Outside of its uncomfortable connotations, this joke is now outdated, as thoroughbreds are being “recycled” in the equestrian world, given longer, happier lives after their racing days are over.

Just last year, Statelinetack.com sponsored thoroughbred trainer Summer Brennan and her horse Sass in the Thoroughbred Makeover competition hosted by The Retired Racehorse Project. We followed Summer and Sass on their journey up to and throughout the entire event, and it was remarkable to witness a horse who was “thrown away” become a champion in her own right.