Racetrack to Show Ring: Southern Belle Thoroughbreds

Southern Belle Thoroughbreds is the labour of love launched by Katie Larsen in 2017, essentially a match-making service that provides off-track thoroughbreds (OTTBs) that have raced at Fort Erie or Woodbine race track with new homes and new careers. In 2021, 150 race horses transitioned into new digs and gigs thanks to the Southern Belle platform, bringing the total to over 600 adoptions since its inception.

Katie started riding horses “as soon as I was able to walk” thanks to the influence of previous generations of women in her family who were equestrians. “I started at the pony level and moved onto horses in the hunter ring, but my true love was for the jumper circuit as I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie!” she admitted. “I competed at the Trillium level and ultimately made my way to the ‘A’ circuit at the 1.10-metre jumper division. I was grateful enough to work with a number of good coaches, but my true development as a rider came when I was training under the eye of Chris Pratt.”

After several years of competing, Katie took a hiatus from the sport to pursue opportunities outside of the equestrian world; however, this break from the industry was short-lived. “As the universe would have it, my true calling to be with the horses drew me back in again.” She profoundly missed working with and just being around horses and the connection and spiritual gratification they provided. She purchased an OTTB named Mia Bella Amore and her interest in the racing world was piqued.

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“I worked to obtain my exercise license and through my exposure at the race track, I came up with the idea to start Southern Belle Thoroughbreds.” The name is a nod to her horse; “I thought that ‘Southern Belle’ was a catchy phrase which describes her personality – a typical chestnut mare type!”

She added, “My history in show horses really opened my eyes to a niche that once a race horse is unfit to push on at the track, they could easily find a new purpose in the sport horse world and embark upon a new path where longevity is not such an issue.”

“Their level of athleticism and love for competition that they exhibit as runners naturally filters over into their sport horses careers…”

Katie explained how the system works: “We don’t purchase the horse ourselves, we simple mediate the transaction between buyer and seller. We operate between Fort Erie and Woodbine race courses where we are able to visit the Thoroughbreds who are coming up for tentative rehoming. We work with the connections of the horse – typically the owner and trainer.”

The horses are visually inspected and jogged in-hand to check for soundness. Photos are taken and the horse is then posted on SBT’s Facebook, Instagram and web platforms along with a description based on information from the racing connections, as well as Katie’s own personal feedback from the encounter.

“As I am the mediator, the solidification of the adoption is done between myself as acting agent on behalf of the owner and/or trainer and the buyer. In my role, I ensure all questions are answered, contracts are signed and appropriate arrangements are made for the comfort of both trainer/owner and buyer. Once an adoption has been finalized, arrangements are made for the horse to be picked up directly from the race track and transported to their new home.”

Exercise rider Chelsea Clouter works alongside Katie and has proven invaluable given her extensive connections at Woodbine Racetrack, especially during SBT’s early days. “She would send me the photos and descriptions of the horses there to be posted. I was previously galloping at Fort Erie, so I would ensure the thoroughbreds coming up for adoption were taken care of at that track. This year, Chelsea and I are both galloping at Woodbine, but I will still be focused on Fort Erie with weekly visits to ensure any horses that are looking to hang up their racing plates will have an opportunity to be posted for adoption on the Southern Belle page.”

While the pair don’t do any retraining themselves, they do recommend some downtime for the OTTBs coming off the track so that they have ample time to settle into their new surroundings and can enjoy a mental as well as physical break. Purchase prices vary and are based on a number of factors such as reason for retiring, current or previous injuries, conformation, movement and overall physical presence.

With their speed, courage and agility, OTTBs are especially suited to eventing; here Simply Silent, who retired from racing in 2019, is now killin’ it as cross-country for his new owner, Logan. (SBT Facebook)

Like most businesses in and out of the horse industry, the pandemic affected SBT’s operations. “Specifically speaking to 2021, we did see an influx of trainers or owners looking to retire some of the ‘under-performing’ horses earlier than anticipated due to the uncertainty of a concrete racing season start date. As the year progressed and we entered back into a state of normalcy, the volume of adoptions remained ‘business as usual’ and the demand for off-track thoroughbreds never waivered. Equestrian enthusiasts were still actively looking for Thoroughbred projects that they could turn into show horses or simply for the purpose of having a pleasure horse to spend time with.

“Many horse shows and events are encouraging the movement of off-track thoroughbreds for sport; for example the Retired Race Horse Project in Kentucky as well as Ontario’s Thoroughly Thoroughbred Series, to name a couple. These competitions are a great incentive for the horse community to continue keeping an eye on our social media platforms for their next prospective partner.”

Handsome young “Snickers” is one of SBT’s 2022 adoptees who proved a bit too laid back for racing and is off to new adventures. (SBT Facebook)

This year, Southern Belle Thoroughbreds will intensify its focus. “I have recently made the personal decision to move on from a ten-year career in finance for the purpose of focusing my attention and efforts on SBT,” said Katie. Purina has recently come aboard as a sponsor and will offer equine nutrition consultations to every horse that is adopted through SBT. And even more exciting news: Katie has started a syndicate with family and friends under the watchful eye of Woodbine trainer (and her employer) Sylvain Pion. “We are looking to purchase Southern Belle Thoroughbred’s first official racehorse!”

The SBT website contains a “Where are They Now” section where new owners can document their new partners’ progress and boast about their accomplishments. This aspect of the business Katie calls “the part of this operation that truly drives my soul. The adopters that I work with are truly a wonderful community, and I receive constant updates on the horses that have been purchased through my page.

“Seeing the retired racehorses thriving in an array of careers following their departure from the track really solidifies why I feel such a calling towards helping to transition these incredible athletes onto a new purpose. Their level of athleticism and love for competition that they exhibit as runners naturally filters over into their sport horses careers, which attributes to how quickly they not only pick up on their new jobs, but also excel beyond expectation.”