Well, another month has come and gone and our progress continues to be hindered by the series of unfortunately chaotic events that seems to be marring 2024. 

After a spring and early summer of below-normal temperatures and a fair bit of rain, we got two solid weeks of excessive heat with no relief. And then, we got smoke.  Smoke that cost us two race days, and me a lot of riding time.

My province is on fire. Our greatest natural treasure is under siege by it.     

My elderly pets have been having health crisis after health crisis.

The racehorses? Well, I’m learning a lot, including the absolute devastation a single bad step can wreak on a horse whose legs my hands were on Every. Damned. Day.   

On the aftercare side, I’ve been facilitating the same of some lovely sport prospects and helping find good landings for riskier placements.  

And Grayson? Grayson always seemed to be the part of my day I couldn’t quite get to. But that didn’t stop him from training for the “OTTB Olympics” (aka the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover) without me. He figures it means he can focus on his own discipline of choice. It's just… well… he and I are in disagreement of which discipline it is most important he perfect.

Lindsay Turcotte photo

I, of course, feel that dressage is the basis of all things, and it will be our chosen competition, and that is where we are focused.

Grayson, on the other hand, feels he is guaranteed to win the $10,000 grand prize if I just leave him alone and let him perfect the discipline of “Shoe Divestiture.”  He is positive he shines the brightest in that very technical skill category.  He’s pretty sure it will land him in the winner’s circle, yet again. 

A winner’s circle made of his own lost shoes, maybe…. I swear, If the horse threw shoes this often at the track, it’s a miracle he ever got to run.

But I’m pretty sure he’s developed this hobby post-racetrack.    

He’s also developed this concept that energy is meant to be conserved, not expended.  Why else would he always be found “trailing the field” when the herd of geldings he lives with get running around like fools? I’m hoping he decides to do more cardio soon, because he is currently quite portly and I most assuredly do not want to get all the way to Kentucky and have him be the first horse who gets rejected for a BCS that is too high!   

Well, let’s face it, humor provides some levity to a tough summer. So yes, this post should be taken mostly tongue-in-cheek.

While I’ve been trying to get on track amid hit after hit, Grayson has been making friends.  And not just any friends. Grayson is making the kind of friends that Dr. James Harriot would make. I guess he’s the equine version of Dr. Harriot.

He is the self-appointed Guardian of the Lambs. Protector of Ducks. Snuggler of Cats. He is, on his very own, an equine James Harriot, wanting nothing more than to help those more fragile than him.  

And when I watch him try and herd the ducks back to water, share his food with the lambs (please, please stop throwing your food, Grace), and look for the cat every time we go to the crossties, I keep thinking about the ongoing trend publicly disproving the concept that Thoroughbreds are “wild” or “crazy” by showing a clearly chill and happy horse calling it their “crazy OTTB.” 

The reality is, they really aren’t crazy, and giving any attention to the idea is unnecessary. What Thoroughbreds really are is sensitive. Smart. In tune. And if you aren’t sensitive, quiet, and in tune yourself, well, they can find that stressful. And start reacting quicker, maybe acting “wild” or “crazy.” As a rule, Thoroughbreds require a tactful rider. Quietness – not in energy but in mind – and giving them a chance to breathe and think are paramount. They will feed off their rider or handler, which can exacerbate negative behavior as it is almost…expected.

Thoroughbreds are gentle. Kind. Soulful. Sensitive. Protectors of all creatures, great and small. It’s why so many of them take to children, to those who are weak or vulnerable. It’s why we were so in love with the amazing story of Cody’s Wish. And that is why Grayson has amassed his own following of sheep, ducks, and cats. 

On top of all of that, he is just so very smart. I got on him today after weeks of inactivity, and he was almost like he hadn’t had the time off. He retains so much and tries so hard.  

Honestly, every time I swing a leg over him, I am home. And every time I get to ride, I am in awe that he is mine. And I’m thrilled with how he looks, right now. 

The next month has us planning on attending a dressage show mid to late August, and continuing his training now that cooler weather and less smoke prevails. Of course, this is contingent on Grayson concluding that shoe-divesting is an extinct discipline, and leaving his shoes on his feet where they belong!

Until next time, may your rides be unmarred from excessive nonsense from the four-footed members of the peanut gallery.