Week 35: Immersion

                This last week has taught me so much that I thought I would update the blog earlier than usual. Finn and I have been busy prepping for another event while I have been trying to work on my new project called Teens for TB’s. Teens for TB’s is an organization dedicated to uniting young riders who are in the process of retraining thoroughbreds or young riders interested in retraining thoroughbreds. So far I have been using a facebook page to communicate with the young riders in my area and I have made contacts with Thoroughbred Charities of America and The Jockey Club Incentive Program about growing my efforts.

                In my efforts to learn more about OTTB’s I ended up meeting with Barbara Luna from Turning for Home. I arrived at Parx at about 9 in the morning and my dad and I made our way through security and into the backstretch where we met Ms. Luna. We started by talking about how much TB’s actually learn at the track. Despite some of the claims in my Ted talk, I now firmly believe that TB’s are given far more training and experience at the track then many people can understand.

                As we walked from the office to the stabling I saw horses heading out for morning exercise and horses walking beside grooms. Many of the horses seemed very content in their jobs. In the barns horses hung their heads out over their doors; some ears pricked more forward than others. The trainers and exercise riders were friendly and they all invited me to ask questions.

                At Parx I had the amazing opportunity to meet Finn’s race trainer, Eli Betancourt. I walked with Barbara Luna to Betancourts barn and she talked to me a bit about what she remembered about Corofin. Both Betancourt and Luna commented on Finn’s sweet and playful personality. Betancourt also offered a very interesting story. During the time that Finn was owned by Betancourt, Finn coliced and almost died. When the vets told Eli to put Finn down, he refused and gave Finn an enema by himself. Without Finn’s trainer, Finn would be dead. I can not explain how greatful I am that he saved Finn!

                Overall, I learned more than I coul have imagined at the track. Not only did I gain insight into the lives of thoroughbreds during their careers, I learned more about the people that make these horses. I was naïve to ever consider a thoroughbred a green horse. They may seem green, but in reality they have lived in an environment that tests them on every level.

                This weekend I will be competing Finn in his first Beginner Novice event. I will be trying my best to get my dressage scores down and have save and effective jump rounds. I will write more about Finn this weekend!