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