Faeton

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Faeton is a 16.1h grey Thoroughbred gelding who, amazingly, retired completely sound after 4 years of Thoroughbred racing at Fingerlakes Track in New York. Faeton began his retraining adventure at the end of 2006, and has been learning the basics of dressage and combined training.

Faeton has really made some leaps in his learning this summer. He has begun lateral work with shoulder fore which occasionally can be a very nice shoulder in. His large, floaty canter has developed some "steering" but not throughness. He understands enough of the work to "get it" now, and is on the verge of being an adjustable, ride-able partner. For kicks, I started cantering him at low fences in August and he jumped like he'd done it for a long time! We started training with Dorothy Maxfield (USDF R Judge) in October to prepare for some USDF show outings in 2009.

FAETON's RIBBONS

Montgomery Co HJ Show - 1st - Geldings in Hand; Reserve Champion - Walk/Trot Division

Sept 13 - H&G HJ Show - 1st Leadline, 1st Walk Trot on Flat, 2nd & 4th Cross rails, 1st Medal Equitation Flat Class, 2nd Eq on Flat, Reserve Champion Cross Rail Division, Grand Champion of Adult Flat Division

FAETON's SCHEDULE - With a summer focused on training, Faeton will be going back out this fall to show off his new abilities. Here is his current schedule: - - - - - November 22 - SuCaro Ridge Schooling Dressage Show - - - - December 6 - Foxwood Farms Hunter Show

RACEHORSES ARE WINNERS

Every horse is different, and Faeton is a classic example that racehorse stereotypes aren't correct. Faeton is very laid back, and completely safe for even beginners. He would rather stand and watch than run or go. Training challenges involve creating impulsion and forward movement, keeping variety and challenge in sessions, and gaining progress while keeping training sessions concise and short. A typical training lesson with Faeton might involve walk figure 8's, trotting up our slopping hill, skipping over a few cross rails, running through some cavaletti, and basic trotting figures - all mixed up for variety. Training increases intelligence, and he is beginning to enjoy the "puzzle" of more challenging dressage work involving schooling figures mixed with lateral work and transitions.

THOROUGHBRED FEET

Thoroughbreds have a reputation for thin walls that have difficulty in holding shoes. Faeton was without shoes for 18 months after the vet pulled them for his pre-purchase hoof X-rays. His hoof spread a full size larger, his walls thickened, and his hooves are strong. It took about 6 months to achieve this integrity. Faeton is in front shoes now to offer more support as his work has intensified. A good diet, time out in pasture, and listening to your horse help achieve dramatic improvements.