THOROUGHBREDS IN SPORT
For many decades, Thoroughbreds were the original sport horses. They have been the backbone of the United States Equestrian Team earning many Gold Medals for Team USA in Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing long before the warmbloods took center stage. Horses such as Touch of Class (1984 Individual Gold Medal, Show Jumping, with Joe Fargis), Gem Twist (1988 Two Silver Medals, Show Jumping, with Greg Best), and Neville Bardos (2010, Eventing, with Boyd Martin) to name a few, represented the United States of America spanning several Summer Olympic Games.
The 2024 Paris Olympics was a crucial time for Thoroughbred Bloodlines as it was the first time in Olympic History that "Breeding Unknown" did not appear. These athletes were properly recognized as Thoroughbreds in the starting lists and results for the three disciplines.
The 2024 Paris Olympics was a crucial time for Thoroughbred Bloodlines as it was the first time in Olympic History that "Breeding Unknown" did not appear. These athletes were properly recognized as Thoroughbreds in the starting lists and results for the three disciplines.
A Tale of Three Brothers: Ca$h, Nik & Disco
Thoroughbred Aftercare: A Tale of Three Brothers
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Nina, why Thoroughbreds?
In this current chapter of my professional career I have chosen to work with Thoroughbreds, especially the War Horses, when possible. While I work with other breeds daily, I have strategically selected to rebuild my lesson program with Thoroughbreds. With utmost appreciation for the bloodlines, I take great pride in representing the breeders, big and small, of US Bred horses. It is important to note that Thoroughbreds are incredibly intelligent, sensitive, and athletic- inherent traits that allowed them to be successful in their racing careers. These horses require an educated eye and exceptional management. I see so many ads these days specifically stating NO THOROUGHBREDS. While this breed is certainly not for everyone, I think the blanket statement comes from individuals misunderstanding, mismanaging, and putting unrealistic time expectations on these athletes. For some, the transition is easy, for others it takes months or even years. They have to learn an entirely different lifestyle post track. Teaching individuals to ride these horses does take a specific professional skill set and a whole lot of patience. My job as a professional is to provide each individual horse with foundational skills required for their second career to develop in any direction. Additionally, I strive to develop educated riders with fundamental skills who respect and appreciate the basics, regardless of breed or discipline. My clients and I are developing these horses that we have sourced through the dedicated work of 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations. These non-profits provide rehabilitation, re-homing, and sanctuary, among other resources. We take great pride in having worked with several Thoroughbred Charities of America and Thoroughbred Aftercare accredited organizations within the last four years. |
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"Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a GRAND passion."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
