Perfecting Your Imperfections

So today I had a lesson, well perhaps a few lessons…

While usually I would have posted an obscene amount of pictures and videos gloating about how great it was, today is a little different. Today I was reminded what a humbling experience training horses is...

^A great still from our lesson two weeks ago before heading to Conyers GA by Joanne Holmeberg

The lesson started out fine, although I will be the first to admit I was too busy with my hands completely forgetting to ride from back to front, leg to hand. I suppose this should have been my first indication that today wasn't going to be what it usually is because as a rider I felt sure I was beyond that kind of riding.

^Coordinate receiving a 68% at training level test 2 for a very strong 4th place finish at Conyers two weekends ago also earning the TIP award for highest scoring OTTB!

But the truth is we all have these days. The days where we probably should have just gone on a hack but we already scheduled and drove to our lesson so now we power through. The days where the horse you normally have who is Mr. Mellow has decided he is a fire breathing dragon. Or perhaps you have a fire breathing dragon most of the time but on this day you cannot contain it the way you usually do. Professional or Amateur, English or Western, for pleasure or for show…you all have these days. 

^The awesome hear received to represent our Godolphin racing connections!

My problem is that I am a bit of a perfectionist or type A personality as my trainer today described me. She is 100% right. I have known this from an early age. I am driven, impatient, competitive and am easily irritated by impediments to my progression on things. All of those things can be seen as less than desirable characteristics in a horse trainer in my eyes. But there I go again, being overly hard on myself. 

So today instead of learning how to master my leg yields or even how to accurately ride a 20 meter circle at the canter (you think I am joking), I learned to embrace my type A qualities and also learn from them. My patience when it comes to riding has changed drastically over the years (ask my parents). Ok so I slipped up today, guess what? Tomorrow is a NEW day and I need to remember I do not have nearly as many frustrating days as I did 5 years ago. I am driven and competitive. So much to the point that I sit home and watch you tube videos of Carl Hester teaching, Charlotte Dujardin riding and Robert Dover’s dressage hub all night some times. All because I aspire to ride and understand dressage the way they do. But then I go to my lesson on my 5 year old off the track thoroughbred who has not even 6 months of retraining and wonder why I cannot canter as if I have an accordion between my hands and Blueberry (Aka Valegro) under my seat. 

Well here is why. Because I am getting ready to compete training level, because this horse has only 6 months of dressage training over 3 years of race training, because although this horse’s name is Coordinate he can barely trot a diagonal line without me containing his shoulders from going one way or the other. That is why. But at the end of the day I would not change this for the world because I know that it is me putting  the correct training on this horse, it is me that has built up his muscle correctly and it is me that will hopefully one day put the changes on him making him one heck of a Dressage OTTB ( I know I know, there I go with being overly driven). 

Silliness aside, I truly love these horses and what they have taught me over the years. I also love the 9 month (or less) journey to the Retired Racehorse Project and on top of that I love the army that stands behind me as I chase these dreams and train these horses. Thank you Godolphin, EnviroEquine and Accuhorsemat. Thank you family, thank you friends and thank you supporters, it truly does take an ARMY!

Coordinate Together: Broadening Our Horizons

(Broadening horizons with round pen work and desensitizing natural horsemanship)

At the end of April I moved back to my favorite town, Aiken, SC, to start a new job on a polo farm. Mind you I knew nothing about polo, like, I could hardly follow what was happening while watching the few games I have been to. But I have done Dressage, I have done Eventing, I have dabbled in Hunters/Jumpers and I have done the race horse thing, so why not add Polo to my resume? 

I am far from a Polo expert, trust me. However, since starting at C-Spear South and working along side my boss Julie Nicholson my eyes have been opened, my horsemanship skills have sky rocketed and my 'toolbox' is more full than ever before. Julie no longer plays in games however she carries over her skills to breaking polo horses that we breed on the farm. In the last two months she has become such an inspiration to me and who I am as a horsewoman. I have watched her put 30 days on two young fillies since I started. Though she does many similar things to what we used to do breaking the babies at Darley, she does more and has more time to do so. It's evident how well her methods work when 15 days in, these horses are out playing stick and ball. After 30 days they are kicked back out in the field to continue to be horses and grow until its time for their polo career to begin. 

(Coordinate expressing a loose stretchy trot without a forced frame)

So now for a little insight to just how much I have learned from my Polo experience thus far. Did you know many Polo horses are played in draw reins? (Yup I went there) Are you aware of how light these horses feel in the bridle? How reactive they are to your aids?... But how can this be if they use such a 'horrible' artificial aid such as draw reins? Well I am here to assure you...they are light, they are reactive to your aids and they are some of the coolest horses I have ever sat on. But while chatting with Julie in regards to some of my struggles in developing Coordinate, my Retired Racehorse Project  mount for this year, she said "why don't you try him in some draw reins?" and like many I thought, 'oh no I couldn't do that!' But not because I didn't think it was a good idea. I didn't want to try him in draw reins because I knew I would be judged, ridiculed and have people say I didn't know how to ride if anyone caught wind of me using them. Guess what? After having that thought I realized I needed to let that go. Why? Because I have seen and felt first hand the difference they can make when used correctly. That is all I am going to say about them...

(Everything in the universe has rhythm, Everything dances - Coordinate "dancing" in the Historic Aiken Horse District 6.2.16)

So I haven't just learned that I am 'okay' with myself using draw reins and not caring what anyone wants to say about it, but tonight for example, I went back to the drawing board. Digging in my toolbox, knowing that there are a few small holes in my training. In doing so I found myself in the round pen (see first picture), taking him back to the basics. I went in and had him join up with me, did some desensitizing and then hopped on bareback in a rope halter. From there I worked on neck reining at the walk and backing. I know that moments like tonight will make all the difference in my next dressage test and if I can train myself to have more of these sessions, then before I know it his lateral movement and reaction to my aids will be far better than I ever imagined. 

It's not always about "training for your discipline" ... sometimes you have to take a step to the left or to the right, outside of the "box" you may restrict yourself to in order to incorporate new techniques. My regular training schedule has consisted of regular trail riding with a few days of disciplined dressage training but after today I have come to the conclusion that broadening his horizons as well as my own are going to benefit us. Having mentors in different disciplines continues to be humbling and reminds me to always have an open mind. 

Thank you to our sponsors Darley/Godolphin and EnviroEquine. Also a shout out to our fans and supporters like Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, without you our success would not be near what it is today! 

#Weartheblue: The Story Behind My Racing Connections

^Zennor, a colt I broke at the Aiken Training Track.

I am going to take y'all back a couple of years here to 2011, where I started my job of a lifetime, as an exercise rider for one of the world's most famous outfits...Darley. Known for their prestigious breeding and talented offspring, I somehow managed to land a job working with and training these amazing creatures. I galloped and broke horses for Darley for four seasons before their time in Aiken, SC was decided to be no longer. When receiving the news I would not be returning for my fifth season I was devastated, however if I knew then what it would mean for me now, I may have seen things a little differently!

Let's fast forward to my last season (although I didn't know it) where I was gifted my absolute favorite yearling. A 2012 gelding by Bernardini out of Stellar Jayne named Fullback. Fullback was a horse I broke as a yearling for Darley and fell drastically in love with. Knowing he had no desire to be a racehorse, I asked Darley if he could be rehomed to me when his racing career did not pan out. Sure enough I was right, he was no racehorse. But with breeding like that I figured there was no way they would actually let me have him. I was wrong, so so very wrong. Before I knew it, the then 2 year old, gelding was on his way back to me. Our bond is and always will be unbreakable and something I will cherish forever. Fullback and I went on to place second at the 2015 TCA Thoroughbred Makeover in the Dressage division. 

^Fullback and I marching down center line!

Fullback has since moved on to an incredible new owner as he has some serious physical limitations that need monitoring and such limitations would prevent me from achieving the goals I have set for myself as a rider. He now has an owner that can financially take care of all his needs but also will never push him beyond his limitations. That being said, not only does he always have a home with me if need be but Darley has specifically said that he is always welcome to live out his life with them in Kentucky.

This brings me to the main reason for writing this blog. With so much negativity regarding the racing industry due to the most recent deaths at Pimlico on Preakness day, I want to share my story with my racing connections that have produced nothing but a positive relationship and understanding for the in's and out's of the racing industry.

During the 2015 TCA Thoroughbred Makeover, Darley President Jimmy Bell and Chief Operating Officer Dan Pride visited Fullback's stall daily as did their guests that flew in for the event. They watched him strut his stuff down center line, me as his jockey, again, in his new career. Talk about supportive of their horses in second careers! But wait because it gets even better...

 

I have been hesitant in talking publicly about just how far Darley is supporting my retraining of these horses for second careers. In this industry I find that remaining humble gets you farther than being a self righteous 'know it all'. That being said, I owe them so much more than just a 'thank you' blog post, but it is a start. 

Darley contacted me about a 2011 gelding back in December. A horse whose picture made my jaw drop. They filled me in on why he was no longer savvy as a racehorse and asked if I was interested. At the time I was desperately awaiting them to contact me about a horse for the 2016 Retired Racehorse Project and just like that, it happened. I immediately said yes, But at the time I still had Fullback and was working on my new life in Maryland. None the less, I reluctantly decided to tell Darley that I, in fact, could not take on this horse. Financially I was already incredibly strapped, not to mention starting a new job in an office position that left less than the desirable amount of time to spend training a horse for a second career. Their response? "Jordan, what can we do so that you can take this horse in for retraining and to the 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover? We were beyond proud of everything you did with Fullback and want to support you in doing this event again."

Darley generously made things possible for me to accept my new partner and to ensure that the training for his next career has no limitations. The fact of the matter is that Darley is not only extremely supportive but also the largest sponsor of my journey to the 2016 Thoroughbred Makeover, 

The horse I received from Darley along with the sponsorship is a 2011 gelding by Hard Spun out of True Style named Coordinate. A horse that I did know from Aiken however did not get the opportunity to ride. He continues to prove to me everyday just how successful he will be in his second career. Right now we are focusing on Dressage but I see an Eventing career in his future whether that happens at the makeover or not. 

In closure for this blog, I just want to say this is why we #weartheblue. If you ever see me at a show you will see me wearing the Darley/Godolphin blue. Whether it be my shirt, the browband or my stock tie, we rep that blue, always!  My only goal this year is to make you proud of this horse in his second career, which I know I can do. For those that want to bad mouth the racing industry as a whole, I hope this story reaches you to think before making "all-inclusive" remarks about the negative side of the racing industry. Darley did not have to bat an eye at me doing training level dressage with one of their homebreds, but they did, and none of this would have been possible without their continuous support and love for their horses. In doing so I was able to help widen their view of the potential for their horses being successful in second careers. Thank You Darley/Godolphin Racing for being supportive in more ways than I could have ever imagined; and Thank You to everyone who has supported me in my journey with these beautiful thoroughbreds, your support, kind words and encouragement have pushed me to better myself so that I can better prepare these horses for their futures! 

Stellar, Stellar, Stellar...

Early tomorrow morning I will be hitting highway, truck and trailer loaded, making my way back to Aiken, SC. When I left Aiken to see about a new life in Maryland I knew there would be a ton of things I would do and experience. After all being 24 and moving to a new state, the possibilities are endless. But there is one thing, that if you had asked me when I left Aiken, I would have told you there is no way in 'hell' I'd do...

Be moving back to Aiken with out Stellar (Fullback). 

But as fate would have it, I am. 

The day I signed the bill of sale giving ownership of Stellar to Lindy and Adam Gutman is a moment I will not forget but for reasons you may not think. I wasn't the emotional wreck I thought I would be, I didn't really cry that night at dinner and I didn't cry the next few days following. The occasional tear would stream down my face every now and then but never the bawling my eyes out like a new born baby, which is how I thought I would be (even how I thought I should be). But let me tell you something, last night I cried. I cried there with Lindy as Stellar laid his head in my chest and I kissed his forehead. A small portion of those tears were 'sad tears' because well he was and always will be 'that' horse to me. I broke him on the track, had a bond with him from the moment I saw him and accomplished more with him than I ever have on another horse. But I also cried happy tears because I know that Stellar is bringing just as much happiness into Lindy's life as he did mine. Sure its a different happiness but its a happiness that better suits his life and the longevity of it. 

I may be moving 10 hours away from the two of them but a trip is already in the works for a winter visit to Aiken. Not only that but Lindy was so impressed with how well I schooled him cross country this past Saturday, she is willing to fly me back up to compete him at Jenny Camp the end of May.

I find myself feeling eternally grateful to have found him an owner like Lindy. We all know how tough this industry is when it comes to buying and selling or re-homing for that matter. I know not everyone is as fortunate to find what I have but there was just no way I was going to settle for anything less because he deserves it. Thank you Lindy for taking care of my boy and allowing me to still be apart of the process! 

It's not goodbye but more of a 'see you later'...

*Update on the heart murmur found during pre-purchase exam* After seeing the cardiologist last week, she was able to confirm that Stellar has a grade 4 of 6  Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation. In layman's terms this means blood flows through and the valve does not close all the way so a lot of the blood gets pushed back into his right atrium. The cardiologist said right now he does not have an arrhythmia but that he could develop one in a year, 5 years or never at all. But that he should be checked by a cardiologist once a year and monitored regularly. 

This means he can continue to love his life of trail rides, hunter paces, occasional cross country schooling and hunter shows but I know he will never be pushed beyond his limits! Happiness all around. 

From 'Hey ya'lls' to 'Charm City Livin'- A Reminder to My Older Self

Exactly one year ago today I was rushing to the grocery store to pick up as many copies as I could of the Aiken Standard for the simple reason pictured above. I had been made a 'hometown' celebrity because of a pretty awesome story I had with pretty amazing horse. Time was closing in on me and Fullback to be prepared for our demonstration at the Retired Racehorse Project Rolex preview and the Aiken Standard so generously wanted to share 'our story'. Seeing this pop up on my Facebook timeline this morning as a memory from a year ago flooded me with emotions. Everything from happy to sad, grateful to bitter, proud to disappointed. I am not ashamed of letting you all know these were in fact all the feelings I was having when I saw this. Why? Because they are only human feelings to have! This time last year I was gearing up for one of the most exciting adventures of my life and of my career as a horsewoman.

What am I doing now? Well I am currently sitting in my office at work 'batching received checks' (accounting terms) that pay invoices for light bulbs. Sounds like fun huh? Maybe for someone who likes sitting at a computer all day. But not for an avid equestrian itching for the clock to hit 4:30 so she can sit in 45 minutes of bumper to bumper traffic just to get to the barn before dark. Yes, that's my life as we speak. I went from doing what I loved day in and day out to trying to be an adult when offered a '9 to 5'  job with weekends off, holiday pay, benefits and some vacation time.

You could say that a lot has changed in just a years time because well, it has, I moved from Aiken, SC after loosing a job I loved, to Maryland mainly to train with one of the greatest trainers I have ever met but also because I thought I had landed a job that would make me just as happy as I was at Darley. That is where I was mistaken. Needless to say, said job did not work out but I found myself wanting to stay in Maryland going with my gut that I was here for a reason. Although I still think I was brought to Maryland for more reasons than one, they have come and gone and it is time I listen to myself. What is it that makes me happy? Does getting to the barn at 6:30 Monday thru Friday after sitting at desk all day only to ride my horse alone make me happy? No. Does working all day doing something that doesn't really interest me so I can live pay check to pay check but tell myself it will benefit my future make me happy? Sorry to say but...no.

^ Fullback with owner Lindy Gutman out on his second hunter pace ever!

What makes me happy is working with horses all day everyday. By that I don't mean just working with off the track thoroughbreds.  I will take cleaning the grossest of stalls over sitting at a desk 8 hours a day, hands down without a doubt. Give me all the nitty gritty work and I would still prefer it over having to pretty myself up every day for a job a I don't love. But don't get me wrong, although in general I haven't been the happiest with my life here in Maryland, there is plenty that did make me very happy. Fullback, my last years makeover mount, has an amazing new home where he loves his life and never will be pushed beyond his limits. I have been able to work with Nuno Santos for the last six months watching him ride and taking lessons. My riding has drastically improved in doing so and I have learned an incredible amount from him. He and his wife Katie are two of the most self less people I know and I will be forever grateful to have them apart of my life. Loblolly Farm, where Nuno runs Santos Sport Horses out of is hands down the best facility I have ever been apart of from horse quality, to care quality, to such a close knit group of boarders it is unbeatable.

But the truth is Darley is not sponsoring me for this years makeover to do a mediocre job at training Coordinate. EnviroEquine is not sponsoring me to do a mediocre job of training Coordinate. And to be honest mediocre is all I have been able to do since he arrived because of how my life is here in Maryland. I know some of you will think I am being too hard on myself but at 25 years old I know what it is in life that makes me happy because I have already done it and why stop now? Why let myself slip into a life that may seem better for my future to some but to me is making me unhappy? The time is now for me to get back to exactly what makes me happy and to do my absolute best with Coordinate to ensure he shows everyone what he is capable of in Kentucky come October. That is why I am pleased to announce my moving back to Aiken in a few weeks where I will be breaking and exercising polo horses at C Spear Farm. It is an opportunity I am so thrilled to have been presented with and I cannot wait to be back in the wonderful horse community of Aiken. Cheers to the next chapter of this crazy life! Let this blog be a little reminder to my future self in always doing what makes me happy.

^Coordinate looking better and better thanks to EnviroEquine!

A Breakthrough Day

For any of you that may not know my last years Thoroughbred Makeover horse, Fullback aka Stellar, has a wonderful new home with Lindy and Adam Gutman. This was definitely one of the hardest decisions for me to make however I know in my heart it was also one of the best ones and a simple voicemail this weekend was yet another reminder of that. 

I was driving to the airport this weekend for a quick trip to South Carolina to be apart of one of my best friends bachelorette party when I felt my phone vibrating and saw that Lindy was calling. Naturally my mind went into "oh no whats wrong" mode because she normally just sends a text saying how good he was or on the rare occasion that he acts his age I will get the "Stellar was a stinker today" text. I was driving and using my phone as my navigation so I let it go to voicemail. As soon as I arrived at the airport I listened to the voicemail assuming something had happened. 

Truth be told something did happen and that something had me smiling ear to ear with tears of joy falling down my face as I listened. 

"Hey Jordan it's Lindy, I am only calling because texting wouldn't do it justice. I took Stellar on his first real, long trail ride today across the street with a few other horses. He led the whole way crossing every ditch and water obstacle when I asked without any hesitation."

I could hear and feel her excitement through the phone. 

To some this may not seem like something I should be so thrilled about. However she and Fullback are still in the "getting to know each other" phase and she will be the first one to admit that buying a 4 year old off the track thoroughbred as her next horse was not what she had in mind. She described Saturday's ride on him as a breakthrough moment in their new partnership and that is something I will forever cherish hearing. 

Fullback was in need of a less demanding job than my goals and dreams are made of. Realizing this was not easy. But times like this weekend I am reminded that I made the best decision. That horse brought so much joy to my life the second he popped his head of the stall at Darley the morning I laid eyes on him. Now I am able to watch him bring Lindy the same joy he brought me and that is something I will never regret. He creates a smile that is contagious. 

A new chapter in my life has begun with new horse, Coodinate. Coordinate is a 2011 gelding by Hardspun out of True Style. He was gifted to me by Darley to compete at this years Thoroughbred Makeover in October. I can already tell he has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to updating you all as his training progresses!