United States Eventing Association

Evaluating Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds for a Future in Eventing

The Young and Future Event Horse article series is being provided through a partnership between Mythic Landing Enterprises, LLC., and the USEA.

Kelley Williams is an Advanced-level event rider who specializes in the re-training of off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Based in the heart of Area II eventing, Williams is the head trainer at A Bit Better Farm, a leading event facility located in Brookeville, Maryland. Williams is known for her patient personality, which contributes to her success in brining up her young Thoroughbreds from the bottom to upper-level competition.

When Williams goes to the track to evaluate potential horses she first and foremost is looking for a particular type of conformation. “Straight correct legs, a good back, a nice long sloping shoulder and feet that match are all useful to have because those qualities are the building blocks for a better functioning machine. That being said, I will make exceptions as long as there is nothing too serious that could lead to soundness or training issues down the road,” Williams explains.

Few racehorses leave the track unscathed before they begin their second career, so Williams is realistic as she starts to inspect the horses for any injuries. “I don’t mind old injuries as long as they were allowed to heal well and have shown that they can hold up or are not the sort of injury that could lead to degenerative issues. I look for old soft tissue injuries to be firm with little to no fluid around them and with as little visible or palpable scar tissue as possible. Additionally, I always compare one leg to the other so I can get a feel of what is normal for that particular horse. That being said, a few lumps and bumps don’t bother me at all. Finally, after I complete my initial evaluation I’ll always have my vet come out and do a thorough vet check before I make any decisions. That way my vet can evaluate the horse for soundness and take a look at any bumps to give me a feel for how serious they may or may not be.”

It’s important to know what you’re looking for in regards to temperament as well. Williams explains that a horse’s temperament, demeanor and personality are who they are and most likely, that’s not going to change even when they leave the track and begin their new career. Williams continues, “Ultimately, I’m looking for a quiet and confident horse. I don’t mind a horse that wants to have a look around and investigate new things, I judge confidence by a horse that looks at new things but goes up to them to investigate willingly even though they might be scared. Horses that don’t even look aren’t always as confident as you think—they are just walking around with their eyes shut. Sooner or later that false confidence falls apart and you have to teach them how to be truly confident anyway!”

Once conformation and temperament have been evaluated and Williams still likes what she sees, she’ll watch the horse jog and will be looking for a few key qualities. “I want to see that the horse is not super tense and is staying soft through their back. I don’t care if they’re flying like a kite at the end of a string while waiting but as soon as they begin to trot in hand I want to see some of that tension diminish. This makes a big difference when they begin to make the transition to sport horse life.”

Williams prefers to see the horse free lunged or have the chance to actually ride the horse under saddle for further evaluate their gaits. “If I can ride the horse I like to get a feel for their back and perhaps more importantly, the canter. A good rhythmic ground-covering canter with 3 clear beats is very important. I also really love to feel that the horse can carry itself right off the bat and doesn’t lean on my leg or rein.”

Check back next month to learn more William’s re-training process as the horse begins their new life as an event horse. To learn more about Kelley Williams and her program, please visit her website at www.abitbetterfarm.com.