When was the last time you saw a standardbred pick up a cheque in a pari-mutuel event, and then go out and turn heads at a dressage showing four days later?
On Sunday, May 19, the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and the SPHO of Ohio hosted a Dressage Clinic in Laurelville, Ohio with trainer, Jennifer Daniels. Ten horse and rider combinations participated along with individuals that audited the clinic. One horse that stood out from the rest of the ex-racehorses was Investor, who is currently still racing and racing well.
Owner and trainer Julie Allison brought the gelding that had just raced the previous week at the Meadows, to ride in the clinic. The handsome son of Angus Hall has 164 career starts and earnings to date of $325,339. Allison has been riding the 10-year-old trotter since she purchased him in 2011.
“Investor has 26 lifetime wins, and he got 11 of them with me,” stated Allison, who has been competing with Investor in horse shows between races since she got him. Not only has Investor been a top racehorse, but he also gained national recognition at the National Standardbred Show in New Jersey in 2012 with top placings in halter, hunter under saddle, and equitation.
“Investor likes things his way,” Allison continued, “so I found by riding him and doing a variety of events, he has become a better racehorse. It gives him something to focus on besides just racing each week. We have competed at the National Show, open shows, hunter schooling shows, hunter paces, timed trail rides, and ranch sorting.”
As Allison continues racing Investor, she is also preparing him under saddle for the upcoming Standardbred World Show in October, in Sunbury, Ohio.
“We loved riding in the New Vocations clinic,” Allison said. “It helps Investor and I become a better team.”
Investor is in to race next Tuesday at the Meadows, and then it will be relaxed riding and ring work the rest of the week.
(With files from New Vocations)