Tag: ottb

This month’s aftercare spotlight focuses on a different type of program, the Equine Science program at the University of Minnesota at Crookston. I was able to speak with Jonathon Holland to learn more about this program and its relationship with Thoroughbred racing. MPK: Tell me a little bit about this program. JH: We offer an Equine Science major and an Equine Science Pre-vet major. In the fall of 2020 we will begin offering an Equine Business Management major. MPK: Can you tell me about the history of the Equine Science program? JH: Our program has been in existence since 1972.…

Where is Aiken Equine Rescue based? It is based in Aiken, South Carolina.  What makes your program unique? We are one of the only aftercare facilities that is also involved in racing as far as owning race horses.  The President/Executive director and his wife own race horses of their own. Because of that we are able to work from the inside out because we have developed friendships and acquaintances through the industry, whether it is through sales or direct relationships with owners, trainers, grooms, exercise riders, and jockeys.  We are pro-racing and think it is a great sport when it is done…

How did your program begin? After the Races began in the fall of 2010. It was brought to my attention that there was a growing need for capable rehabilitation facilities to help with retiring racehorses in transition. At the time I was leasing a farm and doing some boarding and training, but my heart had always been with Thoroughbreds having worked in most facets of the industry (from starting young horses for the track, to exercising and managing a stable of racehorses including their injuries). With my professional background and medical experience, it felt like a good fit for both…

We are incredibly excited to announce that Kind of a Big Dill (formerly known as Vineyard Harbour) is back in action! After a long recovery period, he is finally training again and very excited to be. His trainer Samyi is super excited to be riding him again and cannot wait to tackle the next season.

Where is This Old Horse based? Our home base is in Hastings, Minnesota, located within the greater metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  We have seven other farms we manage in the area.  Our foster network expands throughout Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. How did your program begin? In 2012, This Old Horse was founded to support retired or sidelined service and performance horses that through age or infirmity were no longer at the top of their game.  Our mission was to create a community of horse lovers who were less interested in what the horse could ‘do’ and more interested in honoring the full…

Where is Foxie G based? It is based at the Summer Wind Farm in Union Bridge, Maryland. How did this rescue group begin? Foxie G Foundation began on September 14, 2012, in honor of the memory of a racehorse named Foxie G. What makes your program unique? In addition to working with off the track thoroughbreds, Foxie G also cares for feral cats in the local area. These cats are well cared for, receiving vaccines, being fed, and having their general health monitored. Additionally, all cats are neutered or spayed to keep their populations from growing. Does Foxie G do…

Jerry, formerly known as My Pal Jerry, has a new home and is working on a second career. In October 2018 our stable decided it was time for his racing career to end, and he was retired via Beyond the Wire. They placed him with Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, where he began his transition to off track life. This January, Jerry was moved to his new home, South Carolina. In the care of Heather Armstrong, he has made progress in his new career as a dressage horse. Jerry walks, trots, and canters. He also gets both leads "super easy," according to…

As we shared earlier this year, Dill lacerated his fetlock pretty nicely when he was turned out in January. It’s been a crazy uphill battle with the healing process. When his trainer, Samyi, thought it was healed and Dill was ready to work, it bust open again. Then they really thought the start of August was it. But unfortunately again they started their training adventure, and it re-busted. After conversations with his vet, he was placed on 12 hours stall and 12 hours small paddock turnout with no riding for 4–5 weeks. This has left Dill and Samyi with hardly…

Where is Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue based? It is based in Pawling, New York. How did your rescue group begin? Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue was founded by owner, trainer, and breeder, John Hettinger. When he sold race horses, there was an agreement attached to the bill of sale that if the horse was no longer wanted, Hettinger would take the horse back and either provide sanctuary or an opportunity for a second career. He fought tirelessly to eliminate slaughterhouses in America. Upon his death in 2008, he donated 300 acres to become Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue. What makes your program unique? We have…

Kind Of A Big Dill is continuing to thrive as he steadily makes his way through training after his stall rest. He has started riding at the walk! Additionally, as long as there is no rain, he has been moved to a bigger pasture for 12 hours of turn out a day. He has also moved onto a pattern. He will either be doing comprise trails or ranch work in the makeover alongside our barrels! He is moving incredibly well without any bandages as he is healed nearly 100%. He may be a bit behind with only 71 days of…