Have you been following Valerie Ashker’s ride across America? Her goal: to raise social awareness of the strength, stamina, courage and versatility of OTTBs after their racing career.
Accompanying her on her journey are the thoroughbreds Solar Express (JC Bold Badgett: Damascus – Anne Campbell, by Never Bend), age 17, and Primitivo (JC Monashee Mountain: Danzig – Prospectors Delite, by Mr. Prospector), age 7, whom Valerie has evented through Training level.
So far they’ve traveled over 1,700 miles since departing California on May 9, with Virginia being their final destination.
You can keep up with Valerie’s journey via her blog here, Facebook here or show your support by donating to their GoFundMe campaign here (any surplus funds raised not used on travel will be donated to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance).
Photo via Valerie’s 2nd Makes Thru Starting Gates GoFundMe page.
More proof that OTTBs are capable of anything! Here are three more ex-racers who are looking to become something special. Can you help?
Photo via CANTER California.
Babinda (Boomerang – Timely Image, by Image of Greatness) is an 11-year-old 15.2 mare.
“Haiku” is described as gorgeous and lovely but somewhat challenging: a lovely uphill mover with First Level dressage training, and a brave and careful jumper — they say she will jump anything! She also loves trails with the right companions. Thrives on jumping, loves to be groomed and have her bottom scratched. Very social, expressive and opinionated. Excellent ground manners, always sound.
Prefers to live in pasture and grass would be a huge bonus. Has some minor maintenance issues, struggles with anxiety in some situations and still a bit green for a 11-year-old. She needs a gentle and light rider and an experienced assertive handler. Not suitable for a beginner, needs to be with a professional or very experienced amateur working with a trainer.
View Babinda on CANTER California.
Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Miz Sweet (Noonmark – Sweet Tzipora, by Wheaton) is a 2011 16.3h bay mare.
If ever a horse was aptly named it is Miz Sweet! Her trainer raves about what a sweet and kind mare she is, and Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds got to see her sweetness for themselves as she begged for treats and enjoyed their pats and scratches. They report she is also very pretty and that the photos do not do her justice, so you need to come see this big, sound, sweetheart for yourself.
She had one win and in 42 career starts has found that second win elusive. Her trainer says she is sound and her legs are clean. She had raced just a couple days before her photo session and showed no ill effects, jogging prettily and politely with balanced movement. The trainer also said Miz Sweet is easy to work with and very nice to ride.
View Miz Sweet on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Photo via CANTER Michigan.
Frequent Reward (Good Reward – Mon Queen, by Maria’s Mon) is a 2009 15.3-hand mare.
She is described as a good jumper and a great eventing prospect who has the ability to do it all! She jumps courses and has a good, easy lead change. Likes to work. Sweet, green, inconsistent but willing. Has been a successful lesson horse but wants her own person to bond with and prefers an experienced rider as she’s sensitive. A mild cribber when stalled. Located in Plymouth, Michigan.
