New Track, New Life: Understanding and Retraining the Off-Track Thoroughbred

by Kimberly Godwin Clark

There are so many misconceptions about how Thoroughbreds are handled and trained at the track. This misinformation causes countless avoidable problems. My goal with this book is to provide information to aid anyone who has, or is interested in having a retired racehorse. I believe a person with a working knowledge of horses and the desire to learn, is capable of handling a horse off the track and being successful, when they have the information they need to understand this wonderful breed. Kimberly Godwin Clark always had a passion for Thoroughbreds. That passion has produced prospects like 4* Eventer Houdini, registered name, Rocky Times, and Breeder’s Bridge to High Performance Winner Constant Star, among the many other horses that have gone on to successful careers. For 25 years Clark galloped, trained and owned Thoroughbred racehorses. She learned to gallop under the tutelage of the great steeplechase rider John Bosley and then went on to the track with Ann Merryman a second generation horseman. She spent most of her professional riding career at Old Hilltop, Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, Maryland, but also rode in Florida for several winters before settling at Leighton Farm to begin her new venture in retraining retiring racehorses for new careers in 2007. To achieve success in this new venture, she enlisted the guidance of such icons as Linda Zang, Elizabeth Madlener , Jim Wofford, David Loman and most recently Stephen Bradley. Her training program is based on knowledge she has gained from a lifetime of working with Thoroughbred racehorses and now the incredible guidance she receives from each horse that comes the Leighton Farm Training program. All of the proceeds from this book benefit the 501(c)(3) charity, Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc., which helps retired Thoroughbred racehorses find new lives when their race careers end. "A copy of the current financial statement of Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc. is available by writing 13130 Molly Berry Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 or by calling (410) 802-8425. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534." "A copy of the current financial statement of Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc. is available by writing 13130 Molly Berry Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 or by calling (410) 802-8425. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534."

Genres: Horses

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2016

Reviews

[Georgia Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super super helpful book and I really wish I had it a few years ago. I appreciate her emphasis on kindness and understanding of what’s happening in the horses head. She doesn’t advocate for punishment, but instead understanding, which really lines up with a lot of new research which suggests that horses really don’t have the mental capacity to be bad; they don’t understand. I like her approach and I find her insight very useful, I just am giving four stars because the book needed another going over by an editor. There’s some grammatical mistakes and even repeated paragraphs. I don’t think that writing ability is a requirement for good horsemanship though so I trust the content nonetheless and I think it’s a very solid resource.

[Rocky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't been around OTTB for years and purchased my very own OTTB mare last fall. This book was a good starter for anyone considering the purchase of an OTTB. It provides insight to the life before and how a new owner can incorporate that into their new friends life. Highly recommend this book! It certainly has assisted me with my journey with my new friend.

[Esther Sintim · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

If you have or are thinking about getting an OTTB read this book. It is an easy read with a mass of information to get you started. I had the privilege of seeing Kim work at her barn and she knows her stuff. She is amazing and knows TBs. Find a chapter you think you don’t need read it anyway it doesn’t take long and you will learn something.

[katie lovatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight

This book gives you a brief but brilliant insight to the world of American racing. This also allows you to consider different methods of retraining ypour racehorse,

[Terry-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priceless Resource for new OTTB owners

This is a must read in order to understand what your new OTTB has gone through and what to expect and do going forward as his/her new owner.

[Amber Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

I just bought an OTTB and found this to be a very useful book and right on the money as far as how my horse responds to things and what skills she already knows.

[Shawnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. A quick read packed full of useful information. I think this should be required reading for anyone thinking about getting an OTTB.