I’m A Sucker For Second Chances

By Jessica Shannon

Some people embrace their horse’s breed as part of their personality. They may prefer warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, or fall for every horse they ride. There might be a bit of the latter in all of us, to be honest.

I am one of those Thoroughbred-obsessed horse people. Regardless of what my budget is, I always knew that Thoroughbreds were for me. There is something about their heart that speaks directly to mine. Their desire to be close with their human and their try are wonderful characteristics. They are spirited, often goofy, and incredible athletes. Their personalities are strong, and they love deeply while also being intelligent and sensitive animals. One other aspect of owning a Thoroughbred, particularly one recently off the track, is the beautiful idea of second chances.

Second chances in an ex-racehorse’s life can be looked at both literally and figuratively. The amount of retired racehorses who find themselves at auctions and kill pens, only to be purchased by kill buyers and shipped to slaughter, is staggering. Well-known racehorses have been sold to stud in other countries and slaughtered not long after a few of their offspring are born. A horse donated to a racehorse rehabilitation facility and later adopted by a hopeful rider avoids such fate. Many racehorse adoption programs require adoptees to return horses to them if they cannot care for them in order to avoid another potential neglectful or slaughter situation. Protecting a horse from auction, kill pen, or kill buyer gives them a second chance away from track life.

I’m also inspired by the idea of second chances. How often have we wished for a “do over” after a presentation at work, an awkward encounter with someone, or have wondered “if only I had…” about degrees, careers, something we said, or a host of other situations? Imagine if we gave others second chances, as long as it was healthy for all involved. Racehorses are bred with one ability in mind: speed. Their careers end because they weren’t fast enough or were injured. Thoughtful owners ensure their post-track life is safe. They have a second chance to shine at something else, and perhaps that second career was the one they were meant to have despite their bloodlines.

My own 5 year old off-track Thoroughbred is a son of Uncle Mo and half brother to the 2022 Belmont Stakes winner, Mo Donegal. He was bred to run. Galloping the second the starting gate flies open is not his gift. Thankfully for both of us, he had caring owners who donated him to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the New Vocations head trainer matched us when he was three years old. She did a brilliant job, too. I am humbled to be the one who helps him discover who is truly meant to be. I get to be his partner and let his gifts shine. There are some superstitions about changing a horse’s name, but I felt that letting go of his track life in every way was part of his second chance. He is no longer part of a chaotic race training program, and he avoided the slaughter truck. He lives a life full of kisses, fun challenges in the arena, homemade treats, and bubble baths. His new life and new career all deserve a new name to cement his second chance.

It does not matter the reason why someone connects with, or purchases, a particular breed, color, or age of horse. What matters is the care, attention, patience, and love they give their horse. For me, Thoroughbreds simply happen to be the ones who I want to grow with as a rider, horsewoman, and person. It fills my heart with such hope, peace, and love that part of my life as a rider is being a big part of a horse’s second chance. Perhaps it will teach me to give others a second chance. Every horse can be our teachers and healers. We only need to find the right partner.