Ponies and Horses

Although we take in all brands of horses in need, there is an extra soft spot in Victoria 's heart for the Thoroughbred. When we have the funds and time for a road trip, we head off to local race tracks and horse sales to see what we can find.

This year we brought home a wonderful find. His registered name is Dark Cape , but around the stables we call him “Ninja”. We were all amazed that he ended up at a sale, because this dark gray beauty had an extraordinary personality for a former race horse. In fact he failed at racing due to his gentle nature. At 4+ years old, he is quiet and calm, and we all agree that he is the kindest horse on the farm. With the help of our intern Stacey, a very experienced horsewoman, I have the pleasure of schooling him and acclimating him to a new life off the track. Stacey & I have started him over fences and I rode him on our weekend trail ride in the Hocking Hills. It was only his second trail ride ever, and he was perfect!

In March of this year the love of my life came to the farm! My favorite thing in the world, a 16.3 bay Thoroughbred gelding that needed a unique name. As Victoria and I were brain storming, she said a word that reminded me of my favorite Beatles album. I blurted out “Revolver,” and Victoria said, “I like that name!”

Revolver had picked up some very bad manners, so he was donated to the LCC for retraining. Although I am still a “trainer-in-training,” I helped remind Revolver of some of the basics like STANDING STILL. It's not much, but for a novice like me, I was glad to see his progress, after just a few weeks. He now stands perfectly still for grooming, tacking, and mounting.

Revolver found a new home today, which gives me the chance to start work on another project. It's often sad when it comes time for my Thoroughbred friends to leave, but I have become accustomed to it. The nature of the LCC is to address the needs of each individual horse that comes here, and find them an appropriate, loving home. I just feel very lucky to be a part of this project. Even though my friendships with the horses here are temporary, I am thrilled to have the experience of knowing them and learning with them. Thanks to Victoria and all of you who support the LCC Thoroughbred re-training program, I hope to always have a new project to look forward to!

Karen Richards