United States Eventing Association

OTTB Critique Presented by Athletux: V3 Red Thirty Six

In this series, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) is partnering with Athletux to critique your off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) eventing prospects. Professional riders and trainers will share their insights into each OTTB's pedigree, racing history, and conformation. Would you like to have your off-the-track Thoroughbred featured in the next edition of OTTB Critique presented by Athletux? We are looking for our next horse! Email your tips to [email protected].

As we head into December, more and more trainers are picking up their mounts for next year’s Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover. Last month we were lucky enough to feature one horse who made his mark in both the eventing and show jumping portions this year, and this month we are excited to do the same! Meet V3 Red Thirty Six, a.k.a."Red", an off-the-track Thoroughbred already very accomplished in his new, yet short career. Who knows, this may be your diamond in the rough next year.

Owned by Ashley Van Camp, Red recently completed and finished in the top eight at the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast 4-year-old Championship with Van Camp’s son, Campbell Jourdian. Adding to his list of accolades, Van Camp rode Red herself in this year’s Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. There, he placed in the top 10 for eventing and made the show jumping finals as well. After having only been in training with Van Camp and Jourdian for less than a year, Red is already showing extreme progress. We are excited to have North American Youth Championship individual bronze and team gold and bronze medal winner Mallory Hogan use her experience and knowledge to critique this talented OTTB.

Right off the bat from looking at Red in his pictures, Hogan noted, “It’s very apparent that he has a sweet eye.” From there she added, “He’s got nice straight front legs with a nicely set neck and, from what I can tell, he’s got good feet for a Thoroughbred, which is really important.” When looking at his overall expression, Hogan was also quick to point out that, “He seems like a horse who aims to please which is essential in an event horse.” While she noticed, “Red does have a long back, which will make the engagement of the hind end more difficult,” she pointed out that, “With proper training to further develop the long back muscles he should make a pretty picture in the dressage."

Moving on to his photos under saddle and the videos from the RRP, Hogan was impressed by his “very calm, in-his-head” demeanor, especially for a 4-year-old. "It looks like he can handle a big atmosphere which is also a plus for an event horse, or a horse of any discipline, to be able to perform in the show ring.” Knowing that most of the horses participating have never seen something quite like this, Hogan also expressed that, “Even in a big atmosphere, he has a nice relaxed canter,” all very good signs for the future.

While Hogan enjoyed watching Red go on the flat, “Watching this horse jump is the real treat,” she explained. “He clearly loves to jump and is bold to the fences. He’s a very clean jumper and he throws a nice shape in the air. Also from the video, I noticed that he can do flying changes, which is something I look at in a young horse. It tells me that they are naturally well-balanced.”

Hogan also pointed out that, “He isn’t bothered by a funny distance and his back is actually a good length for a jumper. It is really reflected in the video - the amount of scope and ease this horse possesses over fences.” Hogan concluded, “He overall seems to really love his job and wants to please his rider. I think with his positive demeanor and natural ability he has an exciting future ahead of him! The only hard thing someone will have to deal with this horse is keeping him white!” Hogan wishes all the best to Red, Van Camp, and Jourdian as they pursue Red’s second career. She sees stock in whitening shampoo and top finishes in whatever discipline they decide to compete in in their future!

Mallory Hogan is a young professional living and riding in Northern California. She and Clarissa Purisima, a horse she has produced herself from the Training level, are three-time North American Youth Championships medalists and most recently placed second in the CCI2* at Galway Downs in Temecula, California.