Living in the 21st century, it can be hard to imagine how our ancestors did simple things. Today, we have microchips to keep our pets safe and tell one beagle from another. But what about horses? How did we tell them apart in the past and use their physical features for identification? What are technologies available now to track our horses and keep them safe? Here is a brief history of IDing thoroughbreds.

Color

Probably the easiest way to identify a horse is by their color. In this post, we talked about the common colors for thoroughbreds. Colors are great, but they can also be similar between horses, so there needed to be other ways to identify them.

Face and Lower Leg Markings

We’ve also talked about face and lower leg markings before. These additional traits are more than just pretty; they can also help identify the horse. For example, two horses can be chestnut, but one might have a white star, and the other has a sock on the right front leg.

Whorls

What if your horses are all one color and all the same color? Another way to tell them apart is whorls. This method has been used since ancient times. Also called cowlicks, this is a patch of horsehair that grows in the opposite direction. There’s an entire field of study dedicated to recognizing whorls in horses.

Tattoos

Natural patterns and colors help to a certain extent, but in our modern age, we need definitive proof that we have the right horse in front of us. Enter the art of tattooing. But don’t think that horses are getting sweet sleeves and hearts that say “Mom.” Lip tattoos were the gold standard for a long time.

Microchips

But the days of lip tattoos are ending as technology evolves. Today, digital tattoos are becoming the norm. Like the microchips we get for our dogs and cats, digital tattoos are based on microchip technology. They get scanned, bringing up the horse’s registration, including all the identifying markings we’ve listed above.

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FollowhorseOlogyonline and on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about our team, thoroughbreds, and services. Call us at 855-HORSIES (855-467-7437) to set up your visit to our facility.

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horseOlogy has only limited investment opportunities in this year’s investment group.

Horses of Racing Age Be A Lady ’21 by Violence

Horses of Racing Age

We love to watch our graduates grow and be successful on the racetrack.

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Yearling to Two Year Olds

We can’t wait for you to come along and experience all that these horses have to offer.

Weanlings Available

Weanlings to Yearlings

Get involved early as there are limited ownership opportunities.

Breaking and Training

Our approach is joining up with each horse so that they understand the process of learning through acceptance and not fear.

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Rehab and Layup

Whether it is to let them rest mentally and/or physically or an injury, wehas the means and skill set.

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Sales Prep

At horseOlogy, we focus on the tiniest details that can set our horses apart in the sales ring.

Weanlings Available

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horseOlogy provides a boutique experience while limiting the number of mares and foals.

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Pinhooking

We bring years of experience evaluating conformation and pedigree to uncover the best pinhooking prospects.

Micro Investing

A business model whereby a group of people can participate in the owning horse, which may otherwise not have been feasible.

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Bloodstock Advisors

A bloodstock advisor’s services may include but are not limited to, mating, sale placement, acquisition, trainer placement, and overall management of your horse.

horseOlogy Encore is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Our Vision
“To transition and care for retiring thoroughbreds or other equine and prepare for their next careers whether it be companion, riding or therapeutic service and offer an educational opportunity to the community.”

Available for Rehoming

The vast majority of rehoming opportunities come from off the track thoroughbreds (OTTB’s) and we take it upon ourselves to make sure that there are open doors and soft landings for each and every one of them that come to us at the end of their racing career.

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What does a second career mean for our equine friends? Whether it is a thoroughbred that’s done with its race career, a show horse that needs an easier job, or a broodmare that gets to retire from her kiddos, we like to think there is a second career for most and aim to create a soft landing for others.

Our Resident Oldies

Not all horses are suited for a second career, and it is most important to understand the difference. You will notice many farms throughout Lexington and Ocala have a field they deem “the retired field” and these typically home retired broodmares, track ponies and others that may have been retired and not able to be rehomed due to injury or temperament.

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horseOlogy Encore is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Please consider gifting a vital donation to aid in the care and rehoming of these wonderful horses.

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WHAT DRIVES US

Our Mission

“Our personal responsibility to the equine industry is to care for the horses throughout their lives. We advocate for breeds that have supported us, and we’ll assist them in their second career or retirement however we can.”

Famous Racetracks Across America

Famous Racetracks Across America

When it comes to the heart-pounding excitement of horse racing, America boasts a rich tapestry of famous racetracks that have become iconic in the...

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