Minerva currently stands at 16.3 hands and is still growing. She is an absolutely magnificent horse and must be seen in person to really appreciate her presence and beauty. She is five years old and raced only one time at Saratoga. She retired from racing completely sound. She just didn't like it.
Minerva is currently competing in the Hunters in Middleburg, Virginia. She is receiving the skills and physical development needed to be successful in this new career. Our training approach is methodical and progresses at the pace of each individual horse. She is fantastic to ride.
She has received correct flatwork to build a good topline and confidence. She was introduced to competition at a dressage show where she earned a win and a second in Training Level 1 and 2. Her jump training began with the focus on gymnastics and she excelled but quickly demonstrated she has the talent to be a Hunter. She has been taken off site for clinics and shows and is steady and level headed. She jumps anything you point her at. She is also good to cross tie and groom. Minerva walks on the trailer and ships like a professional. She is excellent to work with at horse shows and clinics.
As far as riding her, she is absolutely wonderful. No spook, easy going, great gaits and most important fun. She is a passive resister, meaning she stops when she doesn't want to do something or doesn't understand what you are asking. She has never bucked, reared or done anything of the like to resist. She is levelheaded and smart. Minerva is also great turned out with other horses.
Minerva Doubleplay has been professionally trained since leaving racing. She was let down and evaluated by Kimberly Godwin Clark of Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc. From the age of 2 when she left the track to the age of 5 her training was carefully developed at Leighton Farm home base of TPR. When she demonstrated significant potential as a Hunter, she was put in the capable hands of Beth Destanley.
Kimberly Godwin Clark holds the USDF Bronze and Silver Medals she earned on a Thoroughbred she trained from green broke to Prix. St. George. Clark currently competes Thoroughbreds at the National Level in both Dressage and Show Jumping. Her work with retired racers has produced successful horses like 4* Eventer Houdini (registered name, Rocky Times) and Breeder’s Bridge to High Performance Winner Constant Star among many other prospects that have gone on to successful careers in Eventing, Dressage, Hunters, Jumpers and Pleasure horses. Kimberly has also written and published the book “New Track, New Life” which describes in detail the life of the horse at the track and then how to successfully transition them to new disciplines. She is the executive director of Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc. a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the retraining and rehabilitation of ex-racehorses.

An accomplished show rider, Beth has successfully competed in the hunter and jum