If this is the first chapter, I can hardly wait to read the rest of Mac’s life story.

Putting the happenings of the thoroughbred Makeover into words is near impossible but I will give it a go! Mac was one of over 450 off-the-track Thoroughbreds that converged on the Kentucky Horse Park to show what can be learned with just nine months of training after the track. There were Thoroughbreds that ranged in track earnings from 0 to over 4.5 million and they traveled from 50 states and Canada. Now, let’s be clear a horse with only nine months of training is by no means a seasoned show horse and can be anything from a big puppy dog to a full-on handful in a hot minute. Mac was a total professional and true partner throughout but I was witness to all types of reactions to this event.

. 

Tuesday included schooling in the Rolex Ring and preparing for Dressage on Wednesday. Mac was able to get some rest and I was able to get the lay of the land.

Our Dressage time was late in the day which provided time for a hack in the morning, braiding, and a nice relaxed warmup. His fan club started to arrive early afternoon. It was incredibly humbling to have so many people travel hours to watch Mac and me compete. I was incredibly excited to meet Mac’s breeder Christine Hansen whom I connected with early on in Mac’s journey to the Makeover. Christine came equipped with her camera and over the days that would follow she took many beautiful photos of Mac and me. Christine proudly posted about our journey and the competition on FB which helped keep everyone in the loop. It was very clear she was happy to see Mac embracing his life off the track and succeeding. I feel so fortunate that because of Mac our paths have crossed and a friendship has developed.

Our Dressage warmup was like a fairytale Mac cruised around the ring with ease and relaxation. He took absolutely everything in stride and was like a seasoned pro.

 His test in the Rolex Ring had a few bobbles but overall I was pleased scoring 67.4%. It was windy with some rain and a big atmosphere in the arena. You have to live in the moment competing in the Rolex Arena and I did.

Mac’s demo ride was very relaxed and confident scoring a 43 equivalent to 71.2%. It was scored out of 60 points instead of 100. He ended up finishing somewhere in the top twenty-five out of about 120 hoses. I will figure out his exact place when I separate the Western Dressage riders who were placed with us in the rankings

Thursday was a flurry of activity preparing for a 10:20 ride time for Mac’s Freestyle.

To say the Freestyle was a blast is an understatement. Mac was a rockstar and he owned the stage loving every minute of it. While performing to Neil Diamond’s song America. I could not have done this without the support of good friends and family who helped with set-up and take down all within the 3-minute time limit.

Mac was a star and placed 6th overall. He was 1 point out of the top five who were fortunate to perform again in the Finale. We did get to ride in the victory gallop where Mac proudly displayed his pretty green ribbon.

This experience has been nothing short of fantastic. I met and made new friends from all over the US and Canada. I saw the Thoroughbred breed through a different lens showing the true versatility of the breed. Most importantly, the relationship with Mac and the time I have spent developing it showed up in the ring and around the park. There is no question Mac is special and this is just the beginning of the fun we will have ahead.

I will not leave you hanging you are welcome to join in on this continuing journey this time to the TIP ( Thoroughbred Incentive Program ) Championships this time next year.