With just 79 days until the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover competition, the author is facing a critical decision about whether to declare a second horse for the event. Their current primary horse, Teddy Spaghetti, is progressing despite setbacks like lost shoes and hot weather, and will be competing as part of a team with the author’s daughter Grace. Meanwhile, another potential contender, Natty Bumppo, has been sidelined due to a recurring hoof abscess, leading the author to postpone his retraining and consider aiming for the 2026 makeover instead.

In search of a second horse, the author connected with a potential client who owns Patriotic Party (“Prince”), a 6-year-old retired racehorse recently started on groundwork and trail rides. Prince shows promising temperament and manners, with goals to become a well-rounded eventer and occasional fox hunter. However, the limited timeframe poses challenges for fully preparing him for the competition. The author must decide within eight days whether to take Prince on as a second entry or forgo the opportunity, while continuing to work with both horses in the lead-up to the event.