Trainer Challenge
Each Trainer and RRTP President, Steuart Pittman, has his or her own "Page" of blog entries with embedded videos. Access each trainer's page by clicking on their name below.
Kerry Blackmer - Kerry has Four X The Trouble, aka Tempyst, owned by Robin Coblyn
Tiffany Catledge - Tiffany has both High Level, owned by Jim Falk, and Solidify, owned by MidAtlantic Horse Rescue
Eric Dierks - Eric has Brazilian Wedding, owned by Pat Dale
Steuart Pittman - Steuart gets to post commentaries, plus he occasionally posts about Bodiddle, the horse owned by Lorna Starkey, that didn't make it to the Trainer Challenge
Kerry Blackmer
Kerry's Final Report
I never thought five weeks could fly by so quickly. The Trainer Challenge was simply a fun and amazing experience. And Tempyst...I still can't get over just how relaxed and quiet he was in that packed arena. When I first sat on him at the MD Expo, I must admit, I basically held on to my breast plate the entire time. All I kept thinking was, "Please oh please don't buck me off in front of all of these people!" It took three people to tack him up, two people to get me on, and a chain shank to get him to and from the tiny ring. He was definitely ready for his next race.
What a difference five weeks makes. The Pa Expo had more people, more horses, and more atmosphere than I ever expected. On Friday morning Tiffany and I had a chance to warm up our boys in the big arena. This is when Tempyst and I got our first look at the Fresians. Now I appreciate the breed as much as anyone else, but when a giant Fresian is standing on its hind legs while his handler keeps cracking a whip, let's face it that is scary stuff. At one point I felt like this guy was following me. Every time I took Tempyst out of his stall the same whip cracking guy was right behind me. I think I was more unnerved than Tempyst. Lucky for me Cyndi Hill was always waiting for us back at the stables. She did some amazing work keeping this guy loose and relaxed. Such a pampered pony!
Before I knew it, it was 2:00 and it was our turn. Tiffany, Eric, and I lined up in the small hallway while a parade of Fresians wearing glittery head dresses exited the arena. Well here goes nothing. I think all of us were a little wide eyed at the size of the crowd. Tempyst took a minute to take it all in, but then took a deep breath and got to work. After I warmed him up I gave him a chance to really look at the crowd. I think he knew that everyone was there to see him! I couldn't resist and let some kids give him a well deserved pat. At the MD Expo I never got straight or close to the rail. And now this horse was marching right up to the railing as relaxed and as confident as can be. I think he loved every minute of it.
Now Tempyst is back at my farm enjoying some much deserved turnout time with his pony buddy. He'll get a few days off before he goes back into work.
I am so lucky to have been a part of this challenge. I had so much fun and met some great people along the way. Thank you to everyone who made this experience such a success: Steuart, Erin, Robin, Pat, Bev, Cyndi, Tiffany, Eric, Natalie, and everyone at the RRTP. I can't wait to see what's next!
Now this is the part that might get off track a bit. After my ride I jumped in my truck to head south to Ocala, Florida to help a friend haul some horses back up north. Trust me, she would do it for me, but I have to admit I had an ulterior motive. My little OTTB "Casey" has been in Florida with Buck since October. Casey has not only been my main competition horse for the past five years, he was also the horse that renewed my love of this sport and gave me my confidence back. Needless to say, he is a very special horse. This past week he was sold and will be moving to his new home in California. This was my chance to go say goodbye.
And yesterday was even better. Tiffany was kind enough to invite Tempyst and I to her farm in Middleburg, VA. There is only one way to get a horse comfortable with new surroundings, and that's just by getting them out there. Of course Tempyst couldn't have cared less that we were in unfamiliar territory. I think he was happy to see some new scenery. It was a beautiful day to ride. Tiffany rode High Level. She's only had a handful of rides on him and he is already going great. I think he is happy to have a job again. The work ethic of an OTTB is just undeniable. I got to watch Tiffany jump High Level for the first time, and he was amazing. Of course everyone knows that I'm kind of a sucker for a chestnut TB. I rode Tempyst in the indoor, outdoor, and in the field. We even hopped over a few logs! I rode him all over the farm on the buckle and he was a perfect gentleman. Tiffany and I are hoping to take the boys on another adventure early next week. I can't wait!!
More Articles...
info@retiredracehorsetraining.org
(410) 798-5140
Mailing Address: 440 Dodon Rd, Davidsonville, MD 21035
The RRTP is a charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible pursuant to applicable laws. Our mission is to facilitate the placement of retired Thoroughbred racehorses in second careers by educating the public about the history, distinctive characteristics, versatility of use, and appropriate care and training of the iconic American Thoroughbred.
Funding is needed to maintain and expand our internet services, conduct our Throughbreds For All events, produce educational videos, and finance our presentations at horse expos and other high visibility public events. We do not use donated funds to care for individual horses. That work is done by the farms and organizations that we serve.
Click the button to donate, you will be able to enter the amount on the next screen and pay with your credit card or Paypal account. We thank you for your support!