One in 30,000

This is Amber. Born April 6, 1995 she was one of the more than 30,000 foals registered with the Jockey Club that year. She was christened "Timber Hitch" and is by the British champion Diesis out of Half Hitch by Dewan, a son of Bold Ruler. One of her crop mates - Real Quiet, won the 1998 Kentucky Derby. Another - Victory Gallop, spoiled Real Quiet's Triple Crown bid by a scant nose. Favorite Trick was the first 2 year old to be named Horse of the Year since Secretariat. Countess Diana wired the 1997 Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies by 8 1/2 lengths, a record that still stands. Real Quiet, Victory Gallop, Favorite Trick and Countess Diana - 4 members of la creme de la creme of the 1995 foal crop. Less than 1% of thoroughbreds born in any given year can be considered part of this elite group. The vast majority either never run or aren't good enough to make it out of the claiming ranks. Amber was part of the majority. She raced a total of 4 times at ages three and four and placed third one time for career earnings of $1680. Not enough to pay for her expenses. The next 10ish years of her life she was a broodmare producing 5 named foals. In January 2009 she was sold at Keenland in foal to Yonaguska for a scant $1000. A lady from CANTER (Communication Alliance for the Networking of Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) purchased her and rehomed her with a riding camp after the Yonaguska filly was weaned. Fall of 2009 is when Jean found her, lethargic and underweight. Jean will be the first to admit that she's not a fan of thoroughbreds but fortunately for all involved Amber won her over! Jean is the owner and much-beloved instructor at "The Natural Connection." Honest to God she is one of the most patient and positive people I know and you will see how that is true as I post more about Amber! As you may have guessed TNC emphasizes natural horsemanship, trimming instead of shoes, and 24/7 turnout time. See the following links:
http://www.thenaturalconnectionhorses.blogspot.com/
http://thenaturalconnection.blogspot.com/

I was inspired to create this blog by the thousands of thoroughbreds that leave the track each year and the people who do their best to give them second careers. Hopefully we can all learn from each other (and them) to make the transition process easier and minimize our frustrations. And there WILL be frustrations. I have a lot of posting to do to catch up on where Amber and I are and there is much to tell.

Stay tuned....