What we Do
We are a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Thoroughbred Sport Horse Training and Adoption Center located in Northern California. Building a more inclusive Equestrian World by giving Off The Track Thoroughbreds a second career.
Designed for Sustainability
Our approach is a sustainable process that takes advantage of the constant supply of young but retiring off the track thoroughbreds:
- We increase demand for Thoroughbreds by developing elite horses, encouraging Thoroughbred event classes, and ultimately fostering Thoroughbred-only competitions.
- To achieve sustainable outcomes, we are implementing a phased approach over time.
Wellspring Training Method
Our present focus is to showcase Thoroughbreds as viable competitors at the elite levels of the sport horse disciplines.
We achieve this by seeking out, acquiring, rehabbing and retraining the best of the breed. These are typically Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTB’s) that possess the qualities required for success at the higher levels of Show Jumping, Eventing, Equitation and Hunters.
Our unique approach is known as the Wellspring 3R Training Method.
Rehab. Retrain. Rehome.
1
Rehabilitation
Most OTTBs have spent years being trained for one thing - speed on the track. They have typically trained hard and competed at demanding performance levels.
To offer a second chance and the promise of renewed greatness, many of these sport horses require rehabilitation. The intensity of the rehab varies from horse to horse. This can be a costly and time consuming process.
2
Retrain
As a Master Equestrian, Bernie Traurig lends his decades worth of Thoroughbred expertise and experience to the Wellspring Training Program.
Successfully rehabilitated Thoroughbreds are retrained using our unique Wellspring 3R Training Method. This approach has been developed by Bernie over a lifetime and is designed specifically for OTTB horses. It optimizes the timeframe and performance by combining different aspects of his training methods.
3
Rehome
To repopulate the jumping disciplines with successful Thoroughbreds, we offer a range of adoption options.
Many of the Wellspring horses will be adopted to compete and showcase their talents at the higher levels of the sport horse disciplines. Placement will be with top level riders who regularly attend events that will illustrate to the equestrian world that the Thoroughbred is a viable competition horse.
Other horses are placed with up-and-coming riders of varying skill levels. We partner these horses and riders, assisting them with continuing education to advance their horses through to higher levels of competition.
We anticipate our Wellspring 3R Training Method will dramatically increase the number of Thoroughbreds that compete at the elite levels. Over time, it will also provide affordable options for thousands of riders who would otherwise be unable to move ahead in the equestrian world.
Wellspring Education Programs
The goal of our educational programs is to train students and instructors using our specialised Thoroughbred methodology:
- Student-based training: Enhanced knowledge gained from the actual riding and training of Thoroughbreds
- Specialist Trainers: Training provided by Bernie Traurig and a growing number of those educated in his training methodology.
- Peer Transfer: Training, care and welfare skills specific to the breed are taught to peers
Achieving our educational program goals will help make Thoroughbreds a viable option for those previously daunted by the training process.
Wellspring Internship Program
The goal of our internship program is to train riders who will become a new generation of Thoroughbred owners and competitors.
Practical Training
Hands-on training using the Wellspring Thoroughbreds
Growing Knowledge Base
Development of specific OTTB training techniques
Knowledge Transfer
Skills transfer to thoroughbred owners and competitors
Past Interns:
Addison Fraser
"My time spent working with Bernie at Wellspring Thoroughbreds taught me many valuable new skills that helped me and my horse progress tremendously. Bernie helped me in bringing along my OTTB who was a green jumper, and I also saw the process of restarting TB's recently off the track. From watching the workshops that were held there, I learned the importance of finding methods and equipment that not only work for the rider, but are best suited to the horses individual needs as well. I am so thankful I got to experience such a fun and rewarding position here."
Tanner Vendrick
“I’m still in disbelief over this incredible opportunity. Bernie and Cait made their home, my home. Not only did they teach me important barn management, horsemanship, and riding skills but, also, very valuable ‘living on your own’ skills. I have so many irreplaceable memories and life long friends! I highly recommend interning at Wellspring Thoroughbreds”
Morgan Hardesty
"During this internship I not only received training from Bernie but got hands on experience in horse care, saw the behind the scenes of the summer workshops and Bernie’s teaching methods and made many valuable connections within the horse industry. It was extremely educational and I feel way more confident with my knew knowledge. This has been the most memorable and fun summer for me."
Wellspring's Influence of Thoroughbred Events
To create new opportunities for Thoroughbred riders, we plan to encourage a thoroughbred-only competition circuit across America.
1
Thoroughbred Event Classes
Pursue Sponsors for Thoroughbred event classes
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Thoroughbred Only Competition
Promotion of an affordable Thoroughbred-only national circuit
3
Lower Competition Costs
Affordable Thoroughbred competition
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Job Creation
Potential for large-scale job creation