05/04/2026
Old Thoughts but I'm still subscribed to them
This is going to be one of those real $h!t posts, so put your feelings aside and buckle up.... I may ruffle some feathers, but I'm saying what needs to be said. Stop thinking your horse will be a winner because it's by XYZ stallion.
Let me set the scene, you've scraped up the money to breed your mare to the stallion of your dreams... Fast forward a few years and now the offspring of that magic cross is old enough to compete in your first futurity. Will your homebred baby have a chance at glory with you riding? Or are you better off sending that horse to a trainer?
The number of times a day I hear, "My horse looks just like Sister." ... Um, well they are the same color, but that's about it.
Horse Owners have a tendency to look at their horse through rose-colored glasses. They honestly think their horse that's getting rode 3 days a week looks the same as a horse that is running 10 rounds in a row at the NFR.
... And even worse, many owners think genetics alone are what gets you to the pay window....
☝️This thought right here is why veterinarians and rehab therapists will never run out horses to work on.
This thought is also an insult to the incredible talent of top trainers and riders in the industry. Now don't get me wrong. Genetics Help. Specialized pedigrees are what boost a thriving industry, but it's one part of a very complex winner's puzzle.
I challenge you to look at any competing stallion (or mare or gelding) that is winning consistently. Really study their fitness. These trainers campaigning these great horses aren't cutting any corners when it comes to having their horses look and feel the part of a high level athlete. Their nutrition is on point. Their fitness is on point. They are putting in the time to give that horse the best chance for success.
👉 How many times have you meant to ride your horse, but got sidetracked or didn't have time to get enough rides in before going to a race you entered? How many times have you entered when deep down you knew your horse wasn't really fit? ...Genetics won't save you here....
I challenge you to compare a photo of your horse to one bred similar that is winning consistently. Which horse has better muscle tone? Which horse looks like a top athlete? To benefit your horse, you have to look at the horse before you... Not what it could/should/will be. What differences do you see between the winners are you? What do you need to change in your program to get to the level you want to be at?
... Genetics won't replace the dedication it takes to get your horse to the top....
Lastly, I'm going to throw in the fitness, experience and talent of our top riders. Pedigree helps, but I believe our top trainers could take a grade horse and have a pretty good shot at getting them into the winners circle. If you want to win, you have to address your own fitness as well. And I'm not size shaming anyone, so don't go there... I'm talking about having your body strong enough that you don't flop like a fish. I'm talking about putting in the rides so your timing with your horse is more in sync than it is with your spouse.
... I'm talking about rolling into that race feeling confident, prepared, and mentally in the freaking zone....
Do you know how it feels to truly be prepared for a race? Even if it's just a Tuesday night jackpot. Not cocky or overconfident. Just simply relaxed in knowing your preparation will give you the best shot at the competition.
... Your horse's genetics will not save you from being an ill-prepared and out of shape rider. A super fit horse will help counter your fitness level, but if you don't make yourself a priority... Your horse probably hasn't been made a priority either.
What areas of your riding need improvement? What goals do you need to set for yourself to get where you want to be? I know personally, I can look in a mirror and know I'm not morbidly obese, but I also recognize that I'm not Simon Biles. I'm mid-way to a personal fitness goal that I require of myself before I can set goals of running again. My personal goal isn't to be thin, it's to be strong and have good control of my body.
💁♀️ There's a reason you seem the same elite names at the top of the board. Experience, Dedication, Fitness and good genetics create the highest probability for success with the lowest chance of severe injury during competition. And it's not just people that train for a living... I can think of several winning riders that work a "real job" and still find time to dedicate to their equine athletes. It's all in how bad you want it and how hard you're willing to work to get there.
Proven genetics give you a higher possibility of creating a winner, but those papers won't carry an unfit horse to the winner's circle.
👉 A Ferrari is no better than a Prius if it runs out of fuel before the end of a race....
