Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Success Story: ‘Coronary heart Horse’ Lamartine Thrives After Rehab

Heather Rowan had at all times dreamed of proudly owning a horse, and for her adoption was the one choice. “I knew how particular Thoroughbreds had been, and I used to be thrilled on the probability to provide considered one of these magnificent horses a loving residence for the following chapter of their life,” Heather shared. Understanding that CANTER Michigan constantly provides distinctive horses, she determined to submit an adoption utility.

CANTER Michigan, accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, performs an important function in serving to racehorses transition into second careers. For the previous 26 years, CANTER Michigan has partnered carefully with racetracks in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to seek out eternally properties for tons of of Thoroughbreds.

Heather recalled the appliance course of as thorough but not restrictive. It was clear to her that CANTER Michigan cared deeply about her expertise as an adopter, working diligently to make sure they matched her with the proper horse. Their suggestion was a horse named Lamartine. Though Heather may solely discover a identify and an image on their web site, one thing about him captivated her, and he or she knew she needed to schedule a go to.

Heather made the journey to CANTER Michigan’s W. Brown Efficiency Horses facility to fulfill Lamartine. Reflecting on their first encounter, she remembered strolling into his stall, the place he instantly turned, approached her, and playfully shoved his nostril into her armpit. In that second, Lamartine’s candy and goofy persona gained her coronary heart, and he or she knew he was the horse for her.

Lamartine had simply began his retraining after being on stall relaxation whereas recovering from a tendon harm. As an alternative of using him, Heather spent a few hours in his stall, attending to know his persona. By late Could 2023, Heather formally adopted “Martin.”

Martin, a 2015 darkish bay gelding bred in Brazil, boasted a powerful race report, incomes $251,684 over his four-year racing profession. He competed in Brazil, Kentucky, Texas, Indiana, Oklahoma, Florida, and Arkansas. In 2019, Martin even raced within the Outdated Pals Stakes at Kentucky Downs, hinting at his future at a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited facility.

Heather and Martin spent their first few months collectively specializing in groundwork to finish his rehab.

“We primarily labored on groundwork and power coaching to rebuild his topline and core,” Heather recalled. He wanted to achieve power earlier than changing into a using horse. By November, as they grew nearer to reaching that aim, Heather was decided to seek out the proper saddle for Martin – one thing that might match him like a glove, guaranteeing it wouldn’t intrude together with his physique or motion.

Heather enlisted a saddle knowledgeable to suit Martin for an all-purpose saddle. This allowed them to start out the under-saddle retraining course of whereas persevering with to accommodate his again because it stuffed out. The next Could, when Martin was extra muscled, the saddle knowledgeable match them for a higher-quality saddle. Heather bought a Stubben monoflap saddle.

“The precedence was discovering one thing that match us each as our workload elevated, guaranteeing there have been no indicators of discomfort,” Heather stated. She continued to work with the saddle fitter each couple of months to make sure the saddle remained a correct match.

Being cautious with Martin to start with, Heather was conscious to not put an excessive amount of stress on his recovering bowed tendon as he eased again into using. “We took it gradual and regular, specializing in constructing our relationship and hacking out on the path,” Heather wrote. Their focus was on attending to know one another whereas giving Martin “loads of time to only be a horse.”

Lately, Heather and Martin wrapped up their first present season collectively in 2024, taking part in a Hunter/Jumper education present, a Dressage present, and a mini Cross-Nation Derby. “Martin is so courageous and sensible, and he’s found he actually loves leaping over issues,” Heather shared. Her hope is that they’ll finally compete in lower-level eventing, however she is dedicated to letting Martin “dictate what we do sooner or later.”

Heather expressed her deep affection for Martin by saying, “Martin is my coronary heart horse, and we have now had the very best journey collectively to date.” She added, “I really feel so fortunate to have constructed such a powerful bond with him and that he trusts me.”

The Jockey Membership helps many aftercare initiatives together with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the one accrediting physique in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which inspires the retraining of Thoroughbreds into different disciplines upon completion of careers. View the entire initiatives supported by The Jockey Membership.