Eventing

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Healing Through the Heart of Summit County Healing Through the Heart of Summit County By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, Eventing, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Photo Credit: Ak Dragoo Photography Brianna DiRocco-Toy’s journey to finding Summit County was far from straightforward. She tried 13 different horses, each one bringing her closer to her perfect match, yet none quite right. Initially, Summit County wasn’t even on her radar. Brianna had her eyes set on another horse, only to discover that it had too many limitations. That’s when Sally, a trainer at Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, recommended Summit County, saying, “You have to try Summit County if you want a horse with confidence.” Those words struck a chord with Brianna, and she knew she had to meet him. Out of the multiple stakes-winning Katahaula County mare Socorro County, Summit County concluded his racing career in July 2017 with a solid record of 10 wins, 4 seconds, and 13 thirds from 62 starts, earning $206,185. While he spent most of his six-year career in the claiming ranks, he stepped up to stakes company a few times, finishing fourth in the Bourbon Stakes (G3T) before running in the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T). When his racing connections decided it was time for him to transition into a second career, he retired and found his way to Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, a Thoroughbred rescue, rehabilitation, and retraining organization in Chesapeake City, Maryland, accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The team at Mid-Atlantic guided Brianna through every step of the adoption process. “Their dedication to matching horses with the right person was evident, and I owe it to their guidance that I found my perfect match,” Brianna shared. From the moment she laid eyes on Summit County, she felt something different. His calm yet confident demeanor stood out in a way no other horse had. “Summit County has a personality that’s impossible to miss,” Brianna said. She quickly discovered that he was confident, friendly, and incredibly personable. With his kind eyes and sweet face, he has an uncanny ability to put people at ease. What truly sets him apart, however, is his unique blend of goofiness and elegance. From the start, Brianna was drawn to Summit County’s playful yet graceful nature, and he quickly became her heart horse. The last six years with Summit County have been an incredible journey. Brianna initially used him in her college equine classes, where he proved to be the perfect partner. During college, they took their time with the retraining process, and eventually, Summit County’s talent and love for Eventing began to shine through. He excelled in all three phases, making each ride a rewarding experience for them both. Looking ahead, Brianna has big goals for herself and Summit County. She hopes to continue advancing in Eventing, move up to the beginner novice level, and reach a dressage score in the low 20s. “These goals are steps toward making us a stronger, more skilled pair, and I’m excited for what lies ahead,” she said. “Summit County truly means the world to me. He has been my strength, my rock, and my therapist through one of the hardest chapters of my life,” Brianna shared. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020, she faced some of her lowest moments but found comfort and support in Summit County. During this difficult time, Brianna and Summit County discovered their mutual love for Eventing. Being on the Cross-Country course with him became the best medicine, offering her a temporary escape from her illness. “Trotting down the centerline or galloping across open fields allowed me to forget, even if just for a little while, that I was battling UC,” Brianna recalled. One memory that remains etched in Brianna’s mind is when her fiancé and family brought Summit County to their home. She had been sick for weeks, but just seeing Summit County brought her a sense of peace. Eventually, Brianna made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to regain her quality of life. Just six weeks post-op, with the support of her fiancé and trainer, she took Summit County on a gentle trail ride, where he was the perfect gentleman. As she continued to heal, Brianna began creating TikTok videos with Summit County to raise awareness about ostomy life. Summit County proved to be the ideal partner in helping her share her story. Just three months after her surgery, they were back to Eventing. “That day, we took home a beautiful pink fifth-place ribbon, and I was overwhelmed with pride,” Brianna recalled. Summit County had not only helped her navigate the physical and emotional toll of her journey, but he also helped her return to the sport she loved. That moment, back on the Eventing field with Summit County, reminded Brianna that she had her life back. For that, she will always be grateful.   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 Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post The Horse Who Stole Her Heart: Diamond Bachelor’s Journey Home The Horse Who Stole Her Heart: Diamond Bachelor’s Journey Home By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Breeders’ Cup, dressage, Eventing, New Vocations, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, T.I.P. Awards, T.I.P. Championships, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, TIP, TIP Championship Horse Show Allison Andrews wasn’t actively searching for a second horse, but she often found herself browsing the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program website, just in case something special caught her eye. During one of those casual scrolls, she came across Diamond Bachelor. A seasoned war horse with a unique facial marking, he stood out from the rest. Diamond Bachelor, “Maverick”, raced a total of 62 times, in his career and earned close to $445,000. He even ran in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Allison watched the videos of Maverick and loved his movement and presence. Allison remembered, “I read his description and it was clear that he had a very strong personality that may not be for everyone.” However, Allison felt an undeniable connection and decided to call New Vocations’ trainer, Erin McDonald, to learn more. Erin explained that Maverick needed firm boundaries and a strong relationship on the ground, but under saddle, he was a gentleman. “Something in my gut told me that he was just going to be a super cool horse and just the right challenge for me,” Allison recalled. She adopted him that very day. When Maverick arrived at her farm a few days later, it was clear that his personality matched his profile. “I never went to see him in person before adopting him, but I was familiar with how New Vocations listed their horses,” Allison said. “I had adopted another horse from them the year prior who was sweet and easygoing. Maverick was probably the complete opposite. But I’ve always had a connection with the ‘hard’ horses.” The first three months were all about building trust. Allison focused on groundwork and relationship-building, often riding only occasionally. “There were some challenging days where I questioned if maybe we weren’t the best match, but then he would show the slightest bit of progress — standing quietly on the cross ties, not kicking out at the brush, and turning in immediately when asked on the line. And I just knew I had to stick with him,” said Allison. By the three-and-a-half-month mark, something shifted. Maverick began seeking out Allison’s attention, following her around the farm, watching her work with other horses, and leaning in for the occasional scratch. “For all the fight he put up, he really is just a soft marshmallow on the inside,” Allison shared. “And if I’m being honest, he reminds me a bit of myself.” As their partnership deepened, so did Maverick’s under-saddle work. “Once we got things sorted out on the ground, everything under saddle just clicked,” Allison said. “He’s eager to please, has great movement, and took to the dressage work beautifully.” Though cautious by nature, Maverick grew more confident with jumping and has since become a force in cross-country. Together, the pair successfully competed in Beginner Novice Eventing, First Level Dressage, Western Dressage, and trail riding—showcasing their versatility and trust in one another. At the 2024 Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championships in Aiken, Maverick and Allison had a standout performance. They won the Beginner Novice Combined Test out of 18 entries, placed third in both First Level and Western Dressage, and claimed the Thoroughbred Charities of America / Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Geldings Halter Class. They also earned the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance High-Score Award across all Dressage divisions. “It’s hard to believe everything we’ve accomplished together, especially considering where we started,” Allison said. “He’s become the best partner I could ask for. I truly believe he would do anything for me.” Maverick continues to delight both in and out of the ring. “He absolutely loves to play in the hose—he’ll interrupt another horse’s bath just to splash around,” Allison laughed. “And he always knows where the show photographers are. He strikes a pose every time.” Looking ahead, Allison and Maverick aim to continue competing in Dressage and Eventing with hopes of moving up the levels. “He’s truly stolen my heart, and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us next.” She also offered heartfelt gratitude to those who made Maverick’s second career possible. “Special thank you to Andie Biancone and Amy Dunne for getting him to New Vocations and ensuring he had a great start in retirement. It’s been so rewarding to connect with others who’ve loved this incredible horse along the way.” 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 Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Getting to Know Outbound Getting to Know Outbound By: Alexis Arbaugh March 13, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, Eventing, Retired Racehorse Project, RRP, The Secretariat Center, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Gabrielle Pearce developed a passion for horses at a young age, starting with ponies. As her confidence in the saddle grew, she transitioned to off-the-track Thoroughbreds. One of her earliest experiences with an ex-racehorse was riding Mr. Martini, an older Thoroughbred known for his calm and level-headed demeanor. He became the perfect bridge between ponies and larger horses, helping Gabrielle build the confidence and skills necessary to become a successful rider. After the unfortunate passing of Mr. Martini, Gabrielle found Vinnie, a 6-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred who had received approximately 60 days of professional retraining. Since Vinnie had already been restarted, he seemed like the ideal next step in Gabrielle’s journey toward retraining an ex-racehorse on her own. “Vinnie was an exceptional athlete who genuinely enjoyed having a job,” Gabrielle recalled. He loved learning new things, and each lesson seemed to carry over to the next ride, as if he remembered everything they did. Their partnership developed quickly, deepening as they learned and grew together. A few years ago, Gabrielle tragically lost Vinnie in an accident, leaving her heartbroken and uncertain about whether she would ever find another horse as special as he had been. When she finally resumed her search, she felt most comfortable adopting a horse from an accredited aftercare organization. Gabrielle had a great experience with the Secretariat Center, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization in Lexington, Kentucky. The organization listened to her needs, never pressured her, and provided honest assessments of each horse. Gabrielle’s list of “must-haves” included a horse at least 16 hands tall, free of prior injuries that could impact training, without cribbing habits, and possessing a calm personality. After trying a few horses, she left undecided. However, when she returned a couple of months later for additional trial rides, she had a gut feeling that Outbound, nicknamed “Porter,” was the perfect match for her. In October 2022, Gabrielle adopted Porter, who at the time had only five retraining rides. “He is the youngest and greenest horse I have owned,” she said. The 16-hand bay gelding is Kentucky-bred by Candy Ride (ARG) out of Zofzig (Danzig). He raced only twice at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Indiana, earning $1,215. As soon as Gabrielle brought Porter home to her family farm, she turned him out alone in a pasture, expecting him to run or buck after the long trailer ride. Instead, he calmly wandered around the field, grazing and quietly taking in his new surroundings. When it came time to meet the other four geldings on the farm, Porter showed no interest in causing trouble. He quickly integrated into the herd, and they all got along seamlessly. Gabrielle’s decision to take on all of Porter’s retraining herself became a valuable learning experience. Her previous show experience, along with lessons and clinics, gave her the foundation she needed to restart a horse. However, she also understood that learning never stops. When she found herself stuck or looking for fresh ideas, YouTube videos and Instagram accounts became valuable resources. Gabrielle feeds Porter Tribute Senior Sport, supplemented with a small amount of Tribute Essential K and Lubrisyn HA. In the winter, she incorporates timothy or alfalfa cubes into his meals to help maintain a healthy weight. Throughout the day, Porter enjoys a mixture of grass hay to complement his diet. Gabrielles goal for Porter was to enter him into the 2023 Retired Racehorse Project. Gabrielle had to carefully plan his training schedule, making sure not to exceed the maximum number of allowed rides as outlined by the competition’s rules. Gabrielle’s first focus was one groundwork, aiming to build mutual respect. She understood that while developing a bond with a horse is important, it should never lead to the horse disrespecting or taking advantage. Establishing this respect created a solid foundation for their under-saddle training. Gabrielle also wanted to teach Porter the fundamentals of being a well-mannered horse. One of their key challenges was getting Porter to stand still at the mounting block. Together, they worked on building up his patience, training him to wait calmly for Gabrielle’s cue before walking on after she mounted. Another hurdle was helping Porter become comfortable with the farrier. As with mounting, he struggled to stand still, but over time, he learned that the farrier was there to help, not harm him. Gabrielle also emphasized spatial awareness to reinforce the importance of respecting each other’s personal space. SEE RELATED RE-TRAINING TIP FEATURE: “Getting Started with Groundwork & Manners for Your Ex-Racehorse” Click HERE for Retraining Tip Feature An essential part of their groundwork involved the use of pressure and release. For example, when Gabrielle applied gentle pressure on the reins, Porter would respond by turning his head, and she would immediately release the pressure as a reward. They also practiced moving his body laterally, using pressure to guide him in the desired direction and releasing it once he responded correctly. This method significantly improved their communication, helping Porter become more responsive and attentive to Gabrielle’s cues. Clipping had been a work in progress, particularly around Porter’s ears, which are often sensitive areas for horses. Many horses dislike having their ears touched, but Gabrielle took a patient, gradual approach to help Porter become comfortable with clippers on all parts of his body. Her steady method ensured he remained relaxed throughout the process. Trailering can be challenging for many horses, even those with previous travel experience like racehorses. Each trailer is slightly different, and that unfamiliarity can cause anxiety. Encouraging a horse to calmly enter and exit what might seem like a dark, intimidating box requires patience. Gabrielle committed to a slow and steady approach, prioritizing Porter’s comfort and confidence throughout the process. Like many young

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Love at first Sight with River Shannon Love at First Sight With River Shannon By: Ellen Barth February 28, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Eventing, Success story, The Secretariat Center, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance River and I have been together since December 2023 and we’ve had quite the journey so far! River is my first OTTB, and I adopted him from the Secretariat Center in Lexington, KY. I had explained to Shelley Mann, Director of the Secretariat Center at the time I adopted him, that I had recently retired my heart horse from competition, so my new project horse would have pretty big shoes to fill. Red, my retired Danish Warmblood, although the love of my life, has been a high maintenance wild man for the 14 years that I’ve had him (even at the ripe age of 26), so I knew I could handle Thoroughbred eccentricities. I sought out a Thoroughbred as my next horse because I wanted a horse that would challenge me to be the best horsewoman that I could possibly be. I wanted a horse that was smart, agile, fast and who would fight for me out on the cross-country course. Shelley knew just the horse for me, and as soon as I met River, I fell in love. He is a cuddle bug, a goofball, and he will test you every chance he gets. And he will certainly give you his opinions if you do something even just slightly off! On the day that I met him, I groomed him and went to pick his feet only for him to bite me in the butt and refuse to pick up his hoof. When he finally did, he threw his foot forwards and backwards, trying to intimidate me to let go. As the staff watched and probably thought I had no idea what I was doing, I could see River giving me the side eye and almost smirking to himself. The class clown that he is demands that respect be earned, and he will keep you humble every step of the way. That one moment foreshadowed our journey for the next year! Just as River doesn’t give up easily, neither do I, and I was determined to unlock all the potential that I saw and felt from that first meeting and that first ride. Some people have a very specific pedigree and type of horse they look for when horse shopping, but I kept myself open minded. When I sat on River, he took me by surprise on how elegant he felt under saddle. Completely opposite from the other horse I had tried at the Secretariat Center. His gaits were effortless and flowed with beautiful cadence. I was blown away by the maturity he showed as a 4-year-old, but he also showed his cheeky side when he tried to roll in the puddles in the ring with me on him. He had all of us belly laughing! He had not been started over jumps yet, but I was willing to take a chance on him since he checked off so many boxes. The staff told me how curious and brave he was, so I had a hunch he might like to jump. He had no obvious conformation flaws, just some old racetrack injuries (bowed tendons and a popped splint). I had him vetted to make sure those injuries could withstand the demands of an event horse. With the vet’s seal of approval, I adopted River that next day. I was so excited to welcome him home to Massachusetts, but I knew there would be a steep learning curve to try to figure out what works for him. We’re still getting to know each other, but I’ve learned that he always loves his ears being rubbed. He’s like a shark that goes into tonic immobility when you rub his ears! This has helped me on so many occasions when he’s stressed – it really relaxes him. Sometimes he likes his neck, shoulders, withers and belly being scratched. He’s very particular, and expressive with his opinions, so he’ll certainly let you know if he wants them or not! The quirky horse that he is requires many accommodations to keep him happy and healthy. I have learned through trial and error, and expert advice, what works and what doesn’t work for him. First and foremost, I’ve learned River needs to be out all day, if not 24/7. I found out the hard way that keeping him in a stall too long made him very upset and caused him to get nasty ulcers. To mitigate that, in addition to staying outside for at least a whole day, he is on Purina Outlast and alfalfa pellets, free choice hay, and his grain is divided into 3 smaller meals instead of 2 larger meals (per vet recommendation). As an excitable horse, it was challenging finding a nutrition plan that would put on weight without lighting him up further. After consulting with my vet and nutritionist, we found that keeping his grain (Purina Impact Professional Performance) lower while adding in a fat supplement (Purina Amplify) worked well. SEE RELATED RE-TRAINING TIP FEATURE: “Ulcer Care and Stress Management Tips for Off-Track Thoroughbreds from Second Wind” Click HERE for Retraining Tip Feature Next on the Thoroughbred checklist was finding good insurance for River. I unfortunately had to use it a lot this year, because being the inquisitive critter that he is, got himself into trouble, with one incident sending him to the hospital. Fortunately, it only took us 2 months to recover from the laceration (paddock accident). It happened so close to the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) makeover, and we didn’t think we would be ready in time. I’m lucky that he’s so intelligent and we picked right back up on our dressage. With a proper feeding regimen, proper shoeing, ample turnout, well-fitting tack, good insurance,

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous Post manhattan striker Manhattan Striker By: Alexis Arbaugh September 27, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, CANTER, CANTER Michigan, Eventing, hunter jumper, Retired Racehorse Project, RRP TIP, TAKE2, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Incentive Program “This has been a life-changing experience for my daughter and has shaped her in more ways beyond just in the saddle,” shared Sara Anderson. Sara Anderson and her 11-year-old daughter, Anna Huard, were searching for a horse that could become a long-term equine partner and compete in the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP). They turned to CANTER Michigan because it offered potential adopters the chance to meet and ride horses before adoption. Upon their visit, they were introduced to Manhattan Striker by CANTER Michigan’s head trainer, Jennifer Blades. Manhattan Striker, an Australian-bred black Thoroughbred gelding, had raced 23 times and earned $39,750 in Hong Kong. After his racing career ended, he was part of a group of 12 horses donated to CANTER Michigan. When Sara and Anna first met Manhattan Striker, he wasn’t the warm and affectionate horse he is today. His paperwork from the track noted that he cribbed, stall-walked, and had a generally grumpy attitude. The barn staff at Willowbrooke Farm, the facility where he was housed, had to be cautious when handling him. Despite these quirks, Sara described him as having a “serious and quiet demeanor,” which soon proved to be a great match for Anna’s personality. Manhattan Striker quickly bonded with Anna, taking an immediate liking to her. Sara observed that he seemed solid and balanced under saddle, and Anna saw potential for a long-term partnership. Although he remained grumpy during grooming, once he came home, he stopped cribbing and stall-walking altogether. He soon became sweet and affectionate with Anna and the other children at the barn. His temperament mellowed so much that he even became a suitable turnout companion for weanlings. Anna had ambitious goals for herself and Manhattan Striker, affectionately known as “Manny.” She wanted a versatile partner she could train to compete in multiple disciplines and develop a close bond with. Manny exceeded her expectations. “The retraining process was interesting,” Sara recalled. Manny wasn’t overly hot and adapted quickly to everything he was asked to do. Their goal was to enter the 2018 RRP, and Sara allowed Anna to take the lead in his training. While Manny initially lacked a lead change, he mastered it after just one lesson. “He’s been great for my daughter because she’s been able to teach him things, and he responds and learns the way you hope they will,” Sara said. Manny always tries his best and doesn’t hold a grudge if Anna makes a mistake. Through their journey together, Anna learned the value of patience and building a solid foundation with her horse. At horse shows, Manny was a dream. “No AM lounge, no hard schooling. No trainer rides, no perfect prep or ear plugs.  He doesn’t even wear a martingale to mess with. Goes in a simple rubber D.  He doesn’t need to see the ring before going into a class.  Light warmup, a few jumps, and in he goes,” Sara wrote. Manny was also easy to load and handle at shows, and Anna could braid and prep him herself. Screenshot Although Manny isn’t the best mover, making it tough to place in hack classes, he shines as a jumper. He thrives in equitation and medal classes, excelling at technical tracks, halts, and counter-cantering. “He’s able to take the harder courses and do all the fun things,” Sara said. Anna and Manny successfully competed in the Hunter division at the 2018 RRP. They continued training and later competed in local 2’6″ Hunter classes. For a change of pace, they also enjoyed eventing. In 2022 and 2023, the pair competed in the Take2 Thoroughbred divisions and the 15-17 equitation division with notable success. Anna and Manny were named the 2023 Overall Top Junior Rider in the Take2 Hunter division and placed 9th in the Take2 Finals. “We’re also thankful for Thoroughbred-specific opportunities like the RRP, Take2, and TIP, which give kids like mine a supportive community,” Sara wrote. Manny has surpassed all the goals Anna set for him, and they have formed a strong bond along the way. Looking ahead to 2024, they plan to continue competing in the Take2 Hunter divisions and enter more equitation and medal classes during Anna’s final junior year. This past July, Anna and Manny were selected to participate in the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Emerging Athletes Program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, where Manny stood out as the only Thoroughbred.   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 overcoming the odds Overcoming the Odds By: Alexis Arbaugh April 12, 2024 Aftercare Editorials Tags:dressage, Eventing, Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, Rodeo, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding When Tara Webster made the decision to retire her older gelding, she began to ponder her next horse. Ready to explore adoption prospects, she turned to her friend at Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART), Amanda Wilson, who was eager to introduce Tara to the horse Seven Thirty. Soon after concluding the conversation with Amanda, Tara traveled to HART to meet the exciting new prospect. “Seven Thirty was a tall, bay gelding and just stunning,” wrote Tara. Tara was utterly mesmerized as she watched him work, and in that moment, she knew without a doubt that Seven had to be hers. She was quick to fill out the adoption application. Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds reviewed and approved the application, which allowed Tara to adopt her new equine companion. Besides observing Seven’s work at HART, Tara was drawn to his sweet personality. “He is always down for a snuggle, hug, kiss, or a treat.” Seven was gorgeous with big eyes and long legs. Tara could sense his gentle spirit and willingness to learn through his eyes. As she was searching for a Thoroughbred to train as a jumper, Seven seemed to fit the bill perfectly. Tara adopted Seven on December 3, 2021, when he was only three years old. Once she brought him home, she began daily training sessions. “I cannot say enough good things about him and his willingness to learn,” Tara shared. Seven seemed fearless, showing a natural aptitude for retraining, including jumping. About four months later, the pair was ready to compete in their first show in March of 2022. It proved to be a fantastic first show experience, as they placed in all of their dressage and show jumping classes. “I was just so impressed [with Seven],” Tara wrote.  Ever since that first horse show, they have been quite active at other events, including a HART show, many dressage tests, trail rides, a parade, a rodeo, and even moving cows. Seven is a very versatile horse, and “no matter what the scenario is he quite quickly gets comfortable as we work towards the goal,” explained Tara. Unfortunately, in March of 2023, Seven was diagnosed with kissing spine. Kissing spine is a condition in horses where the vertebrae in the spine migrate closer and closer together until they touch or overlap. This can cause mild, consistent back pain in the horse. Most treatments include making the horse comfortable with pain medications or easy work. Seven spent the rest of the spring and all summer relaxing with his friends in the field and receiving “regular spa” days with Tara. His back needed time to decompress before he could be approved for surgery. Seven had his surgery in September 2023, and in the following months after his surgery he spent time rehabilitating. Tara’s veterinarians are positive that Seven will make a full recovery back to riding. In the meantime, they work diligently on their hand walks and groundwork.  Once Tara and Seven start their training again, their biggest goal is to compete in a recognized event. “He is such a good partner to work with that I think this goal is easily achievable,” explained Tara. Another one of Tara’s dreams is to be able to compete in a roping class at a ranch show. “I have no doubt that we can do anything we put our minds to,” said Tara.  Tara and Seven have a bright future ahead of them thanks to Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds. “HART is an amazing organization and I’m so happy they were able to pair me with my boy!” 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

Shewasnicerthen made 14 starts at Parx before retiring to After the Races at age 3, having earned $43,011 with a record of 1-3-3.

Shortly after his 12th start, Kulik Lodge retired to TAA-accredited New Vocations with a record of 4-2-0 and earnings just under $181,000. Since the Kentucky-bred’s adoption, the pair has worked hard to build a solid foundation in eventing.

Onlythewinetalking made his way to TAA-accredited MidAtlantic Horse Rescue as an unraced 5-year-old.

Most recently, they earned sixth place in the MCTA Jenny Camp Horse Trial in the open beginner novice division.