My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
One of the great puzzles about Sheldon has been his reluctance to go forward. I’ve restarted a few OTTBs and one thing they always had was a well established “go” button. Given his long and successful racing career, I knew that Sheldon had to have one too. I suspect that something must have happened to […]
Read MoreYou would think that after the ride I described yesterday, Freedom would be tired. He was, when we finished. Unfortunately it was only a temporary condition. The first ride took place on Saturday. On Sunday, I planned to have a nice leisurely ride with a friend. It was nearly 60 degrees out and I wanted […]
Read MoreToday it was almost 50 degrees. This is the type of crazy winter weather that I can handle! The warm weather eliminated the last of our snow and gave us a day when it was possible to ride in shirt sleeves. A side benefit was that it was finally possible to do some pasture clean […]
Read MoreSince my trail ride with Sheldon I’ve been trying to find ways to get him to relax and stop constantly chomping on the bit and grinding his teeth. Seriously, sometimes he’s moving his mouth so much that it’s a wonder he can still remember how to walk! With most ex-racehorses, I just focus on keeping […]
Read MoreSheldon is settling in nicely. Already he seems more relaxed — meal time is no longer quite so emotional and he’s stopped running the fence line every time he can’t see another horse. I suspect he’s starting to count on the fact that we do feed twice a day and he almost always has hay […]
Read MoreThe Retired Racehorse Training Project is a charitable organization working to increase demand for Thoroughbred ex-racehorses. In 2012 the organization launched it’s “Trainer Challenge” where three OTTB received 100 days of training by three accomplished trainers. The trainers worked with horses who had no training other than racing for five weeks. They selected and rode […]
Read MoreDuring the 10 days that Sheldon has been here I’ve letting him settle and not asking too much of him. Partly, it was an issue of time. Three hunts and Thanksgiving didn’t leave me much extra. Partly it was caution. I missed so many hunts this season that I wasn’t taking any chances by riding […]
Read MoreThe times when I’ve had two horses in the past it often felt a bit overwhelming. It’s hard to keep two horses going and in shape. So, why am I thinking of doing it again? Well, to be fair, this would only be temporary. I’ve been asked to foster a horse for CANTER New England […]
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