Focus on Solutions
Over the course of my involvement in the Thoroughbred industry, my motivation has always been the love of Thoroughbreds. I have sought to learn everything I can to be the best steward of the breed that I can be. For centuries, Thoroughbreds have been carefully bred to race. It’s in their blood, it’s what they love to do, and there is nothing quite so magical as watching an exceptional Thoroughbred do what it loves to do. Therefore, being a good steward of the breed means being a force for positive change in the Thoroughbred industry, as the two are intrinsically linked.
Two of BTE Stables resident OTTBs, Denman’s Call aka Magoo (chestnut) and Phantomof the Nile aka Phantom (bay)
For as long as I have been involved in this industry, I have learned that not everyone has the same motivations in this industry. Paired with deeply entrenched standards of business, change has been glacially slow, or entirely nonexistent. There is no shortage of people willing to complain, and call out others for their actions. But the pool of people willing to lead that change, to make sacrifices for the good of the sport, is abysmally shallow.
After spending years trying to work within the systems of power and influence, it has become abundantly clear that I am unwelcome at those tables. Whether due to my “pedigree”, bank account, or steadfast commitment to truth and change, my efforts have fallen on deaf ears. In an effort to maybe find other likeminded individuals within the industry, or gain an audience with those that disagree (I will work with anyone for the betterment of the industry and the good of the horse), I will be sharing my thoughts on the problems that plague the Thoroughbred industry, and proposed solutions, here in Focus on Solutions. I will also address the ways that BTE Stables works to enact these solutions, regardless of whether or not anyone else is. Because if I am not willing to make the changes I am asking others to make, I am no better than those screaming into the void and pointing fingers.
BTE Stables homebred Nineties Trend aka Gumbo, who required many creative solutions to make it through his first year.
Below is a not so brief brain dump addressing issues in every facet of the industry, as well as a brief overview of the solution or path forward. This document was shared with the National Thoroughbred Alliance nearly a year ago, and was apparently deemed too negative to be of any value. I’m sure there are holes in some of the solutions, and some of these are outdated due to organizational changes. I am sharing it as it was originally written and shared, and throughout this series will expand on various issues and proposed solutions. Feel free to reach out on social media or via email if there is a particular issue or solution you’d like to see further discussed. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to work together to be part of positive industry change!
