Good time to train?

tbrace · Restricted Stakes Winner Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 960

Here is a question. A friend is near retirement but young, 58. Trained on small tracks for 25 years or so, but always part time because of where he lived.

He can retire now, and wants to move to Northern Cal., and train a few of his own horses.

His question to me is: with short gates, fewer horses, etc,. do you think it would be a good time to retire from his military job and spend his last working years trainining? Could he get riders, shoers, grooms, etc,. with just 2 or 3 horses?

What do you think? Making $$ not the issue - just is it doable with small stable?

Sounds damn fun - I might join him!

zinn21 · 3rd Year Sire Joined: 31 Jan 2005 Posts: 3306

It will always be tougher with 2-3 horses to get it done. It will be tough to get a groom. Exercise riders should not be a problem. There are plenty of freelance riders available in NorCal. Getting stalls at GGF will depend on the kind of stock he has. All maidens he will get stalls at Pleasanton. Shoers, feed etc. will not be a problem. If he is personable, sociable, has good people skills that will also help in terms of networking and finding the right help etc. Coming in ice cold will require a lot of effort. If he has any connections in NorCal that will help but ice cold he will have to hustle.

oleos93 · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 11:47 pm Post subject:

I love the idea.....if he is going to do some at home training I would send my horses to him.

I LOVE the small set up.

oleos93 · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 11:50 pm Post subject:

I love the idea.....if he is going to do some at home training I would send my horses to him.

I LOVE the small set up.

tbrace · Restricted Stakes Winner Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 960

Thanks, Oleo,

I will pass the confidence along!

He is a true horseman, and just crazy enough to do this. We will see.

karenkarenn · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 11:06 am Post subject:

Keep us posted. we would love to know what happens.!
_________________
May the horse be with you!