The Dressage Horse (fig. 2.5 C)

       Conformation

      ▶ Withers set back from the shoulder.

      ▶ Short back.

      ▶ Uphill build.

      ▶ Strong, well-built hindquarters.

      ▶ Neck ties in well with the withers and shoulder (avoid ewe-necked horses).

      ▶ Neck should be medium to long.

       Movement

      The horse should naturally engage and drive from his hind end. A regular, even, four-beat walk is ideal. At the trot he should demonstrate natural impulsion and extension while remaining light on his feet. Look for a canter that is not overly “large”—a shorter stride is easier to maneuver around the dressage arena and eventually teach clean flying lead changes.

       Personality

      ▶ Hard-Working ∙ Sensitive ∙ Sensible

      A dressage prospect should be a sensitive yet sensible horse. He needs to be very responsive to leg, seat, and rein aids rather than dead-sided or hard-mouthed. He cannot become overwrought every time he is confronted with a new task—the ideal horse likes to work and accepts new challenges eagerly.

       Ferdinand’s Story

      Winner of the 1986 Kentucky Derby and the 1987 Breeders’ Cup Classic, Ferdinand was voted the 1987 Horse of the Year. He won eight of 29 starts and earned $3,777,978, retiring at the time as the fifth leading-money-earner on record. Following his racing career, Ferdinand stood at stud for several years in the United States. Then in 1994, he was sold and sent to Japan to stand at stud. To the disbelief and dismay of many, Ferdinand was sold to slaughter by the Japanese breeding farm in 2002 when he was no longer needed as a breeding stallion.

      By adopting or purchasing a Thoroughbred off the racetrack you can give a horse a chance to excel in a new career rather than end up at a slaughterhouse. To learn more about this issue, see my discussion on p. 33, or view the Equine Protection Network Web site at www.equineprotectionnetwork.com or the American Horse Protection Coalition Web site at www.horse-protection.org.

      There are many advantages to working with an adoption or retirement program. For example, once at New Vocations, an ex-racehorse is:

      ▶ Evaluated for mental health and physical condition, and veterinary advice is given on request.

      ▶ Worked on the ground and under saddle, and judged for suitability as a riding horse in different disciplines.

      ▶ Fed a suitable diet. Thin or race-fit horses receive extra calories to promote weight gain.

      ▶ Introduced to turnout in paddocks or fields and offered opportunities to relearn how to socialize with others—something he probably hasn’t done since he was a foal.

      ▶ Provided transitional training. A potential adopter can then see him being worked from the ground and under saddle.

       Adoption Costs

      Every program handles this element differently. At New Vocations, we aim to keep our fees low as we all know how prohibitive the costs of boarding and caring for a horse can be! We feel that the money is better spent if the adopter can put it toward the OTTB’s training and care. By placing New Vocations horses quickly, we limit the amount of money we put into them (feed, farrier, vet), which in turn allows us to keep our fees affordable.

      Our fees range from $0 to $2,000. We will ask $1,000 for a fairly young, sound horse, and lower the fee accordingly if an animal is limited by injury or if he has a vice such as cribbing or weaving. We waive fees completely for most horses 15 and older, those that have an injury that requires rehabilitation or stall rest prior to the beginning of training, and horses that have behavioral issues that require extra time and attention.

       Tips for Adopting an OTTB

      As I stated earlier, getting your horse from an adoption program has many benefits. But, it helps to be clear about what you want before you begin the process. Here are some general tips to help you:

      ▶ Read through the specific policies and procedures of the adoption program. Each program works slightly differently when placing their horses and many have an application process.

      ▶ Read the adoption contract or agreement thoroughly and ask plenty of questions so that you can be completely clear about what commitments you will have to make (see sidebar). Adoption programs vary. Some, like New Vocations, will always accept a horse back, should the placement not work out; others only do so for a certain length of time. Some forbid you from ever selling the horse; others permit you to sell him after a certain period of time; still others request “first right of refusal” should you decide to sell.

       Questions to Ask When Adopting an OTTB

      Note: see also the questions to ask when buying horses at the track, p. 35.

      How long has the horse been off the track?

      How long has he been in the program?

      What can you tell me about his racing history and pedigree?

      Did he come from the track or a farm? Which one?

      Why did he retire from racing?

      Does