From Racehorse to Riding Horse: A Thoroughbred’s Story of Transition and Hope
Career decisions are sometimes hard. Many are left pondering what it is that they want to do when they “grow-up”. Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) are no different. The breed is as varied in ability, conformation, and personality as a Heinz 57 dog. Massive, powerful, refined, cat-like, elegant, lazy, energetic–all are adjectives to describe thoroughbreds. Some horses just LOVE to run; others prefer do not. The common variables that all of these horses do share is their heart, work ethic, and need for human interaction. Given love and kindness a TB who may not have left their heart on the track will give all their heart to the human they love.
As a young thoroughbred sitting in a stall on the backstretch of a race track, we often look at a horse and wonder what their future has in store for them. They don’t race forever. What happens next? Will they make a Hunter/Jumper, Eventer, Dressage, Western, or Trail horse? Will they have a home? Someone to tend to their needs, cultivate their abilities, give them love? The lucky ones are given time off of the track, time to let down. Then, they are found new homes, new careers. And then, there are some are just not that lucky.
Doolledo, “Bowie”, is a 9 years old, 17.3 hand gelding. He is a massive, powerful animal. Bowie is also a laid-back, gentle horse. He is silly, plays with his bucket, and throws his rubber bowl across the turnout. Bowie loves to hang his head out of his stall and socialize with anyone that is willing to chat with him. He’s a gentle giant, just one of the boys.
Doolledo leaving the track
Winning his first race, Bowie showed promise at the track. However after running 18 additional races, Bowie never graced the winner’s circle again. Bowie came off track into the loving care of Craig and Colette Geibel. Here, Bowie spent his days playing in the paddock with his buddies. Occassionally, Craig would ride him on the trails, but Bowie was rather large for the narrow, steep trails. Unfortunately, Craig was no longer physically able to ride and Bowie just hung with his other equine compadres.
Participating in the holiday festivities at Geibel Farms, Bowie puts his best hoof forward
Thoroughbreds thrive on routine and consistent work. It was clear that Bowie needed a job. Bowie was listed on the Neigh Savers site as available for adoption. Neigh Savers was contacted by the Presidio Park Mounted Police Department. They were looking for a BIG and quiet horse. Bowie, with his giant stature and goofy personality fit the bill. The police departmet scheduled an interview with Bowie. He passed with flying colors save one exception–he had a love of munching on the American flag while mock protesters waved it in his direction. Not bad for an Off-Track Thoroughbred. Spooky, hot, Bowie scoffed at those words used to describe his breed.
Sgt. King welcoming Bowie into the Presidio Park Mounted Police training program
Unfortunately for the Police Program, Bowie decided that their work shifts were entirely too long for him. Much to the dismay of the Sargeant, they had to pass on him after nearly 3 months in training. It was a difficult decision for Sgt. King for Bowie had every attribute the police were looking for and in previous years they would have invested much more time to get Bowie to accept his longer shifts. In fact, they had another horse exactly like Bowie that they had the luxury to work with until they molded him into the perfect police horse. Unfortunately with budget cuts and staff cuts the Mounted Police needed a horse that could be ready for duty within 90 days.
Back to Geibel Farms and the Neigh Savers Program he went. First career as a race horse was not Bowie’s speed, second career as a trail horse, was a little too steep, third career as a police horse, a little too long of a day, well maybe the fourth time’s the charm…enter Mike.
Mike von Disterlo, of Kimberlee Farms has always dreamed of having a police horse and has always had a love of thoroughbreds. In his 20’s, Mike had the opportunity to compete in Southern California Hunter/Jumper shows on an Off-Track Thoroughbred. Mike has not shown in years and has spent time in the saddle with his elderly rescued Quarter Horse. Mike has yearned to have the opporunity to jump again. He wanted a Thoroughbred and he wanted to be a part of an off-track Thoroughbred’s story.
Mike’s dream has come true. Bowie has moved down to Kimberlee Farms, where Neigh Savers’s Southern California Program is based. Bowie is being restarted under saddle and will ultimately be trained for a career in Hunters/Jumpers. Mike aspires to get back in the show ring and is proud to have such a special partner to do it with.
One never really does know what their life’s career will be. It is a funny thing that no matter how much planning, training, and time is spent working towards one’s career of choice, life and circumstance can change everything. Horses are no different. When horse’s no longer have the ability or desire to race, Neigh Savers is there to help transition them into a new career. We are creating new beginnings for retired racing thoroughbreds. No longer are they trying to win their race of the day, but together, we are helping them win the race of their lives.
