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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

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) once again enters as a sponsor of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. In conjunction with sponsoring the makeover, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance High Point Award will continue to be offered to the highest placed Thoroughbred adopted from or is owned by a TAA-accredited organization. The showcase of recently retrained off-track Thoroughbreds will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park October 12th to the 15th. Of the 377 horses entered across 10 divisions, 57 contestants are eligible to win the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance High Point Award, including a $1,000 cash prize split between the rider and the TAA-accredited organization from which the horse was adopted. The TAA and RRP have intersecting missions to facilitate horses retiring from racing in finding suitable second careers upon the conclusion of their racing careers. Currently, the TAA has 82 accredited organizations across North America, of those, 19 TAA-accredited organization have ties to horses competing in the Thoroughbred Makeover. “The success of the Retired Racehorse Project is another hallmark in the progression of Thoroughbred aftercare, and the TAA is proud to once again be a contributing sponsor to the Thoroughbred Makeover,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “The makeover is a first step towards a fulfilling second or third career for many Thoroughbreds and highlights what we already know to be true– Thoroughbreds are a versatile and intelligent breed capable of much success on and off the track.” Photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham

It’s not often a Thoroughbred’s name can predict their future- but for CHANGE OF FORTUNE, that’s exactly what happened. Out of MGSW Better Lucky, the Godolphin-bred showed little interest in racing, so he made his way to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)-accredited CANTER Kentucky. There, he met his adopter who found a second career that peaks his interest: Western Dressage.

The unraced son of Temple City has made quite a name for himself by consistently placing in the ribbons in a variety of disciplines.

Fairly Obvious and Lindsey Partridge’s multidisciplinary success earned them the TAA High Point Award, the Top Pennsylvania-Bred Horse Award, and the Pennsylvania HBPA Award at the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover.

Born with the makings of a great racehorse, by Unbridled’s Song and out of a stakes-placed daughter of Malibu Moon, life on the track wasn’t for him and he retired with a 29-3-4-3 record.