Rescuing a Bet Twice gelding....pic added

[Arado*TB]

I tried posting this in the H/J Forum w/ no luck. I have an opportunity to rescue a gelding w/ Bet Twice and the Woodman in his pedigree. I would like to know if anyone has any experience w/ theses lines. What they may be doing w/ them after their racing career. Are they good minded ect. Any input would be appreciated.

[Jessi P]

Are you actually rescuing him as in saving his life or are you merely buying him off the track? Just wondering.

Physically Woodman horses in my experience typically have a good head set for eventing/dressage, with very distinctive toplines and shoulders. They aren't very big horses. Temperament wise I have found them to be a bit stubborn, but generally classy. Bet Twice usually sires some good looking stout individuals with nice necks. The one mare I had experience with was good to work around, little high strung but good.

[Arado*TB]

Rescuing ,yes he is off the track and was trained hard and resulted in injury . I may bring him home to be w/ me. He is lovely

[ivy62]

What kind of an injury does he have and how old is he? My horse is a Bet Twice Grand son and built very well and has a lot of stamina and is very athletic. What are your plans for him?

[Laurierace]

I never understood why people ask questions like this. I don't mean to criticize but it just doesn't make any sense to me. I do tons of horse rescue and have learned that I can't get people to talk to me until I have shown them a picture. I don't get that either. Either you want to help save the horse or you don't, who cares what he looks like or what his pedigree is noted for? I figure that is something you can worry about after he is safe and in a good situation. I guess I view rescue as an emergency situation where others view it as a shopping expedition.

[AppJumpr08]

I guess I view rescue as an emergency situation where others view it as a shopping expedition.

Ditto that. I think the word "rescue" gets used more for "OMG that horse isn't being cared for like I would!" then horses at real risk of death or those in really bad shape.

If you like the gelding, get him :) Bloodlines can only tell you so much.

[NancyM]

At the risk of making an "unpopular" posting... there is no such thing as "rescuing". You are purchasing a cheap horse, who hopefully will fulfill the requirements that you have in a horse, whatever those requirements you have may be. Perhaps the horse will find that being under your ownership and your demands of him are more appropriate for him than his last owners/trainers. Perhaps not. Perhaps his previous owners/trainers were individuals who did not keep the horse's long term best interests at heart, and perhaps you will do better in this regard. Perhaps he will be healthier and happier under your care and ownership. Time will tell if this is the case.

Since the meat industry acts on a quota basis, if you purchase a horse who would otherwise be going for meat and call it a "rescue", the meat buyer must simply purchase another horse to make up the number of pounds/tonnage that he must supply to fill his quota. So the net saving (rescue) of horses is zero. Just a different horse goes for meat because of your decision. Your selection of this particular horse dictates that another horse, who otherwise may have found a good home will take the place of the horse you have purchased. So try to make sure to purchase the horse best suited to your needs.

All racehorses are trained hard, it is a demanding discipline. Injuries happen in the best of barns, with the best of care, with the most careful of trainers with the best of intentions. In order for a racehorse to remain sound over a long racing career, he must have skilled trainers with long term goals, good conformation, AND good luck. All three are necessary.

Good luck with the new horse you have purchased. I have no input about Bet Twice horses for you, I have never owned any to be able to draw conclusions and similarities between a number of them, and credit to this sire. But the TB breed is the most versatile breed available, often with substantial qualities and abilities that may become apparent with adequate training and care, in a number of different disciplines. If this horse's injuries are minor and heal well with your care, perhaps you will make him into a champion in another discipline, or perhaps only a champion in your heart as a non-competitive pleasure mount.

[Laurierace]

While it is true that when a horse rescued from slaughter another horse was slaughtered in his place it doesn't make that horse any less of a rescue. Have you ever heard the story of the little girl who was throwing some of the thousands of starfish who had washed up onto the beach back into the ocean? She was told she couldn't possibly save them all as there were too many so why even bother trying. She said it sure matters to the ones I can save. Every horse saved from slaughter matters. Every horse saved from abuse and neglect matters. Every horse transitioned from racing to another career in a loving home matters regardless of whether that fits the definition of rescue or not. We can't change the world all by ourselves, but if we all changed our little corner of it the end result would be miraculous.

[QHEventr]

While it is true that when a horse rescued from slaughter another horse was slaughtered in his place it doesn't make that horse any less of a rescue. Have you ever heard the story of the little girl who was throwing some of the thousands of starfish who had washed up onto the beach back into the ocean? She was told she couldn't possibly save them all as there were too many so why even bother trying. She said it sure matters to the ones I can save. Every horse saved from slaughter matters. Every horse saved from abuse and neglect matters. Every horse transitioned from racing to another career in a loving home matters regardless of whether that fits the definition of rescue or not. We can't change the world all by ourselves, but if we all changed our little corner of it the end result would be miraculous.

WELL SAID!!!!!!!! This is the same principle that I follow in Cat/Dog rescue. I can't save them all...although I sure would like to try!

I do get annoyed when people automatically assume that by retiring a horse from the track that they are rescuing it! There are certainly track horses that are not in great situations, but the majority are very well taken care of, even at the lower level stables. I have many OTTB's and do not consider any of them rescues.

[Arado*TB]

Ok first of all I am asking more for their minds ect..as I have children and other horses ect [as most of us do] . I will let him decide what career path he chooses. Maybe he could do low level hunters, maybe someones trail horse., possibly dressage, we will have to wait and see.His injury while not life threatening will end his racing career.
I don't appreciate the assumptions about how I am going to acquire this horse. Just fyi, I was called and asked to take the horse as I have taken in horses in need in the past. I can provide him decent layup , rehab, reschool and hopefully help find him a permanent situation. If he lives w/ me 6 weeks ,6 months or 6 years so be it. I would be making the trip to pick up the horse and would be taking on all of his care ect.
I do understand that these horses train hard[this quoted me by the owner his words not mine], this guy for whatever reason didn't hold up .
While I would be rescuing him[lack of a better word] he isn't in eminent[sp] danger.

Maybe I was wrong in coming here to ask for what I thought would be valued knowledge rather then questionable snarkiness.

I am only hoping to do what is in his best interest.

Jessi, I was able to place the grey mare from Jim. She is doing quite well w/ her new redhaired girl of her own .She recently was Reserve Champion in the Southeast District 4 h horseshow inthe Short Stirrup division and will now compete at State.

[ivy62]

Laurierace- Some people myself included did want to help a horse. I only have time/money for one and I needed to pick the one that said take me home...Just like having the puppy pick you...
I like hearing about my horses ancestry and relatives even though he is a gelding and that is where it ends but it nice to hear about. For someone that only has one horse, and not a farm full it is different. I put all my energies into helping him be the best he can be at what he does best, other then grazing and being a pretty pasture ornament. Some horses lineage leans in certain ways. I know lots of eventers that like Fappiano blood and so on...
I have yet to see a good picture of Bet Twice and would love to but I honestly think my horse looks like his sire's side except for color....

[Barnfairy]

Hey there Arado*TB, please don't take it personally -- it's just that for the race trainers & grooms who take such good care of their charges, it is very insulting to hear of a racehorse being "rescued" (which implies that the horse has been neglected and/or mistreated and is at risk) when in fact that is not the case at all.

Actually, depending on the circumstances, there are a few more appropriate words, ranging from "purchase" and "buy" to "rehabilitate" and "rehome".

Sorry for the semantics beat-down side track. It sounds like you are prepared to provide a nice home for a horse, if not this one, then another.

Bet Twice progeny are relatively limited as he was pensioned at age 12. Woodman, on the other hand, had huge books and was a top broodmare sire. None of that matters as much as what you can see in the gelding himself. :)

[bort84]

Whew! I can see why people get a smidge bothered when others refer to a horse that isn't actually in in horrific condition or in danger of going to slaughter as a "rescue" just because he's being retired from racing.

However, there are a lot of listings on the CANTER website (often thought of as a rescue website) for horses still with trainers that need to be retired from racing. So I can see where perhaps some people may refer to a horse as a "rescue" that is not necessarily in danger of being sent to slaughter or of dying from poor condition just because it is listed on a "resuce" site.

There are certainly a lot of race trainers out there who will do their best to make sure the horse goes to a good home after the track. And for those, it is certainly better to say "rehome" or "rehabilitate."

With that point out of the way, I can also see why someone would want to do a little background on a horse they might rescue. If you only have space for one, you'd like it to be the most useful horse for your situation. That's why rescue websites specifically state whether a horse will be a pasture pet or a riding horse, they realize not everyone has the means to support their riding habit and their rescue habit.

The OP is doing a good thing by giving an OTTB a good home. Let's not pick on her for trying to get one that's rideable too. Some people want to "rescue" a usable horse too, not the 35 year old that will have to be a pasture companion on special medicine and feed for life.

I consider my horse a borderline rescue because I bought him as a dealer was getting ready to send him to a very shady little auction mostly populated by kill buyers. But, I needed a horse I could ride too, and he was a very sound choice. It's just as worthy to save a horse that can be ridden as one that can't...

[AppJumpr08]

From The Webster Dictionary:

res·cue
Pronunciation:
\ˈres-(ˌ)kyü\
Function:
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):
res·cued; res·cu·ing
Etymology:
Middle English rescouen, rescuen, from Anglo-French rescure, from re- + escure to shake off, from Latin excutere, from ex- + quatere to shake
Date:
14th century
: to free from confinement, danger, or evil : save, deliver : as a: to take (as a prisoner) forcibly from custody b: to recover (as a prize) by force c: to deliver (as a place under siege) by armed force






Good luck with him - he sounds lovely, and I'm glad you are able to provide him the home he deserves!!

[Pronzini]

Thank you Nancy! The post I would have written if I had more time this morning.

Rescue is the most overused word in all of the horseworld and its frankly getting such bad connotations with scams and halo polishing that real good works are being undermined and racetrackers I know who take good care of their horses don't want to deal with so called rescues and rescuers any more.

To the OP, you probably meant well but this isn't the Alex Brown forum where its seems the whole notion of retiring a horse from the track is considered a rescue. Some of us have horses in training and that's just plain insulting which is why you got the response you did from some posters.

As for the breeding issue, that's hardly a science or every Storm Cat and Unbridled's Song would be a world beater. Some stallions are known for some traits but it hardly means that every one of their offspring came off an assembly line. The best people to give you advice about things like temperament are the folks that actually handled your horse in the past. If the horse was a claimer, spring for the PPs and start calling people up and chat them up. Tone down the rescue talk and say that you are thinking about the horse for whatever and ask them if they remember him around the barn. You might be surprised at how friendly some people can be and what insights they might offer. It certainly couldn't hurt to try and you'd know something about that horse instead of about a Bet Twice that may not be anything like your horse.

[EponaRoan]

That's why I like the term "outplacement" - they're not being rescued; they're simply finding a new career opportunity. :yes:

[Jleegriffith]

When I have been going to the tracks I try to use the words placement service to describe CANTER. I am volunteering at Delaware Park taking the track listings and almost every single horse that has been pulled out for us has been in amazing condition. Yes, they might have a soundness issue but they are almost chunky and all have looked happy. The two horses that have come in from Delaware Park as donation are the picture of health to the point they walked off the van and settled right in. You wouldn't know the difference between them and my riding horses if I didn't tell you.

I wish more people got the opportunity to see what horses on the track look like. A hay bag that is always full, nicely bedded stalls, their own personal grooms, plenty of good food (yes, maybe a lot of concentrates but it beats starving them) and for the most part people who care about their well being. We have had racehorses, layups and a variety of Tb's in different stages of their careers over their life and in my opinion they have been cared for better than a lot of riding horses I know.

Hope the horse works out. I can understand the need to know about the horse you are taking on before just agreeing to take it. A picture is worth a thousand words in many cases and I would rather people know what they are getting into before they take a horse on and then sell it or send it elsewhere because it wasn't what they expected.

[ASB Stars]

I agree with all of the proactive, and kind, thoughts expressed about rescues.

We can only save them ONE at a time...

I usually say that I reclaim them, retool them, and rehome them...

[Arado*TB]

I have never questioned this horses care.In fact he is and has been well cared for .I am also not questioning the care any trainer provides for their horse. My horses too, have full haynets one in particular has hay 24/7Obviously the current owner cares where the horse ends up or I wouldn't have been contacted.They want to see him thrive however, he will not be continuing ma race career thus the need to move him out of the barn and free up the stall for a new trainee. I think there has been to many assumptions.
I was just curious to know what trainers or ordinary people have found in dealing w/ the BT and WM bloodlines.Regardless, it looks like he will he living w/ me shortly.

[Pronzini]

I think there has been to many assumptions.


Starting with yours. Based on the rest of your post, you're not rescuing anything. You're probably getting a good horse free or cheap. Congratulations.

Mile in the moccassins moment--would you be cheesed off if I took a horse from you and then posted that I rescued him.? Doesn't it imply something terrible about your care or your intentions?

Good luck with your new horse.

[lizathenag]

I prefer the term recycled. . .

[Arado*TB]

Prozini, I have no missconceptions about this horse. If you read the post you would have seen I was contacted totake the horse and was merely asking about others experiences w/ this blood line.
I think enough is enough and everyone [self included ] needs to get their feelings off their fingertips. I am merely wanting to do the right thing for this horse and btw, I have been contacted in the last month to help place 3 other horses and have done so.

[EponaRoan]

I think what bothered people was the use of the term 'rescuing' in your subject line rather than something like "getting a Bet Twice gelding" or "Bet Twice offspring?" - those probably wouldn't have gotten any comments.

For the record, I'm not bothered, but I do think the word rescue gets way over used in the horsey (and dog) internet world.

[Arado*TB]

If I would have thought that the word "rescue" would have caused such an uproar I wouldn't have used it. I think too, what bothers me is such comments about a free or cheap horse. He[trainer] came to me as have others in the past. I just don't look at it that way. I am glad someone has the confidence in what I can offer in a way of helping an ottb.

[PineTreeFarm]

If I would have thought that the word "rescue" would have caused such an uproar I wouldn't have used it. I think too, what bothers me is such comments about a free or cheap horse. He[trainer] came to me as have others in the past. I just don't look at it that way. I am glad someone has the confidence in what I can offer in a way of helping an ottb.

I've had quite a few horses off the track. None of them were rescues. If I had referred to them as rescues the trainers that were helping to place them would never have done that again. 'Rescue' has a lot of negative implications.

[danceronice]

I've had quite a few horses off the track. None of them were rescues. If I had referred to them as rescues the trainers that were helping to place them would never have done that again. 'Rescue' has a lot of negative implications.

This. It's not that people think you're doing a bad thing, OP, it's just calling it a rescue to get one off the track implies that being a racehorse is something they have to be rescued from. It's a rescue if you pull them out of the kill pen. It's purchasing if you're buying an OTTB. There really is an attitude among some horse people that racing is a horrible thing and any horse taken from the track is being saved. A lot of the posters on here make their living in racing, so you can see why they'd be touchy about someone appearing to say that horses need to be saved from them.

[Beezer]

Rescue = A starving or otherwise abused horse (whether it's one of Paragallo's, or from the seized TB farm in Southern California's Inland Empire, the foreclosed upon Arabian farm or clueless backyard breeder) and immediately getting said horse out of the situation.

The very, very vast majority of off-track TBs are NOT rescues -- unless, of course, they are already in a terrible situation at an auction lot or elsewhere. I don't consider Topper, my wonderful CANTER cutie, a "rescue" any more than my coach considers the five OTTBs currently in her barn who were bought from trainers at tracks "rescues." They are "project ponies," "resale projects" or whatever, but they are not, not rescues. I should live as well as the large majority of racing TBs! :lol:

To the OP, please realize that words matter, particularly here in this forum, where the word "rescue" is thrown about far too often when someone is basically looking for a horse who needs another job.

As for the bloodlines in question, I don't have much knowledge of the Bet Twice side of things since he didn't sire all that many foals (although he was a lovely, lovely horse!) but Woodman was a class individual and class will tell. If the horse looks like the type you like and want to train on for another career, then, hey, go for it!

[Arado*TB]

Beezer the tid bit of info you supplied was all I was seeking. As far as rescue ,goes I totally get it. I did pull one out of the kill pen that is now my daughters hunter.He turned out to be one of the nicest horses we have had the privelege of owning. This horse will undoubtedly be a project and one I am looking forward to.Thanks for the info.

[danceronice]

Pictures? I don't think I've ever encountered a horse with Bet Twice breeding, come to think of it.

And I had an OTTB (not those bloodlines) and just...be prepared. All the ones I've known have been smart little devils. Like mine, who was too observant for his own good and who liked to do things like take his auto-waterer apart on cold days when he was locked inside. He had a happy apple toy thing, but no, the waterer was much more interesting..

[Arado*TB]

I am expecting a pic or two ,when I get them I will share. The ones[ottb] I have encountered def have large personalities.

[Sing Mia Song]

Arado, I've never worked with a Bet Twice, but I've worked with a bunch by Sportin' Life, his sire. They were all big-moving, athletic individuals with pretty good minds. They could occasionally get a little bit of an "I don't wanna" but were generally nice horses and good jumpers.

Woodman, as mentioned, was a class horse, although he could be very, very tough--always one you had to watch yourself around.

[Arado*TB]

Thanks SMS that is the kind of info I am looking for.Wish me luck . I am getting excited about him.

[Frog]

I don't know, I think she's rescuing the owner of this slow racehorse from having to pay any more bills!

[Laurierace]

I don't know, I think she's rescuing the owner of this slow racehorse from having to pay any more bills!

Now that truly is a rescue, I couldn't agree more! So you rescued and owner and are getting a new horse in the process, what a win win.

[DeeThbd]

A good friend of mine was a groom to a daughter of Bet Twice on the track...she was a big, pretty grey mare, sweet as the day is long, not fast enough to be successful. Huge doe eyes, nicely put together. Had he been in a position to have her as a show / saddle horse, he would have done it in a New York minute. He still talks about her with great fondness. He would go into her stall when she was napping to hang out with her, could walk her on a loose shank - total doll.
Hope this boy works out for you!:D
Dee

[Sugarbrook]

Hardly ever post on this racehorse thread, but just wanted to say that I wish you all the best with your new guy. Sounds like you have a good one.

[Arado*TB]

http://i30.tinypic.com/ru1wqv.jpg

After his first bath. He is very sweet and little quizzical .He would love to play chase w/ the corgis if I let him.

[foundationmare]

Every racehorse that needs a home post-racing career is not necessarily a rescue situation. Find them at a kill pen at New Holland, different story. Owner, trainer threatening to sell them to a dealer with an uncertain future, different story.

In my opinion, not all racehorses are treated well, but significantly more of them are. This may be attributable in part to the common-sense approach that providing excellent care makes a payoff far more likely, and it may also be because, that, along with a love for the horse, assumes that good care is a given. I entered the racetrack milieu as an innocent, had my eyes opened, learned a bit, and have come to the conclusion that there are many, many more instances of good will and best care that typify most of the trainer/owners I know.

For those who don't have a clue what is going on behind the scenes at most racetracks, don't assume that all or most racehorses are abused and/or neglected. For the most part, I can report that my experience has proven that they are pampered at best, treated very well for the average. I don't believe that every horse in every discipline is treated across the board with superior and humane care. I'm still haunted by a threat about the hideous treatment of a high level horse by his person (horse lunging with head between the knees, relentless and lethal beatings with a whip). Nuf' said.

I am the owner of two ex-racehorses, both of whom are for sale. They have been given the best care I can provide. When, if, they sell, I hope that they will not be noted as "rescues" simply because they are former racehorses. I have carried them for a loooong time to ensure that they will NOT get sold down the pike. There are far more like me than not.

[foundationmare]

Every racehorse that needs a home post-racing career is not necessarily a rescue situation. Find them at a kill pen at New Holland, different story. Owner, trainer threatening to sell them to a dealer with an uncertain future, different story.

In my opinion, not all racehorses are treated well, but significantly more of them are. This may be attributable in part to the common-sense approach that providing excellent care makes a payoff far more likely, and it may also be because, that, along with a love for the horse, assumes that good care is a given. I entered the racetrack milieu as an innocent, had my eyes opened, learned a bit, and have come to the conclusion that there are many, many more instances of good will and best care that typify most of the trainer/owners I know.

For those who don't have a clue what is going on behind the scenes at most racetracks, don't assume that all or most racehorses are abused and/or neglected. For the most part, I can report that my experience has proven that they are pampered at best, treated very well for the average. I don't believe that every horse in every discipline is treated across the board with superior and humane care. I'm still haunted by a threat about the hideous treatment of a high level horse by his person (horse lunging with head between the knees, relentless and lethal beatings with a whip). Nuf' said.

I am the owner of two ex-racehorses, both of whom are for sale. They have been given the best care I can provide. When, if, they sell, I hope that they will not be noted as "rescues" simply because they are former racehorses. I have carried them for a loooong time to ensure that they will NOT get sold down the pike. There are far more like me than not.

[LaurieB]

http://i30.tinypic.com/ru1wqv.jpg

After his first bath. He is very sweet and little quizzical .He would love to play chase w/ the corgis if I let him.

He looks great. What a nice expression he has. :)

[MintHillFarm]

I would consider the Bet Twice gelding a rescue.

What other future does he have if he is not able to run? How long does a trainer fill a stall with a horse that can't start? Her purchasing or adopting him is his way to a good life for how ever long she decides to keep him.

I feel like I "rescused" one of the ones I have, although I paid $3500.00.
When I saw how he was treated at the farm by the trainer, I knew I had to get him out of there so I wrote a check. I never made the trainer feel badly nor did I comment on what I saw. I just knew that horse needed to leave. I have NO regrets, he has been with me for 10 yrs now and he loves his life here and I love him...

[Laurierace]

I can probably drum up 1000 or so that need rescuing for $3500. Are you looking for any more horses?

[ivy62]

My horse was a rescue because he was dumped by his owner to someone trying to rehome him..Does a horse have to be in diplorable(sp) conditions to be a rescue? We rescued each other.....

[Arado*TB]

Folks we have been around this mountain on the thread already as you can read in the previous pages. I agree, not all may be in dire straits or in deplorable conditions. I have bought straight out of the kill pen. However, I was contacted about this guy as he was injured in training put on a trailer for 5 hours and looked after[ a little more to the story I am learning] until he was able to come to me. Rescue, maybe not by everyones standards however he is "crashing" now[as some do] and very thin but what a good mind. I was a asked to post a pic when he got here. I did. Please enough of the degradation. I am tickled he is here as I picked him up sight unseen.He has settled in well thus far and is happy my gelding is nice to him. He is only 5 and I think once he fills out and just continues to chill he is going to be a lot of fun. His personality is as big as he is.Btw his name is Forrest.

[Gestalt]

I think he is very handsome. I'm a sucker for a big, dark TB. And I can see why he would want to play with your Corgis, I would too. :lol:

[PineTreeFarm]

Folks we have been around this mountain on the thread already as you can read in the previous pages. I agree, not all may be in dire straits or in deplorable conditions. I have bought straight out of the kill pen. However, I was contacted about this guy as he was injured in training put on a trailer for 5 hours and some what looked after[ a little more to the story I am learning] until he was able to come to me. Rescue, maybe not by everyones standards however he is "crashing" now and very thin but what a good mind. I was a asked to post a pic when he got here. I did. Please enough of the degradation. I am tickled he is here as I picked him up sight unseen.He has settled in well thus far and is happy my gelding is nice to him. He is only 5 and I think once he fills out and just continues to chill he is going to be a lot of fun. His personality is as big as he is.Btw his name is Forrest.

But now that you've posted endlessly on a very public BB some of us can figure out who the trainer is.
You didn't rescue a horse. You made a purchase.
And that trainer by now knows how you are referring to the transaction.

And it's likely that none of the people connected with the horse will ever bother to try and place one again. So what do you think will happen to the next horse to need a new job?

Alienating the track people is not a good thing or a smart thing.

Hope you enjoy him.

[Blinkers On]

Tough crowd.

[Arado*TB]

Pinetree, I didn't purchase him. I was asked by a friend of the trainer that ended up w/ the horse if I would be willing to take the horse [rehome] if you prefer. The friend is a trainer themselves and while I have had a good relationship w/ this trainer [cares where the horses go] as does the one he came from or obviously the horse wouldn't have been looked after as he had been. They BOTH cared that while he no longer had a career he needed a home .I think from what I have been told the trainer is soley acting on owners wishes. I am not BASHING the trainer[s]!!!!!!!!!!
If you wanted more info you could PM me.[or actually maybe I shouldn't?]as I am learning bits and pieces of his story as his trainer is not this original trainer from what I gather. I didn't come here to BASH ANYONE. Nor am I going to argue , its pointless anyway. Aren't we all for the most part here for the common good? Shouldn't we care where or what happens to them? My God , go to the H/J forum and read where the poor girl is considering rehoming a horse she purchased and now injured and doesn't know if the horse will come back sound [the difference being?]. Now that said if you read the op I just wanted to know what if any kind of info I could gather on the oVERALL type of guy he may would be. Some were more then gracious to answer my questions and wish us both luck. I am blessed w/ this horse so you know I guess it is a win/win.

btw I have stated somewhere in this thread HAD I known the the word "rescue" was tabboo I would have another choice of words[s].

I have no desire to alienate anyone nor do I intend to.

[Pronzini]

But now that you've posted endlessly on a very public BB some of us can figure out who the trainer is.
You didn't rescue a horse. You made a purchase.
And that trainer by now knows how you are referring to the transaction.

And it's likely that none of the people connected with the horse will ever bother to try and place one again. So what do you think will happen to the next horse to need a new job?

Alienating the track people is not a good thing or a smart thing.

Hope you enjoy him.

I second what you say PTF.

I've straddled both worlds. By the standards of Mint Hill Farm, I've seen horses in the barns of BNTs in dressage that needed "rescueing" and you certainly could do it for mid 5 figures. Same horse blows his suspensories and you'll see how much of a future those horses can have too. That's just human nature and the way of the world both on and off the track.

The principals in this story sound like the good guys. If I went to the trouble they went to and then saw the horse referred to as a rescue where any Tom, Dick or Harry with Google could figure out who I am, I'd be mortified. A little less apple polishing and a little more diplomacy might be in order.

That said, enjoy your horse!

[MintHillFarm]

I can probably drum up 1000 or so that need rescuing for $3500. Are you looking for any more horses?

I wish I could! But there are 5 here at the farm and that's the limit for now...

The funny part of this story is they were asking $10,000! Not sure where they got that number...I offered $3,500 and they grabbed it. I still keep thinking that I could have likely gotten him for less!

[Madeline]

Arado, I've never worked with a Bet Twice, but I've worked with a bunch by Sportin' Life, his sire. They were all big-moving, athletic individuals with pretty good minds. They could occasionally get a little bit of an "I don't wanna" but were generally nice horses and good jumpers.



I forgot that I could actually contribute here! I, too, have a Sportin' Life horse. Very expressive mover, loves to jump and does it well, and has a great mind. I'd take another in a shot.

[brightskyfarm]

One of the things that irks many of the trainers I know-- is when folks are *browsing* the backside with an/the attitude (s) of
1. just because the horse isnt running well, it has no value (therefore, needs rescuing> "GIVE it to me free, please", if, they are lucky to get the please)...
2. the trainers are scoffed at for even asking *anything* for a horse....its not running well.... why ask a price?
3. the trainers that DO give away horse, left loaded with bills... looker wont pay a dime.., but then 30-60 days later the trainer sees that very same horse listed for 5K...6K..10K..! gee,.... and there they are still sitting straddled with the horses bills.... hum... a bit miffed.
wouldnt you be?
4. many trainers view the *lookers* as scammers anymore...
sorry... just offering some of the attitudes of trainers I know.

[rcloisonne]

http://i30.tinypic.com/ru1wqv.jpg
Cute horse. Was his injury a bowed tendon on the right front?

I'm glad to hear he has a caring home which is all that really matters.

[WhiteCamry]

http://i30.tinypic.com/ru1wqv.jpg

After his first bath. He is very sweet and little quizzical .He would love to play chase w/ the corgis if I let him.
What's the oval mark on his hip?

[LKF]

I'm happy you got yourself a new horse and sorry that you got a few folks who are sensitive regarding the wording of your post. But please understand that there are many professional TB owners and trainers who love their horses and love this sport. This is our bread and butter - yes, we become defensive simply because the sport takes so much crap from 'Joe Public'.
One thing that bothers me is how the term 'OTTB' is being used as if it were a breed. There's no such thing.
Maybe you could change the title of your post?

[witherbee]

Beautiful horse, and my TBs LOVE my corgi too. It's her job to torment them when they paw at their stall doors or the paddock gate, and it's their job to make sure she has a job by pawing lol! My corgi is a pembroke...

I was thinking that I knew a Bet Twice, but she was a Phoen Trick, so no input on the bloodlines thing.

This si not directed at the OP - just general comments since it was brought up on this thread. The "rescue" thing has been beaten to death, but I agree that the CANTER horses and other horses bought off the track are, in general, not true rescues. I'm a Hunter person as well as a racehorse breeder/owner with several trainers in the family, and our horses at the track always look better than 90% of the horses that I see at shows and show barns. I am always insulted when I am approached about a horse that I have for sale through CANTER, or a sales website and someone acts as if they are doing me a favor by "taking the horse off my hands" usually for a fraction of the price it's advertised for. I've started asking them for pictures of THEIR horses to post side by side with mine lol. I see way too many true rescues here in FL to ever consider a nice TB from the racetrack as a rescue.

Again, best of luck with your gorgeous horse!

[EquineRacers]

Are you actually rescuing him as in saving his life or are you merely buying him off the track? Just wondering.

Physically Woodman horses in my experience typically have a good head set for eventing/dressage, with very distinctive toplines and shoulders. They aren't very big horses. Temperament wise I have found them to be a bit stubborn, but generally classy. Bet Twice usually sires some good looking stout individuals with nice necks. The one mare I had experience with was good to work around, little high strung but good.

I was just thinking the same question about the rescuing. I have had the pleasure to come across two very nice horses with Woodman on the bottom line. The two I've comes across have been 17hh and very smart, athletic, vetted out sound (even with 15 races under them), sweet, willing, and ended up making fantastic Jumper/Eventers for their new owners!

[unclewiggly]

I have had 2 woodman horses.
One a stakes winning stallion who had huge elegant gaits and was an absolute pleasure in every way a horse can be. Drop dead fiery red chestnut w/ a ton of chrome.
The other was a plain dappled bay gelding who also had huge elegant gaits lovely head big shoulder and talent galore, won stakes in France, ran over timber here, could jump the moon...but he was a stubborn hard headed hot horse.
Bet twice have no recollection of his prodegy being in my barn.