Thoroughbred racehorses that go on to second careers are unique in that they have two retirements in their lifetimes: the first from the track and the second from the show ring. Thoroughbred Legends, a new EN series presented by Cosequin, seeks to honor off-track Thoroughbreds that went on to accomplish great things as upper-level eventers and now enjoy a second retirement in their golden years. If you know of a great Thoroughbred for this series, email [email protected].
Deanna Hertrich & her beloved George on XC (photo courtesy of Deanna)
St George was born in 1987 as L.B. Steel, and destined for greatness as a thoroughbred racehorse. Despite his royal bloodlines, including War Admiral and Nasrullah, George never really amounted to much on the track, with 19 starts and only 3 wins. Luckily for him, the Green family found him sitting in a field as a five year old and decided to turn him into their next sport horse. George was ridden by all members of the family at various times in different sports, but found his true niche in Eventing. Patty Green took George to the 2005 NAJRYC in the CCI*, as well as completing their very first Intermediate together when George was 19 in 2006.
After Patty went to college, the Green family made sure that George went to a good home. Enter Deanna Hertrich, George’s current devoted owner. Deanna had competed through Training level Eventing, but had also had quite a bit of experience in the straight Dressage world, and was thrilled to get the opportunity to ride such a horse. “I thought that I was phasing out of Eventing and just looking to have fun. George was 19 when I got him, but he didn’t want to retire at all,” says Deanna.
Taking a fit Intermediate level horse down to the slower pace of Novice was not easy in the beginning, however. “George doesn’t just love cross country, he lives for the cross country. Our first event together, he was leaping all around in the warm up and I was told just to skip the warm up and go right to the start box. After all, they said, George knows what to do!” Deanna had not ever experienced the true joy that goes along with riding a horse that honestly loves cross country, and she credits George with giving her a lot of confidence in that area. She admits that it will be impossible to replace him, if only for this fact.
George & Ruth Crennell doing the Century Club Ride (photo courtesy of Photos By Jackie)
George has been a wonderful teacher in his time, and for many different riders. “When I got George, I had become the master of micro-managing over jumps and that didn’t really suit him very well. To this day I look back at our disunited start together and know that George taught me the biggest lesson yet: sometimes you just have to stop and listen, exude patience and be willing to allow. Just be quiet, trust, don’t interfere and most certainly don’t dictate; you may just have the chance to learn something big!” says Deanna. He also won many awards with Deanna in the irons, including Illinois Dressage and Combined Training year end awards, Performance Horse Registry awards, TIP awards and AEC competitions.
In his later years he still keeps giving. George has taken first time riders around in lead line, shown a junior rider it is perfectly fine and safe to canter the jump course, has helped a pony clubber to their next rating, and he is readily up to taking out friends for trail rides! George’s greatest accomplishment this year was aiding 81-year-old Ruth Crennell to her USDF Century Club ride. The combined age of both horse and rider must meet or exceed 100 and they must complete a USEF dressage test at a recognized show. St. George, just like his namesake, stepped up and took on the task.
George in his semi-retired life, competing in a leadline class with Deanna's son, Nathan (photo by Deanna)
George is now 26, and semi-retired. Although his heart and soul still beat for the competition, his body is slowing down a little bit. His health and well being are of the utmost importance, and so his work schedule is varied accordingly. To date he has never needed an injection, and has never missed a day of work due to unsoundness. He competed at Novice up until last year, but has continued to participate in dressage shows and other local competitions even now. Deanna says she hasn’t completely written off more Eventing with George, and even considers doing something light with him this fall. “He still acts like he’s two years old! He’s always jumping in the air in the fields, and instigating trouble with the other horses. He’s always perfect under saddle though, such a workman.” If he’s sound of body and still wants to do the job, there is no reason for 26 year old George to hang up his shoes!
