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By Emily Shields, California Thoroughbred
Cathy and Paul Schroeder have discovered one truism in horse ownership: Horses tend to multiply, whether planned or not.
“Sometimes we buy them, but sometimes they come to us because they may have gotten injured and couldn’t race anymore,” Paul said. “On three different occasions we’ve just been given a mare.”
Their small operation has grown to some 35 horses, with six mares in foal for 2019.
“We do have a good reputation for taking good care of our horses,” Paul added. “It’s very important for us to find them second homes when their racing days are over.”
The Schroeders were introduced to racing via their daughter, Anne, who was a champion equestrian as a teenager schooling with Amy Hess. The former wife of Thoroughbred trainer Bob Hess was an infuence in the Schroeders’ lives, ultimately leading them to meet Hess on the track.
“At the time, Bob was offering a thing during a Del Mar summer meet called Frisky Fillies,” said Cathy. “It was $2,500 per person, women only, to get involved. Our silks were shocking pink, with a shocking pink cap cover, and showed a horse sitting at a bar drinking a martini. Why wouldn’t you get involved with that?”
After the summer ended, the Schroeders started claiming horses, then later bred them. They recently moved their herd to George Yager and Hector Palma’s BG Thoroughbred Farm in Hemet and are extremely happy with the ranch. “We love BG,” Cathy said. “We love George and the other people out there.”