Fairmaiden Farms, Ltd

23/04/2025

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In light of the Triple Crown, I wanted to take a bit of time between rides this morning to debunk some misconceptions I'm seeing all over the internet about Thoroughbred Racing and OTTBs in general. The Thoroughbred is my favorite breed (and George Morris' too) and for those of you who don't know, retraining off the track thoroughbreds is what I specialize in. It hurts my heart - and my.head - to see that people really believe this stuff, so here it goes.

"Half of the horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby are being shipped to slaughter because they didn't win" - False. The horses that ran in the derby are worth more than most houses. They aren't falling through the cracks. Some will go on to breed, some will continue racing.

"75% of all race horses end up in kill pens"- False. While it is unfortunate and some OTTBs do end up in kill pens, most tracks have laws against this. As with ALL riding styles and disciplines (even RESCUES) There are bad owners that do bad things. While I have tried to find concrete numbers, the best I can offer is 5,000-10,000 OTTBs end up in Canada or Mexico each year; making up less than 15% of the total number. There are approximately 40,000 races per year in the US, with an average of 8 horses per race, you do the math. Incase you were wondering, it's the good old American Quarter Horse that leads that pack with over 50% of the horses slaughtered each year being AQHA registered animals. And AQHA supports it.

"Racehorses are drugged to hide their injuries" - while it is not uncommon to give an injured horse antiinflammatories (you take Tylenol, too, don't you?) Actively competing horses are drug tested on race day, and there is a very long list of prohibited substances. Including any and all pain killers or performance enhancers.

"OTTBs have terrible ground manners!" - one of the things I love MOST about OTTBs is that they come to me with years of handling as young horses. They know how to lead (I will admit the tend to crowd your space), they clip, they bathe, they load into trailers, stand for the farrier, and are so well exposed to high energy environments, they aren't typically idiots over little things. While most don't stand at a mounting block, you have to understand they are trained and handled in a way that is useful for their career at the track. You can't be mad at a show jumper for not understanding how to neck rein. Not to mention most OTTBs are 3-5 years old. Many young horses aren't quite "there" all the time. Me, personally? I'll take an OTTB over some poorly handled backyard horse or bug eyed barrel horse any day.

"Race trainers only care about the money, they will throw the horse out once it breaks down" -this is a long one, so strap in folks.
First things first, there are two words in Horse Business. Business IS about money. We are all in a unique environment though because we deal with living, breathing creatures every day and our decisions have total impact on their lives. Breeding, owning, feeding, caring for, and training horses costs money. The day fee at the tracks and training centers I frequent is around $65 per day. Are there people that think they will get rich in (any) horse business? Yep. How many of them actually get rich? Lol. By the time a horse is walking to the starting gates for their very first race, it isnt out of this world to think over $100,000 has already been put in to that horse. While we might think all race owners and trainers are going home to mansions, I can assure you, that couldn't be further from the truth. It makes absolute sense to move a horse out of your barn that doesn't fit your program. You wouldn't keep a crazy run away if your program was a beginner lesson barn. You wouldn't hold on to an old trail mount if you train show jumpers... Well unless you're me. Don't judge me. Point being, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a trainer looking at the numbers and saying "this horse is going to cost me $600 this week in stall, feed, hay, and shavings, and isn't going to cut it in the track, time to move him." This doesn't mean they are calling up the local kill pen and saying come get him. In fact MOST trainers reach out to their networks to try and find a suitable home, quickly. Most of those horses go for very little money to very qualified people. Some trainers have opportunities to board or keep the horse at a different, more affordable barn away from the track, and they have the opportunity to list the horse for sale as "normal" sales ads go. There are also tons of rescues and organizations out there that take in OTTBs and train and re-home them. (See links below) Now let's touch on the part where they just run these horses into the ground.
The average horse runs 6 starts his whole life. The average among my current string of 10 OTTBs is 3 starts. A good trainer can tell quickly if a horse has what it takes to be a successful racehorse, and if they are worth investing into. If a horse is too slow, or their heart isn't in it, or they don't seem that they can physically withstand it only makes sense to move them when they are still sound. Unfortunately, injuries on the track happen. They also happen in the paddock, the arena, the pen, and the trails, so let's not pretend were all high and mighty. If a horse needs 4 months stall rest for a bowed tendon, at $65 per day that's about $8000 before he can go back into training. While some might see it as passing the problem on to someone else, this is where other people who have made careers out of specifically rehabbing and lay up boarding come in. Not all injuries are career ending. Not all injuries result in an unsound horse. Not all injuries result in putting a horse down.

Which brings me to my next point

Not all OTTBs are injured! There are plenty of clean legged, sound off the track horses out there. Half of mine go barefoot, even! Just because a horse raced does not inherently mean they will have problems. Most OTTBs start new careers as Eventers, hunters, jumpers, dressage horses, and polo ponies.

OTTBs are awesome and I'm going to get one! Fact ;) OTTBs ARE awesome. They are smart, and athletic, and have more heart than any other breed I've seen. That said, if you are new to horses or thoroughbreds in general, I highly recommend venturing into this world with the help of a qualified trainer, experienced with off the track horses. Getting a horse right off the track can have it's challenges, and in a lot of cases, should only be taken on by an experienced handler. But! There are THOUSANDS of us that take care of the 'dirty work' and get these horses ready for new careers with new feed and fitness programs, post track training, and health care related needs. Just because you didn't go and get him right out of his stall at the track, he is still an OTTB, and us OTTB people... We're pretty awesome too.

I really appreciate you taking the time to read this and I sincerely hope this has cleared up some of the myths going around.

If you are interested in learning more about Off the Track Thoroughbreds, or supporting some of the amazing organizations that are dedicated to helping these horses continue a long and successful life after racing, please check out some of the links below. ***Edit to add: this is an article I wrote a few years back, and I definitely need to update my list of aftercare programs and OTTB resources. If you guys have suggestions, it's probably easiest to PM me from the original post since it's almost impossible to get to all the comments. Thank y'all so much for reading!

ARH Equine
Retired Racehorse Project
www.CanterUSA.org CANTER USA
Turning For Home
New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program
Remember Me Rescue
Gulf Coast Thoroughbred Network
www.lopetx.com LOPE Texas ("LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers")
Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program
Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement

14/04/2025

Happy 11th birthday to barn favorite Daddy’s Teller 💗 Someone tracked down this sweet yearling pic of him a while ago. Teller was a therapy horse for kids with medical needs at Camp Holiday Trails for a summer and currently teaches beginner lessons. We recently learned he was gelded late but you would never know it from his chill, laid back attitude and patience with kids. We love you Teller 💕

14/03/2025

Wear a helmet every time!

https://www.facebook.com/100079867827698/posts/646654454673476/

15/02/2025

This tall, dark handsome hunk of a Valentine, Lennox (JC Prize Fight) says “How you doin’?”

07/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/100089590356892/posts/590893307240343/

In 1930, the Mars family faced the heartbreaking loss of their beloved racehorse, Snickers. Just weeks later, they introduced a new candy bar named in his honor - creating what would become one of the world's most popular chocolate treats.

The Mars family's deep connection to horses went beyond just business - Snickers was a cherished family pet, and his memory lives on in every chocolate bar that bears his name. Today, Snickers remains one of the best-selling candy bars globally, a sweet tribute to a special horse who captured the hearts of the Mars family.

11/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/100086649697576/posts/580794568152195/

May 2, 1970 - "A horse doesn't know if the rider on his back wears a dress or pants away from the track," said Diane Crump who became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby. The 21-year old rode a horse named Fathom to come in 15th in a 17-horse field for the 96th running of the Derby. The previous year she was the first female jockey to compete in a pari-mutuel race in the United States, a feat that was so bitterly opposed by male jockeys and racing fans that a full police es**rt had to spirit Crump out of the Hialeah Park Race Course.
Recalling the experience at Hialeah Park, Crump wrote, "The crowd was just swarming all over me. They were crazy, up in arms. . .The hecklers were yelling: 'Go back to the kitchen and cook dinner.' That was the mentality at the time. They thought I was going to be the downfall of the whole sport, which is such a medieval thought. I was like: 'Come on people, this is the 1960s!'"
Regarding her Kentucky Derby race, Crump recalled years later, "I won the opening race on the Derby Day card and I did finish fourth in the 2-year-old filly stakes race. I did have a good day. That kind of crowd, that kind of atmosphere, it was pretty awesome. Winning a race on that day was pretty awesome. I remember a lot of great things. Going to post and warming up, them playing "My Old Kentucky Home," just all the thoughts and feelings that go through your head at that time. At that point, you're thinking, 'Hey, there's always a chance.' That's what life gives us every single day. It was a chance."
When Crump retired from racing in 1985, she had tallied 235 wins.
"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't or that you're not good enough. You are." - Diane Crump

Credits goes to the respective owner ~
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08/01/2025

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In 1951, Chenery sent Imperatrice to Princequillo, resulting in a filly born on January 9, 1952, at The Meadow. The bay filly was named Somethingroyal by Helen Bates Chenery, known for naming most of the horses in the stable.

Bold Ruler, a star on the track, had a defining moment in 1956 when he won the Futurity at Belmont Park. After his victory, he approached his owner, Mrs. Henry Carnegie Phipps, who, despite her petite frame, calmed the spirited c**t effortlessly. Bold Ruler, hot and lathered from the race, lowered his head and walked beside her, gentle as could be—a testament to their unique bond.

Mrs. Phipps was a remarkable figure in the racing world. Even as she aged, she remained fiercely independent, driving herself to the track every morning. A modest woman with her poodles by her side, she carried sugar cubes for her horses, praising winners and gently scolding losers with affection. Her close collaboration with trainer Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons, a legendary figure himself, was marked by mutual respect and a shared love for the sport. Together, they embodied a timeless dedication to horse racing, a blend of wisdom, tradition, and passion.

04/01/2025

100 % important when retraining OTTB’s off the track.

https://www.facebook.com/100064424784539/posts/1034077175416432/

When working with a horse that tends to brace, remember that brace is often a protective mechanism. Your horse may be bracing to guard against real or anticipated pressure. Here are some tips to help your bracey horse:

Build trust and safety
Make it your first goal to have a happy horse who feels open to your suggestions. Be trustworthy - a relaxed, stretched topline is a vulnerable posture for your horse. Be aware of defensive behaviors and eliminate their source. A relaxed body and mind go hand in hand, so focus on creating both mental and physical comfort.

Use light, clear communication
Practice taking up contact in a way that doesn't cause your horse to brace. When you feel resistance, breathe towards your horse instead of adding tension. This allows your horse to find their own independent balance as you maintain yours. Remember, any pressure you feel through the reins is magnified in your horse's mouth.

Start with groundwork
Begin working with your horse in lightness on the ground. Establish the basics of connection, posture, and balance before introducing a rider

Choose equipment wisely
When introducing a bit, find the one your horse is most comfortable with. Let them practice carrying it without reins attached until they move the same as without it. Only start establishing rein connection on good days when brace is less likely.

Address the root cause
Any problem in the horse or human will show up in the reins. Heaviness in the reins can have many causes beyond just mouth sensitivity - lack of balance, stiffness, crookedness, uncomfortable equipment, or miscommunication about speed or direction. Identify and address these underlying issues.

Create positive associations
Motivate and inspire your horse by being a brilliant communicator and rewarding them well. Make sure they're happy to see you when you show up. This positive relationship will help your horse feel more open and less defensive.

Allow freedom within boundaries
Show your horse they can find total freedom within their body, so they don't feel the need to escape. Create "open doors" in their body through exercises that eliminate brace, opposition, and stiffness.

Be patient and consistent
Re-establishing trust takes time, especially if your horse has learned to brace as a protective mechanism. Stay consistent in your approach and celebrate small improvements along the way.

Remember, your goal is to have your horse willingly participate with a body free of brace. Listen to your horse - they'll tell you when they feel balanced and trusting. A relaxed, happy horse who feels good in their body is the foundation for healthy movement and a strong partnership.

02/01/2025

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Five ways that horses can help with your mental health

17/12/2024

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NORTHERN DANCER❤️🏆
Small and stocky, the bonny bay c**t was built more like an old-style Quarter Horse than a sleek Thoroughbred. In 1962, he was offered for $25,000 at his yearling sale. There were no takers. Two years later, in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby the press poked fun at the c**t’s pint-size (15.1 hands) stature. Then Northern Dancer uncorked a jaw-dropping two-minute flat run breaking the 89-year-old track record and become the first Canadian-born and -bred horse to win the world’s most famous race.