I knew when I started this column it was only a matter of time before I got a photo from the race track, as exercising race horses is a popular job for event riders to hold. Galloping in the morning is typically pretty good money, and most coaches will attest to the fact that it is also a vital part of a rider’s education in learning pace and balance at speed. Thanks to Sarah for submitting this photo, and as always, thank you for reading.
My name is Sarah and this my morning view, over and over and over. I live in Lexington, KY and gallop race horses at various tracks (I say it’s to stay fit and make extra cash, but lets admit it— we are all in the gallop for the thrill). Sometimes it is a bit “too thrilling.” The horse I am on in this photo is named Sweet Talkin Fella, and he used to be a fairly serious runaway (at least with me). He is brilliant, and I swear he enjoyed arguing into a faster pace more than life itself. As we all should when we are stumped and doing our mounts no good, I called for help. I had a jockey friend come gallop him for two weeks straight to feel him out and teach me tricks for easing him into a more rational workout. I love this horse and have already secured him a home with a vet friend when his career is over (she will Event him!). I take him for long hacks, train out in a field, ride him around bareback, and occasionally pretend we are galloping to fences instead of in circles 🙂 He has really won my heart and taught me a LOT about why OTTBs come to us the way they do. I have found my retraining of off-the-trackers has improved by leaps and bounds after spending countless hours getting my arms pulled out while trying to maintain some level of sanity galloping tough ones until I have them figured out. Chilly, foggy mornings lit on fire with a Kentucky sunrise are only made more special when you are perched on one of these amazing athletes.
