The University of Kentucky is known for excellence in many sports. Rodeo is building toward becoming one of them. Founded in 2013, the team has steadily grown to incorporate Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Goat Tying, and Team Roping.

Most horses on the team are Quarter-Horses, but one team in particular stands out thanks to an off-track Thoroughbred named Titan, who competed as a racehorse as Good Stuff and was sired by Popular. Emma Denno, Titan’s owner, bought him when she was 14 and started to train him on her own. 

Good Stuff started his racing career in July 2015 and made his final start Oct. 28, 2017 at Golden Gate Fields. He won four of 11 races and earned $21,210. Once ready to start his second career, Titan was retired from racing and bought by a private owner.

Good Stuff earned his first win March 26, 2017. (Courtesy of Emma Denno)

Around that time, Denno was on the hunt for her next horse. She was looking for a Quarter-Horse that had knowledge of the barrel racing pattern and soon realized that what she was looking for was either out of her budget or too far away. Then, she came across Good Stuff on EquineNow. Luckily, he was in Modesto, Calif., and only a couple hours away from her home in Santa Rosa. The first time she tried him, it was a perfect match.

“I didn’t try any horses after him, I deiced I really liked him.” said Denno, who renamed him Titan. "His goofy personality, athleticism, and his build were deciding factors.”

Thoroughbreds make great rodeo horses because they have the versatility as well as competitive nature to want to win.

“Titan is very competitive and always wants to be first,” Denno said.  

Titan is proof that Thoroughbreds can be the best travel buddy, especially for competing. Denno said his experiences as a Thoroughbred racehorse helped him make a smooth transition.

“From him being on the track and getting to see the crowds and hear the loud noises, he was already exposed to those elements,” she explained. “Transitioning to rodeo crowds was not difficult since he was already acclimated to the travel and busy-ness.” 

Competing for University of Kentucky (Courtesy of Emma Denno)

Being in Thoroughbred-rich Kentucky was an important part of Denno’s decision when choosing where to attend college. Kentucky holds many Thoroughbred events such as the Thoroughbred Makeover in October. At the Thoroughbred Makeover, OTTBs compete in the barrel racing among many disciplines, showcasing their versatility.

“I just fell in love with all the Thoroughbreds and all the heart,” she said.

After touring University of Kentucky, Denno said she felt the team and the welcoming atmosphere at the K Bar C ranch, where the team is located, would be the best place for both her and Titan. Because the rodeo team is relatively new, she viewed that as an appealing opportunity.

“I would rather be a big fish in a little sea than a little fish in a big sea,” Denno explained.

When asked what advice she would give to someone buying an off-track Thoroughbred, Denno said: “Don’t give up on them, be willing to work through any difficulties, they are very smart animals and willing to please.” 

After six years of owning Titan, Denno has been able to turn him into a fantastic barrel racing horse. They are on the University of Kentucky Rodeo Team’s travel team for barrel racing and will compete in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association college rodeos this fall.