After my racing career, I was in several homes where I was misunderstood and portrayed as high strung, unrideable and a lost cause. I only knew how to go fast. I was scared, confused, and just trying to make it through each day.
I was yearning to be helped and loved. I badly wanted to please and do what was asked of me, but the only life I knew was racing. At my new homes, I expected to gallop and have a life like I did at the track, but that was not what they wanted me to do. My life changed so fast causing me to feel unsure and no one would show me what I was supposed to do. They did not do it on purpose – they just did not know how to help.
In the beginning, I was hopeful, but as time went on, people seemed tense and impatient. I gave up and became reserved, feeling extremely worried I was going to do the wrong thing.
I was found by two women who heard about my situation and wanted to adopt me. When I arrived at my new home, everything changed. I was turned out with other horses and given the time to adjust to my new herd and surroundings. I was petted and loved. They fed me carrots and just spent time walking with me around my new home. They kept telling me I was safe, and everything was going to be okay. I started to relax for the first time in a long time. It took me awhile, but as my new people began to work with me and show me – very clearly – what their expectations were of me and how I could slowly achieve them, I began to open up and try again. It was as if these new people knew what I had experienced at the track – no one had understood me like that before.
Today, I love my job and look forward to working and learning new skills every day. I also feel like myself again; I am silly and a trickster at heart. I love to snuggle and give hugs. I know I am safe and secure. As a horse that means the world to me.
My name is Traveler, and I am New Life Center for Thoroughbred’s founding horse. Welcome to a place of peace, hope, and love. Welcome to New Life Center for Thoroughbreds.