Retired Racehorse Project 411

(Stellar aka Fullback, feeling the love at our first makeover (2015) Photo credit; Denise Valdez)

Dynasty Sport Horse's  top reasons to Compete in the Retired Racehorse Project

1. For the love of the OTTB (Off Track Thoroughbred)

If you are considering this competition for any other reason other than the love and support of the OTTB, PLEASE reconsider your priorities ... and this competition. 

2. To prove the versatility and durability of the Thoroughbred.

As trainers and riders we are aware of the abilities this breed possesses, it's now in our hands to deliver the full package in every discipline to show the world why we love these horses. 

3. You want to join the cult. 

If you've followed the journey of one or more trainers and their horses from previous years of the RRP competition from start to finish, and support what the organization represents and promotes, you qualify to join our cult of OTTB lovers, now you need a fresh OTTB to sign up and begin the process of retraining to compete. 

4. The retraining process.

The thoroughbred is one of the most (if not THE most) retrainable, and versatile breed. Those who claim themselves "trainers" (quotations only used for those who simply don't qualify as trainers, but not intended for all) soon learn that the horse may be teaching them more than they are teaching the horse itself. The process of taking a Thoroughbred from a racehorse to a new discipline is enlightening, educational, and inspiring. There is so much to learn and so many bloopers to be logged in your memory. 

5. Experience and Community

Joking aside, there's nothing better than the experience of retraining and then showing off the bond and progress you have accomplished with your horse. The experience is great but the community is even better. You gain supporters and a little publicity here and there but most importantly you can gain friendships from all over. As a competitor there's a connection you make with people you have never met until you recognize them walking past them around the show grounds. It's uplifting to encourage each other and cheer each other on in competition. Bonds are formed with mere strangers over the love of horses getting a second chance in life. 

(Coordinate giving a supporter a simulation ride as a jockey after our Freestyle routine)

The Do's and Don't's of RRP 

Do support RRP.

Do Not bad mouth RRP, especially on social media.

Do be patient.

Do Not constantly ask when trainer applications are coming out. THEY ARE COMING.

Do take your time in selecting your next (or first) RRP partner.

Do Not fall in love with the first horse you see. (unless its really that AMAZING)

Do ask for others opinions on experiences.

Do Not try to create a false experience from what you have "supposedly" heard. 

Do try to continue to better yourself as a horseman/horsewoman and advocate of the OTTB.

Do Not think you know all or that you are better than someone else. Everyone of us has something to learn, professional or not. 

Do go for the amazing experience.

Do Not go because you think you are going to win $10,000. I can promise that if you go thinking that, you won't. 

Do follow the rules.

Do Not cheat. No one wins by cheating. So if you think you think you are winning by putting more than 15 rides in prior to January 15th (or whatever the qualifications end up being) without anyone knowing. I advise you to rethink that... Remember that girl named ... Karma?

Do be uplifting and encouraging to others who are competing - whether you win or not! Be respectful of others in their training process and help when you can in a kind and caring manner. 

Do Not degrade others and criticize. No one likes a sore loser, a Negative Nancy, or bully!

(Nuno Santos, a fellow competitor, "maestro", mentor and friend at the RRP afterparty)

The Sport, The Legacy, The Story...

(Indulgent: 2013 Godolphin Mare trained in Aiken)

In August of 2015 I loaded up my Heart Horse and traveled to Maryland to prepare for "Thoroughbreds For All: Saratoga" in pursuit of the dream to compete and place in the Retired Racehorse Project in Lexington, Kentucky. That same week I received a heartbreaking phone call. My fellow exercise rider and partner said "Hey, .... so it looks like we won't be partners next year." The depth in his tone concerned me and I questioned if he was leaving. As he explained what he meant, my heart sank into my stomach and the reality of what was unfolding in Aiken began to make my mind turn in circles. 

(Fullback aka "Stellar")

My job with Darley in Aiken had meant so much to me the past 3 seasons. Getting word that they would not be continuing their training operation in Aiken was not something I had expected or even been prepared for, quite the contrary I was excited to start my next season; I loved my job, I loved the horses and I loved learning from each horse I was able to put my hands on. I had no idea then that my relationship with Darley would lead to something so much more than breaking and galloping 2 year olds. My Heart Horse paved the way to a much brighter future. 

(Galloping for Darley at the Aiken Training Track)

Looking back on the days that encompassed my employment with Darley and watching the relationship bloom and unfold between myself and my racing connections today, I realize how blessed I am to associate myself with such an outstanding organization. My most recent trip to Kentucky was exceptionally special. I was able to take Fullback's (Stellar's) owner and Coordinate's owner on a special behind the scenes farm tour at Godolphin. We had the honor of being hosted by Graham Lovatt who is the current Stallion Manager at Jonabell. We walked through the barns and gawked at all the handsome men, and by men of course I mean the strapping stud muffin stallions! 

We took a turn to the breeding sheds where Graham explained all the complexities of hosting live covers. We talked about the footing, and joked about the peculiarities of each stallion and how they prepare the breeding sheds to best accommodate each one. As we walked out of the breeding shed the graveyard caught the corner of my eye... Stellar's mom had passed since I had gotten him and I wanted to pay my respects before we left for the most wonderful Christmas present I could have ever received. We made our way over and as we walked through the graveyard I caught a inside glimpse of the racing industry that the rest of the world rarely gets to see ... "Yes, it's a job, yes we get paid for it, but it's a passion ... that's why we do this. When you love these horses, and spend every day with them, you're invested, that's why we love this and that's why we do it." (Graham Lovatt, Stallion Manager at Jonabell, Darley and Godolphin)

(Graham Lovatt walking us through the graveyard)

My racing connections became so much more real to me in that moment. The emotion was tangible. There's a passion in these aisle ways, in the shed rows, and in the stalls of every horse that wears the blue, new and old. There's love for the horse and for the sport. I see compassion in their eyes, the horse, the handlers, the grooms, the barn managers, and the office staff. The integrity is not only burned into the heart of every employee but bred into the DNA of every thoroughbred born from the royal bloodline of Dubai's Godolphin. 

To "Stellar's" mum: It is because of you that he got his name Stellar. He was just that from the very beginning, stellar. Words could not express the sadness in my heart the day I found out you had passed. It was not just another broodmare to me that had went on to horsey heaven, it was a legacy. A legacy that I am so grateful to have known. May you be running wild and free in the lands of which I will one day see you again. Your amazing heart and good looks live on through Fullback and his siblings, we love you. Rest in peace, Stellar Jayne. -Jordan

Makeover Recap!

This past Sunday, Dynasty Sport Horses wrapped up its last day in Kentucky for the 2016 Retired Racehorse Project. Five days packed full of off the track thoroughbreds, great friends, family, bourbon and unforgettable memories. I am happy to report that everyone is home safe, sound and healthy (horse and humans)! I spent the last 9 months preparing Coordinate for this event to the best of our abilities. Frankly, when I received the final results apart of me was disappointed. As I sat for a moment reflecting on our two performances, I could not help but smile.

Upon receiving this horse, I was unsure of what direction we would go. Jumpers? Eventing? Dressage? What I did know was that the horse would tell me and it would be my job to listen. Coordinate is not a naturally loose or elastic moving horse with a ton of suspension, so why enter him (us) in the Dressage division? After being let down he lost a lot of muscle and strength as most OTTB's do when they go from training everyday to only turnout. Given this, I knew the only way we would be able to compete this year would be to put in our time on his flat work, and we did just that! He enjoys jumping, but I felt it important to build proper muscling in this manner to ideally extend his newfound career. The end result?  Coordinate went from scrawny and “I only know how to trot like a typewriter” to properly filled out and “I have nice knee action to be a dressage horse!” To think we came in 15th of nearly 80 horses entered for dressage and 9th of over 30 in freestyle, is smile worthy. Also,our freestyle was completely un-choreographed (despite what the judges thought, HA!) yet probably the most fun I have ever had riding!

In addition to our placings and Coordinate landing the absolute best home I have plenty more to smile about…

This year at the makeover I competed under my very own business name and logo, Dynasty Sport Horses. A new, up and coming venture focused on retraining OTTB's and matching them with the best owner for their future. The support I’ve received since announcing this has been tremendous. First, my parents drove all the way from New York
to watch me compete and tell me how proud of me they were. Second, many of the 
 team came out both days to watch us perform and hang out at Coordinate’s stall. They 
congratulated me on my business endeavors, offer me my next year’s horse and so much more (I will be writing another blog about this!). My sponsors, Godolphin, EnviroEquine 
and Accuhorsemat also showed an incredible amount of support. Santos Sport Horses’ 
Head Trainer Nuno Santos acted as my coach for the weekend while also competing himself.  (Not to mention the rest of his amazing group who treat me like family even after leaving Maryland to return home to Aiken!) Finally, Braeden Howard, groom extraordinaire, social media guru, assistant everything and most importantly my BEST FRIEND. This girl goes above and beyond for me in everything we do and I honestly don't know what I did to deserve such an amazing person in my life. There simply are not enough words to express how thankful I am for all she does.

To close this makeover recap blog, I have one story to share. Upon arriving at Coordinate's stall after riding our dressage test Thursday morning, Lindy Gutman, Stellar's mom, came up to me while I was settling Coordinate in to his Accuhorsemat. She said, "I have something for you”, and reached in to her pocket, pulling out a little bag with a beautiful necklace in it. As I admired the necklace, she said “those are Stellar’s hoof clippings”, pointing to the middle of the pendant. I immediately burst into tears, happy tears of course, but tears nonetheless! It was one of those moments that reminded me that this is what I am called to do. These horses deserve owners and careers that allow them to shine to their fullest potential, even if that is a glorified trail horse. Stellar hit the jackpot!

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs on my 2017 makeover horse Good Response who arrives tomorrow, as well as a behind the scenes blog of Godolphin aftercare, breeding and racing.

Dynasty Sport Horses: Only the Beginning

Welcome everyone! It is time I share some rather exciting news in regards to something I had shared a month ago about a logo and the rising of what I hoped to make as my business one day. Well here it is!

Welcome to the formal blogging page of Dynasty Sport Horses. It probably comes of no shock to most of you, my love for thoroughbreds. Better yet my love for off the track thoroughbreds and the transitioning of them into new careers post racing. For the longest time I questioned myself on whether or not this was something I could actually do. Was I a good enough rider? Could I really call myself a "trainer"? How would I do this without my own farm? Could I afford it? Was this just some far fetched dream? 

After competing in last years Retired Racehorse Project for my first time and placing second overall in Dressage with my 3 year old off the track thoroughbred Fullback and creating such a following from that experience my once far fetched dream seemed closer than ever. However things in my life had just changed drastically with a move to a new state, the starting of a new job (OFFICE job.) and not a very clear understanding of where life was taking me. Here I am a year later gearing up for the makeover for my second year in a row and back living where I truly love being, Aiken, SC. My RRP horse for this year, generously gifted to me by Godolphin, has taught me more than I ever thought possible and my journey with him has led me to believe that I can make this dream a reality. The icing on the cake to this came last week when Kate Hutchings, a dressage judge and my dressage trainer, bought Coordinate (pictured above). She will be attending the Makeover with us and after that I will get to be apart of their journey together! 

Although all of this extremely exciting, it is going to be important for me to allow this business to progress slowly. This will not be something that I get horses in for a so called "quick" flip. I take great pride in my process of getting these horses prepared for their second careers and that means not rushing them. No, I am not what many would consider an "upper level" rider. But I do feel confident that I can provide these OTTBs with a solid foundation before they move on to the owners that can take them to their absolute fullest potential. However I am not going to pass on the opportunity of keeping one a little longer if it means I can get a little further in my riding too. For the time being this means of course continuing my full time job at C-Spear south and only taking on 2 horses at a time. Some of you may be saying "what? Only 2 horses?", yes only two horses. Because the last thing I want to do is get in over my head financially but also work wise. Two horses in full training and a full time job means earlier mornings, later nights and definitely more wine! (HAHA) My plan is to use this blog to inform you of the training progress as well as the business progress from here on forward! I will also work on a Facebook page as well as an Instagram account that I hope you can all join me on! In closing....

Meet Bandit City! A 2012, soon to be gelding, by Congaree out of Carson City Girl. This handsome boy came to me from the Conway family up in Fingerlakes, NY. Katie Conway has followed my journey to the makeover these last two years and encouraged her dad that Bandit would have a great home after racing with me. Thank you Conway's! Once I get back from Kentucky, this boy will start slowly back to work and I cannot wait to see his progress.

Also meet Good Response! Handpicked as my next years Retired Racehorse Project by Godolphin, this boy is a 2011 gelding by Madaglia d'Oro out of Any For Love. This magnificent creature is currently enjoying some turnout in KY at James Lane in hopes of him coming to Aiken in November! I will spend my time bonding with him until we are allowed to start training for the 2017 Retired Racehorse Project!

I truly cannot thank all of my supporters enough. Family, friends, trainers and sponsors, none of this would be possible with out you! 

Godolphin