Retraining Race Horses a 3 Day Event in Maryland & Buddy the Rescued Paint

A training symposium focusing on retraining the retired racehorse will be offered by professional three-day event rider and clinician Steuart Pittman Oct. 4 in Crownsville, Md.

The purpose of this event is to demonstrate the skills that a rider needs to train a retired racehorse and to promote these generous athletes.

In the first segment, Pittman will evaluate and ride some sport horse prospects that have recently retired from the track. A jockey will also demonstrate the way these horses are ridden at the track. Pittman will also work with horses in their first year off the track and with their new owners, explaining to the audience what the horses knew from racing, where they are in the process of becoming sport horses, and how the riders can improve their skills.

Finally, the audience will view the final product: a group of finished sport horses that began life as racehorses.

Tickets are $25, with some of the funds supporting Maryland Therapeutic Riding
http://www.dodonfarm.com/sympoisum.html


Owner of the Week--- Sean Guffey and Buddy, his rescued registered Paint



Sean Guffey is an enthusiastic owner of a rescued paint horse. Sean rescued "Buddy" about three years ago. "When Buddy was found he was young and under developed still underweight from his former owner. After a year of hay, lots of treats, and patience I finally gained his trust". When the trust was earned says Sean the training began. "I worked with basic techniques at first then advanced to more complicated ones such as neck reining and various riding patterns. Patterns that included simple loops to barrels for co-ordination and endless obstacles that I could think to expose the horse all possibilities in the real world".

Last fall Sean and Buddy entered in a play daze and Buddy performed well for his first time ever. "He won lots of third places yes and even a few fourth and fifth but overall not bad for a first time out" remarked Sean. Buddy next training will involve working on his cow sense and water issues and he's showing promise.
Sean states "When I first bought him the Central Washington University Rodeo Club president called him a little horse and not worth the price". Now Buddy is about 15.3 hands high and approximately 1100 pounds. "Rescue horses are worth as much as a regular horse". I couldn't agree more. Good luck to Sean and Buddy in their future endeavors and competitions.