It warms my heart to see so many people who still love and appreciate their TBs. I am a TB-gal through-and-through. I have worked with basically every breed imaginable, but for myself, it will be a TB every time. I have owned 3 TBs and know where my heart lies. It may not sound like many over an almost 35 year period, but seeing as a horse comes to me for life, and I mostly cannot afford more than one at a time, it is not surprising. Awareness needs to be created of the advantages of riding a OTTB. At one point (60s, 70s, 80s and early part of the 90s) they were the only option for competition in this country and they excelled in almost all disciplines, comparable with the best in the world, but now, with the plethora of imported and locally bred Warmbloods and sport horses, they have been dropped by the wayside. It is no longer fashionable to ride a TB. And yet, their abilities are as good as ever. They are the supreme athletes, bred to perform. When people say to me: I dont like TBs”, I normally ask them which one of the dozens in particular offends them... this usually leads to some blank stares and some incomprehensive explanations... However, it is true, there are literally dozens of “types”. The TB is the only horse breed that is not bred according to any “breed standards”, but rather for only one thing - speed. This means that one can get a TB to suit literally every taste. Some are as big as 18hh and others only 14.2hh. Some are broad and solid, others are long and lanky. Some look like showponies and others like huge raw-boned hunters. Many go for negligible prices, sometimes even free, after their racing careers and for that one gets a horse that is human-friendly, has been backed, is used to travelling, new environments and all kinds of handling, including farriers, dentists and vets. They are sensitive, intelligent and highly trainable, super athletic and flexible. It is a no-brainer - all that at almost no cost. Try to buy a backed sporthorse / warmblood and see what it will cost... What is seldom advertised, is that almost all warmbloods have a lot of TB in their bloodline. Sometimes one doesnt even have to go back a whole generation to find the TB. They are used to lighten those breeds and add athleticism. But this is not widely acknowledged. Unfortunately, because they are seen to be the poor-mans competition horse, many TBs are never given a chance. Those people that do buy an OTTB are usually those that do not have the money to spend on an expensive horse. They also usually dont have the money for lessons, training and to compete in the majority of shows up to the highes levels, so they never get anywhere where it matters. Hence, the horses are never seen to be performing, perpetuating the illusion that they are no good. It is high time that some of the top riders pack away their pre-conceived ideas and give these horses the chance they deserve once more - monkey see, monkey do - only then will the young riders start taking notice of these magnificent horses again. Thank you for this page. If it can help create awareness of the availability, as well as the brilliance of these horses, it will make a big difference. Below is a photo of my beloved Majestic, aka Pooki (His racing name was Gold Route and he was by Golden Thatch out of a Politician mare, but I didnt like his name and changed it to Majestic, because he was!). This photo was taken at age 22. Sadly, he crossed the Rainbow Bridge last year at age 23. I have not bought a new horse again and dont know if I ever will, as my heart is still too sore. He was so much more than a horse. For 20 years, he was my soulmate, my teacher and my very best friend. He will be a hard act to follow, but who knows, if there is a horse out there for me, I am sure that he will find me when the time is right. Pooki will lead him to me. But of one thing I am sure, he will be a TB. Sorry Walter for this long-winded post... I was just missing my Pooki very much today and being an artist and writer, when a tad emotional, I paint or write...
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 16:38:05 +0000
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