TDN Weekend December 2016 Issue 9
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/998879
Cozmic One is set to make his next public appearance at Breyerfest in July, where he is sure to wow even more fans with his newfound talents as a show horse. Every horse has a calling in life and Cozmic One seems to have finally found his under the guidance of two special horse people who strive to break down barriers for Thoroughbreds in the show world and give them a chance at a second career, whatever it may be. "Thoroughbreds are the smartest breed I have ever worked with," Isabela de Sousa said. "You teach them something and they pick it right up. To do two different careers, you have to be smart and athletic. The stigma against Thoroughbreds in the horse show world is that they are hot and crazy, but most of them really aren't." In addition to the off-the-track Thoroughbreds, Cozmic One is also shining a well-deserved spotlight on Isabela and Sergio de Sousa, who do their best to blend the racing and re- training sides of the Thoroughbred industry together by put- ting their experience, passion, dedication and enthusiasm to work every day with their horses. They are also equally eager to share their horses with others, both in public forums like the Makeover and privately on their own farm, even inviting this writer out to climb aboard Sergio de Sousa's trusty Isle of Giants, who made 15 starts and over $100,000 before be- coming a jumper and babysitter to the de Sousas's Makeover horses. "It is all about the horse," the ever-humble and gracious Sergio de Sousa said. "We do it because we love horses. We breed horses and they are supposed to be racehorses, but some of them don't make it and some of the ones that do make it are not done with their career after the racetrack. I think we need to continue to promote the life of the race- horse after the racetrack in a very positive way because they have a lot of life left in them."