Off The Track, Out Of Hiding

Thoroughbreds were long considered horse royalty. At the top show circuits you could see them, well bred, literally chomping at the bit with flecks of froth catching the wind right back into them as they waited at the gate. Horses that lacked the luck of being born a Thoroughbred weren't likely to ever see the inside of a white fenced arena surrounded by spectators dressed to the nines, or at least they weren't likely to hope for a ribbon.

In the 1950's they were the mount for the elite amateur (aka, person of wealth who did not need to earn money). The United States Equestrian Team showed their Thoroughbreds to the highest levels in that decade and the East Coast anxiously awaited their return each fall to begin the year's show season 'for real'.

Then the Off-Track Thoroughbred got lost, replaced by Warmbloods in top competition and cast with a broad stroke of "hot". Warmbloods and the look that came with them became the new elite. Heavy bone. Elegant movement in a large mount dancing across a dressage arena. Strong horses that were marketed as sane and athletic, marketing themselves while stero-typing the Thoroughbred.

Thoroughbreds were now cast-offs, has-beens, and those that loved them were baffled. Suddenly in the equestrian world Thoroughbreds were the horses you had if you couldn't afford something "better". Even then, "You might want to mix some Quarter Horse in there, to make it good."

Now 2013 finds competitors riding to high levels on their lithe OTTB mounts and WINNING. Riders are again falling in love with the personality traits, enormous heart, and quirks that make up these soft horses, though the Thoroughbred itself is unchanged.

Thoroughbreds are not the horse for everyone. There is something uniquely different about riding and living with them than other breeds (sometimes frustrating quirks), but if you love them and can open your eyes to what they can do, you'll never go back.

This year the Rolex will be covered up with them, competitively positioned, and proudly listing their heritage as an OTTB. In fact, along with this massive show is a Thoroughbreds For All  event with speakers from jockeys to Olympic riders.

Eventing, Hunter Jumpers, Western, Trail Horses, and even Endurance riding, OTTBs are everywhere. April 9 the Today show will feature an OTTB, Metro, who can paint...on canvas!

Thoroughbreds aren't hiding in the corners, they are once again getting the respect they deserve coming out of more than just racecourse starting gates. They aren't sad rescue cases that people take-in broken and used up, most are far from retired when they step hoof off the track.

"Many people have sighed for the 'good old days' and regretted 'the passing of the horse' but today, when only those who like horses own them, it is a far better time for horses"  C. W. Anderson