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.
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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
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
