Katie Gardener aboard Frankly My Dear. Credit to Danny Young, Action Shots Photography
Thoroughbred Celebration: Re-purposed Racehorses Become American-Made Showstoppers
In the spring of 2009, I was hanging on for dear life to my very green bottle rocket of an ex-racehorse when my grandmother came whizzing out to the ring in her golf cart with the news that the Virginia Horse Center had decided to host a series of shows solely for Off the Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). I’d grown up loving Thoroughbreds and over the years we’ve had several broodmares who used to race. Finally, I had my own OTTB to re-train and though I knew it was going to be an ongoing process (which continues to this day!), I was ecstatic to have these shows as a concrete goal…and as a place to introduce him to the concept of showing surrounded by people who would understand his specific needs as he learned his second career. Alas, come June, we were still trying to trot without winding up in the next city, so we missed the inaugural Thoroughbred Celebration.
We made it in November, however, and though I was hilariously run away with at 2’3, I was astounded by my experience. The atmosphere was unlike any other show I’d been to in a lifetime of showing at both rated and local shows. New acquaintances quickly became old friends and I found that, though the level of competition is healthy, the outpouring of support and genuine interest from everyone was stunning. It is truly about the horses; the rescues, the retirees, the injured-and-rehabbed, and the six-figure winners. Needless to say, we have not missed a single Thoroughbred Celebration in the three years since.
If you’re jumping, the fences are inviting and Chris Kelly’s beautifully designed courses provide excellent learning for the horse and fun for the rider in both the hunters and the jumpers. If you’re not jumping, there are plenty of flat and pleasure classes to still make your trip worthwhile. I am proud that I was one of the people who asked for what has become the Fasig-Tipton Model Class, which is always well attended and has become a highlight of the show.
My horse, Frankly My Dear, is truly a “child” of these shows. We use them as a way to mark our progress, and I know we are not alone. One of the most beautiful things about this experience is seeing the show-to-show improvement in the Thoroughbred Celebration regulars. Pickin N’ Singin, owned and ridden by Christina Welker of Kentucky, is one of our superstars who has done just that. After climbing the ranks and taking home many top honors at several Thoroughbred Celebrations, that fabulous gelding was Reserve Champion at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show this year.
I always find it amusing when people react with surprise to the success of the Thoroughbred in the show ring. Before the Warmblood Infiltration of however long ago, most of the winningest show horses were Thoroughbreds! Why should we go overseas for our show mounts? The best, most athletic, most intelligent, most versatile horses are already right here, made in the USA! Most are inexpensive, but they all end up priceless.
As if the ambience of these shows is not enough, the Thoroughbred Celebration is determined to make a difference in the lives of ex-racehorses across the country, not only those who step into the Horse Center’s East Complex. There is a silent auction at every show, with all proceeds going directly to After the Finish Line, an organization dedicated to giving racehorses a good future as they face their days after the track. Soar to New Heights is a program headed up by volunteer Sasha Moran, which spotlights adoptable horses from several different rescue facilities.
All in all, it’s a very special few days. If you have an eligible Thoroughbred, go! You won’t regret it. If you don’t have a horse at all but want to appreciate the heritage and legacy of an old fashioned American athlete, go! You won’t regret it.
-Katie Gardner
