The retraining process no matter how many times you think about it or say it, is just not easy. There are so many things to think about and just when you really feel like you are hitting the peak you start over-thinking or over-analyzing new things.

Goldie has been exceeding every expectation I have ever had. He has been amazingly talented along this whole ride together and continues to be, but one thing that is so new to me is he is 5. Not only is he 5, but he is an actively growing 5-year-old immature horse, meaning his body is changing so rapidly for the better some days and then he can be so awkward (in a good way) other days.

Morgan Hayden and Goldie (Courtesy of Morgan Hayden)

When he hits his growths spurts there are so many new things that feel different and there are days that he really just might not feel like the same horse I rode the day before. Recently, however, I have just been over-thinking every part of him and really worrying about him. He has lately just been tripping a lot in the hind end. Not a terrible trip but enough where I feel like I have start hyper-focusing on it. It definitely can be seen in many videos and with each ride is a weakness concern because he just keeps growing and changing. His body just feels like it cannot keep up with all of the good nutrition and training he is receiving. I always over-think any new type of step my horses take because they are my children and really just want the best for them.

So, we made the decision to go back to the drawing board and break everything down all over again. Meaning, we have just have been hacking out and walking a lot. We have been walking up and down hills, walking long trails, and even just throwing in random terrain. Most recently, we went and did a 13-mile trail ride at Fair Hill. Goldie loved all of it, and even toward the end he started to really become brave with every stream and bridge.

We still do trot and canter while occasionally throwing in some gymnastics, but what is most important is that I continue to strengthen his hind end and all of his changing muscles as he continues to grow. Also, he really is enjoying the slower life style.

I know that there are many times that as a rider we get in our own head and even get more stressed out thinking about how the Thoroughbred Makeover is quickly approaching with so many more things to see and learn. However, my most important goal is to get to the makeover with a stronger horse, both physically and mentally, especially since Goldie has already shown he is super adaptable to anything we come to together.

The Jockey Club supports many aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers. View all of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.