Journey to the RRP: Chief Tarhe’s October Update
As I sat down to write our first blog since July’s announcement that the 2020 Retired Racehorse Project would be moved to October 2021, what first struck me is how much we’ve taken our foot off the gas since then. Our work and progress has been steady – but when we removed the pressure of “He needs to get off the farm so much more before we go to Kentucky!” and “We need to be comfortably jumping a 2’6” course ASAP!” the result was a more relaxed, gradual growth curve.
I’ve watched Ghost fill out through his entire body these last couple of months as he continues to build muscle in different places and makes the most of the late summer grass in his paddock. He was 5 when I brought him home and now, as a 6 year old, I’d swear he has grown another inch and a half, as well as filled out. This has resulted in the Pandemic Saddle Challenge – trying to find the perfect saddle with a tree for his wider frame (the main issue with our current/my long-standing ‘go-to’ saddle – as he fills out, he needs a wider tree) while still clearing the traditional thoroughbred shark fin withers.
The last blog update (in July) covered Ghost’s first real horse show, which we had to haul (and overnight) 2 and ½ hours away to tackle. Horse show proximity continues to be a big challenge. Our primary local venue is publicly-owned and has been very resistant to permitting any events, and I’m determined not to spend money at USEF shows when Ghost and I are still in ‘schooling’ mode in non-rated classes and would spend hundreds of dollars more than if I could find legitimate schooling show options instead.
