Eventually everything comes full circle. Horse racing is an addiction, once it’s in your system it’s a part of you that…
Posted by Erika Wager Paradressage on Thursday, January 10, 2019
On Friday, August 4th 2017 Erika Wager was breezing a racehorse when she suffered a tragic accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Prior to her accident, Erika had been working as an exercise rider and assistant trainer at Belmont Park, galloping up to 16 horses daily. Even though Erika lost the use of her core and legs, she didn’t lose her passion for horses or racing. She’s back in the barn doing everything she used to do around horses and has begun riding Para-Dressage. More recently, she has embarked on a journey to the 2019 Retired Racehorse Thoroughbred Makeover with the most perfect partner: 10-year-old Green Diamond Cat, one of the first horses she galloped and one of the first horses who earned her a win.
You can follow along with Erika and Green Diamond Cat’s journey to RRP 2019 on Erika’s Facebook page. If you find their story of second chances inspiring, take a look at these three Thoroughbreds looking for a second chance of their own:
Musical Spin. Photo via CANTER PA.
Musical Spin (MEDALLIST – HEAVENLY BALLAD, BY TWO PUNCH): 2012 15.3-hand Pennsylvania-bred mare
I know there are a lot of Two Punch fans out there, so here’s one for you! This little mare in a plain brown wrapper doesn’t look like much now, but she’s been a fierce competitor in the past and maybe a change of career will ignite her competitive edge again. Musical Spin was given a nice vacation on the farm last summer and just hasn’t had the same interest in racing since being brought back to the track. Her trainer says she’s a solid citizen around the barn and would love to find her nice home where she can hopefully demonstrate the jumping ability that her grand-sire is known to pass on.
Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.
View Musical Spin on CANTER PA
Acharnement. Photo via CANTER CA.
Acharnement (INTO MISCHIEF – EMPRESSIVE LADY, BY EMPIRE MAKER): 2015 15.3-hand Kentucky-bred mare
She’s only 15.3hh, but you sure wouldn’t know it just by looking at that beautiful uphill build and proud neck. Acharnement hasn’t been making a name for herself as a racehorse, but this Empire Maker granddaughter and A.P. Indy great-granddaughter looks ready for another shot at a new sport. This filly is reported to be sound and CANTER volunteers observed nice clean legs and a very polite personality.
Located in Berkeley, California.
View Acharnement on CANTER CA.
Redhot Cheerleader. Photo via CANTER PA.
Redhot Cheerleader (HAYNESFIELD – CHEER CHEER, BY LORD CARSON): 2014 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred mare
“Red” may very well have the talent to succeed as an eventer. Her jog video shows a nice reaching trot and her connections told the CANTER volunteers who did her photoshoot that she’s demonstrated some scope in the past as well by jumping out of her pasture with a five-foot fence … twice. Not only is she talented, but she’s clearly driven too so potential owners take note!
Located in Grantville, Pennsylvania.
