How do we feed our OTTB’s?
Creating a feeding program that worked for our OTTB’s took time and some trial and error. Once we figured out what was working, we made sure each individual was getting what they needed and now the horses look and feel great from the inside out!
We mix our own feed for all the animals we have on the farm. We buy in bulk ground corn and ground soybean meal from a local farmer. We mix a 3 to 1 mixture of corn to soy to produce a 16% protein feed.

We buy large square bales of 2nd cutting hay for all the animals and the horses get as much as they will eat. Grazing on grass is ideal and we do that as much in the height of the season. Rotating pastures and strip grazing the bigger fields to make sure we have grass all spring, summer and into the fall is essential to keeping the grass and soil as healthy as possible.

All four of our thoroughbreds get fed twice per day the following:
1-1.5 pounds of Stablefeed’s Sainfoin pellets (soaked first)
2- 2.5 pounds of ground corn/soybean meal mix 16% protein
1 oz of Purina’s 12:12 Free Balance Horse Mineral
Enki - 3 biscuits of Stablefeed’s Carrot/Chia supplement, Manna Pro ShoFlex & ShoHoof
Lenny - 3 biscuits of Stablefeed’s Papaya/Chia supplement and Manna Pro ShoFlex
Burt- 3 biscuits of Stablefeed’s Papaya/Chia supplement and Manna Pro ShoFlex

Check out these benefits of feeding Stablefeed’s Sainfoin pellets:
This information and more can be found at www.stablefeed.com
Non-gas producing to support horses prone to gas colic
Bypass protein for improved protein utilization
High in condensed tannins to naturally inhibit parasites
High in Omega-3’s for natural anti-inflammatory support
Longer chewing time to support salivation, production of digestive enzymes and increased water consumption.
​
If you have questions or would like to hear more, let me know!

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.
​
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.
​
**This race was Enkidu’s winning maiden claiming race at Delaware Park on 8/23/2018**
#tbmakeover #ottb #stablefeed #redingote #gregelielhorsemanship #enkidu #enki #enkimonster

​Anna hopped on Lenny the other night for the first time. I’ve been working with him since June - focusing on relaxation and rhythm within his gaits and in transitions. In the last couple of weeks I’ve been working on connection and straightness through the outside rein. He’s a lovely horse - he’s eager to please, super smart and has a great work ethic.
Lenny (JC name Belly Dancer) last raced August 2020 and we took him home from TRRAC - Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation and Careers in September of that same year. With 90 starts, this guy knows how to work but he was uncomfortable and wouldn’t gain weight - no matter what we tried. After having success with putting Burntwood (Burt) on Sanfoin pellets from StableFeed to help ease his hind gut ulcers and put weight on (it also helps Burt’s sensitive skin from breaking out in the summer… bonus benefit), I put Lenny on the same feeding regimen. We started noticing a difference in his demeanor on the ground and under saddle and within a month he was noticeably starting to gain weight. He’s been steadily gaining weight and muscle mass since. (I’ll post a side by side picture of before and after)
I’m looking forward to getting this guy out more and doing more things! And maybe now Anna can help in riding him some during the week

We had a great day at the Colonial Classic yesterday. Aiden and Talulla competed in the Itty bitty jumpers in a class of 42 others while Anna and Burt competed in the prelim jumpers in a class of 36.

Anna conquered her nerves jumping around the big Dixon Oval ring and did an awesome job. She ended the day on a high note nailing her speed round! (Side note: Burt has only been off the track since July 2019 and was not properly started off the track until we got him In October 2020. Our 12 year old (who has only been riding him for 5 months) just competed him in a big show in a big ring jumping 2’6/2’9. While there’s always room for improvement, as far as I’m concerned, they won it all yesterday. )

Aiden and Talulla had 3 great rounds making some super turns and only missing the top ten in their speed class by half a second!
​
Big thanks to Jennifer Cassidy for coaching the kids and navigating all the courses and last minute ring changes! They’ve made big improvements this past year, thanks to you!
The best part of the day for me was watching my kids return from their rides being so thankful and appreciative of their horses. Making sure their horses were cooled out properly, braids out, hosed off, watered and fed and telling them they are the best horses in the whole world.