In 2022, when Arthur Jenkins decided to adopt another horse from MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, he possessed a distinct concept: something of reduced stature, more advanced in age, and prepared to embrace a more tranquil existence alongside his seasoned horse, Zenith. However, he instead encountered Chatterbox: a substantial, 6-year-old Thoroughbred exhibiting a spirited character and an abundance of vocal expression.
Jenkins had maintained a relationship with Brenda Sampson of MidAtlantic Horse Rescue for nearly two decades and placed complete confidence in the procedure.
“I anticipated that the adoption process would be seamless and that we would receive comprehensive information on all aspects,” Jenkins stated.
During his inaugural ride on Chatterbox, Jenkins discovered a horse who demonstrated a strong desire to please yet was brimming with vitality. “He was excitable and possessed considerable strength in forward motion,” Jenkins recollected. However, a circuit around the rescue’s property finalized the decision. “I instructed him to nudge into dense undergrowth or approach farm machinery. None of these activities caused him any apprehension, which greatly encouraged me regarding his prospective role.”
Following trials with several horses, Chatterbox distinguished himself. “He appeared to be the most suitable,” Jenkins remarked.
Chatterbox, a 2016 gelding, accumulated earnings exceeding $67,000 in 26 starts prior to his arrival at MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in July 2021.
“This marks the second instance of adopting a horse from MidAtlantic,” Jenkins revealed. “I acquired Zenith back in 2006. With Zenith now reaching senior status, I sought a younger horse to be prepared to assume his responsibilities, so to speak, when the time arrived to curtail his activities. However, that has not yet transpired, so I currently possess two active horses.”
Chatterbox proved to be somewhat challenging during his retraining, prompting Jenkins to collaborate with a dressage instructor.
“The intention was never to transform Chatterbox into a competitive dressage horse,” he clarified. “We are simply employing the training as a groundwork for his true purpose – my primary trail horse.”
Initially, Chatterbox’s reactions were frequently somewhat dramatic. “He has never exhibited any malicious intent, merely an abundance of strength and velocity, which served as his response to any demanding situation,” Jenkins explained. However, with persistence and consistent effort, Chatterbox began to acclimate and flourish. “He possesses a robust work ethic and a vibrant personality,” Jenkins commented. “And within the stable, he has undeniably ascended to the position of leader within the herd – maintaining the activity of the more seasoned members.”
“[He has] evolved into an enjoyable mount that is secure, composed, and courageous on the trails. Currently, I feel entirely at ease taking either Zenith or Chatterbox for any ride that I envision.”
Now, exceeding two years into his retraining, Chatterbox is prospering. Jenkins rides him two to three times per week, exploring trails, participating in hunter paces, and engaging in judged trail rides and obstacle courses.
The Jockey Club supports many aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers. View all of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.
