Chetak Horses

CANTER

Today I wasn’t able to make it out to the barn.  I have seasonal allergies and unfortunately they were out full force.  So instead of talking about the training Achates and I have been doing I wanted to take a second to highlight the wonderful organization I got my horse from.

CANTER (The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) is a great organization that helps place ex-racehorses in loving homes.  For horses who aren’t able to be purchased right away, due to an injury or any other physical condition, they take the time to rehab them and get them to the point where they can be adopted. The work they do is amazing and in my opinion can’t be highlighted enough.

I think living in America and being a dressage rider we tend to automatically assume that we need a warmblood to succeed and reach a certain level in our sport.  I can’t help but disagree with this process.  Dressage is about the training, not what kind of horse you have.  It’s about being able to get a movement at the correct time during your test, and above all that it’s about the partnership you have with your horse.

Yes, warmbloods have gaits that can be more expressive and are generally better suited to the sport, but that’s just like saying someone who’s tall would be a great basketball player.  They height gives you an advantage but at the end of the day the hard work that you put in is what gets you there. And there’s absolutely no denying a thoroughbred’s work ethic.  Every day when I get to the barn Achates is ready to work.  He walks up to me in the paddock and from that moment to the end of our ride I have his full attention.  I never have to question the dedication he has to our work.

I think that CANTER is a great option for anyone who’s looking for a wonderful horse on a steep budget.  Not only are you getting a well bred, athletic horse, but you’re also providing a wonderful home to a horse that needs it. What more could you ask for?