Written By Megin Potter  |  Photos By Sharon Castro

The Courage to Try

Will (racing name WHATSINITFORME) was born in 2017, sired by TEUFLESBERG. He is a gorgeous 15.3 hand dapple grey gelding who trained under multiple graded stakes winner Domenick Schettino. He had nine career starts and placed third at best.  

Injured when he was four years old, Knotty Dawg Racing chose to bring him to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga so he could begin the long path back to health. Will endured a year of being at stall rest. While his leg was healing, his spirit was not. That’s when Anna Hollander, a former jockey (who has gone through the agony of major injuries and recovered, as well) was asked to introduce Will to After the Races NY, located on the 11-acre Swedish Hill Farm.

“It was like he didn’t know how to be a horse anymore. Will was lost. It was almost like he was back to being a foal, acting very shy around other horses. He didn’t eat any grass. He was walking around, pacing, and showing signs of stress,” said Anna. 

“I couldn’t turn him out with the herd (with the four other Thoroughbreds I have) so I turned him out with two ponies. Ponies are calming for Thoroughbreds. He liked them and still does. They were like his security blanket and taught him how to stand up for himself,” she said. 

An Indominable Will

Will had developed potentially fatal bacterial abscesses in four feet so veterinarian, Dr. Michael Galvin, voluntarily visited numerous times a week and cared for Will ­­— without charge. 

For three months they battled, soaking Will’s feet twice a day in Epson salt baths. There were days when he just laid in his stall, unable to walk, rising only to soak his feet. To protect them, Master blacksmith Gavin Clark donated hoof care, shoes, and smithing.  

It was touch and go, but he had a will to live, said Anna, naming him William (Will)  was only appropriate.

Then, Will started eating the farm’s top-notch recipe of hay, grass, grain, and his favorite — sweet peppermint candies. He began playing with “Market Impact,” the leader of the herd, and went on a trail ride with other horses. 

“I watched him gradually change — going from almost a lost soul, he just blossomed. We taght him how to be a horse again. It’s a beautiful thing,” said Anna. 

Strength That Gets You to the Finish Lane

According to the state gaming commission, during the 40-day Saratoga meet last year, 14 horses died, 12 from musculoskeletal injuries.

“I think for everyone that’s been to the races, it is extremely upsetting to see a racehorse break a leg. I’m happy Will survived, is healthy and sound, and can move on to a second career. It shows what’s possible after horses have a bad injury, when there’s the support of the right people, and he’s given the right care,” said Anna.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Inc. founder Erin Christopher-Sisk was in tears at the heart-warming sight of Will racing around and socializing during After the Race’s annual Kentucky Derby party in May. 

“I’m happy to do it. It’s so rewarding to see horses like Will, who go from where he was, to where he is today. The hardest part, for me, is having to adopt them out so I can help save more horses. I cry every time,” said Anna.

After the Races NY, Inc., a local, all-volunteer-based non-profit Thoroughbred retirement program accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, relies on donations and fundraising support.

For details and more information about their annual fundraiser with jockeys bartending at Bailey’s Café, 37 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, follow After the Races NY on Facebook, Instagram and visit https://www.aftertheracesny.com