OTTB - Thoroughbred Makeover

I spent the day at the Thoroughbred Makeover and saw numerous former racehorses who are now successful in new careers. There were show jumpers, a police horse, polo ponies, barrel racers and Dale and Duck. Of all the makeover trainers, I have been following Dale Simanton and his progress in converting Drake's Dancer (aka Duck) from racehorse to ranch horse, in his Gate to Great Program at Horse Creek Thoroughbreds in Newell, South Dakota. http://www.gatetogreat.com/

I walked back to the barn and met Dale and Duck. Dale is quiet and humble. I felt it a privilege to meet a true cowboy. 

Duck reminds me so much of Bouffe. Not on looks, but by his quiet demeanor and willingness to please. There are many videos of Dale and Duck on the Retired Racehorse Training Project website http://retiredracehorsetraining.org/ but the best one is the one found here http://retiredracehorsetraining.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=560:a-tribute-to-a-great-team&catid=102:dale-simanton&Itemid=398 I need to say no more.