When most people think of the Thoroughbred industry, they picture racing, speed, and high stakes. But what happens to these horses after the finish line? And could their intelligence, courage, and sensitivity make them perfect partners in equine-assisted work?

✨ “It’s a win-win situation for the equine-assisted world and for the Thoroughbred world — an opportunity to give back to society in a meaningful way.” – Suzi Pritchard-Jones

✨ “Any living creature is made up of energy. Unless you can express that energy, it gets bottled up and becomes destructive.” – Suzi Pritchard-Jones

In this compelling episode, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Suzi Pritchard-Jones — a breeder and advocate working to bridge the gap between the racing world and the equine-assisted community. Suzi shares her vision for a more humane future for Thoroughbreds, both during their careers and beyond, where welfare, horsemanship, and second careers in therapy and education take center stage.

From Ireland to Florida to the UK, Suzi is pushing for change within an industry often misunderstood and criticized, championing transparency, accountability, and empathy for one of the world’s most athletic and misunderstood breeds. Together, she and Rupert explore how Thoroughbreds — once the engine of civilization — can once again serve humanity through healing, learning, and connection.

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🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Thoroughbreds deserve a second chance — and how their traits suit equine-assisted work ([00:06:00])
• The evolution of the racing industry — from owner-breeders to syndicates — and how that affects welfare today ([00:18:00])
• How misconceptions about “hot” Thoroughbreds persist, and what really defines their temperament ([00:22:00])
• How better horsemanship could transform the racing world ([00:28:00])
• Inside prison programs using retired racehorses to teach empathy and responsibility ([00:39:00])
• Creating unity between equine-assisted practitioners and the racing establishment to secure funding and respect ([01:00:00])
• How the in-hand Takhin method can help retrain racehorses and improve balance, confidence, and soundness ([01:17:00])
• Rediscovering the origins of the Thoroughbred — from the Barley Turk to modern breeding concerns ([01:23:00])
• Why equine-assisted practitioners must explain the science behind their work to earn support ([01:42:00])
• How the Newmarket Pony Academy and Autism & Racing initiatives are paving the way for social change ([01:45:00])

🎙️ Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• Suzi recalls growing up riding out racehorses in Ireland and learning trust over dominance ([00:05:00])
• The lightbulb moment: seeing Thoroughbreds used in therapy for veterans at Ville, France ([00:15:00])
• The evolution of the racing industry and its changing relationship with welfare ([00:18:00])
• How better horsemanship and “crazy time” for horses can prevent frustration and burnout ([00:28:00])
• Thoroughbreds and prisons: how touch, empathy, and hope transform both horses and inmates ([00:40:00])
• Creating transparency and accountability in racing welfare programs ([00:48:00])
• The challenge of funding and uniting the equine-assisted field ([01:00:00])
• How the in-hand Takhin method builds balance, confidence, and soundness in ex-racehorses ([01:17:00])
• Rediscovering the origins of the Thoroughbred — from the Barley Turk to modern breeding concerns ([01:23:00])
• The Newmarket Pony Academy and Autism & Racing initiatives leading social change ([01:45:00])

📚 Contact, Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:

• Suzi Pritchard-Jones – Author of Barley: The Thoroughbred’s Ticking Time Bomb: https://amzn.to/492f7Dd
• International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) – https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com
• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation – https://www.trfinc.org
• Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance – https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org
• Horseback UK – https://www.horseback.org.uk
• Square Peg Foundation – https://www.squarepegfoundation.org
• Newmarket Pony Academy – British Racing School, UK
• Autism & Racing – Initiative founded by Bobby Beavers, UK
• Horse Boy Method, Movement Method & Takhin Equine Integration – https://ntls.co

🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com

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