FORMER racehorses have long excelled across the disciplines. From the show ring to the highest levels of eventing, their trainability and athleticism make them a popular choice among many top riders.
And it’s not just professionals to whom they appeal. Retired racehorses have often come with a more affordable price tag, making them attractive to individuals with a smaller budget, especially in the current market which has seen horse prices soar over the past 18 months. But given thoroughbreds are known for their sensitive nature, what sort of rider does it take to guide a racehorse into a new career, and is an amateur up to the job?
Kate Hayward, Midlands nutrition advisor for Saracen Horse Feeds, bought former Flat racehorse Arogo (Gunner) for £800 in 2019, 10 days after the three-year-old gelding’s final race. Kate was seeking a horse for eventing, but after spending a lot treating her previous Irish Sport Horse mare’s soundness issues, she was left with a limited budget.
“When it came to buying my next horse, money was a huge factor. I had £1,000 and knew that wasn’t going to buy me something I could get on straight away, so that’s why I looked at ex-racehorses,” she explains.
“I gave him three months of downtime, did some long-reining and groundwork and basically treated him like any young horse, taking things back to basics. At New Year, I got on him for the first time and he’s been an absolute dream.
Denne historien er fra October 07, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 07, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
