I thought I’d be packing up and getting ready to head out at 4 am tomorrow morning to attend the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover but it wasn’t meant to be.
Unfortunately, we were forced to withdraw due to a minor injury sustained by Enkidu. I’m so glad I listened to my horse. He was telling me something was wrong. I could have easily misinterpreted his “bad behavior” as just that but something felt different and I am glad I had the intuition to listen to my gut and get it checked out.
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Enki has been enjoying some down time and turn out the past few days but will start an active rehabilitation plan over the next 2 months. (I actually think he is wondering why he’s not being groomed and ridden and doted over daily… every time I go out to the barn, he hears me coming and he’s got his head out of his stall with ears pricked ready to greet me ).

We look forward to seeking out new goals in 2023 and showcasing all the hard work that went into training him during his first year off the track. I'm not going to lie, there were a few times I was ready to give up on him but somewhere along the way, I fell in love with this horse. I believe if I listen to him and can channel the talent and potential I feel beneath me, he will do great things.

While it is disappointing (I literally cried for two days ) to get so close to achieving a goal 10 months in the making, the training of this particular horse has provided me with invaluable lessons in horsemanship and solidified a belief that building a strong training foundation is imperative to success later. I am forever indebted to Greg Eliel for taking me under his wing and believing in me and this horse.

I still very much want to experience the Thoroughbred Makeover at some point but as of right now, the time I have to ride needs to go into Enki and Lenny. I want to broaden their education and experience before starting all over with another one. However, this process has ignited a passion in producing & training Thoroughbreds off the track into useful sport and riding horses. I truly believe they are a fantastic breed with so much to offer.

“I am still under the impression that there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as a thoroughbred horse.” John Galsworthy

Photo Credit: Paws and Rewind 

**Personal thank you cards to all those who helped us on our journey this year will be in the mail soon.**

Enkidu ran in his last race one year ago today. We took him home a week later.
When I think about where he was this time last year, I’m reminded at how far he has come in the 9 months of training I’ve put into him. I am proud to say I have put every post track ride on this horse (except for the week this summer when Greg Eliel rode him while I was out of town).
Like every relationship, we’ve had our ups and downs. I’ve had to face my own insecurities and confidence issues head on so I could be a better person for him. I’m forever grateful for the constant support, expertise guidance and friendship that Greg Eliel Horsemanship - Horses, Leadership & Life has given me this year. I am a better person and horsewoman for it.
We’re still a work in progress but whatever happens from this point forward is cream on top and just the start of what we can accomplish together. Good boy, Enki.
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**This race was Enkidu’s winning maiden claiming race at Delaware Park on 8/23/2018**
#tbmakeover #ottb #stablefeed #redingote #gregelielhorsemanship #enkidu #enki #enkimonster