship and brought home third overall, once again earning the Top Amateur Rider award. They finished the year as champions in mulT.I.P.le divisions, including the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association 2023 Year-End Champion in both the Green Hunter and Thoroughbred Hunter categories. They also won the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association Year-End Reserve Champion Low Adult Hunter title and the United States Hunter Jumper Association Zone 4 Channel 2 Year-End Reserve Champion Low Adult Hunter title. Despite their incredible success in the show ring, Joy is most proud of the bond she shares with Enduring Honor. “He’s always going the extra mile to perform his best and keep me safe,” she wrote. Enduring Honor constantly proves that “Thoroughbred former racehorses can hang with the best.” Joy couldn’t be happier with Enduring Honor as her heart horse and is proud to show the world that off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) deserve a second chance Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post ricky’s good luck Ricky’s Good Luck By: Alexis Arbaugh June 6, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Hunt Seat Equitation, Jumping, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliaince Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS) is a program sponsored by Days End Farm Horse Rescue that assists horse owners with transitioning horses to new ownership. Whether due to an owner’s inability to care for the horse or a change in interest, METS ensures that no horse is at risk of negligence. In 2022, Zoe Kostant stumbled upon an ad for Liam’s Song while scrolling through the METS page. “I saw that face in the ad and just KNEW I had to have this horse,” Zoe wrote. Liam’s Song, a 2007 dark bay Thoroughbred gelding, had a successful racing career with 36 starts across Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware, earning a total of $239,522. When Zoe discovered the ad, it was the weekend, and METS was likely closed. Eager to learn more, she took matters into her own hands. After searching for Liam’s Song’s registered name on Facebook, she found a half lease ad from 2019, at which time he was called Titan. Zoe decided to message the poster of the ad, Emma, to see if she still had the horse. Initially, Emma was hesitant to respond, considering the time that had passed since the original post. However, once they started talking, the two hit it off. Zoe shared stories of her previous Thoroughbreds and her plans for Titan. Feeling reassured, Emma grew comfortable with Zoe taking care of the horse she loved so much. Zoe was persistent in her pursuit of Ricky (formerly Liam’s Song and Titan) because of the connection she felt just from his picture. “You can look right at him and tell he is just nothing but a lover,” she wrote. Soon after bringing Ricky home, Zoe received a call from Bev at MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Bev informed her that Ricky had originally come from MidAtlantic and that there was a contract stating that if he ever needed to be rehomed, he should be returned to them. Bev wanted to ensure that Ricky was in a good home, and since then, Zoe has kept in regular contact with Bev, sending updates and photos of Ricky. Despite some challenging circumstances, Ricky has been doing amazingly well. Tragically, in June 2023, Ricky and his pasture mate, Lucy, were intentionally let out of their field and both were struck by cars. Sadly, Lucy did not survive the accident, but Ricky was fortunate to suffer only minor injuries. After recovering, Ricky and Zoe began working on Hunt Seat Equitation. Although Ricky was 17 years old when he first started jumping, “that boy took to it like a fish to water!!!! He loves it,” wrote Zoe. They competed in several shows during the summer of 2023, where Ricky really shined and even took home two championship titles. Now, they continue to rebuild the muscle he lost during his time off and are looking forward to competing in locally rated shows in the summer of 2024. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post the long road home The Long Road Home By: Alexis Arbaugh August 22, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Facility, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, Success story, Trail Ridig Lora Eike was familiar with Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA) as she had previously adopted a 2009 grey gelding, Crafty Noble, in 2019. In 2022, Lora was enlisted to help a friend find an off-the-track Thoroughbred, so she reached out to Kelley Stobie, Co-Founder, Secretary, and Executive Director of CTA. Lora’s friend was looking for a horse suitable for a 13-year-old girl in a training program. Kelley recommended Trust in Russ, a 2015 Kentucky-bred dark bay gelding. In his four-year career from 2018 to 2022, Trust in Russ had 71 starts and earned $68,731. Lora’s friends decided to adopt a different Thoroughbred from CTA, which left Trust in Russ open for adoption. Kelley was adamant that Trust in Russ (Rico) would have been perfect for a 13-year-old girl because of his kind and sweet nature. “I knew he had to be good, and so I wanted him for myself,” Lora wrote. Lora planned to ship Rico from Puerto Rico to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Unfortunately, during his layover in Ocala, Florida, he ran into a fence and injured himself badly. “He is doing amazing now,” Lora wrote. After getting him home to Virginia and healing from his injuries, Rico is a happy and healthy horse. Rico spends his days “living his best life” by taking inexperienced riders through the mountains of Virginia. He takes perfect care of everyone who rides him and is “truly a gem and a complete gentleman.” Lora is immensely grateful for CTA and all that they did for Rico so that she can care for and love him for the rest of his life. “From the flight to Miami and the vet bills from the injury at the layover barn, I’d like you to know that this horse is worth every penny spent, and a whole lot more,” Lora wrote. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Holly’s Dream Dressage Horse Holly’s Dream Dressage Horse By: Alexis Arbaugh July 31, 2024 Success Stories Tags:New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Western Dressage Buckeye Warrior’s dressage debut in May of 2022 Holly Zecchin was in the market for a horse with the potential to compete in Western Dressage when she found Buckeye Warrior on the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program website. Buckeye Warrior, a 2016 bay gelding, had run from 2018 to 2021, earning a total of $43,819. Unfortunately, at the time he was listed on the website, Buckeye Warrior was rehabilitating from a stress fracture in his left tibia. Consequently, there were no videos of him, only photos showcasing his conformation. Holly initially passed on the dark bay gelding, thinking his injury might affect their future together. However, the more she looked at his photos, the more she realized that she “should take on Buckeye.” Even with his injury, Holly believed Buckeye’s conformation was ideal for Dressage. Leandra Cooper, Buckeye’s trainer at New Vocations, provided Holly with detailed information about Buckeye’s personality. Leandra described him as having a kind eye and a quiet nature. Though a bit reserved, he was also trusting and smart. After meeting Buckeye in person, Holly wrote, “Leandra’s description was so accurate.” Holly adopted Buckeye in November 2021, hoping he would be eligible and adequately prepared to compete in the 2022 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. “Buckeye has exceeded any objectives I could have set for him this year,” Holly wrote. His “intelligent and trusting nature have allowed him to really excel at Western Dressage.” To prepare for RRP, Buckeye and Holly competed at the Basic Level in Oklahoma, where he was named champion in the open division. He also qualified for the Western Dressage Association World Show, held in Guthrie, Oklahoma, from September 28 to October 1, 2022. When the pair finally competed at RRP in October, they won the Dressage division and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) National Championship for Western Dressage. After RRP, Buckeye had a few weeks off to rest and recuperate from a busy yet successful 2022. Since then, Holly and Buckeye resumed training for Level One Western Dressage competitions. Holly’s goal is to “bring Buckeye up the levels of Western Dressage.” Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post finally home for burning bluegrass Finally Home For Burning Bluegrass By: Alexis Arbaugh June 7, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Barrel Racing, Racing For Home Inc., Success story Alana with her distinctive leopard top and Kitten navigating a barrel Racing For Home Inc., a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization, recently shared a heartwarming success story. It all began when they discovered a large group of horses for auction in Ohio. While most had found homes through various aftercare groups, two mares, Burning Bluegrass and Simply Belonging, were still in need. Despite space constraints, Racing For Home Inc. decided to take them both in, hopeful for their future. Fortunately, they had the support of Nacho Barron, a compassionate farrier who agreed to temporarily host the mares on his farm. “Our wonderful farrier Nacho Barron was willing to hold the horses at his farm until we could place them,” said Racing For Home Inc. Soon after giving the horses their well-deserved letdown period on his farm, Racing For Home Inc. successfully adopted out Simply Belonging to a family in Rhode Island who by chance also had her half-brother. However, finding a suitable home for Burning Bluegrass proved more challenging. Another aftercare group initially took her in, hoping to use her in their training program. She was a great lesson horse, and eventually, one of the students offered to give her a good home. However, the girl was not prepared for the amount of work training and owning a horse full-time was, so Burning Bluegrass was returned to the organization and ultimately ended back at Racing For Home Inc. Nacho Barron with Burning Bluegrass “Kitten” and her rider Alana (right). Alana with New Hampshire Championship Once again, Nacho Barron extended his kindness, offering to integrate Burning Bluegrass into his lesson program. Renamed “Kitten,” she thrived under his care, particularly excelling as a barrel horse for his student, Alana Riendeau. Their partnership blossomed, with Kitten and Alana steadily climbing the ranks in barrel competitions, culminating in their victory at the New Hampshire 4D Championship. Their success garnered attention, with Alana donning a leopard print top in honor of her horse’s name, while Kitten sported leopard bell boots. At a recent competition in Syracuse, the PA announcer added a playful touch by introducing them with a “meow” sound after each entry, much to the delight of the crowd. The journey of Burning Bluegrass, now affectionately known as Kitten, serves as a testament to the perseverance and transformative bond between horse and rider. Thanks to the commitment of Racing For Home Inc. and the unwavering support of Nacho Barron, Kitten found her forever home and continues to shine in the competitive arena alongside her dedicated partner, Alana Riendeau. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Let’s Get It Did Let’s Get It Did By: Alexis Arbaugh June 7, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, hunters, jumpers, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Success story After riding and competing on ponies, Camden Conway was ready to step up to a horse. After a lot of thinking, Camden’s father concluded that adopting a horse would be the best course of action to find Camden a new horse. In 2021, Camden received her new horse as a Christmas present. Let’s Get It Did is a 2018 bay mare who ran a total of 3 times at Woodbine Racetrack. Camden’s father adopted her from LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Let’s Get It Did is now affectionately known as Diddy. Camden’s father was delighted that the mare “jumped over the 4-foot fence” when he arrived at LongRun. He had actually planned on adopting a different horse more suitable to what Camden needed but ultimately, he was amazed by the scope and athleticism of Diddy, so he adopted Diddy instead. Shortly after bringing home Diddy, Camden and Diddy competed in their first show where they rode in the walk/trot cross rail division. The pair did well, placing 1st in the equitation over fences, 4th in the equitation under saddle, and 6th in the hunter under saddle. Their next competition was a Silver Series show where they entered in the 0.60 and 0.70-meter jumpers. This was before Camden realized that Diddy needed more jump underneath her for her to make an effort over the jumps – the small jumps were too easy for her. For their last Silver Series Show, Camden and Diddy were entered in the 0.80-0.90 classes to encourage her “to actually pick up her feet,” wrote Camden. The pair placed in every 0.80 class and received 3rd and 8th out of a large group in the 0.90-meter. After many jumper shows, Diddy seemed to settle in nicely to the horse show life. Camden believed that she was ready to compete in a hunter derby. “She completely exceeded both my and my coach’s expectations as she got an 84 in the 2’6/2’9 derby which got her 4th in the class,” wrote Camden. Camden has her eyes set on a bright future with Diddy. She hopes to show in the 1.00 and 1.10-meter next show season. Camden wants Diddy to be the horse that she can “move up the heights with.” The 1.10 Grand Prix in the Silver Series is one of their goals. She also hopes to “get her into some jumper medals as well as the 3’/3’3 derbies for fun,” Camden wrote. Another goal for them is to compete in the Thoroughbred jumper classes and the U25 jumper classes that are on the Gold circuit. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post Cambi Lion: A Racehorse’s Journey to the Hunter Jumper World Cambi Lion: A Racehorse’s Journey to the Hunter Jumper World By: Alexis Arbaugh June 7, 2024 Success Stories Tags:hunter jumper, jumper, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Retraining Story, Success story Chelsea Whalen previously had some experience training and retraining horses but had never worked with an off-the-track Thoroughbred. She embraced the challenge of transitioning a former racehorse into a Hunter Jumper. Chelsea found her perfect match at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. Many of the horses that go to New Vocations are put into a retraining program for a new discipline when they arrive. Chelsea had a list of specific criteria for her potential horse. She sought a horse under 5 years old with clean x-rays, “a horse who was more uphill,” and one with a graceful gait. She was able to check everything off her list when she was introduced to Cambi Lion, a 2018 Medaglia d’Oro. He had raced only a few times, with five starts but some substantial earnings in his short career, having raced at Saratoga, Belmont Park, and Gulfstream Park. He was stunning—a tall, dark bay gelding who looked like the perfect candidate to become Chelsea’s new partner. After unloading from a quiet trailer ride, Chelsea settled him into his new stall to acquaint him with his surroundings. This allowed him to look around the barn and see other horses while being safely confined to a stall. Following his initial settling-in period, Chelsea took him for a walk around the property, allowing him to familiarize himself with the entire barn and its surrounding area. Over the first week or so that Cambi Lion was at the farm, he progressed to being turned out with other horses and settled into his new night turnout routine. Unfortunately, Cambi Lion had a broken splint bone and needed to be on stall rest for about two months before Chelsea could start working with him. Once the two months were up and he was fully healed, Chelsea began the retraining process, both in the saddle and on the ground. Under-saddle work represents half of the challenge in training a horse; the other half lies in groundwork. Despite Cambi Lion’s familiarity with various handling tasks, it remained crucial to consistently work on ground manners to ensure continued good behavior. Thanks to Chelsea’s continuous effort, Cambi Lion now has excellent ground manners and tolerates many situations. Although most horses typically begin with lunge line training before starting under saddle work, Chelsea’s vet recommended skipping this step and proceeding directly to riding. The recommendation was based on Cambi’s a broken splint bone, with the vet believing that lunging would put more strain on the bone compared to riding. Additionally, since Cambi was on stall rest, Chelsea would have more control of him under saddle than on a lunge line. During the initial weeks, she focused heavily on pressure and release techniques, primarily centered around prompting Cambi Lion to respond to her leg aids. “The start of the retraining process begins with riding on the flat,” wrote Chelsea. Retired racehorses also require instruction on how to respond to rein cues for steering within a new discipline, a skill that often needs perfecting after a horse comes off the track. Chelsea began teaching Cambi Lion that the reins served as a means to guide him in the desired direction, hoping he would catch on quickly. While Chelsea couldn’t pinpoint a specific moment when she felt Cambi Lion was ready to start jumping, she vividly recalls the methodical approach she took in preparing him. “Arguably, I started training for jumping disciplines as soon as I began riding,” wrote Chelsea. Their journey began with practicing over ground poles and then building from there. Ground poles are a great way to get a horse used to going over something and to learn not to get nervous or anxious about it. As his “confidence grew and his strength improved,” Chelsea then worked with small jumps and continued to raise the height. When Cambi Lion was ready, he was able to cruise around small courses without a problem. Jumping quickly became enjoyable for Cambi Lion, showcasing both his enthusiasm and natural talent for his new sport. SEE RELATED RE-TRAINING TIP FEATURE: “How to Teach Your Retired Racehorse to Jump” Click HERE for Retraining Tip Feature Retraining an off-the-track Thoroughbred demands significant effort and patience, even for the most seasoned trainer. Chelsea had the honor of working with a close training friend of hers, Freda Jessen. Freda, having worked with numerous ex-racers throughout her career, was an experienced trainer in seamlessly transitioning OTTBs to new careers. In addition to Freda’s guidance, Chelsea had assistance from another trainer friend, whose expertise further facilitated Cambi Lion’s progression into the hunter/jumper world. Given the dangerous nature of training a horse alone, it is safer and easier to work with someone who has a background in it. Cambi Lion was doing so well that Chelsea decided to take him to his first horse show just three months into his retraining. She hadn’t initially intended to show him; rather, she brought him along to acclimate him to the atmosphere of a horse show. Impressed by Cambi Lion’s exceptional calmness, Chelsea decided to enter him in his very first flat class. Cambi Lion remained remarkably composed while at the show and in the show ring. After approximately five months of dedicated training, Cambi Lion entered his first real jumping competition. Chelsea was confident in his ability to both behave and perform well. Observing Cambi Lion’s growing confidence at home over jumps and his increasing comfort with off-site adventures, Chelsea recognized that he was ready to begin his show horse career. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post A New start For asuka A New Start For Asuka By: Alexis Arbaugh May 29, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Circle A Home For Horses, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Asuka at Circle A Home For Horses Ruth Cheyenne Gilman had been a volunteer at Circle A Home For Horses, as well as having adopted a horse previously from the organization. In the fall of 2022. Asuka, a slender and beautiful Thoroughbred mare arrived at Circle A Home For Horses in Virgina Beach, Virginia. Initially, Asuka appeared moody and seemed to be “thoroughly scared of people,” wrote Ruth when she met the bay mare. However, after having time to adjust to her new environment and get to know her new caretakers, Asuka slowly came around. Less than a year later, in the summer of 2023, Asuka was ready and in need of a new home. Fortunately for Asuka, Ruth’s husband had always been drawn to her, and when he found out that she needed a home, he knew just how to persuade Ruth. Asuka was just a “feisty, opinionated, misunderstood mare” who needed a place to call home. Circle A Home For Horses Soon after getting the mare to Ruth’s house, her husband went back to work and Asuka became Ruth’s sole responsibility. For a while Asuka remained scared and closed off to the environment and people, as she was when she first arrived at Circle A Home for Horses. Once Asuka realized that Ruth and her husband were her new herd, her aggressive behavior started to slowly disappear. “She is still incredibly opinionated but so am I [and] seeing her come around has been amazing,” Ruth wrote. With “consistency, confidence, and trust” they continue to chug along in their training. Ruth couldn’t be prouder of Asuka. Some days they make a lot of progress and other days they just make small steps, nonetheless they move forward. Ruth is very careful with the number of expectations she puts on Asuka because she understands that Asuka probably had quite a demanding life as a racehorse. She just wants Asuka to be happy. “We work every day on physical and mental health,” wrote Ruth. Starting in the summer of 2024, Ruth will evaluate Asuka on if she wants to be a riding horse. Ruth is not worried one bit if Asuka decides that she doesn’t right now, she is committed to going at Asuka’s pace and doing what Asuka wants when she is ready. “My # 1 goal is [to keep] Asuka safe, happy, healthy, and [that] she knows she is loved], Ruth wrote. Asuka | Ruth Gilman Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post the adventures of starship chewy The Adventures Of Starship Chewy By: Alexis Arbaugh May 10, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Mounted Shooting, Parades, Playdays, Remember Me Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Ashley Kruse was browsing through Remember Me Rescue’s Facebook page when she happened upon Starship Chewy’s listing. Intrigued, she made an appointment with the organization to meet him. Ashley traveled to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Burleson, Texas, eager to meet this promising horse. Starship Chewy, a 2015 gelding, had a racing career that spanned six years, during which he competed 45 times across California, New Mexico, and Arizona, earning a total of $45,882. His racing days behind him, Chewy was ready for a new chapter. During her first ride on Chewy at the ranch, Ashley quickly fell in love with his stoic personality. “There was a banner that was waving in the breeze, Chewy did not seem bothered by it and even allowed me to walk him up to it while I was mounted,” Ashley shared. Chewy’s calm and alert demeanor impressed her. An incident in the barn further cemented her admiration for him. As Ashley was unsaddling Chewy, a goat in a nearby stall jumped up on the gate, causing a loud ruckus. Chewy simply flinched, turned his head to look, and calmly realized it was not a threat. Ashley knew then that Chewy’s composed mind made him the perfect trail horse. “Chewy is doing amazing now,” Ashley reported. She has taken him to various events and exposed him to numerous new experiences. Together, they have attended a horsemanship clinic, participated in playday events, and carried flags in local parades. On their camping trips, Chewy has encountered wagons, cannons, gunshots, being high-lined overnight, flags, and many other noises, all of which he handled without issue. Even on trail rides next to busy highways, Chewy remains unfazed by the noise and commotion. Ashley believes Chewy deserves a “slow life” after his competitive racing career. She has no desire to compete with him, preferring to enjoy a relaxed and “chill” life together. “Chewy has an incredible spirit and mind,” Ashley wrote. “He has surpassed my expectations with so many things I have thrown at him.” On Sunday mornings, when the weather is nice, Ashley, Chewy, and his “brother” Rocket, another gelding, go to the Lone Star Cowboy Church of Limestone County to greet churchgoers at the gate before service. This has become a cherished routine for them. Ashley hopes to try mounted shooting with Chewy one day, but her primary goal is to ensure he remains happy, healthy, and enjoys a peaceful life filled with new adventures. “He is the perfect boy,” Ashley concluded, expressing her gratitude for having Chewy in her life and her plans to keep him as part of her family forever. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post smoking romance and his girls Smoking Romance and His Girls By: Alexis Arbaugh May 10, 2024 Success Stories Tags:english, Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, hunter, hunter jumper, Huntseat, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In the spring of 2021, Charlotte Qualley and her mother Betsey attended the Iowa State Fair. At the fair, they noticed Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART), a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. They conversed with the HART representatives about horses that were available for adoption, and discussed which horse would be the most suitable match for the mother-daughter duo. They were primarily focused on a horse for Charlotte, but were interested in a horse they both could ride. Part of the criteria for a horse was one that could grow and develop alongside Charlotte. A horse that wasn’t too young or green” and that would help Charlotte become a better rider. Smoking Romance was a nine-year-old bay gelding who had raced 41 times during his five years on the racetrack. They wanted a horse who had the potential to adapt and learn new things, and Smoking Romance seemed to be a great candidate for that position. After Betsey and Charlotte’s second time visiting Smoking Romance they knew he was the one for them. They realized that he was willing to try anything that was asked of him and was a fast learner – perfect for Charlotte. “He just needed to build some trust in someone,” wrote Betsey. At this point, S’more, as Charlotte and Betsey call him, had been with them for over two years and is thriving. “He’s had a lot of growth,” Betsey wrote, “he’s picked up everything that he learns and has built a trust with both of us, particularly Charlotte, who is his only rider”. Charlotte and Betsey paid close attention to S’more and discovered what makes him happy. For example, he prefers front shoes only and benefits from regular chiropractic adjustments. S’more’s ground manners have improved significantly since they adopted him, as he now pays more attention to and trusts his rider. They worked extensively on trailer loading, focusing especially on straight-load trailers. When Betsey and Charlotte adopted him, he would only load onto a slant-style trailer, but now he loads onto both with ease. S’more had been treated for ulcers with Betsey and Charlotte, and they work to ensure that his diet keeps him happy and healthy. “We feel like we’ve gotten him to a pretty good place,” wrote Betsey. They learned that he would rather be out with his herd than cooped up in a stall. “We’re always working on finding the best fits for him, whether it’s saddle fit, bridle, food, or any other care,” Betsey explained. Betsey and Charlotte’s future plans include getting S’more comfortable with loading and unloading from the trailer so that they can take him on adventurous trail rides. Another goal is to teach him more cues for riding and eventually compete in a fun horse show. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission