Horse Country

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Salesman, OTTB, ex-racehorse, retired racehorse, Thoroughbred Makeover, Kristina, trainer, Audra Mandella, Richard Mandella, training, aftercare, competition, owner, Reciprocity Thoroughbreds, ABR

Thoroughbred Makeover Diary: A Fulfilling Second Career for Salesman

In this final diary entry for OTTB Salesman, Audra Mandella, Salesman’s owner, reflects on the enjoyment and sense of fulfillment she, her husband Gary, father-in-law Richard (a Hall of Fame trainer) and everyone else associated with the horse have felt as he moves further into his second career with remarkable success under the supervision of Kristina Hobbs.

Silver Charm: As Tenacious as They Come

There are a variety of reasons to explain why a long list of outstanding horses were thwarted in their bid to become the 12th Triple Crown champion.

Some are predictable; others are surprising.

Premature moves, exhausting paces, injuries, medications, and even a safety pin have all played a role in a drought that stood at 37 years until American Pharoah completed the sweep in 2015.

Maverick, OTTB, Jordan Sigmon, dressage, eventing, cross country, competition, Thoroughbred Makeover, ex-racehorse, retired racehorse, training, equestrian, XC, ABR

Thoroughbred Makeover Diary: Maverick Overcomes Adversity to Excel in Training

We left off last time having a bit of a rough day, but with a plan to put that in the rearview mirror and move forward. Thankfully that is exactly what has happened. Since having that little mishap at Meadowlake I elected to move Maverick to my trainer’s farm, and while it means a lot more driving for me he has absolutely flourished there.

Thoroughbred Makeover, Gray Magician, Imposing Ruler, training, eventing, dressage, hunter, jumper, hurdle, schooling, marketplace, aftercare, OTTB, retired racehorse, ex-racehorse, ABR

Thoroughbred Makeover Diary: October Plans Set for Gray Magician and Imposing Ruler

The countdown to the Thoroughbred Makeover is officially on, and with it comes all the excitement, nerves, and hard work that go into preparing not just one, but two special horses for the big stage. Gray Magician and Imposing Ruler are the stars of my journey, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the direction each of them is taking.

Salesman, OTTB, ex-racehorse, retired racehorse, eventing, competition, Thoroughbred Makeover, Kristina Hobbs, training, aftercare, ABR

Thoroughbred Makeover Diary: Salesman Is a True ‘Heart Horse’

A lot of times when people talk about Thoroughbreds in sport “the heart” is what is referenced as their biggest and greatest qualities: the heart to step up and give their riders everything within them to win. But while we as humans tend to focus all on the winning, what we sometimes miss is what their hearts give to us.

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