GOLDEN ISLAND THOROUGHBRED RESCUE INC.
The Start of Golden Island Tb Rescue....
My purpose of establishing the Golden Island Thoroughbred Rescue to create a transitional home for thoroughbred racehorses after they have completed their career on the track. This mission grew out of my work, training and providing lesson/show program at VanderZicht Stables. I have always been drawn to the "off track thoroughbred. My dream becomes a reality through this organization. Golden Island thoroughbred Rescue has enabled me to devote my skills, knowledge and expertise to give the retired race horse a new and purposeful life. In order to restore dignity and respect for these majestic animals we provide a caring, loving and nurturing program in the rolling hills of Massachusetts. Restoring life for an unhealthy thoroughbred can be difficult but rewarding. Giving these horses a gift of a second chance in life for a successful career, is our family mission and passion.
" Thoroughbreds have always been my rescue."
-Lauren VanderZicht-
Jimmy the Gem, race name Jimmy the Germ, received usef thorougbred horse of the year for his region in 2021. He has also been invited to lexington, Kentucky Horse Park to compete in the Take2 thoroughbred finals in 2021 and 2023. He continues to train at the 3ft level and he is great teacher to many amatuer riders as well. He was diagnosed with kissing spin in 2019. He Made a full recovery to be such a lovely solid hunter/jumper.
Our three thoroughbreds that started this all......
Our oldest Thoroughbred, Grub for Gold, is my pride and Joy. "Goldie" was rescued off the track after her long and successful race career. As a thoroughbred race horse it made it challenging for Goldie to relax her mind set for a new career. I knew that this special horse would be in my life for a long time. We worked hard together to create a relationship based on patience and trust. Fourteen years later Goldie has helped many riders learn what it is to ride a beautiful, talented, kind thoroughbred. She now enjoys teaching young beginner riders how to trot, canter and teach them how to jump their first jump. She is a seasoned show horse and has competed throughout the hunter/jumper circuit. Goldie is healthy, happy and continues to love her job as a teacher at age 26. Recently she took an ambitious 7 year old through the 2'6 hunters at an A rated show and they were spectacular! Goldie is one of a kind.
Recently, in 2020 Island Whirl Girl competed in the Take 2 Thoroughbred Jumper Division throughout the "A" circuit. Girlie qualified to compete in the Take 2 finals hosted by Kentucky National Horse Show located in Lexington, KY. She is one of the most athletic horses I have ever ridden. Lauren has had "Girlie" for 14 years. She came straight off the track at 6 years old with severe Lyme disease, very poor body and hoof condition.
We worked hard to get girly back to health. We did not expect this mare to do more than light riding considering her condition she came in. In the end result Girlie was skilled in the 1.0 meter jumper ring and no one came close to her time! She has now stepped down to be a junior eq horse and loves her job teaching talented young riders. Expect the unexpected with these special horses. Their love and motivation for us is much greater than we will ever understand.
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