Beyond the Track - by Anna Morgan Ford (Paperback)

About the Book

This book is the go-to reference for anyone interested in pursuing a partnership with an off-the-track Thoroughbred athlete.

Book Synopsis

A fabulously illustrated, updated edition of the bestselling guide to giving Thoroughbreds a new start in life off the track.

Renowned for their amazing athleticism and unparalleled work ethic, and famed for their "great heart" and willingness to go the extra mile, off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) have proven to be the ultimate equine partners in a host of disciplines:

• Dressage
• Eventing
• Show jumping
• Trail riding
• And even barrel racing and ranch work!

In this revised edition of the book that Thoroughbred and horse training experts have called "breakthrough racehorse literature," "superior," "a winner," and "the ultimate in training manuals," readers learn everything they need to transition an OTTB from life at the track to life out back.

Author Anna Ford, Thoroughbred Program Director at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, explains:

• The typical Thoroughbred's early years.
• Reasons for retirement.
• Common injuries and health issues.
• Basic feeding and nutrition.
• Safe handling.
• Step-by-step instructions for building the solid educational foundation the OTTB needs to excel in a new career, whether as a highly trained competitor or a pleasure mount.

With hundreds of quality, full-color photographs to illustrate conscientious and professionally tested training methods, case studies that share how other individuals have successfully retrained ex-racehorses, and the recommendations of top equestrians, including:

• Event riders.
• Jockeys.
• Horse trainers.
• And leading figures in the industry.

Review Quotes

Far superior to any other published material available on the subject of off-the-track thoroughbreds... I highly recommend that every trainer keep a copy on hand...to give out or to recommend with each horse that leaves the track. --Washington Thoroughbred

Racehorse or just a plain old rescue, if you're considering a horse in need of a new career, grab a copy of this book. I can't recommend it any more highly. --Side Lines

Like every thoroughbred who is given the chance to succeed, this book is a winner. --Thoroughbred Style

"A sigh of relief for anyone who cares about equine rescue, particularly off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) looking for a second career.... If you're looking for an OTTB, you'd be crazy not to buy this book. --Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar

I recommend this book to any potential OTTB (Off the Track Thoroughbred) owner.--The Chronicle of the Horse

Large color photos and step-by-step instructions make this manual a must-have for anyone thinking about adopting a thoroughbred off the track. --Horse Illustrated

The book could also be called 'OTTB Training for Dummies' or 'OTTB Training A-Z.' I consider this book the ultimate in training manuals for anyone thinking about adopting an ex-racehorse. Anna Ford is uniquely qualified to be the author of this book, which reads easily and covers every important detail of transitioning a horse from the racetrack to his next career."--Liz Harris, Executive Director, Thoroughbred Charities of America

"I'm a strong supporter of finding good homes for Thoroughbreds once they retire from the racetrack. I think it is great that Anna Ford has put together a book to help assist in the training process. These horses are great athletes and definitely can go on to be successful in new careers with the proper guidance and training. I believe Anna is a special person--through her work and dedication she has made it possible for these Thoroughbreds to have a second chance at life." --Nick Zito, Thoroughbred Trainer, National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Inductee

"A great book where very loving, caring people teach others how to share love with a horse, give him new opportunities, and bring out the best in both horse and rider. It is necessary to learn to handle Thoroughbreds the right way, and the author does a great job explaining detail."--Edgar Prado, Jockey, Winner of over 6,000 Races and the 2006 Eclipse Award, and 2008 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Nominee

The book could also be called 'OTTB Training for Dummies' or 'OTTB Training A-Z.' I consider this book the ultimate in training manuals for anyone thinking about adopting an ex-racehorse. Anna Ford is uniquely qualified to be the author of this book, which reads easily and covers every important detail of transitioning a horse from the racetrack to his next career."--Liz Harris, Executive Director, Thoroughbred Charities of America

"I'm a strong supporter of finding good homes for Thoroughbreds once they retire from the racetrack. I think it is great that Anna Ford has put together a book to help assist in the training process. These horses are great athletes and definitely can go on to be successful in new careers with the proper guidance and training. I believe Anna is a special person--through her work and dedication she has made it possible for these Thoroughbreds to have a second chance at life." --Nick Zito, Thoroughbred Trainer, National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Inductee

"A great book where very loving, caring people teach others how to share love with a horse, give him new opportunities, and bring out the best in both horse and rider. It is necessary to learn to handle Thoroughbreds the right way, and the author does a great job explaining detail." --Edgar Prado, Jockey, Winner of over 6,000 Races and the 2006 Eclipse Award, and 2008 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Nominee

About the Author

Anna Ford is the Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, which was founded in 1992 to offer retiring racehorses a safe haven, rehabilitation, and continued education through placement in experienced and caring homes. Over 6,600 retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds have been placed in qualified homes through New Vocations' efforts since its inception. These horses have come from 40 different racetracks and have been adopted by families throughout the country. Ford grew up deeply immersed in the racing industry as her father is a fifth-generation trainer. She rode Thoroughbreds throughout her youth and showed in a variety of disciplines. Ford was an exercise rider during college prior to her position with New Vocations. She also trained and instructed internationally, and is Masters Certified through the Certified Horsemen's Association. She was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and sits on the Advisory Board. Ford lives in Marysville, Ohio. Visit www.newvocations.org for more information about New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

A member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists, Amber Heintzberger is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in equestrian subjects. A lifelong horsewoman, she has competed in eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumpers and has retrained several off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Heintzberger lives in South Orange, New Jersey.