United States Eventing Association

On Saturday, January 21 three Thoroughbred racehorses showed a packed house at the Maryland Horse World Expo why it is that they are America's most beloved breed.

It was the break from the gate for the Retired Racehorse Training Project's (RRTP) Trainer Challenge. Three professional trainers now have five weeks to work with three horses who have had no training since their last race. Each will post video and written updates on the process at www.retiredracehorsetraining.org, and each will appear on February 25 at the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo in Harrisburg to demonstrate before a panel of judges and a crowd of thousands.

"Our goal for the Maryland kickoff was to demonstrate what a horse knows when it comes off the track," said RRTP founder Steuart Pittman. "With grandstands filled to the top only inches from the rail, each horse showed confidence and poise. They walked, trotted, and cantered in rhythm with their new riders, picked up correct leads, and were straight and forward. The grins on the trainers' faces when they broke into their first canters reminded all of us how magical it is when a magnificent horse first tells us it is happy to play our games."

Each trainer picked a horse from among four that were presented by their owners. The fourth is an alternate who will begin training at Steaurt Pittman's Dodon Farm in Davidsonville, MD and fill in if another cannot continue.

Eric Dierks of Tryon, NC, chose Brazillian Wedding, a 2006 mare by Milwaukee Brew who won her last race in December. She is owned by Pat Dale of Conowingo, MD. "I feel like she is a very solid horse with a good mind and three good gaits who has the quality for almost any discipline," said Eric. "I was happy with her attitude in the arena from the moment I sat on her." Eric competes in eventing, hunters, and dressage, mostly on Thoroughbreds. A second generation horse trainer, Eric is also on the Board of Governors of United States Pony Clubs and hopes to encourage more young people to work with ex-racehorses.

Tiffany Catledge of Middlegurg, VA chose High Level, a 2005 gelding by Mutakddim who ran his last race in the fall of 2009 and has not been worked since. "He struck me as a very athletic horse from the moment he walked into the arena on Friday," Catledge said. "I loved his expression. I thought he was nicely put together, and he had a fabulous trot."

High Level was a bit sore Saturday morning from what appeared to be a sole bruise, so Tiffany rode the alternate horse, Solidify, who is owned by Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, MD. Solifidy is a 2006 gelding by Alajwad who ran last in December at Finger Lakes in NY. "I couldn't believe how good his canter was. His balance was unbelievable, and I think he'll be a great horse whether I keep him or Steuart does," said Tiffany after her ride.

Tiffany took both horses home on Sunday and will keep High Level if he is sound this week. His shoes were pulled, she is soaking and poulticing his foot, and he will be re-shod soon. If High Level needs more time, Tiffany will continue on with Solidify. Tiffany bases her operation at Fox Chase Farm in Middleburg, VA and is primarily an eventer but often shows horses in the hunters and dressage.

Kerry Blackmer chose the youngest horse, Four X The Trouble, a 2008 gelding by Domestic. He is owned by his breeder, Robyn Coblyn of Frederick, MD and last raced in December. "I like that fact that he's a little smaller and more compact than the others, and while he seems a little hotter I think he'll be fun to train," said Kerry. In the arena on Saturday he showed less confidence than the others at the outset, but Kerry settled him in with good, active trot work, and by the end he was very rideable. Kerry operates her training business out of Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD, where she teaches in all disciplines and competes in three day eventing through the advanced level. She is currently training eight horses for sale, all of whom are Thoroughbreds off the track.

A panel of judges offered commentary and advice at the end of the Saturday rides. Olympian Stephen Bradley predicted that all three horses would be moving well off the rider's leg, accepting contact, and even jumping small courses by the time they appear in Pennsylvania. He also explained to the audience why virtually all of his top horses are Thoroughbreds from the track. Lady Legends Jockey Andrea Seefeldt Knight expressed her delight at the skill of the riders and the quality of the horses. Anne Hambleton, author of "Raja: Story of a Racehorse," spoke in the voice that she writes in, that of the horse. The crowd particularly loved the way Brazilian Wedding crooned over her love for Eric Dierks.

"It is rare for people to have an opportunity to watch top trainers working with young horses," said Pittman. "We applaud the organizers of the Horse World Expo for hosting the Trainer Challenge, and thank all of our sponsors and donors, particularly the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. They share our vision of increasing demand for ex-racehorses and are investing their money in the hope that others in the Thoroughbred industry will follow."

The public can follow the trainer blogs, video updates, live feed from Pennsylvania Horse World Expo, and vote for their favorite online at retiredracehorsetraining.org. News and commentary are also on the very active Retired Racehorse Training Project Facebook page.