Troy Green is a modern day Renaissance man. He is an adrenaline junkie who loves sports, race cars and speed, yet his quiet, confident manner works magic with young or difficult horses.
He loves to win, but his competitive edge is balanced by a strong empathetic side, and he makes a point of giving back by hosting events such as the two day clinic to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts and Connecticut he hosted in 2009. He is a legend in the Quarter Horse community with twenty-four career wins at The All American Quarter Horse Congress in western pleasure, western riding, reining, halter and versatility. He also trained the High Point All-Around horse (at the Congress) twice, yet he is modest when asked about it. He refers to the Congress as ‘the Super Bowl of the horse world” and when asked to describe the secret of his success, he replies without a hint of ego, “I’ve been lucky to have learned from the best, and I’ve had access to good horses. I have always liked showing against the very best because when you win, you can say to yourself, ‘I really did something.’ That’s a good feeling that comes from winning at the Congress.”
Who is this complex man with a quick wit, laconic Texas drawl, youthful exuberance and cowboy charm, who stepped away from horses at the top of his game to pursue a dream in the adrenalin-charged world of sprint car racing? “You have to go back to my youth. My father left when I was twelve,” he says without malice. Gently deflecting an offer of sympathy, he continues, “It happens. Life happens. It’s what you do with it that matters. There was a fire that took our house and when the insurance check came he, he disappeared, leaving my Mom, my sisters and me living in an attic apartment.”
Green describes going from a sports-loving twelve year-old to growing up quickly, dealing with adult concerns like bills, rent and food. He recalls, “I got a job with a nearby horse trainer to help out my mom, and it changed my life. I loved athletics, but my experience with horses was limited until I started that job. This trainer took me under his wing and treated me like family. That man was Tommy Manion, one of the top Quarter Horse trainers in the country. He was an amazing guy who could talk to a CEO of a company or the guy sweeping the aisle with equal ease. He instilled in me an appreciation of a good horse, the importance of working hard, and reaching for the top. He was a true mentor to me, and I credit him with much of the success I have had in the show ring.” Working for Tommy Manion and his wife Chris for seven years, Green built a national winning streak that included multiple wins at the Congress including Youth All Around and titles in Horsemanship, Reining and Hunter Under Saddle. He also competed successfully against big names such as Hall of Fame reiners Dale Wilkinson and Bill Horn, winning the junior reining at the Indiana State fair at the ripe age of 15. “I guess it was a pretty big deal, but I started out working for the best in the business, so I just accepted it as the level that we competed at and did my best.”
At the age of 19, Green struck out on his own, forging a successful showing, training and coaching career, taking his clients to over fifty championships at the Congress alone in youth and amateur divisions. His eye for a good horse, honed during his years with Tommy Manion, paid off with wins at all the major futurities.
Rolling with the changes in his life, Green made the decision to step away from horses for about seven years to follow his dream of competing as a race car driver when one of his clients, Charles Lamarr, bought a Sprint car and gave Green the chance to race it. “A lot of people thought I was crazy,” he says with a laugh. “But I’d always loved racing and knew I could make it. The time seemed right, and I love a challenge. It was a risk but life is too short. I’m the kind of guy who, when they finally throw the dirt on top of me, I don’t want to say, ‘I wish I had done this,’ so I gave it my best shot and it was a great experience.”
Green came within a whisker of making it to NASCAR big-time, once taking second in a race against Steve Kinser, twenty-time winner of the W.O.O. (World of Outlaws Sprint Car) Series. “That was a great race, and I came so close, but those are the breaks in that business. You need not only talent, but the multi-million dollar sponsorship money, and some lucky breaks to really make it in racing. It’s okay, though, because I followed my dream and met some amazing people including A.J. Foyt (four-time Indianapolis 500 winner). It also gave me a break from the horses so I have come back with a fresh, new perspective and the desire to win. I have to thank Tommy for that, too, because he taught me when I was a kid that if you want to do something, it’s not going to happen unless you jump right out there and do it. I bring that positive attitude to the horses, too.”
Green has hung up the racing suit and teamed up with trainer Torey Roderick at Troy Green Quarter Horses on 150 acres of horse paradise at Pine Hill Farm in Taunton, Massachusetts. His philosophy on horseback riding is rooted in his life experience. He says, “It’s exciting to be here. Torey is an amazing trainer who specializes in Hunt Seat and Trail, and I’ve done just about everything in the western disciplines, so we’re having fun sharing that with our clients. I do things a little differently because I think it’s important for my clients to have time and work invested in the horse they are going to show. I learned from experience that when you put that kind of time and effort into building the team and preparing the horse for the show ring, the win is that much more rewarding. I want our clients to experience that kind of pride in their accomplishments. I’m not going to just plunk some kid on a horse at the in-gate. There are valuable life lessons to be learned with horses, and that’s something everyone can take away from riding and competing. I also explain things to my clients so they will know why I am telling them to do a certain thing with their hands, legs, etc. It’s important for me to tell my riders not just to do something, but to explain…this is what you do, this is why you do it, and this is the result you will achieve. It’s an important learning experience. I want my clients to be not just better riders, but better horsemen. If you do your best, you’re going to win your fair share and I want my riders to win. I’m also going to try to concentrate on the all-around horses and my futurity horses, but we’re making time to enjoy this area, too.”
He continues with characteristic enthusiasm, “I love horses and training, but I also know the importance of balancing such a demanding career with life. The competition is so intense out there at the national level that this is a year-round job, preparing horses and riders for competition. It’s good for me, and it’s also good for the horses to have a little break now and then, so I’m taking the time to learn more about New England.” Green’s natural curiosity, boundless energy, and zest for life keep him on the go, and he is looking forward to exploring all that Boston has to offer. “Growing up in Illinois and spending a lot of time in Texas, New England is a whole new area for me. I can tell you where the best steak houses are in Houston, but I’m still learning about the restaurant scene in Boston, and it’s fun. I’m pretty easygoing though. Give me a good night at the movies, a Red Sox game, a hockey game or an afternoon watching the Patriots and I’m happy. Boston has great sports teams and fans, and for me, it’s a nice balance to the horses. We don’t take long vacations because I don’t like to leave the horses that long, but I enjoy taking small trips through New England to learn more about the history of the area. I’m also looking forward to doing more clinics and work with The Make-A-Wish Foundation® and other groups as well.”
Recalling the successful Make-A-Wish fundraising clinic he hosted in the fall of 2009, Green becomes thoughtful, “I was moved almost to tears by a “wish child” and her family I met at the clinic. The family faced medical challenges that not many of us could endure. I was so impressed by her spirit and her family that I am honored to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. It’s a reminder that we should stop once in a while to be grateful for the blessings we have, and I look forward to doing more to help that great organization. It brings out the best in people. Just look at the Maine Quarter Horse Youth Association. Those kids donated the money they won at their region 6 show to our benefit clinic. That’s pretty amazing, and humbling to be part of.”
What’s in store for the future? Green replies with a laugh, “In the horse world, you can be a hero or a zero (and sometimes all in one day!). I’m out to prove that I can still win at the top. I’ve had my share of ups and downs in life but for me, that just makes me more determined. I love a challenge. I’ve got my nose to the grindstone here, trying to build this business. We’re taking on new clients and I’m putting together a string of good futurity horses, preparing for a busy show season ahead. I am really excited about the challenge of taking my riders and horses to the top of this game. I’m back and I’m loving every minute of it.”
Troy Green Quarter Horses is located at Pine Hill Farm in Taunton, Massachusetts. Telephone: (614) 989-5614; email: troylgreenqh@yahoo.com; website: www.troygreenqh.com.
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Nice article! And, this is why my colt is at TGQH!