Buddy System
Work in the Arena with Other Horses
CHAPTER 12 Becoming a Success Story
Courageous Comet and Becky Holder
Why Not Whiskey and Keely Bechtol
Kulik Lodge and Brooke Schafer
American Bond and Valerie Mulgrave
Groomedforvictory and Cathy Gulick
Southern Charm and Courtney Safadi
■ Foreword by Karen O’Connor
It has been my privilege to ride and compete horses for much of my life. Horses have the ability to teach people wonderful virtues, and I can say, quite honestly, I would have been a very different individual without them. The one thing that always amazes me is the number of things horses can do with their talents at the hands of man. They are an incredibly versatile species.
For centuries, the racing industry has been breeding Thoroughbreds. Breeders have continually improved upon the horse’s natural instinct and ability to run. Many studies have been done to develop horses for different distances. With all this attention on the specifics of the well-bred racing machine, other attributes and talents have come through collaterally: with the powerful engine for the gallop also came the ability to jump high and move gracefully, as well as fantastic lung capacity for endurance purposes. And, possibly the most intangible—and valuable—attribute of all, is the great heart and “try” these horses possess.
Horse racing is “as American as apple pie.” Racing crosses all barriers. It is a part of our American heritage. Even during the Great Depression, horse racing was an integral part of life and source of financial stability for many. The phrase “bet the farm” had true meaning at that time, and all hopes would hinge on a special horse bringing it home for a single family and their survival.
With these kinds of pressures on an industry, it is no surprise that the number of horses racing has grown exponentially. There are more racehorses than ever, and there is more talent out there, too.
Most Thoroughbreds have completed their racing careers about the same time others are just getting started. I have been lucky enough to benefit from the talents of many of these horses leaving racing and starting second careers. I know for myself, I always look forward to a phone call from one of my contacts at the track. Stories that begin with, “I can’t keep him in the paddock,” or “He trots too big for us,” are music to my ears. My favorite is always, “This horse is just too laid back—he has a great gallop but doesn’t want to be in front.” I’ll make a lovely sport horse out of that racing shortfall; I’ll show this horse that he, too, can be great.
Well-bred Thoroughbred mares play a huge role in our small breeding program, as well. My husband, David, and I have enjoyed lovely progeny from these mares and hope for some real future stars.
It is so refreshing to see Beyond the Track, a book that addresses the necessary steps for achieving success with the ex-racehorse. I thank Anna Ford for this fantastic resource and reference, and I hope you enjoy the book as I have.
I look forward to seeing your next superstar off-the-track!
Karen O’Connor
2007 US Equestrian Federation Equestrian of the Year
Ten-Time US Eventing Association Lady Rider of the Year
Winner of Individual and Team Gold Medals, 2007 Pan American Games
Winner of Team Silver and Bronze Medals, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games
Three-Time Winner of Rolex Kentucky CCI****
■ Foreword by George H. Morris
It is simple, really. When a horse has quality, he has Thoroughbred blood—and the more, the better.
I believe the American Thoroughbred is the best sport horse in the world. I grew up with Thoroughbreds. I, and those I have taught, have had great success with Thoroughbreds. If you read my autobiography Unrelenting, you’ll see the word Thoroughbred over and over again, dozens and dozens of times. That is because this breed of horse hugely influenced my life. It influenced the development of the American style of forward riding “with the motion” that evolved in the middle of the twentieth century. This kind of riding became what it did because it was what was best for the American Thoroughbred. And my system—the one I still teach in clinics all over the country and the world today—it is based on the classical, yes, but it also developed out of that forward style riding best suited to Thoroughbred horses.
I was once asked what kind of horse I’d want if I were trapped on a desert island, and my answer was, of course, a Thoroughbred. Yes, many of you have heard me say that I think the Thoroughbred horse is the greatest invention since sliced bread. I do think that. I do.
I love the true Thoroughbred quality of being “quick on the blood”—very responsive to the aids with the right mix of forward and reactive with manageability. The horse has to be responsive. He has to be light. He also has to be submissive…but content in that submission. Content submission. I like horses with class—to look like a Thoroughbred, to go like a Thoroughbred with enormous scope and a beautiful gallop and beautiful balance. Class.
The
