The educational institution situated in Lexington, Kentucky, exhibits prowess across diverse athletic endeavors. Equine sporting competitions are evolving toward achieving similar distinction. Established in 2013, the collective has progressively broadened its scope to encompass various equestrian activities, including navigating barrels at speed, remaining mounted on a bucking bovine, securing a goat, and collaborative lassoing.
Predominantly, the steeds employed by the group are of the American Quarter Horse lineage. Nevertheless, one pair garners particular recognition owing to a former racehorse of Thoroughbred heritage named Titan. Once known as Good Stuff in the racing world and descending from Popular lineage. Emma Denno, who is Titan’s caretaker, acquired him at age 14 and commenced his training autonomously.
Good Stuff began his racing career in July 2015 and made his final start Oct. 28, 2017 at Golden Gate Fields. He won four of 11 races and earned $21,210. Once ready to start his second career, Titan was retired from racing and bought by a private owner.
During that interval, Denno sought her subsequent equine companion. Initially, she intended to find a Quarter-Horse adept at barrel racing patterns; however, these proved too costly or geographically distant. Then, she discovered Good Stuff on EquineNow. Luckily, he was in Modesto, Calif., and only a couple hours away from her home in Santa Rosa. Their initial encounter affirmed their suitability as a pairing.
“I didn’t try any horses after him, I deiced I really liked him.” said Denno, who renamed him Titan. “His goofy personality, athleticism, and his build were deciding factors.”
Thoroughbreds have the potential to excel as equine sporting companions because of their adaptability and intense competitiveness.
“Titan is very competitive and always wants to be first,” Denno said.
Titan exemplifies the potential of Thoroughbreds as exceptional travel companions, especially in competitive contexts. Denno noted his background in Thoroughbred racing as facilitating a seamless adjustment.
“From him being on the track and getting to see the crowds and hear the loud noises, he was already exposed to those elements,” she explained. “Transitioning to rodeo crowds was not difficult since he was already acclimated to the travel and busy-ness.”
The abundance of Thoroughbreds in the state was crucial in Denno’s collegiate decision. The state hosts several Thoroughbred events, such as the Thoroughbred Makeover in October. At the Thoroughbred Makeover, OTTBs compete in the barrel racing among many disciplines, showcasing their versatility.
“I just fell in love with all the Thoroughbreds and all the heart,” she said.
After touring University of Kentucky, Denno expressed that the team and the welcoming atmosphere at the K Bar C ranch, where the team is located, would be the best place for both her and Titan. Since the rodeo team is relatively recent, she recognized this as an enticing prospect.
“I would rather be a big fish in a little sea than a little fish in a big sea,” Denno explained.
When asked what advice she would give to someone buying an off-track Thoroughbred, Denno said: “Don’t give up on them, be willing to work through any difficulties, they are very smart animals and willing to please.”
After six years of owning Titan, Denno has been able to transform him into a superb barrel racing horse. They are on the University of Kentucky Rodeo Team’s travel team for barrel racing and will participate in National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association college rodeos this fall.
