Increasing demand for thoroughbreds beyond racing

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James Wofford Impressed by Stars of the Thoroughbred Makeover

January 22, 2014

 Thane was shown at the Thoroughbred Makeover by Nuno Santos, but appeared on Saturday carrying his new owner, 15-year-old Sara Sopher, under the coaching of Santos. This coming-four-year-old by Medaglia d’Oro out of an AP Indy mare never really put a foot wrong. “He is one of many horses that I have acquired from Darley USA, and all of them are very trainable,” said Santos. Wofford praised the horse for his natural talent and the rider and her coach for the correctness of their approach, giving them the award for “Best Dressage Training.”

Next to perform were Governor Jack and his trainer and rider Elissa Ogburn ( 14). This big bay eight year old by Sky Mesa won over $1000,000 racing and came to Elissa through MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. They performed good basic flatwork and demonstrated a quiet, workmanlike form over jumps. Wofford proclaimed them the partnership with the “Best Attitude”.

The youngest trainer from the Makeover, Amber Longreen (13) also jumped flawlessly and with some real talent. She acquired Same As Always after only a few racing starts through New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program’s Pennsylvania facility, which is run by her mother at Bowcrest Farm. Wofford liked the horse’s style over jumps and proclaimed the pair “Best Over Fences.”


Each rider received a $250 certificate to spend at Bit of Britain, donated generously by Thoroughbred advocate and owner John Nunn.

Amber Longreen and her Bit of Britain Gift CertificateAmber Longreen and her Bit of Britain Gift Certificate

 RRTP also presented the popular “Training Scale for Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses,” and “Selecting and Starting Your Thoroughbred Off The Track,” with Steuart Pittman as clinician.

 “Horse expos are fantastic venues for reaching the future market for these magnificent horses,” said RRTP President Steuart Pittman. “Maryland Horse World Expo in particular draws a huge audience of people who are eager to learn.”

 Full video of the Saturday session can be seen below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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