New Beginnings For Off-Track-Thoroughbreds

New Beginnings – Second Careers

By: Natalie Rietkerk

Of the thousands of racehorses being bred to hit the track, only a small percentage will ever step into the winners’ circle and even fewer will find fame. Retiring due to slow speed or injury many Thoroughbreds can thrive in their second career – if given the chance and proper training.

A few months ago, two stunning horses moved into the stables where I ride. One is a quiet 3-year-old solid bay colt named Conquest Dreamin and the other is Bula Bula, a gentle 4-year-old dapple gray gelding with a short tail. Given my experience in the racing industry, I recognized them as off-the-track Thoroughbreds and was excited to have a front row seat to follow their transformation into sporthorses.

As a racehorse, Conquest Dreamin was trained by Mark Casse and owned by Conquest Stables. Nicknamed “Dreamin” due to his sleepy demeanor, he would only race three times before retiring. He was soon adopted by Melissa Cawthorne, who had been searching for an affordable jumper prospect. With the help of her trainer, Edgar Pagan, Cawthorne decided to look into an OTTB.

“He’s awesome,” Cawthorne said with a smile as she tacked up Conquest Dreamin outside of his stall. “He is just so calm and really observes everything. Even when the horses go by him in the arena he doesn’t react.”

Wanting to help retired racehorses find homes, Pagan and stable owner Robin Bisogno decided to form a partnership where he would retrain and she would provide the stall and feed. The first horse they took on as a project is Bula Bula, who after just one month off the track is well on his way to finding a new home.

“Today was the first time we’ve taken him over a fence,” said Pagan’s assistant trainer Therese Peres. “I’ve only been on him a few times and he’s already learning lateral work. He just really wants to learn and please.”

In such a short time away from the races, both horses have already begun to assimilate to their new jobs – but it takes knowledge and compassion to turn a 1,200 pound animal with one speed and no brakes into a safe riding horse.

“The only reason off-the-track thoroughbreds get a bad name is from people who aren’t patient with them,” said Pagan. “They just need some time to adjust, and they need to be treated fairly.”

I watched Conquest Dreamin and Bula Bula go over their first jumps and be schooled on a busy Saturday morning. They both handled the new experiences like well-mannered professionals.

With the support of the racing industry, horse show world and dedicated aftercare programs, retired racehorses have more opportunities than they have had in years. All these incredible animals need is a second chance and a loving home.