The start of our adventure!

Okay so let us start at the very beginning.

I wasn't really looking for a horse when I came across a fantastic Facebook page, Western Cape Equine Trust, where an amazing group of people are rehoming racehorses who have just come off the track. And the first picture on their feed was of this extremely handsome, yet incredibly adorable gelding and it was love at first sight.

The description read: 

ISLAND RIDGE, is a 3 ½ year old, 17hh TB gelding.

He has been away from the track for a couple of months, is sound and healthy; a kind, gentle boy who is willing and responsive to everything we ask of him. With his long, smooth strides and good transitions, he is a comfortable ride and with proper schooling, he has the potential to excel in various disciplines.

BLOODLINES:
DAM: CATALINA
SIRE: TIGER RIDGE (USA)
GRAND SIRE: BADGER LAND (USA)







I immediately emailed them and requested to meet Island and we set up a meeting for Saturday the 26th of April 2014. (Which is also my birthday)

On the morning of the 26th I set off to go see Island and as soon as I got there I was sure that he was the horse for me, however, being a more logical person, I waited to see him being ridden and rode him myself before I made the final decision to buy him.

So I watched a 13 year old little girl get on the back of this giant, and often described as “crazy” off the track thoroughbred… tum tum tum… Although, never fear when Island is near because being the gentleman that he is, he behaved perfectly. I then arranged to see him again the following Tuesday so that I could ride him myself and lunge him and just spend some time with him. 

I counted off the hours from Saturday till Tuesday when I could see him again. When I got there we went to catch him in his field and then walked him over to the lunge ring, in my heart I knew that thing would go well and that we will end up together.

He lunged perfectly, even turning his inside ear on me and licking and chewing as he went round in circles. Exactly how he had been doing it in my head all weekend long. I thought this must be a dream.

I then got on him. From the word get go he behaved himself like an angel, standing for me to mount, listening to my every command and moving forward in a good rhythm. Might I add that he is ridden in a halter (and yes, that does mean NO bit). Not quite the “crazy OTTB” everyone would expect.

As soon as my feet touched the ground when I dismounted I knew that, beyond any doubt, this horse was my “meant to be” or “happily ever after” or any one of the other cliches. 

I asked them to set the rehoming or adoption process and so our journey together started. We had to pass vet checks and home checks and bonding scrutiny but we passed them all with flying colors and as of the 1st of May I am officially the proud new owner of Island Ridge and I could not be happier.

In between Saturday and Thursday I have read dozens of articles and found even more books on the retraining of OTTBs and I have a lovely instructor, Colleen, who will be helping me every step of the way.

I will try and post every time after I have been to see him, may it be a bonding session or a training session and I will add photos as often as I am able. This is also my first blog, so please be gentle, as with Island I am learning as I am going.

Love,

Lawquii and Island