Your Story: Michelle and Banks

May 28, 2014

From Michelle:

img 576195 3918857463401 548533781 nMichelle and Banks at an event.I purchased Banks at the end of 2011 from our (Dodon Farm Trainer Center’s) last barn manager, Emily Siegrist.  She used to get one off the track to supplement the income she made at Dodon. She would put a few months of training into them, basic flat work & start over small fences, and sell them on because she had no real interest in any high level competing herself.  She just enjoys the process of selecting and starting a young TB.  

Banks mostly raced at CharlesTown in West Virginia.  They were training him for a syndicate who purchased him from a yearling sale for $100,000, which from what I heard is a pretty penny here in MD.  He was fast but a nervous horse.  And when he would get nervous, all his nervous energy went straight into his head, which he would toss around & use as a weapon! He would just bull doze over people and it would take several people to wrestle him into a bridle before a race and he would jig all the way to the gate and by the time it opened he would be spent and not be able to close and finish well.

His nervousness carried over into life off the track,  but once you were on his back he was all business.  I wasn’t too impressed with him at first, and to be honest, neither was Emily.  But her first off the track project was also a Not For Love who was a dead ringer for Banks-they looked exactly alike and he was a fantastic jumper, which is why she took a shot with Banks.  Neither had  great conformation, but they were beautiful and had a keen eye and just looked like athletes. 

Banks’ flat work was never that impressive, but then one day I helped Emily set rails the first time she ever introduced jumping to him. And when I helped her that day my impression of him changed greatly. 

603131 402839313100739 717967679 nMichelle and Banks working together to conquer dressage.He took to jumping as if he had done it all his life.  Most of the horses are at least a little skeptical when they are first asked to trot a line of trot poles, but Banks did it with an ease and confidence I have yet to see again.  And when I put the first jump up for him it was the same, as if  he knew exactly what he was doing: Where to put his feet, how to use his back, and had the little kick up and tail flick that I love behind. 

Right around that time I was mulling over selling my first horse, on whom I had gotten up to preliminary, but he had gotten hurt and wasn’t coming back with the same courage that he had pre-injury.  When I finally decided to sell him, Emily was in the process of making video to put Banks on the market and she had me ride him in the video. 

It was one of the first times I had ever ridden him. Up until then, I had mostly just watched her ride.  She asked if I would do a few jumps out in our cross country field with him. He had not yet jumped out there, but we figured we would see what he would do so that we could use it in the video. 

From the first,  he was a superstar.  He jumped everything with an ease and  confidence that was simply astonishing.  After some fly fences, we tried up and down the bank, which he found easy.  And since he did everything else so well, we decided to try him over the ditch. 

Banks at his very first event with Michelle, just four months after she bought him.A ditch can be intimidating for a lot of horses and riders, but especially so for me because it is the fence that Billy, my previous horse ,had the most trouble with. We had gotten eliminated from many an event because of the ditch.  I knew I was intimidated by it and I knew it might translate to Banks. 

When I trotted Banks up to the ditch, my heart was pounding.  I was expecting him to at least look at it and then jump it awkwardly as most first timers do.  Instead he jumped it easily and landed on the other side, almost questioning why I was so nervous. He seemed to say “Hey,  it was only a hole in the ground, no problem, just jump over it.” And that was it, I was sold. 

I asked Emily to hold off putting him on the market for a bit.  My horse at the time had a pre-purchase vetting exam the next week and if he sold, I was planning on getting Banks vetted out.  Emily was kind enough to wait for me and everything worked out and I purchased Banks. 

Steuart (Pittman) picked on me for a bit, in jest, for buying a horse who wasn’t a great mover just because he jumped the ditch.  But my gut told me yes.  I am not a brave individual by nature and I don’t mind working hard, so it just seemed right.  I knew I’d have a heck of a brave jumper on my hands but would have my work cut out for me in dressage, but it’s the way I prefer it.  I need help in the courage department, which he gave me, and he needed help in the dressage department, which I could give him.

I won’t lie, when I finally purchased him, I panicked a little.  It still took more than one person just to get the bridle on him and he was a total spaz when I took him to work in our open fields.  Then, when he got in the trailer and got out at other farms and shows, he was a total orangutan on the ground! It’s funny, all the Not For Loves are great athletes but they can all be a bit quirky and pushy.  But our training was going so well at home and he was simply a phenomenon when jumping, so I just kept at it as patiently as possible. 

1074489 469310399858513 866863701 oMichelle and Banks hacking out.And once Banks figured out he wasn’t ever going back to the track, he just kept getting better and better. He started to love leaving the farm, so we could go run and jump.  The first spring I had him we did one starter event at novice (we skipped beginner novice because he didn’t need it)  and one recognized event at novice and then we moved him right up to training level.  His stadium was a little rushed because he had a tendency to get running and at that point he wasn’t quite as responsive to my aids. At our first training level event, he had a stop at a jump right at the base of the water.  I wasn’t that upset about, it as at that point he really only had 5 or 6 months of retraining and was so great about every other fence on course!

In our next event I let him school the water before asking him to jump in and then in the next two events he jumped in, not fully brave, but his desire to keep the course trumped his uneasiness about the water.  I could feel the debate in his mind: He’d see the water and back off a bit,  but then it was like he would close his eyes and pick his feet up because he wanted to keep going.  That kind of heart and try is one of the things I love about a good Thoroughbred. They love a good run and even if they aren’t sure about something on course, the love of the run and desire to keep on going gets them over it. 

Unfortunately we had a little set back that summer.  He developed a splint, which normally is a relatively minor injury which only requires a month or two off.  His however kept growing and growing and he ended up with a year off.  It was quite upsetting as he had finally gotten really good about competing and over some of his other quirks:  He would let me put the bridle on alone, he was finally putting in quite dressage tests (not winning ones, but he didn’t look like a horse going to post in the dressage arena any more!) and he’d even stand quitely tied to the trailer with his two front legs in a muck tub of ice water.

It was a trying year, and I would love to say that I knew that everything was going to be fine-that we’d get back going once everything healed and go to the top-but  I didn’t.  I panicked daily about what I was going to do with this full of energy gelding with a gigantic lump on the inside of his leg.  We tried a few different strategies to help it but finally Steuart had me move him up to our top field to give him the rest he needed to heal. 

Banks schooling cross country after his comeback.Six months later we brought him back down to the main barn and in for training.  He had ended up going barefoot while turned out because he couldn’t keep shoes on.  So when he came down, he didn’t have much foot and he was sore.  And so we kept him in for a few weeks and put glue on shoes on him.  I gave him a month to let his feet heal up in his glue on shoes and started him back slowly into work last September (2013).

After two months of light flat work, I started jumping again and it was as if he didn’t miss a beat.  He was just as excited and happy about jumping as ever.  We spent this winter in the indoor working on his dressage and rideability over fences and came out this spring ready to rock and roll.  We did one more training level in March to shake the rust off and then moved up to preliminary after a year off and just six months of work.  At our first event in North Carolina,  we had to deal with the orangutan bowling us over on the ground again and he was quite the pisser in dressage as well, but as soon as he had his jump tack on he was all business and knew what he was there to do. 

Banks at Fair Hill in May of 2014.And just like our first season of events he’s just gotten better and easier to work.  Banks truly enjoys his events.  He was still sticky about the water and at our first prelim he had stops there, but with each event he is getting better and more confident with it so I can’t be more pleased.  And his dressage is improving with each event as he learns to relax.


This last event (Fair Hill in May 2014) was his best so far.  He finished with a 34.1 in dressage, which is a great score for him.  He did not have any rails on a stadium course which was causing many horses to have knock downs and had an amazing cross country round in which we schooled the water to assure he’d have a confidence building jump through it, and even with that time being used up, we still had the fastest round of the day!

1518600 469310813191805 1325505935 oBanks and his good friend, Poto.So we are getting there, we aren’t perfect but we’re trying.  My goal is to make every move possible to help him and allow him to make it as far as he’d like to go, which I’m hoping will be Rolex some day. But at this point I’m just taking it one day and one event at a time.  I just want him to keep enjoying himself in all three phases, not pushing the dressage so hard he grows to dislike it and simply allowing him to find his stride in his own time.

In Other News

September 29, 2023

Retired Racehorse Project Elects New Board Members and Officers, Establishes Advisory Council

The RRP announced the election of new officers as well as the creation of an advisory council.…
Read More
Featured image for “Retired Racehorse Project Elects New Board Members and Officers, Establishes Advisory Council”
September 28, 2023

Final Trainer Newsletter: Ride Times, Stabling, and More!

The moment you all have been waiting for has arrived: Ride times and stall assignments have been published. BUT PLEASE do not run off just yet. There is so much important information we need to cover. Read (or at least…
Read More
September 25, 2023

September Trainer Newsletter 2: Special Award Nominations

Special award nominations have been finalized! Trainers are required to check their horse’s nominations and report any issues before Monday, October 2nd. Please read the brief newsletter below for more information on special awards, party tickets, and the final 2023…
Read More
September 21, 2023

The Real Rider Cup Wraps Up Milestone Year in Fair Hill

The Real Rider Cup raised over $140,000 this year for Thoroughbred aftercare!…
Read More
Featured image for “The Real Rider Cup Wraps Up Milestone Year in Fair Hill”
September 18, 2023

Thoroughbred Charities of America Returns as Title Sponsor of Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium

TCA has supported the RRP since 2012.…
Read More
Featured image for “Thoroughbred Charities of America Returns as Title Sponsor of Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium”
September 5, 2023

September Trainer Newsletter: Last Chance for Changes and Refunds!

Earn your final entry fees back through fundraising for the fund-a-need campaign, make your final entry edits before it is too late, confirm your horse’s EHV-1 vaccination is in compliance, and know the rules for scratching or nominating catch riders.…
Read More
August 30, 2023

Real Rider Cup Surpasses Major Fundraising Milestone

Join us in congratulating the Real Rider Cup on raising over half a million dollars for Thoroughbred aftercare!…
Read More
Featured image for “Real Rider Cup Surpasses Major Fundraising Milestone”
August 29, 2023

Meet the Horses of the Thoroughbred Makeover Class of 2023

Take a deep dive into the stats and trends we’re seeing in this year’s Makeover class!…
Read More
Featured image for “Meet the Horses of the Thoroughbred Makeover Class of 2023”
August 1, 2023

August Trainer Newsletter: Final Entry OPEN

It is crunch time. The final entry form opens for submission at 10:00am EDT today, August 1st, and closes at 5:00pm EDT on August 15th. This is the last form Makeover trainers need to complete in order to participate in…
Read More
August 1, 2023

Horse Listings Pitfalls… And How to Avoid Them

Crafting the perfect horse listing is true art. Here are a few common pitfalls in writing and producing horse listings, and how to avoid them to make sure your horse stands out from the crowd!…
Read More
Featured image for “Horse Listings Pitfalls… And How to Avoid Them”
July 28, 2023

The Makeover & the Racing Industry

How can you and your horses get involved?…
Read More
Featured image for “The Makeover & the Racing Industry”
July 27, 2023

Understanding EPM

Learn about the signs, treatment and prognosis for horses with the neurologic disease equine protozoal myeloencephalitis SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVEYou’re reading an Off-Track Thoroughbred Subscriber Exclusive.A collaboration of the Retired Racehorse Project and Horse Media Group, Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine is the only publication focused…
Read More
Featured image for “Understanding EPM”
July 27, 2023

Training Timelines

How to know when you and your off-track Thoroughbred are ready for the next step SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVEYou’re reading an Off-Track Thoroughbred Subscriber Exclusive.A collaboration of the Retired Racehorse Project and Horse Media Group, Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine is the only publication focused on…
Read More
Featured image for “Training Timelines”
July 27, 2023

The Significance of Sale Repositories

Repositories at Thoroughbred sales allow buyers to access health information without subjecting horses to multiple exams SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVEYou’re reading an Off-Track Thoroughbred Subscriber Exclusive.A collaboration of the Retired Racehorse Project and Horse Media Group, Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine is the only publication focused…
Read More
Featured image for “The Significance of Sale Repositories”
July 27, 2023

Picking Prospects: Summer 2023

Makeover trainers evaluate sport horse potential based on conformation shots SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVEYou’re reading an Off-Track Thoroughbred Subscriber Exclusive.A collaboration of the Retired Racehorse Project and Horse Media Group, Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine is the only publication focused on the Thoroughbred in equestrian sports.…
Read More
Featured image for “Picking Prospects: Summer 2023”
July 27, 2023

OTTBs for Science

Thoroughbreds can serve a higher purpose as members of well-cared-for research and teaching herds SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVEYou’re reading an Off-Track Thoroughbred Subscriber Exclusive.A collaboration of the Retired Racehorse Project and Horse Media Group, Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine is the only publication focused on the…
Read More
Featured image for “OTTBs for Science”
July 27, 2023

Career Moves

How four Makeover trainers connected with their Former Broodmare hopefuls SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVEYou’re reading an Off-Track Thoroughbred Subscriber Exclusive.A collaboration of the Retired Racehorse Project and Horse Media Group, Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine is the only publication focused on the Thoroughbred in equestrian sports.…
Read More
Featured image for “Career Moves”
July 27, 2023

Best of the West

Events on the West Coast for Thoroughbred owners and lovers SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVEYou’re reading an Off-Track Thoroughbred Subscriber Exclusive.A collaboration of the Retired Racehorse Project and Horse Media Group, Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine is the only publication focused on the Thoroughbred in equestrian sports.…
Read More
Featured image for “Best of the West”
July 19, 2023

July Trainer Newsletter: Horse Registrations Due and Final Entry Incoming

The summer of Makeover deadlines continues with horse registrations closing on July 28th and the final entry form being open for submission August 1st-15th. Both are mandatory for all Makeover Trainers and failure to meet these deadlines will result in…
Read More
July 11, 2023

Volunteer at the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover

Volunteer sign-ups are now open for the “happiest horse show on earth”!…
Read More
Featured image for “Volunteer at the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover”
July 10, 2023

Woodall Defends Real Rider Cup Champion Title in Lexington

The Kentucky leg of the Real Rider Cup raised over $78,000 on Saturday, July 8!…
Read More
Featured image for “Woodall Defends Real Rider Cup Champion Title in Lexington”
June 6, 2023

2023 Thoroughbred Makeover Silent Auction Now Accepting Donations

Do you want to make a contribution to support the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) on Thoroughbred aftercare’s largest stage?…
Read More
Featured image for “2023 Thoroughbred Makeover Silent Auction Now Accepting Donations”
June 1, 2023

June Trainer Newsletter: Time Is Up for Application Changes!

The month of June kicks off the summer of Makeover deadlines. It is time to take action if you have been thinking of making any changes or additions to your entries. June 30th is the last day to submit late…
Read More
May 30, 2023

New & Improved RRP Horse Listings Launched

The RRP announced today the launch of its new and improved Horse Listings, which had been temporarily shelved while the organization updated its website and improved processes in the back end.…
Read More
Featured image for “New & Improved RRP Horse Listings Launched”