Thoroughbred Adoption in North Carolina
PHILOSOPHY & Retraining
Evaluate, Rehabilitate, Rest, Retrain, & Place
Our Mission
Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Inc., was formed to ensure that retired racehorses find a second calling and profession. Thoroughbred racehorses often meet dire fates. Our organization’s goal is to prevent animal cruelty and offer a more effective and humane alternative at the end of each horse’s racing career.
The horses that are accepted into the “After Care Program” are evaluated, rehabilitated, rested, retrained and placed into loving homes. BBTAP will place horses for adoption and find them suitable and reliable adopters.
New Arrival Process
Each horse is treated as an individual and their ability and skill set is carefully considered.
Evaluation
Each horse that comes into our program is evaluated for soundness, health, and general well-being.
Rehabilitation
Any rehabilitation needs, nutritional, medical or otherwise, are addressed.
Let Down Time
While some of our thoroughbreds progress quickly others may need more time to settle in and adjust to a new atmosphere.
Retraining
We do not "retrain" each horse for a specific discipline because the potential adopter may desire to do a different discipline. Instead, we work to establish the basics which are essential in any equine sport.
Retraining Technique
Rhythm, relaxation
& connection.
We begin with the base of the training scale: rhythm and tempo. Creating a relaxed horse who is stable and balanced in the walk, trot, canter is our main priority. Relaxation mentally and physically can be challenging at times, but is well worth the time and effort.
Once that has been established, we can focus more on a steady connection in the bridle and simple lateral work.
Trail riding is an important part of the retraining process. It exposes the horse to obstacles such as creeks, bridges and ditches which can be a new and exciting challenge for horses that have only been trained to race. Trail riding is also beneficial for building muscle and stamina in a low stress environment and allowing the horse to negotiate a varied terrain.
Ground manners are also taken into consideration when they enter the program. Unnecessary or pushy behavior is corrected firmly but absolutely, not with harsh punishment. We find that calm, confident handling each day is the best recipe for success when creating good manners on the ground.
