Forward by Stefanie Rittner
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, take a step back from our daily routines, and surround ourselves with friends and family. It’s a time to reflect on our lives and remember who we are. For many of us, something similar happens every time we step into the barn. The smell of fresh hay and manure wraps around us, and we forget all other responsibilities. We walk over to our horse’s stall, and wonder, “Does he greet everyone with this soft nicker?” Realizing it’s probably a request for hay, we are still touched by the acknowledgment. It warms us because no matter what is going on in the world outside the barn, our horses always seem to be waiting for us. What they may not know is that just being in their presence calms us. It’s a reminder that everything will be okay.
In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, CANTER Chicago reached out to OTTB owners to help spread messages of gratitude to these special horses. It didn’t take long for us to receive emails that clearly celebrate the partnership and strength of OTTBs. We’d like to invite you to take a moment out of your day to meet a handful of thankful riders. Perhaps one will remind you of an OTTB you know and love.
Without a doubt, these horses are equally thankful for their loving owners.
Enjoy,
CANTER Chicago Volunteers
Submitted by: Lynn Mueller
Horse name: Classy Chassis
4 year old OTTB mare
I am thankful for my OTTB because she has taught me patience and diligence. We have had quite a few rough patches but my trainer, Bernard, has been an immense help with our progress. The close of the season was where we really started seeing it pay off.
Submitted by: Gina Reibel
Horse name: Nate or “Bubby”
20+ year old OTTB gelding War horse
To my sweet bubby, “Nate”:
To say I am thankful for this boy would be an understatement. Coming up on 11 years of calling him mine I can honestly say he and I have done everything together. We’ve graduated high school, college, and a masters. We’ve moved across the country and back. He is my support, my peace, and he shows me how to stay humble in a world of constant competition. A little over a year ago I was given the chance to finally know who he is and why he is such an amazing horse. You see, when I bought Bubby we thought he was 4, six months off the track, and a dud in the racing world. We never had his papers, never knew his race name, nothing. Man were we wrong about him though. My sweet boy was a WAR HORSE! He was sold as a yearling for $100,000, started over 53 races, won 6, and took in earnings over $45,000. Now pushing 20 years old he is happy as can be in a beautiful private barn close to my house. He enjoys his semi-retired life more than ever and I can tell you he doesn’t look or act a day over 5! He’s spunky, he’s happy, he’s fit, and most of all, he’s mine forever. What a blessing he is and I’m lucky to call him mine. I wouldn’t be doing him justice by saying he’s just an OTTB because he’s a horse of many talents. To my sweet Bubby – thank you for being you!
Owned and loved By: Laura Roesing
Horse name: Pinball Wizard, “Bailey”
Jockey Club name: Shady Bucks
20+ year old OTTB gelding
Bailey is the OTTB that I leased for a year and a half. He was a horse that taught me many things. He changed me and my riding. Among the things he taught me include determination, patience, be strong, and never give up on your dreams. We grew a great bond over the 2 years that I rode him all together. He is a horse that teaches many and I know for sure I will never forget him. He made me become a better rider and person. He let me feel freedom, galloping out in an open field, showing me his raving blood. Even though I don’t ride him as much anymore, he touched me and I miss getting to ride him sometimes. But getting to see him teach other little girls and see them together makes me happy. Love you, Bailey Bones.
Submitted By: Liz Wolodkiewicz
Horse name: Cloud
20+ year old OTTB gelding
CANTER horse
For the past 15 Thanksgivings, I have been most thankful for my CANTER OTTB, Cloud. Cloud came off the track at the end of his 9 year old year and came to the barn I rode at as a foster horse for CANTER. I fell in love at first sight and bought Cloud about a year after I met him. I am thankful for all of the roles that Cloud has filled in my life…best friend, soul mate, baby, pet, partner, teammate, teacher, therapist, and so much more. I have recently made the decision to retire Cloud from riding, so this Thanksgiving I am so grateful for all of the great memories we made together in the saddle. While I am sad for our riding years to come to an end, I am also so grateful for the honor of giving Cloud the retirement that he deserves. He is my first horse, my only horse, and my heart horse.
Submitted By: Brittney Marshall
Horse name: Twizzler
Jockey Club name: La Sheikh
Rescue OTTB mare
I am beyond grateful for my rescue mare, OTTB Twizzler, JC name La sheikh. Twizzler was rescued by the south Florida SPCA and was a rack of bones. When I adopted Twizzler it took months to gain her trust and do simple task such as fly spraying her. She also would rear up and intentionally flip us over every single ride for about a month ago. Never in pain, was always out of fear. After being told she needed to be Euthanized for being unpredictable and crazy, I started from the ground back up and ever since we’ve never had a problem. Twizzler and I do the jumpers and she absolutely loves it. She has been champion a few times in the meter classes. I’ve had Twizzler for over 3 years now and she is everything I never knew I always wanted. When I went to the rescue I only wanted a gelding 16 hands or over. I had walked by her not knowing anything about her and already knew I wasn’t leaving without her. A 15’3 hand (barely) mare, she has showed me that hard work truly does pay off and unconditional love is the most important thing. I am forever thankful for this horse.
