IT is encouraging to note that there is a rising number of former racehorses shining in showing classes, following their retirement from the track.
Not only do these thoroughbreds compete in dedicated RoR (Retraining of Racehorses) or SEIB racehorse to riding horse qualifiers, but they are also shining in hunter, hack and riding horse divisions.
RoR remains proactive in promoting former racehorses, and recent statistics have revealed that 60% of its membership take part in showing. The organisation hosts six prestigious finals throughout the season, culminating in the national championships at Aintree in August.
“RoR is a fantastic charity and nothing makes us prouder than seeing so many happy horses competing with us in their second career,” says Carly Sage, Aintree International Equestrian Centre manager.
Several producers have been successful in producing former racehorses and amateurs are “clicking” with them, too.
COMING from a racing background, Katie Jerram- Hunnable was one producer who gained early successes with horses retired from racing. Among the most prolific were horses owned and sometimes bred by The late Queen.
Who can forget the cheers when The Queen’s home-bred former chaser Barbers Shop took the 2017 supreme ridden title at Royal Windsor, and again following another royal title when First Receiver triumphed in the SEIB racehorse to riding horse championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last October?
The Essex-based producer had previously won this title with Night Prayers back in 2011, and this latest victory provided a first win for King Charles III.
“I would like to think we all see the long game with former racehorses. While some may adapt to a different routine quickly, others take time,” says Katie.
Denne historien er fra March 23, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra March 23, 2023-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.
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Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
