Western Athletic Condition
Special thanks to Julian Pargas, patient with my slow Spanish and morning guide.
Nov. 2023
Kenny Chadborn trains Thoroughbred horses for New Mexico’s horse racing fanatics. From the moment many of his athletes take their first-ever steps, galloping across a finish line, and once even into a plane set to Japan; Chadborn is there.
If he’s not with the horses, he already has been or will be later. Even in the off-season, he still looks for prospective winners as they are first learning to walk.
In the 27 years since he started Chadborn Racing, he has trained “what feels like thousands” of horses and still looks forward to it every season. His career is worth over $3M.
His two sons and daughter are grown, and he enjoys the rare moments he has off the track and away from the training center to visit with his grandkids (especially the one behind the camera).
He always knows the best breakfast spots in the small towns around the state.
Two horses and their jockeys arrive back from an early morning mile run at the Frontera Training Center in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
The colorful head masks help the owner identify their horse while also keeping the horse’s eyes focused forward and clear of debris as they attempt to weave and gallop their way into first place.
Riding horses requires strength to hold on and balance in a saddle that may only weigh one pound; or even one ounce.
One of Chadborn’s gelding trainees shows off his good looks at the Frontera Training Center in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
Since 2021, Pancho Left Me has raced in Zia Park in Hobbs, Albuquerque Downs, and Sunland Park. Usually within the top three.
Racehorses are known for their unique names, but Pancho Left Me got his name from Chadborn’s friend who would mispronounce the song “Pancho and Lefty” by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.
Racehorse groom, Carlos, guides a young gelding around a corral for an early morning workout at the Frontera Training Center in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
Carlos trusts the horse enough to turn his back as it lopes around him.
Each day, jockeys and staff wait for the sunrise to begin their day when the day is coolest.
After his workout, this gelding gets a spa experience courtesy of Carlos at the Frontera Training Center in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
From the Spanish I could understand, Carlos likes this horse because he’s a little crazy when he’s focused on working out but is easy to handle otherwise.
A western-style saddle and a jockey helmet sit atop a saddle stand during an early morning at the Frontera Training Center in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
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