United States Eventing Association

I think that anxiety is the most understated and unmentioned reality that confronts riders of all experience levels. It’s hard to talk about it though because we don’t want our friends and family to think of us as lacking courage. Riding anxiety is a big elephant in the room that riders occupy so let’s talk about strategies to manage it.

The ongoing debate on equine intelligence has been around for a very long time. Horses have been viewed through the lenses of the culture that examines them, from the time of Xenophon. In our modern world, we attempt to define equine intelligence through scientific processes.

Can OTTBs become good pony club mounts? The story of the little mare that could do just that. Today, we ask an important question in terms of OTTB utility in other sports, especially relating to Pony Clubs. Pony Clubs are the backbone of learning for so many young riders today and they fill a niche in terms of providing young riders with valuable experiences in competition and in preparing for greater learning in equine sports.

When Susann Jones gets her OTTBs to her Silver Lining Horse Farm and needs professional guidance, who’s she gonna call? Just like “Ghostbusters” she has people who can assist her with challenging cases: an excellent veterinarian and outstanding farrier, both of whom are experienced with horses generally and familiar with OTTBs.

I am always delighted to talk horses, and I am so pleased to be the new owner of two off-the-track-Thoroughbreds that I bought from Susann Jones in May 2011. Here are a few things I learned with my boys and some comments that might be helpful to you as you start your journey with your new OTTB.