This month marks my final update before the big Thoroughbred Makeover event in October, and it’s been quite a stressful ride! The biggest concern has been ensuring that both of my horses are fully prepared for the makeover show. Have I done everything possible to get them ready? Can I somehow keep them in a bubble to prevent any major injuries before the event? The list of worries goes on! Each horse is at a different stage in their training, with their own set of unique challenges. This month has been dedicated to fine-tuning their strengths and addressing their weaknesses as we prepare to submit our final entries for the 2024 Makeover.

Drafted practicing with trail obstacles. (Courtesy of Katie Tarasevich)

Drafted, my classy and easygoing horse, is always eager to follow anywhere I direct him. However, coming from the track, he’s had persistent mouth issues, which I’ve addressed through various treatments including veterinary care, dental work, chiropractic adjustments, and saddle fitting. I’ve been training him for dressage, but we continually faced deductions for lack of suppleness. Despite experimenting with different tack and training methods, something still felt off, leaving me feeling disheartened. Competing in dressage seemed challenging with his ongoing contact issues.

While cleaning out my tack room, I rediscovered my bitless side pull bridle and decided to give it a try. Within moments, I noticed that Drafted was more comfortable and responded better in the bitless bridle! Seeing him enjoy his rides was a relief. However, Dressage rules prohibit bitless riding, so I had to adjust my plans. Instead of Dressage, I’ll be focusing on Freestyle and Competitive Trail at the Makeover. Both of these disciplines allow for the use of a hackamore, which Drafted prefers. So, this final month will be dedicated to perfecting trail obstacles and our freestyle routine. In exciting news, out of the 353 horses in the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Show, Drafted will be the highest earning horse with $1,117,593!

Widget, on the other hand, faced several setbacks due to foot issues and injuries sustained in the field, which disrupted his training schedule. I was concerned about whether he’d be ready for the Makeover. He also experiences anxiety in new environments and around larger groups of horses. I even considered withdrawing him from the event and felt disappointed in myself for not meeting his needs. Determined to find a solution, I sought out advice from my trainer and other horse mentors and devised a plan.

Widget with Katie at the in-hand hunter show. (Courtesy of Katie Tarasevich)

We took Widget to a cavetti clinic with other horses to help him adjust to new group settings, and he participated in a dressage show and an in-hand hunter show for additional exposure. I also found a supplement that helped with his mental state and established a feeding routine that suited him. Separating him from his barn buddy, which had been causing some barn sourness, proved beneficial in eliminating the barn sourness and preventing further injuries. These adjustments have helped maintain a consistent training schedule, and Widget has become more relaxed and enjoyable to ride. To avoid overstressing him, I decided to enter him in only one division. I’m now confident enough to submit his final entry for the Dressage division at the Makeover.

In addition to preparing my horses, I neglected my own well-being this month. What I initially thought was heartburn turned out to be severe enough to warrant an emergency gallbladder removal surgery. As if that wasn’t enough, while I was supposed to be recovering, I was injured by my miniature horse, which resulted in a cut toe that required four stitches. This forced me to take a two-week break from riding to recover properly. Although it delayed my horse training schedule, it served as a reminder of the importance of self-care.

With the final entries submitted for Drafted (Freestyle & Trail) and Widget (Dressage) for the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover show, I’m feeling confident about the choices we’ve made.  I’m eagerly anticipating how they’ll perform in Kentucky and excited to meet the next 2024 Thoroughbred trainers. See you all in Kentucky and make sure to stop by and meet my two horses!

The Jockey Club supports many aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers. View all of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.