Latest from Horse & Hound in Retraining-of-racehorses

‘The brightest spark I’ve ever trained’: Hickstead championship for horse bred by The late Queen, owned by The King

Bethan Simons — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:47:52 +0000

Katie Jerram Hunnable and The King’s “phenomenal” First Receiver added another title to their incredible tally: the 2026 Hickstead Derby Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) champion sash.

“He was absolutely on song,” said Katie. “He didn’t put a foot out of place the whole time he was in the ring – there wasn’t a moment that he wasn’t on form.”

This is the second time that Katie has lifted this title.

“I won for the first time on Barbers Shop for Her late Majesty The Queen, bred by the late Queen Mother, which was very, very special,” Katie said, “And then today I won on First Receiver, bred by The late Queen and this time owned by The King.

“He was reserve champion last year and he went that one bit better this year, which was my dream.”

Now nine years old, “Firsty” and Katie have amassed an enviable tally, topped off by the 2026 Hickstead Derby RoR champion title.

“He’s amazing. He’s done the grand slam. He’s won at Horse of the Year Show, won the novices and opens and stood champion at Aintree and now he’s won here. He’s also been Royal Windsor champion twice under saddle, and three times in hand.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can achieve as a riding horse, but would love for him to go supreme at Aintree as a former racehorse. It’s one more box I’d love to tick with him.”

Katie went on to explain that Firsty needs careful production on account of his intelligence.

“He’s the most intelligent horse I have ever had. All thoroughbreds are intelligent, but he’s super-intelligent and comes from a very intelligent family. You have to make sure you don’t do anything wrong as he won’t forgive you. He’s the brightest spark I’ve ever trained.”

Giving his owner-rider a special early birthday present was Tori Thomas’ Wonga Swinger, Tattersalls RoR amateur ridden show series champion here for the third time.

The multi-garlanded duo are also former HOYS winners and reigning RoR ridden champions at Royal Windsor. They have also stepped successfully into the riding horse ranks, having won the amateur riding horses at the Royal International Horse Show last term, and recently booked a return pass to HOYS in the large riding horse division at Royal Three Counties show.

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‘It’s still an honour to ride for the royal family’: producer pilots The King’s horse to Royal Windsor ridden RoR championship

Millie Bowles — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:05:19 +0000

Princess Anne watched on as one of The King’s ex-racehorses won the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) ridden class for former Flat horses before claiming the 2026 Royal Windsor ridden RoR championship under producer Katie Jerram-Hunnable.

First Receiver’s win capped an already stellar day for Team Jerram/Hunnable as Katie’s husband Chris Hunnable had already led The Queen’s Reach For The Moon to the in-hand RoR spoils earlier in the day.

It was an emotional day for the team, as both horses were bred by The late Queen Elizabeth II. The bay gelding made Her Majesty’s wish of a homebred win at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) come true shortly after her death in 2022.

He first came to Katie earlier that year, after royal groom Terry Pendry invited her to come and look at him at Sandringham. Terry, who was ringside with Princess Anne, said: “That was The Queen’s dream. She’d won everything else in the show world. Horse of the Year Show was the only thing that she never ever won. She’ll be looking down.”

Katie said: “First is absolutely fantastic. We’ve been really lucky to have kept on with him, now The King’s horse, and it’s just an honour still to ride for the royal family. It’s quite unbelievable and I never thought the journey would continue, but it has. They’re still keen.”

She added: “All of the horses I’ve ever ridden for The late Queen – and now The King – are home-breds, and I think that’s even more special.”

To be handed the trophy by Princess Anne, who attracted crowds at the Adelaide Arena, made the win even more memorable.

Katie said: “That, to me, was just the icing on the cake and I didn’t expect it at all. It brought back the old days when we had all the following with The late Queen here.”

2026 Royal Windsor ridden RoR championship reserve

Reserve in the 2026 Royal Windsor ridden RoR championship were the winners of the class for former National Hunt horses, Tori Thomas with her own Wonga Swinger, who is also a former HOYS winner, and the reigning RIHS amateur riding horse champion.

Also taking part in the championship were second placed in the class for Flat horses, Hannah Horton and Migration – 2025 winners here, and second place in the division for former National Hunt horses, Gentleman At Arms ridden by Harriet Hammond.

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‘I’m sure she’s up there watching’: horse bred by The late Queen and owned by Queen Camilla wins at Windsor

Millie Bowles — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:16:35 +0000

A horse bred by The late Queen with almost £130,000 in winnings claimed the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) open in-hand championship on the opening morning of the 2026 Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Chris Hunnable led Reach For The Moon (Moon) to victory in a hotly contested class for former National Hunt horses en route to the championship.

The seven-year-old is now owned by Queen Camilla, and Chris said to win with him at Royal Windsor was extra special.

“It’s very sad that she [The late Queen] is not here to see it but I’m sure she’s up there watching him,” he said.

“The build-up for Windsor for us is quite a lot of pressure; we obviously don’t want to let the royal family down. We’re very proud and want to do as best as we can, so a win in our first class is brilliant.”

Moon, trained by John Gosden and Jeremy Snowden, ran 43 times over the flat and hurdles and won nine times.

His last race was in July 2025 at Uttoxeter, and he went to Chris and Katie Jerram-Hunnable the next month.

“He’s taken to the show ring really well,” Chris said. “Katie’s been riding him under saddle in some hack classes and RoR classes and he’s picked up a few wins and seconds.”

Away from the ring, Chris said Moon is an “adorable character”.

“He’s a yard favourite; he’s just such a lovely horse. The day before yesterday, he was nuzzling the cat who jumped up on to his windowsill. He’s a lovely person.

“He grew a bit today with the atmosphere – I think it was the white railings and green grass as most of our prep shows have been in arenas or on sand. But he got better and better as the class went on.”

Reserve in the championship went to Charlene Smith’s Golden Horn eight-year-old Star Caliber, handled by Barry Smith, winners of the Tattersalls RoR open in-hand class for flat horses.

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Do you ride a retrained racehorse? Check out the competition series and championships exclusive to you

Martha Terry — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:34:17 +0000

One of the many things that’s great about riding ex-racehorses is the glut of competitions and series that are not only available, but exclusive to thoroughbreds in their second career.

Whatever your discipline of choice, there are dozens of classes, predominantly at grassroots level, to kickstart your retrained racehorse’s new competitive calling, culminating in prizes and championships if your journey takes you there.

An added incentive is the prestigious shows and venues hosting the championships, such as Aintree, London International, Hickstead and Horse of the Year Show. Plus, some of these competitions for ex-racehorses have enticing prize-money to boot.

The major championships for retrained racehorses in the UK – the Jockey Club’s Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) National Championships – is a six-day competition featuring classes in showing, dressage and jumping, plus two evening performances. In 2026, this will take place at Aintree International Equestrian Centre on 18–23 August. As befits a national championships, there are qualification criteria, which we will go on to explain.

Competitions and series for ex-racehorses often have finals at prestigious venues, such as Hickstead. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Competitions for ex-racehorses: All disciplines

RoR competition league

League runs from 1 September to 31 May (dressage, showjumping and arena eventing) or until 31 August (unaffiliated eventing, cross-country and showing), with combinations accumulating points at shows (not online) throughout this period.

At the end of the League, rosettes will be awarded to the top 10 at each level based on points submitted.

To take part, visit the RoR site for a registration form.

RoR competition league championship

In addition to the league placings, RoR competition league championships for dressage, showjumping and arena eventing will be held at the RoR National Championships at Aintree in August and are open to qualified combinations only.

The Showing League Final will take place at the Winter Championships at Pickering Grange on 19 April.

To qualify for the League Championship classes at Aintree, members must submit a minimum of four scores showing a completion result or percentage in the relevant discipline.

Many owners of ex-racehorses find their horses adapt well to eventing. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Eventing competitions for ex-racehorses

Thoroughbreds have many attributes that can make them ideally suited to eventing as a new direction. They are often bold, forward-going, athletic and full of stamina. There are several options for those with competitive aspirations throughout the year, both organised by the RoR organisation and others.

RoR Winter Championships (Arena Eventing)

Pickering Grange EC, Leics
17–19 April 2026

Qualification: Two completion results at the level at which you wish to compete in the championships, at any venue, affiliated or unaffiliated. You may qualify for two championship classes as long as the heights are consecutive.

Email your results to aparkinson@ror.org.uk to ensure you meet the required level.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

Connolly’s Red Mills RoR Eventing Championships

Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials (1)
22–24 May 2026

Levels: BE90, BE100 and novice

Qualification: Combinations need to achieve a minimum of two MERs, or two double clears, at BE classes at the level between 1 March–26 April 2026.

Arc Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup

Cornbury House Horse Trials
10–12 September 2026

Level: open novice

Qualification: Via regular novice classes in the 2026 season. Combinations must achieve two minimum eligibility requirements at the level. Horses must not have competed at Advanced or CCI4* level or above. Horses must either have raced or have been in training at a registered trainers’ yard.

Tom McEwen eventing former racehorse Dream Big. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

RoR BE Points Series

Levels: BE80, 90, 100, novice

Series runs from 1 February to 15 October 2026, with combinations accumulating points at any of these levels at BE events during the season.

To take part, email loneill@ror.org.uk for a registration form.

RoR Competition League Eventing Series

Levels: four heights from 70cm–100cm

A series for RoR members competing at unaffiliated events. Points are awarded according to finishing position (from first down to 11th or lower), with the combination accumulating the most points within the period (1 September 2025–31 August 2026) being crowned the series winner.

Points can be won at any venue during the qualifying period. BE registration is not required.

To take part, download the registration form from the RoR website and return to aparkinson@ror.org.uk

Foran Equine Series and Awards

Highest-placed RoR awards at all BEDE events. These will be formatted through the season into a league with end-of-season prizes. Further details on eligibility, registration and prize structures will be released in due course.

Showing series for ex-racehorses

It’s wonderful to see racehorses showing off once again in front of a crowd – plus it’s great for those spectators to see some of the stars excelling in a new career. There are plenty of opportunities for competitions for retrained racehorses, in prestigious venues, whatever your level.

Tattersalls RoR Scottish Series Championship

Royal Highland Show
18 June

Qualification: Horses must have raced in Great Britain. Qualifiers are held throughout the season (prior to 1 April qualifies for 2026, afterwards for 2027). Top three qualify for championship. Prize for highest placed veteran.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Show Series Finals

Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting
22 June

Qualification: Qualifiers are held throughout the season (prior to 2 June qualifies for 2026, afterwards for 2027). Previous champions cannot compete in final.

Depending on the class, there are restrictions on where the horse has raced, whether it was in training and unraced, and so on. The final is split into horses whose last race was on the Flat or under National Hunt rules (including point-to-point and bumpers). Top three go forward to international arena for final judging. Prize for highest placed veteran.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

The Jockey Club RoR National Championships

Aintree International EC, Merseyside
22 August

Qualification: Winner of each Tattersalls RoR show series qualifier (open, amateur, novice, in-hand, Scottish) from 1 August 2025–31 July 2026, plus the highest-placed horse aged 15-plus qualifies for veteran final.

For the Tattersalls RorR challenge, there is a course of eight fences (80cm in qualifiers, 85cm in final) and an individual show/conformation phase – series champion and top three in any qualifier go through to final.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

Retrained racehorse showing classes can take you all the way to Horse of the Year Show. (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse Championship

Horse of the Year Show
8–11 October 2026

Qualification: For thoroughbreds that have raced under Rules. Via the SEIB Search For A Star qualifiers and selected other shows including Hartpury Horse Trials, Burghley Horse Trials, Equifest, National Hunter Supreme Championship Show.

For more information, visit seib.co.uk

BSHA Rising Star Racehorse to Show Horse Championship

London International Horse Show
18–22 December 2026

Qualification: Via BSHA ridden qualifiers held throughout the year, or at BSHA championships.

For more information, visit britishshowhorse.org

Dressage competitions for retrained racehorses

Just because thoroughbreds are built for speed doesn’t mean they can’t point their toes! Many racehorses have fantastic paces, and can be retrained to excel between the white boards especially at grassroots level.

The Jockey Club RoR National Championships

Aintree International EC, Merseyside
18–23 August

Levels: intro, prelim, novice, elementary, medium, special

Qualification: RoR members can qualify from 1 February for regional championships, at which they can qualify for the nationals, by submitting two scoresheets at or above the required minimum percentage (varying from 60 to 65%, class-dependent) from affiliated or unaffiliated dressage competitions.

At regionals, you must again score the minimum percentage or higher to qualify for the nationals.

Regional championships

West Midlands: Allens Hill, Worcs (2 May)
Midlands: Field House Equestrian, Staffs (23 May)
South Wales: Beacons EC, Carms (24 May)
East: Fenning Farm EC, Cambs (7 June)
South-west: Chard Equestrian, Som (13 June)
North-west: Myerscough College, Lancs (14 June)
North-east: Highfield House, Tyne and Wear (20 June)
South-east: Felbridge Equestrian, Surrey (21 June)
Northern: Greenlands EC, Cumbria (27 June)
Scottish: Netherton Equestrian, Perths (28 June)
East Midlands: Vale View Equestrian, Leics (5 July)
Yorkshire: Manor Grange, E Yorks (12 July)
Welsh: David Broome Event Centre, Mons (15 July)
Southern: West Wilts EC, Wilts (17 October, qualifies for 2027)

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

Showjumping competitions for ex-racehorses

Showjumping competitions are arguably the option taken by the least retrained racehorses, but if you need any inspiration, look no further than John Whitaker’s Philco, a full thoroughbred who won European silver and numerous grand prix trophies.

Who said thoroughbreds can’t jump! David Broome’s Philco is a prime example. (Image credit: Eamonn McCabe/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

The Jockey Club RoR National Championships

Aintree International EC, Merseyside
18–23 August 2026

Levels: 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 1m

Qualification: These are all open classes for RoR competition registered horses, with no qualification criteria. They are run in accordance with British Showjumping rules.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

Equiyd British Showjumping National Amateur and Veteran Championships

Aintree International EC, Merseyside
10–15 November

Levels: 85cm–1.10m

The RoR will be awarding prizes to the highest placed RoR-registered combinations in all championship classes. Horses must hold current RoR competition membership, and will need to state eligibility on entry.

For more information, visit aintreeequestriancentre.co.uk

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The unbreakable bond between rider who sustained life-changing injuries and her ex-racehorse ‘best friend’

Becky Murray — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:33:25 +0000

An equestrian who sustained life-changing injuries in an accident has received an award in honour of her partnership with her much-loved former racehorse – as vital fundraising efforts continue to fund her rehab.

Gemma Potts and Optimal Spirit (Charlie) won the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR partnership of the year, at the 2026 Jockey Club RoR Awards on 24 January. Gemma was unable to attend the ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse and the award was collected on her behalf by friend Victoria Baker.

Watch Gemma’s RoR video:

“I still don’t believe it, I’m so shocked,” Gemma told H&H.

Gemma previously worked for eventer Emma Hawskby and bought Charlie in 2015 when he had come to the yard to be sold.

“I never wanted an ex-racehorse – but I went on to own two more as well as Charlie,” said Gemma.

“They’re just so intelligent and quick to learn. When I worked with horses, I worked with a lot of different types, younger, older, and always found the thoroughbreds were much more switched on.”

Gemma planned to do some prelim dressage and a little bit of showjumping, but they went on to compete at medium level between the white boards and evented at BE100. They also enjoyed hunting and went to the RoR Championships twice.

Gemma and Charlie competed in dressage and eventing. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

In 2021 Gemma was injured when a friend’s horse panicked and knocked her into the lorry steps at a show. Gemma broke her neck and damaged her spinal cord, resulting in paralysis from the shoulders down. She spent seven weeks in intensive care, six months in spinal high dependency and almost two and a half years in residential care.

When Gemma was able to see Charlie for the first time after her accident eight to nine months later she said he “took it all in his stride”.

“It was as if nothing had changed for him. I was there spending time with him, and he was just happy for me to be there. He wasn’t bothered by the chair,” she said.

“I kept him where I worked for quite a lot of the time so I was around him for probably 10 hours a day, and he was never far from my line of sight. Then obviously I went from seeing him every day to not. Not only was there a big change in my life anyway, I wasn’t able to see who I would say is my best friend.

“Now it’s very different, it’s him just nudging at my feet or my knees or playing with my blanket. I have with assistance groomed him, and he’s just quite happy to be there for me.”

Gemma’s mum Linda now cares for Charlie, and Gemma sees him as much as she is able to.

“He can be a bit of a monkey. He likes to wind my mam up, because he knows he can and always has done, but I trust him completely,” said Gemma.

“I’ve spent the last 11 years with him, I know him so well.”

Fundraising efforts are continuing through the “Gemma Potts Community” – started by Victoria Baker with support from others in the equestrian community – to allow Gemma to continue with specialised private rehabilitation. Gemma receives no rehab or support through the NHS.

Visit the Gemma Potts Community and fundraising page

“Victoria has been brilliant, and other people I didn’t really know, organised an auction and things like that. It has given me the chance to continue with my private therapy,” said Gemma.

“My injury is incomplete, which means there is a small possibility for improvement, but I need specialised equipment and physio to be able to possibly unlock that. It’s not guaranteed that I will, but there is always a small chance, but getting the specialised therapy is extremely expensive.

“At the minute I go for rehab fortnightly, and last summer I spent four weeks in residential rehab in Sheffield. I’m looking to do more residential, because it’s quite intense.”

Gemma said knowing there is a small chance of improvement “gives me hope”.

“I’m not expecting a miracle. I understand my situation, but any little chance is always something to look forward to,” she said.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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From STARS to HOYS: 13 show ring opportunities for amateurs in 2026

Bethan Simons — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:36:22 +0000

It can be difficult to stay motivated when riding before or after work means tacking up in darkness and your gateways are ankle-deep in mud, so to get you off the sofa and into the saddle, I’ve rounded up the amateur showing classes, championships and finals you can try this year.

Spring shows will soon be kicking off and with a summer season just around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for amateurs to qualify for prestigious shows. Just remember, before you enter a show, you must make sure that you consult the rules on amateur status, as there are variations between societies.

Amateur showing opportunities 2026

Thistledown Alice is Search For A Star ridden champion at Your Horse Live. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

1. SEIB Search For A Star

SEIB’s Search for a Star (SFAS) series is a brilliant stepping stone between grassroots and affiliated competition for both in-hand and ridden competitors. To be eligible to compete at their series of qualifiers and their finals, you have to fit their strict amateur criteria.

If you’re lucky enough to win, then half their championships are hosted at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), and the other half hosted at Your Horse Live. As well as their own shows, the SFAS series has its own team of judges who are all super-experienced in the ring, and will offer showing tips and advice on how to make the best of your exhibit.

For more information, visit seib.co.uk

2. Show Teams And Rising Stars (STARS)

Offering an all-singing, all-dancing glitzy experience, STARS is a favourite on the grassroots and Riding Club showing enthusiast’s calendar. Quite literally thousands of Riding Club members attempt qualification for the November finals held at Aintree Equestrian Centre each year.

For your chance to compete, you’ll need to be a member of one of 60 affiliated riding clubs, and collect points at the relevant shows. As well as competing individually, members can accumulate points for their club’s team, too.

For more information, visit starschampionships.co.uk

3. The Showing Register’s amateur-only HOYS tickets

The Showing Register (TSR) offers unique tickets to HOYS. You can bag a ticket by winning an amateur-only HOYS qualifier at their summer show, or sign up for their amateur league for the chance to make consistency count. Competitors in the league earn points through the season, with winners from each division gaining a golden ticket.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep, champion hunter type at the TSR Amateur of the Year Championships. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

4. TSR Amateur of the Year Championships

TSR’s Amateur of the Year championships, run for the first time in 2025 at Stoneleigh Park, was a resounding success and is set to run again in late November this year. There you’ll find festive fun in abundance, and a HOYS-esque experience for home-produced amateurs only.

For more information, visit theshowingregister.co.uk

5. BSPS Pretty Polly

The British Show Pony Society’s (BSPS) Pretty Polly classes are for home-produced pony exhibitors and are an enduring favourite. The finals are held at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), so they offer a second class for those competing at open level, as well as a chance for younger and less experienced combinations to compete alongside – rather than against – showing greats at one of our most iconic showgrounds.

For more information, visit bsps.com

6. UK P&H Amateur M&M final

Mountain and moorland exhibitors are lucky, because as well as the mixed-breed Pretty Polly final, they also have an amateur final hosted by the UK Ponies & Horses to contend at Hickstead.

For more information, visit ukponies.uk

7. BSHA Amateurs

Similarly, horse exhibitors have a range of amateur classes hosted at the RIHS, and governed by the British Show Horse Association (BSHA). Horses in these classes can be produced, offering riders whose circumstances mean they cannot keep a horse ticking-over themselves to compete against fellow amateurs.

There are, however, prizes for the highest placed home-produced combinations in each of these classes, and new for 2026 is a home-produced championship, where all of the highest placed home-produced horses will be pitted against each other.

For more information, visit bsha.online

Greenvale Don Legend tops the 2025 Rising Star hack and riding horse final (Image credit: creditUnknown)

8. BSHA Rising Star

Want strictly home-produced horse classes but still want to ride at one of the show season’s biggest events? Look to the BSHA’s range of Rising Star classes at the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

There are a range of classes for different types of horses, including working show horse classes, and Style and Performance classes that are judged entirely on performance with no conformation aspect, hopefully enticing owners of all types over 148cm. One benefit for those dipping a toe in showing for the first time is that there is no requirement for your horse to be ridden by a ride judge.

For more information, visit bsha.online

9. RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series

The Jockey Club’s Retraining of Racehorses have the RoR Amateur Ridden Show Series that culminates in a fabulous championship at the iconic Hickstead Derby Meeting in June. The top three from each qualifier go forwards to the final.

For more information, visit ror.org.uk

Grace Speak rides Mountain Gale to the oldest equine award and sixth place in the SSADL final at London International (Image credit: creditUnknown)

10. SSADL finals

If you’re home produced and have a veteran horse or pony, then look at the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd’s offering. They run finals at both the RIHS and LIHS. Qualifiers are held at their championships and affiliated shows including Royal Windsor Horse Show.

For more information, visit seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk.

11. New VHS championship

The Veteran Horse Society (VHS) have announced that they have a brand new final hosted at HOYS. This newest championship for our treasured veteran horses is open to amateurs only.

For more information, visit veteran-horse-society.co.uk

12. BSPA home-produced championship

For coloured horses and ponies, there is a special championship for the highest placed home-produced exhibit in each of the British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) classes at the RIHS.

For more information, visit bspaonline.com

13. Your society championships

From the National Pony Society (NPS) to the Coloured Horse And Pony Society (CHAPS) and the Sport Horse Breeding GB (SHB (GB)), your society will play host to a plethora of amateur-only classes and finals at their shows and championships. Usually there are some you’ll need to qualify for beforehand, while others you can enter on the day.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Calls for fresh look at rules on horses being shod in certain showing classes

Lucy Elder — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:28:48 +0000

The requirement for thoroughbreds to wear shoes in some showing classes has come under the microscope as riders ask – why?

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) requires horses to be shod all round in its ridden showing classes. But they can compete without shoes in other RoR disciplines and in-hand showing.

Hannah Oldham told H&H she is a big supporter of promoting former racehorses and their versatility, but finds the shoeing rule “really frustrating”.

“I have a lovely ex-racehorse, and he is just the epitome of a brilliant retrained racehorse,” said Hannah, who owns 12-year-old Django Django, formerly trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

“We have done eventing, dressage, showjumping – he does pretty much everything – and he has really embraced family life.”

She added that the gelding has excellent feet and wears only front shoes to enjoy all those activities through the summer, and is barefoot all round in the winter, as she believes it is best for his welfare.

“I would love to do a bit of showing with him, but I’m unwilling to compromise his welfare and shoe him solely for this,” she said. “I have had several ex-racehorses over the years and these classes are a really good way of having the opportunity to experience competing at a big county show.

“They also really show how versatile former racehorses are to a wider audience. These county shows are a big showcase to the public, as well as being fun to do.

“I hear so many people say, ‘Thoroughbreds have rubbish feet.’ Well, they don’t all, and what a great way to showcase that and all the things that they can do.”

Hannah said the subject has caused discussion online and that she has also heard anecdotally of horses’ being shod specifically for RoR ridden showing classes.

Ms Oldham has written to RoR asking if there is evidence that showing barefoot is more of a safety concern than shod, and questioning whether it is a rule just because “that’s how it always has been”. She also questioned whether there is a platform to discuss the rule “to make these important classes accessible for all”.

Rules on whether horses must be shod or not vary between associations. The SEIB racehorse to riding horse championship, which is not part of RoR, does not require horses to be shod.

Under Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain rules, ridden hunters in classes where the judge rides must be shod all round; they can be shod or unshod in other classes.

The Irish Draught Horse Society states that in ridden classes, horses do not need to be shod for society-run shows on a surface, but that competitors must “always confirm the current ruling with individual shows as it may be different”.

The British Show Horse Association told H&H it “does not stipulate a horse should be shod in our classes” and added that “it is deemed the responsibility of the competitor to determine whether shoeing is necessary for their horse”.

Societies’ rules differ on remedial shoeing.

An RoR spokesperson told H&H its rule requiring horses to be shod on all four feet was introduced with the safety of competitors and ride judges in mind.

“Many of the grass arenas used for showing can be small and, at times, slippery,” she said.

“That said, we fully acknowledge that there are many ex-racehorses thriving barefoot or with front-only shoeing across a wide range of disciplines. We recognise that equine management practices are evolving and advances in equine science continue to inform what is best for horse welfare.

“As such, our rules – including those relating to shoeing – are reviewed annually. Our aim is always to strike the right balance between ensuring safety in the show ring and supporting the highest standards of horse welfare.”

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New scheme to help connect the dots when horses leave racing as ‘this moment is a crucial point’

Lucy Elder — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:21:42 +0000

A new initiative is in place to help connect the dots in real time as horses take their first step out of racing.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) launched a data-sharing agreement over the summer, as part of the wider aim of closing gaps on traceability and building understanding of thoroughbreds’ lives once they leave racing.

It enables RoR to contact owners once a non-racing agreement is signed on the BHA’s database and the data is passed to RoR.

Owners are then invited by RoR to complete a short survey to confirm each horse’s current status, outline future plans and, where applicable, to register the horse with RoR. This allows RoR to gather data on horses’ whereabouts and next steps. In turn, it offers owners access to free support and resources, including retraining advice, education and information about RoR activities.

“The moment a horse retires is a crucial transition point, and this agreement ensures we can connect with the new keeper without delay,” said RoR managing director David Catlow.

“It enables us to build a fuller picture of life after racing, promote responsible ownership and offer early access to the support RoR provides. Together with the BHA, this marks an important step forward in strengthening the traceability framework for retired racehorses.

“In the first five weeks since launch,18.45% of owners contacted completed the survey, providing valuable insight and helping shape future support for former racehorses. This represents a strong initial response, and we are encouraged by the level of engagement so far.”

The joint initiative was commissioned by the racing industry’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB), which has been “a central driver” in the agreement and securing funding from The Racing Foundation.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H effective traceability “is a vital requirement for protecting all our horses”.

“Racing has made great strides in this whole area, including the development of their own digital ID system, 30-day foal notifications and having the power of regulation,” he said.

“However, we know that horses in transition, including those leaving racing, are often at most risk of falling through the cracks so it’s essential that racing perseveres on this road and shows the rest of the horse world – and governments – that full traceability is not only critically important, but entirely possible.”

BHA director of equine regulation, safety and welfare James Given said the agreement is “a practical and positive step towards strengthening post-racing outcomes for thoroughbreds”.

“By enabling RoR to engage directly with owners at the point of retirement, we’re helping bridge a long-standing data gap and support more informed, evidence-based welfare decisions,” he said.

Helena Flynn, programme director at the Horse Welfare Board added: “The ambition remains to achieve 100% traceability at the point horses step out of racing – a goal that the HWB and its partners continue to champion.

“While this data-sharing agreement does not provide all the answers, it is a critical building block in a long-term solution that will evolve over time.”

A separate collaboration, between RoR and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP), was also announced recently.

The aim is to combine RoR’s expertise in aftercare with TAP’s network of training and coaching opportunities. It comprises a data-sharing agreement for horses registered with TAP, and both organisations will highlight each other’s initiatives.

TAP programme director Justine Parker said: “Our unfaltering mission is to support the successful transition of racehorses into fulfilling second careers as riding horses. By working together, we are able to offer an even stronger network of support to encourage more riders to consider a thoroughbred as their horse of choice.”

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‘He was happy all day, with his ears pricked throughout.’: Grand National runner takes showing win at Scone Palace

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 16:36:37 +0000

A former Grand National runner and Cheltenham Festival winner is excelling in his new showing career – picking up a win at the first Scone Palace International Horse Trials.

Ronnie Bartlett’s Stattler and Beth Clark won the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) amateur ridden show horse qualifier, which was only their sixth showing class.

The 10-year-old was formerly trained by Willie Mullins; his biggest win was the National Hunt Chase at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival in 2022, and he ran in the 2024 Grand National.

“He was a very good racehorse during his time,” said Beth, who works for Mr Bartlett, a former owner of event horses and major sponsor of racing and equestrian sport through his company Albert Bartlett.

“I was so honoured when Ronnie gave me the opportunity to produce him, though this is also my first season in showing.”

Beth said Stattler went on loan after he retired in 2024, then had some time off in the field.

“He makes it easy for me,” she said. “He’s really taken to showing. He’s an absolute gem and a pleasure to produce.

“He didn’t get himself wound up at all and he was happy all day, performing with his ears pricked throughout.

“We hope he could go all the way and while he’s still learning I’d love to qualify him for one of the big RoR finals in the future.”

Hazel McArthur won the open RoR class with her own Wardaddy, who ran once on the Flat and has had showing success ever since.

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‘I owe it all to her’: racehorse turned dressage star bows out in emotional ceremony

Lucy Elder — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:08:26 +0000

A former racehorse who was bought for just a few hundred pounds and went on to excel in the dressage arena has retired in style aged 16.

Tapaidh Frankie, owned and ridden by Tracy Thirlwall, bowed out in a special ceremony at The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) National Championships at Aintree on Wednesday (21 August).

The pair entered the arena to their signature freestyle music I’ve Had the Time of My Life, “Frankie” wearing a blanket laden with their winning sashes. After one final salute, Tracy dismounted and led the mare out in front of an emotional crowd.

“She’s my first thoroughbred, and I’m totally hooked,” said Tracy. “Frankie has changed my life in so many ways, I really do owe it all to her. I’d be incredibly lucky to ever find another like her.”

Frankie had a brief racing career with trainer Simon West, running five times without success. She then spent six months getting “fat and feral” and was bought by Tracy from a dealer’s field as a project to sell on in November 2015.

They had a rocky start; Tracy said she went through more air jacket canisters than she cares to count, but her perseverance was rewarded. Frankie has risen through the dressage ranks, with wins up to inter I level.

In 2024, Tracy and Frankie were crowned champions at The Jockey Club RoR National Dressage Championships, claiming the Hamilton Tarmac RoR elite performance award.

Their record also includes victories at the RoR Scottish Regional Dressage Championships, nine British Dressage (BD) Area Festival wins at advanced medium, prix st Georges and inter I, two advanced medium titles at the BD Associate Championships for Thoroughbreds, plus multiple BD regional leagues and RoR Winter Championships.

Tracy also twice reached the final in the amateur rider of the year category at the Horse & Hound Awards.

“I already feel like I am living a fairy tale riding at the levels this horse has taken me to. I never even dreamed that one day I’d be competing in a tailcoat, let alone being nominated for an H&H Award,” said Tracy, on learning of her nomination for the 2023 awards.

Frankie will continue to enjoy lighter work and take part in RoR demonstrations, keeping her supple and happy.

“I want to thank the Retraining of Racehorses team for their incredible support, and Aintree’s dedicated crew for giving us so many magical memories. But the biggest thanks goes to the fabulous Frankie – my best friend, and the horse of a lifetime,” Tracy said.

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Rider size limits enforced as part of new welfare rules

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:13:25 +0000

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has launched a “refreshed welfare framework” for competitions and events including its championships this week – including more active enforcement of rider size limits.

The charity for former racehorses published its new welfare rules and guidance on 1 August, ahead of The Jockey Club RoR National Championships (19-24 August). The document was “designed to ensure the wellbeing of retired racehorses and support their successful transition into new careers”.

“These rules are grounded in the principle that horse welfare is paramount, addressing both the physical and psychological needs of each animal,” the guide states.

A few days later, RoR announced that it had updated its horse-to-rider weight ratio rules, now in place for all RoR competitions, clinics, camps and parades. These state that the weight of rider and tack combined should “ideally not exceed 17% of the horse’s bodyweight”, and that the “absolute maximum permitted is 20%”.

“Too much weight can cause fatigue, lameness and behaviour changes,” an RoR spokesperson said.

“At the RoR National Championships 2025, our welfare stewarding team will be present, have access to a weighbridge and will award suitably mounted certificates to those meeting the guidelines.

“These rules aren’t about judgement, they’re about giving our ex-racehorses the best possible life after racing.”

This means that for a 500kg thoroughbred, the recommended maximum combined rider and tack weight is 85kg (13st 5lb), the absolute maximum is 100kg (15st 10lb).

Some riders said the move had a “body-shaming” element, but others were supportive.

Thoughtful comments

“Although much of the feedback was positive, there were also some valid questions and thoughtful comments,” an RoR spokesperson told H&H.

“In response to some of the points made, we’ve updated the certificate so it’s clear that recording the weight fields is now optional. The rider and horse will still need to be weighed to calculate the percentage, but the figures don’t need to be written on the certificate if the rider prefers, just the percentage.”

The spokesperson added that the refreshed welfare framework includes clearer guidance on raising concerns and formalisation of RoR’s partnership with the Welfare Stewarding group.

“This initiative is designed to support responsible ownership and celebrate good horsemanship, with welfare stewards now present at major RoR competitions following successful trials,” she said.

“The weight ratio has been part of RoR competition rules since 2016 but hasn’t been actively enforced this qualifying season. As a result, we’re taking a measured and flexible approach this year. This includes raising awareness of the rule – as we know many members may not have previously been aware of it – and introducing certificates to support and encourage good practice.

“Weighing is entirely optional. The Welfare stewarding team may invite combinations to be weighed; riders can decline, but this may result in elimination if the judge believes the horse’s way of going is compromised.

“We fully understand that this is a sensitive subject, weight can be a difficult or even triggering topic for many people but as a charity focused on the welfare of ex-racehorses, it’s essential we talk about this openly, fairly, and with compassion.”

Not “can I?” but “should I?”

Vet Malcolm Morley, world Horse Welfare director of UK, told H&H the charity rehomes those ridden horses and ponies who have potential to be ridden with a rider weight limit, determined thanks to thorough assessment by specialists and taking into account age, conformation and fitness.

“Ultimately this is about seeing it from the horse’s perspective – the horse doesn’t get to choose, but we do. So let’s make it normal to ask, ‘Is this still the right partnership?’” he said. “The question isn’t ‘Can I?’ but ‘Should I, be on this horse, right now?’”

Welfare group founder Amanda Stoddart-West told H&H the team is delighted to be working with RoR again at the championships.

“Our first attendance at the event came last year, and it’s wonderful RoR has embraced involving us again,” she said. “We hope this marks the beginning of a long-standing relationship where ‘putting the horse first’ truly means just that.

“Welfare is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to play our part in encouraging the highest standards while promoting good horsemanship and offering support to members. This is a shared journey; one where we all come together for the greater good of the horse.

“RoR has worked incredibly hard to push this ethos forward, introducing initiatives such as the suitably mounted certificates; a fantastic way to recognise and reward members.

“One of the highlights of our role is presenting the good horsemanship awards at this and other events. Seeing the joy and pride on competitors’ faces is priceless – it makes everything we do feel so worthwhile.

“Above all, we see ourselves as ambassadors for the horse, offering support, guidance, and education wherever we can.”

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‘The more people cheered, the more he galloped’: one-eyed former racehorse wins Hickstead championship

Bethan Simons — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:12:47 +0000

Victoria Bertorelli was in “total disbelief” when her own one-eyed former racehorse landed the Tattersalls Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) amateur ridden championship at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting.

Victoria rode 16-year-old An Cathaoir (Angus) – by Turtle Island out of Money for Buttons – to win the National Hunt (NH) amateur section en route to the championship. The pair also finished second in the open National Hunt ridden final to Royal Windsor winner Falloway Dubreau and Eve Nicholls.

“He had a pretty poor racing career,” said Victoria, who works full time at The Hunting Shop. “He had been bought to be a chaser but only made it round a few point-to-points before they realised he spent too much time in the air over jumps.”

Victoria bought Angus during the 2020 lockdown. She explained: “He’d been a huntsman’s horse following the Pembrokeshire and Brecon Farmers hunts, so this is actually his second career change from racing.”

With limited fixtures in 2020, the pair managed just two outings before Angus was diagnosed with uveitis and had to have his eye removed two months later.

“It was the best decision we have ever made and he bounced back from it easily, but then he was injured and spent 12 months in rehabilitation,” she said.

But he bounced back again and they have enjoyed successes since including winning at the Royal Welsh show twice and good placings at the Aintree RoR Championships and London International.

Angus and Victoria also compete in dressage and have qualified for the British Riding Clubs National Championships.

Victoria Bertorelli and An Cathaoir trot to victory in the RoR amateur championship (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I came out this year hoping to finish in the top three at the Derby meeting as I always wanted to gallop up that grandstand in the International Arena and we got to do it twice – I don’t think I will ever get that feeling again. Angus came alive in that ring and the more people cheered, the more he galloped,” said Victoria, who believes Angus is the first show horse with one eye to have won in the main arena at Hickstead, following in the footsteps of showjumper and 2014 Derby winner Adventure de Kannan.

“My ultimate goal for this year is to qualify for Horse of the Year Show, but if we don’t get there it’s ok – we have just won the ROR Tattersalls amateur final! He’s my one-eyed legend.”

In reserve for the amateur championship was HOYS-bound Maisie Bush and Joe Warbrick.

This was one of three prestigious RoR finals last week.

Taking top honours in the Hickstead Tattersalls RoR open ridden show series final were last year’s reserve champions Festive Fare and Rebecca Court, who pipped The King’s former HOYS and Royal Windsor winner First Receiver and Katie Jerram-Hunnable to the post.

At the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Rich Man Poor Man, owned by Morean Hamilton and ridden by producer Kristine Douglas was champion in the Tattersalls RoR open ridden Scottish show series for the third time.

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‘The horses don’t know whether they’ve raced or not’: Retraining of Racehorses broadens scope to reach more horses

Lucy Elder — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:01:34 +0000

All British-based thoroughbreds bred for racing are now eligible to be registered with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) as the industry seeks to improve equine traceability.

RoR registration was previously only available to horses who had either raced or been in training with a licensed trainer.

“We want to ensure that all thoroughbreds bred for racing, regardless of their background, are given every opportunity to lead a well-supported life beyond the racing industry,” said RoR managing director David Catlow.

“The horses don’t know whether they’ve raced or not. They all deserve the same level of care and consideration.”

Mr Catlow added that the shift is central to the charity’s 2024-2026 strategy.

Horses are eligible wherever they were bred in the world, provided they are now located in Britain. Those registering under the new system will be given a membership number beginning with “NT”, to signify that they have not been in training. All RoR horses must hold an official racing passport, typically from Weatherbys or an equivalent issued by a recognised racing jurisdiction.

Eligibility for RoR’s competition series remains limited to those who have been in training, to “ensure a level playing field”, but the charity said that this “will remain under review as it monitors the impact of the new registration criteria”.

RoR said in a statement these horses “can now be brought into the fold and offered the same educational and welfare support as their raced and trained counterparts”.

“This change isn’t about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about making sure that no horse is overlooked,” added the statement.

“Traceability, in RoR’s terms, is not about control. It’s about care. By knowing where former racehorses are, what they’re doing, and who’s looking after them, the charity is better placed to offer support, address any welfare concerns early and celebrate successful second careers.

“It also allows the racing industry to demonstrate its commitment to the horses it breeds, long after their time on the track – or in this case, long before they ever got near one.”

It added: “The wider equestrian community stands to benefit from this change too. With more thoroughbreds visible in RoR’s network, owners, retrainers and potential riders can access a broader pool of well-documented horses.

“And as RoR continues to invest in education and support programmes, more horses and their owners will be able to take advantage of clinics, camps and advice to support them in their training to meet their goals.”

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Unsung hero who helped thousands of former racehorses wins prestigious award

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:13:01 +0000

A woman thanks to whom tens of thousands of former racehorses have brighter futures has been honoured with the prestigious Sir Colin Spedding Award.

Former Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) chief executive Di Arbuthnot was presented with the award, at the 35th National Equine Forum (NEF) yesterday (6 March), in recognition of her dedication to racehorse welfare.

“Through her leadership of the charity RoR for over 20 years, Di provided a pathway for thoroughbreds to have a meaningful life after racing,” an NEF spokesperson said.

“Di went on to set up and chair the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR). Due to Di’s foresight, dedication and ability to persuade, thousands of racehorses have secured comfortable and fulfilling lives post training, and tens of thousands now face assured futures.”

Di said she was thrilled to be given the prestigious award, which is given annually to an “exceptional unsung hero or heroine of the equestrian world”, and thanked the NEF.

“It was a privilege, 25 years ago, to become part of a charity that has helped many thoroughbreds have another career,” she said.

“Bringing awareness of their adaptability and their successes has helped change the way those both inside and outside of the industry look at the life of a thoroughbred. It would not have been possible without the commitment and foresight of the chairmen and trustees of RoR, particularly in those early days, as well as the dedication and hard work of a small team; I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf.”

Sir Colin Spedding was the founding chairman of the NEF and chaired it for 20 years until his death in 2012; the award was introduced in 2013, in his memory.

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Paisley Park, Native River and other retired racing stars prepare to return to Cheltenham

Lucy Elder — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:45:28 +0000

Fan favourite Paisley Park is set to delight crowds at the Cheltenham Festival once again as he returns in retirement to take part in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade.

The four-time Grade One winner, trained by Emma Lavelle, retired at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, after his final run in the Grade One Stayers’ Hurdle – a race he contested on six occasions and won in 2019. He has since found a new home with Emma’s secretary Katrina Stanhope-White, and Katrina’s daughter, Jazz.

The 13-year-old gelding is now enjoying days out following hounds and is set to take part in the Tattersalls RoR show series qualifiers this year.

Paisley Park will be joined by 13 other former racehorses, including 2014 Grand National winner Pineau De Re and 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Native River.

“This parade showcases a variety of horses, many of whom excelled on the racecourse, while others have found success in their second careers,” said RoR managing director David Catlow.

“Regardless of size, shape, or ability, all are thriving and enjoying active retirements. These parades offer racegoers a firsthand look at the many post-racing opportunities available.

“While they highlight the care and commitment to retired racehorses in Great Britain, they also emphasise the need for continued support, as outlined in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure every former racehorse has the opportunity for a well-supported life beyond racing, whatever path they take.”

The RoR parade will take place at 12.25pm on Tuesday (11 March), the opening day of the 2025 Festival (11 to 14 March).

The full line up includes:

Balthazar King – ridden by Michael Andrews

Bristol De Mai – ridden by Clare Lawes

Coneygree – ridden by Sara Bradstock

Elegant Escape – ridden by Lily Clothier

Kemboy – ridden by Rachel Sharp

Melon – ridden by Sophie Candy

Minella Rebellion – ridden by Katie Dashwood

Native River – ridden by Jazmin Hosgood

Paisley Park – ridden by Gabby Jones

Pineau De Re – ridden by Lizzie Brunt

Polydamos – ridden by Katy Llewellyn

Saphir Du Rheu – ridden by Charlotte Alexander

Sharjah – ridden by Abbie Hawkins

Wonga Swinger – ridden by Tori Thomas

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How a former racehorse changed the life of a young woman facing homelessness

Lucy Elder — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:38:09 +0000

The way horses helped a young woman endure homelessness and go on to help others facing adversity was among the stories celebrated at the 2025 Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) awards.

Samantha Ivy Barton and Up For An Oscar were finalists in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Community Impact Award, which was won by Grace Muir of HEROS Charity.

Samantha and “Ozzy”, an 18-year-old narcoleptic former chaser, play a major role in helping people build confidence with horses at Redberth Croft CIC. The Pembrokeshire community impact farm supports adults with additional learning needs, veterans, people experiencing mental health challenges, and those at risk of social exclusion.

Samantha’s first involvement with horses came when she was a teenager, and that love has been a constant ever since.

“About five years ago, I was taken out of school from around year nine, and I kind of just lost all will to do anything with my life,” she said.

“A post came up about this little Shetland pony, who needed playing with, some attention and just a bit of love. I’ve never been a horse person, my family aren’t really that horsey – they said, ‘well, you can try it’. So I did. I fell in love and slowly became more confident with horses.”

Watch Samantha’s story in the video below

In early 2024, Samantha became homeless – but found renewed purpose in her work with Ozzy and the work they do at Redberth Croft.

“He is just the most amazing animal in the world. We basically proved to everyone else that no matter where you are, who you are, you could do anything,” she said.

“Ozzy has done a lot for me, more than I think I’d like to admit sometimes, but this horse has done everything. I never thought I had confidence, but he’s given me confidence that’s proven to me, and him, that I can do what I put my mind to.

“At the start of last year, my whole life turned upside down. I was lost. I had nothing. I lost my house, my car, my job. I thought, ‘what have I got left?’ And I realised I have this ex-racer with narcolepsy and a very special brain, and then I realised that I have to keep going – that I’ve got to do something with my life.”

Samantha has a new job in the agricultural industry, a home, and embarked on a “rollercoaster of adventures” with Ozzy last year, which “went amazingly”.

“You’ll have downfalls, but everyone has to at some point in their life – and that’s what the start of the year has really shown me: you can be chucked in the deep end, but by the end of the year, sitting here as a finalist with your horse,” she said.

Louise Robson, of Thoroughbred Dressage, and Forth Bridge, who is owned by The King and bred by The late Queen, were also finalists for their community outreach work.

Louise supports equestrians on their journey with former racehorses, and works with non-horsey groups – such as visiting schools.

Her aim is to better help people understand thoroughbreds “so we can create the best life possible for them”.

“National racehorse week is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year. This year we had an open day at our base, and 60 people came along,” she said.

“We have people from all walks of life – some local, some who have never met a horse before, and some that do have former racehorses. They got to see the life of these horses post-racing, which I think is so lovely for the public to be able to see what happens to these horses.”

Watch Louise Robson’s story in the video below

Louise was asked to be part of Godolphin Lifetime Care’s open day with several horses, and Forth Bridge also went to his former trainer, Charlie Longsdon, for his yard’s open day.

“It was really nice to be able to see and speak to syndicate owners and again, highlight what happens to these horses post-racing,” she said.

“One of my favorite parts of the week was when we took ’William’ to Denby High School in Milton Keynes.

“It was so interesting to watch William interact with the children, but also how the children themselves interacted.”

She added that some children came running up to him, while others were more nervous – as time went on, the kids worked together as a team to all come closer to the horse. She said that William too, would adjust himself to respond to those children who were less sure of the situation.

“It was so fantastic that the power of a horse – a former racehorse – could do that for these kids,” she said.

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‘My heart lies with the horses,’ says award winner who helps young people and sets horses up for happy futures

Lucy Elder — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 14:46:27 +0000

The founder of an equine charity that prepares thoroughbreds for new lives after racing and helps young people who are not coping at school has been honoured with a prestigious award.

Grace Muir, who set up HEROS Charity in 2006, was given the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Community Impact accolade at the 2025 RoR Awards on Saturday (25 January). She received the accolade in recognition of “her outstanding contributions to both the racing and education sectors”.

“I am so honoured to receive this award from RoR because they lead the way in this sphere. While we also do different work at HEROS, there’s no doubt that my heart lies with the horses,” said Grace. “I hope that we continue to grow, expand, and reach more targets, making a real impact on the aftercare of former racehorses.”

In a video shown during the awards ceremony at Cheltenham racecourse, Grace explained that she started the charity with the sole intention of retraining and rehoming former racehorses. In 2015, HEROS diversified and set up an education programme, with support of funding from the Racing Foundation.

Grace said the charity sees a difference in young people “within a week” of them being at HEROS.

“We have 11- to 16-year-olds, who are not in school, but they come to us one to three days a week,” she said.

She added the charity’s mission is to capture the young people’s interest in horses, and get them back into school – with the hope they may return to HEROS to undertake a post-16 qualification and then on to employment in the racing industry.

“We also have a forest school, which we started in October 2023 – they have a half-mile walk to the forest, and actually the horses catch sight of them there and say, ‘Hi, what are you doing? Why aren’t you with us?’ Many of those [students] are now doing dual days – one forest, one equine,” she said, adding that HEROs has “lots of ideas and new things coming in the future”.

The two other finalists in the community impact award were Samantha Barton from Redberth Croft CIC with Up For An Oscar, for their work in building confidence and horsemanship skills among those who have faced adversity; and Louise Robson and Forth Bridge, of Thoroughbred Dressage, for their community outreach work.

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Former racehorse who makes dreams come true honoured with prestigious award

Lucy Elder — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:33:27 +0000

A former racehorse turned grade A showjumper who was given to his retrainer was crowned The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) horse of the year.

Master Wickham joined Claire Lewis in 2015, after retiring from racing, and has gone from strength to strength in his second career. The pair have enjoyed success in the Olympic disciplines, showing and the now 16-year-old gelding even kept his cool during a tack mishap in a musical fancy dress ride.

“When we got him, we didn’t really have any expectations,” said Claire, in a video shown during the awards, held on Cheltenham’s Festival Trials day (25 January).

“But since he’s learned to enjoy the outside world, he’s gone on to such incredible things and taken me to all these places you dream about.”

“Darsi” has competed at the grassroots championships at Badminton multiple times, and also shown what former racehorses can go on to achieve in a variety of classes at major shows, including at Bramham, Blenheim and Hickstead.

“He loves competing. He absolutely thrives on the attention. The bigger the show, the better,” said Claire, adding that Darsi’s ability to learn is what makes him so special.

“He’s so quick. I show him something once – an exercise or a grid – and then he’s read the textbook, written the textbook, and flown up it.”

They have been to numerous showjumping finals, including winning the 2021 RoR Bronze League at the British Showjumping National Championships and scoring placings at the Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships.

Claire recalled the “crazy” moment of hearing Lucinda Green commentating on Master Wickham’s round at the CCI*-intro class at Aston-le-Walls last year – and hearing the voice she remembers from playing the eventing computer game Equestriad as a child, but this time commenting on her own round in real life.

She also shared the fond memory of parading him “among all these lovely horses” during the Grand National meeting at Aintree in 2024.

“He’s opened up opportunities I’ve never dreamt of ever having,” said Claire, going on to share a musical performance she did with him.

“We dressed him up as a teddy bear for the teddy bears’ picnic, and my stirrup snapped in the first 10 seconds. I did the entire routine one-handed with a flag [in the other], going over picnic blankets and all sorts, in front of an evening crowd who were all cheering and clapping – with one stirrup!

“Ok, it’s not Mark Todd jumping around Badminton, but for a racehorse to be able to do that… on my dressage sheet it said ‘I think he could have been a police horse’ – that just sums him up. Anything is possible with this guy.”

The three other finalists were Amroth Bay and Sophie Kington, Evron and Stella Bunn, and Second Brook and Lesley Sayers.

A judging panel selected the horse of the year finalists, with the winner decided by public vote.

The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Community Impact Award went to HEROS founder Grace Muir.

The winners of the RoR elite awards were:

RoR elite dressage champion – Tapaidh Frankie, owned and ridden by Tracy Thirlwall
RoR elite polo champion – Dark Hedges, owned and ridden by Matt Perry
RoR elite endurance champion – Art Mauresque, owned and ridden by Hayley Gilmore
Tattersalls RoR elite showing champion – Minella Rebellion, owned and ridden by Katie Dashwood
RoR Tattersalls supreme champion (showing) – Gentleman at Arms, owned and ridden by Harriet Edmunds
RoR elite eventing champion – Bayaanaatt, part-owned and ridden by Izzy Taylor
RoR elite showjumping champion – The Iron Factor, owned and ridden by Jessie Welch
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‘Growing recognition’ of shared responsibility for horses’ lives leads to increased funding, plus more partnership news

Lucy Elder — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:11:18 +0000

British racecourses have committed to more than double their regular contributions to aftercare of former racehorses.

All 59 British racecourses have agreed to increase their donations to Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) from £100, to £270 per fixture.

“The increased contributions from British racecourses to RoR is a monumental step forward for the aftercare of former racehorses. This increase reflects the racing industry’s growing recognition of the responsibility it holds to its horses, not just during their careers but for the rest of their lives,” said RoR managing director David Catlow.

“RoR is actively engaging with other major stakeholders to explore how they can also increase their contributions to aftercare. Discussions are ongoing with key partners to secure additional support. It is only through full industry-wide support that the goals outlined in RoR’s strategy can be fully realised, benefiting all former racehorses.

“While the decision to increase contributions was the result of individual decisions by each racecourse, RoR is grateful to the Racecourse Association (RCA) for its facilitation in helping secure this important boost to the welfare of retired racehorses.”

On behalf of all racecourses, RCA chief executive David Armstrong said: “We are pleased to see all 59 British racecourses come together to support the future of former racehorses.

“The aftercare of these horses is a shared responsibility within the industry, and the increased funding is a clear signal of our commitment to ensuring that every racehorse is well cared for after its racing career.

“The collaboration between racecourses and RoR is vital in maintaining the integrity of the sport and ensuring a successful transition for horses once they retire from racing.”

Boost for Riding for the Disabled Association

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has been named charity of the year by Agria Blenheim Palace Horse Trials – host of the 2025 European Eventing Championships – and also by Harry Hall.

“The work that RDA does to provide transformative opportunities for individuals with disabilities through horses is truly inspiring,” said Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials event director, Katrina Midgley.

“We are proud to support their mission and look forward to raising awareness and funds for such a worthy cause during this prestigious event.”

RDA chief executive Michael Bishop said the charity is “delighted” to have been chosen by both the horse trials and Harry Hall.

“The demand for our services continues to grow. Nearly one in four of the UK population are disabled with a physical, mental health condition, or long-term illness that impacts their daily life, and despite the many benefits of physical activity and sport, disabled people still face significant barriers when trying to be active,” he said.

“RDA uses the unique connection with horses to provide riding, carriage driving, equestrian sport, equine therapy and non-ridden equine-assisted programmes that deliver life-changing impact.”

He added that RDA is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunities the partnerships will bring, to promote its mission and “raise vital funds so we can make an even greater impact”.

We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to build our community of support and raise vital funds, so we can make an even greater impact.”

Harry Hall managing director Liz Hopper, said: “At Harry Hall, we are committed to championing causes that resonate with our valued One Club members, the equestrian community, and the Harry Hall team.

“[The RDA’s] incredible work in delivering life-changing experiences through horses resonates deeply with our values at Harry Hall. We’re committed to making equestrianism accessible for all and support RDA’s mission not just through fundraising, but by helping to raise awareness for the charity.”

Harry Hall has raised more than £45,000 for equine charities and good causes over the past six years.

Harry Hall supports former thoroughbreds

Harry Hall has also joined the Howden Way Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP) as an official supporting partner.

The aftercare programme is designed to support owners and riders through every step of the way when taking on a former racehorses.

Ms Hopper said the company is “thrilled” to partner with the aftercare programme.

“The comprehensive nature of TAP, from expert coaching to welfare support, aligns perfectly with our mission to serve the equestrian community and help play a vital role in supporting riders who take on an ex-racehorse,” she said. “We look forward to supporting the programme in every way that we can to not only meet but exceed its objectives.”

Maria Haig, head of marketing and communications for The Howden Way, added: “We are delighted to be welcoming Harry Hall as a programme partner and are looking forward to working alongside them to ensure the care and future of these incredible horses that leave racing each year.

“By working collaboratively we can make an even greater lasting impact and we feel extremely fortunate to have them not only supporting the programme but also the participating riders that are taking on ex-racehorses as their horse of choice.

“Harry Hall will be giving all our registered members a 90% discounted [One Club] bronze membership allowing riders access to big discounts across the online shop in addition to exclusive member benefits and early sales access for just £1 per year.”

Agria extends sponsorship

Insurer Agria has further expanded its extensive support of equestrian sport by taking on title sponsorship of Oasby’s affiliated eventing fixtures in 2025.

There are three Agria Oasby fixtures in the British Eventing (BE) calendar – 6 to 7 March, 18 to 19 April, and 18 to 19 October.

Agria will also continue its support of the Agria Lifetime Equine BE100 league, for which competitors can collect “points” at BEDE-organised events – plus some other supporting fixtures – and which culminates at Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials (2 to 5 October).

“We are proud to be continuing our support of the Agria 100 League for a fantastic third year,” said Agria UK chief executive Vicki Wentworth.

“As horse lovers ourselves, we recognise the dedication and hard work amateur riders put into eventing, and we wish all of the partnerships taking part in the series the best of luck. We’re also delighted to be kicking off the new season as title sponsors of Agria Oasby (1), (2) and (3).”

Event director Stuart Buntine added: “We have loved working with Agria over the past two seasons; their enthusiasm for the sport and equine welfare is certainly something that mirrors our own.

“As much as we’re sad to not have Shelford in the calendar any longer, we’re thrilled to have Agria join us at Oasby, and to have squeezed an extra event in there too!

“The Agria 100 League continues to go from strength to strength and we’re looking forward to another busy season of eventing.”

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Cheltenham hero Annacotty loving life aged 16: ‘I want people to see that racehorses can be beautifully trained and cope with technical courses’

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 17:28:31 +0000

Popular racehorse and Cheltenham Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Annacotty is absolutely excelling in his second career after racing.

The 16-year-old gelding and Hannah Bishop are having the time of their lives, enjoying hunting, side saddle, RoR showing classes, beach rides and plenty of hacking, proving the true versatility of retrained racehorses. But it is in showjumping that this “naturally careful” thoroughbred excels and he became the first Cheltenham winning-racehorse to go on to win a showjumping class at Hickstead.

Buckinghamshire-based rider Hannah is rightfully proud of all that the much-loved “Gerry” has achieved.

“I think because I haven’t overdone things with him, he’s still going strong and in the best form of his life,” she says. “He feels even better now than he did two years ago. He’s more advanced in his schooling now, but he’s just a joy to ride; it’s an absolute privilege to have him.”

Annacotty: “The best racehorse they ever owned”

Hannah has been racing manager for National Hunt owner Liz Prowting for the past 20 years and she picked out the four-year-old point-to-point winner Annacotty (Beneficial x Ardross) at the sales for Mrs Prowting to buy. The youngster was nicknamed Gerry after bloodstock agent Gerry Hogan, who helped with the purchase.

“We bought the first horse that I saw – which you’re not supposed to do! But he came in under budget and he’s been the best racehorse that they’ve ever owned,” says Hannah.

Annacotty was trained by Martin Keighley in his early years, winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase under jockey Ian Popham before going on to triumph in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham – a first Grade One success for his owner – on his first run for trainer Alan King in 2015. His love for Cheltenham was cemented when he went on to become a dual winner of the Grade Three freebets.com Trophy Chase at the same track.

“He loved racing there and they only really ran him at Cheltenham in the end,” says Hannah.

The hugely popular racehorse Annacotty and jockey Ian Popham lead all the way to win at Kempton. Photo by Bill Selwyn. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He retired sound and at the top of his game”

Annacotty was retired from racing after running in the 2017 Cheltenham Festival and Hannah says “I certainly wasn’t letting anyone else get their hands on him when he finished racing!” So she set about retraining her beloved and quirky Gerry for a life beyond the track.

“He retired sound from racing and that’s probably one of the strongest points – we took him out of racing when he was at the very top of his game,” she explains. “A lot of people would have kept racing him, but we didn’t want to keep pushing him.

“He’s very much a sulky character – he has to be looked after and he’s quite high maintenance in terms of the amount of attention and TLC he needs, and in terms of the person who’s looking after him. So he needs to be at home and requires cuddles, time, attention and effort, but it’s absolutely worth it.”

While he was racing, Annacotty used to enjoy some hunting “to keep him sweet” although Hannah says, “I can’t hold one side of him hunting now!”

Annacotty enjoying a day’s hunting in 2017. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

They’ve taken part in everything from RoR (Retraining of Racehorses) racecourse parades to some side saddle, but finding his forte in showjumping has come as something of a surprise.

“He’s always had that X-factor about him and if we’d taken him out of racing at the age of five, I can say with complete confidence that he’d have gone to Badminton – he could have been anything or done anything,” says Hannah. “We were really torn at the time – did we want a world class competition horse or did we want to see how far he’d go racing? But he was bought and bred to be a racehorse – you can have pipe dreams along the way, though!

“So we thought he’d be much happier going cross-country after he retired, but it’s not often he has a pole down showjumping – he gets upset if he does, he’s just naturally very careful. I don’t know what it is, but he just loves it – it’s like he can read the numbers on the fences.

“But I try to ride respectfully rather than turn up horribly tight. I’m competitive, but his welfare comes above any turn.”

Retrained racehorse Annacotty: “We don’t ask too much of him”

Hannah and Annacotty have racked up some good showjumping wins in recent years, also competing in the RoR final at the British Showjumping National Championships, but Hannah’s stand-out success was winning at Hickstead’s All England Jumping Championships in 2021.

“He’s the only racehorse who has won at Cheltenham and gone on to win a showjumping class at Hickstead – he’s phenomenal,” says Hannah. “He’s like riding a pony.

“But we don’t go out and jump six classes across two days, we just jump one class and come home. He’s well looked after and kept sweet and managed nicely. We don’t go to the well too often.

Hannah Bishop and retrained racehorse Annacotty enjoying the showjumping at Hickstead. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He could do a lot more, but the beauty of the fact is he’s still fit, competing and doing things because we haven’t stretched him beyond his limits and don’t ask for too much,” she continues. “He very rarely comes home without having paid for the outing. He’s very consistent.

“He’s the same in his racing mannerisms when he goes to shows, but he’s better at some venues than others – he has places that are in his comfort zone and he’s a complete poppet, then there are other places that if he doesn’t particularly like the venue or the atmosphere he’s quite tricky. But on the whole, he’s really good. He’s always been supremely talented but quite quirky!”

“I want people to see that racehorses can cope with a technical course”

In a full circle moment, the pair will next month (25 October) be competing in the Sportjumping Final at Bury Farm, an annual showjumping competition that combines a racing-style handicap format with the chance to have a flutter on the runners and riders. A field of 15 will line up for each of the three height classes and this is the first time that former racehorses will be taking part.

As well as Hannah Bishop with Annacotty, Rachel Vicary will be in action on the former Gary Moore-trained Shantou Master, and Clair Lewis riding Master Wickham will be bidding for glory during the gala evening.

“I just want people to see that racehorses can be beautifully well trained and cope with a technical course,” says Hannah.

“I don’t really know what to expect on the evening, but I’m looking forward to it. I know it will be a different type of showjumping track to what we’re used to, but I think he’s at that point in his life that he should be able to cope with being asked a different question.

“I can’t really afford to think about people betting on us though! I’ve done enough charity races over the years and that’s part of going racing. I’m more nervous about how he’s going to cope with the evening atmosphere – he can get a bit lit up by rowdy crowds, but hopefully he’ll just enjoy it.”

Hannah Bishop and beloved retrained racehorse Annacotty at the beach. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Singing the praises of the versatility of retrained racehorses, Hannah describes Annacotty as “a very smart horse to ride”.

“There’s nothing he doesn’t like, he doesn’t turn a hair and he’s just a joy to be around,” she says.

“Liz Prowting is a big National Hunt owner, she’s 85 now and we have never sold on a horse – every single racehorse stays with us for life – so there are loads out there with other people competing, doing Pony Club activities, hunting, eventing and still actively in work. They come home when they’re field-retired or they go down to Devon where friends keep them for us.

“So they’re all over the place – but you have to try to match them with the right people, and we don’t always get it right, but you try your best.

“A lot of people might have taken Gerry a lot higher, but equally you have to remember that he’s done his job and it’s now about enjoying his life which is why we keep it fun and easy,” she says of her true family horse.

“He’s such a gem, a gentleman, he’s just really, really lovely.”

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Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner reigns as a show horse in Burghley main arena

Alex Robinson — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:17:03 +0000

Tom Malone’s 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Native River has booked his second Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) ticket by winning the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier at the 2024 Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

Ridden by Jazmin Hosgood, the chestnut gelding headed a 20-strong qualifying class before a large crowd in the main arena on the final day of Burghley. He adds this ticket to a SEIB Search For A Star pass achieved at Stoneleigh Park in May.

Ride judge Michaela Bowling said: “He went amazingly. He was an out-an- out show horse to ride.”

Conformation judge Stuart Campbell added: “It was the presentation, movement, balance, rhythm and self-carriage of the winner that set him apart. It is wonderful to see ex-racehorses becoming truly multi-purpose horses.”

Tom bought Native River as a four-year-old from a yard in Ireland after he had unseated his jockey in a point-to-point. During his career on the track, he won over £1m and was ridden by champion jockey Richard Johnson in many of his races. The now 14-year-old was trained by Colin Tizzard in Somerset and retired to Tom’s yard nearby.

“I’m as proud as I could be of this horse,” Tom said. “I get more pleasure than I can tell you out of this success. We set out with HOYS as our goal and he’s gone and done it.”

Jazmin said: “I used to work for Tom and have ridden Native River lots at home and out hunting. He is absolutely Tom’s baby. It was a big atmosphere today and he was just amazing. We also went Moreton show the day before and he won there, too.”

Jazmin rode at HOYS in 2012, when she won the SEIB Search For A Star riding horse and hack final.

“Native River goes out in the field every day and will do plenty of hacking before HOYS and hopefully a hunter trial,” she said. “He also won a big jockeys’ jumping competition with Harry Cobden a few weeks ago!”

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Tiger Roll, Silver Birch and Lady Buttons among retired stars to delight fans at Grand National Festival

Lucy Elder — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:40:58 +0000

Six former Grand National winners will hear the roar of the crowd again as they return to Aintree this week.

Dual winner Tiger Roll (winner 2018 and 2019), Minella Times (2021), plus senior veterans 21-year-old Pineau De Re (2014), 21-year-old Neptune Collonges (2012), Mon Mome (2009), now aged 24, and 27-year-old Silver Birch (2007) will be among those taking part in the legends parade before racing on the day of the Randox Health Grand National (Saturday, 13 April).

Those heading to the Randox Grand National Festival on Friday (12 April) will also have the chance to see a bevy of other former racing stars in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade. This will take place at 12.40pm and features eight horses, who are all excelling in their post-racing careers.

These include 2017 Becher Chase winner Blaklion, who had four Grand National starts and is now turning his skills to showing, fun rides, hunting and hunt races. Popular mare Lady Buttons, formerly trained by Philip Kirby, joined her exercise rider Jenny Durrans in retirement. She had a successful first debut season in the showing arena and will target eventing this season.

Others taking part in Friday’s parade include the former Willie Mullins-trained duo of Kemboy and Melon, plus Duke Of Navan, Touch Of Faith, Peveril Point and Master Wickham.

“Our thanks to Aintree racecourse and The Jockey Club for giving us the opportunity to put together such a great line-up of former racehorses to parade for the Aintree crowd,” said RoR director David Catlow.

“RoR parades are designed to educate racegoers whilst offering them a chance to witness first-hand the variety of different second career options open to racehorses once they retire from racing.

“They also highlight the need for further support and resources, as set out in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure that we are able to safeguard the wellbeing of all former racehorses.”

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Gold Cup heroes, Grand National stars and popular greys to parade at Cheltenham

Lucy Elder — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 20:58:46 +0000

Retrained Gold Cup and Grand National heroes are set to star on the opening day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.

Native River, Coneygree and Pineau De Re are among the 11 horses set to take part in the annual Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade at 12.30pm on Tuesday (12 March).

Coneygree, trained by the late Mark Bradstock, and the Colin Tizzard-trained Native River, won the Gold Cup in 2015 and 2018 respectively. Pineau De Re, who won the 2014 Grand National, has excelled in his second career enjoying eventing and dressage with Lizzie Brunt.

RoR managing director David Catlow said that there is a “lovely cross-section of horses in the parade”.

“They are all high performers on the racecourse, but some have had notable success in their second careers, while others simply enjoy an active and fulfilling retirement, competing at lower levels,” said Mr Catlow.

“The varied lives these horses lead highlights the care and dedication to aftercare we have in Great Britain. However, this also underscores the need for further support and resources, as set out in the RoR Strategy 2024-2026, to ensure every retired racehorse finds a fulfilling second career or retirement.”

The line-up also features Saphir Du Rheu, a Grade One Mildmay Novices’ Chase winner at Aintree when saddled by Paul Nicholls and double Cheltenham Festival winner Champagne Fever. Also taking part in the parade are four-time Cheltenham Festival runner-up Melon, popular greys Smad Place, Bristol De Mai and Duc Des Genievres, Balthazar King – who finished second to Pineau De Re in the Grand National, and multiple Grade One-winning chaser Kemboy.

The display will take place in the parade ring ahead of the first race.

‘Incredibly soft and gentle’ Gold Cup winner who became therapy horse dies age 24

Lucy Elder — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:38:38 +0000

Gold Cup winner Papineau, “a champion both on and off the track”, has died aged 24.

Godolphin’s gelding spent much of his retirement providing equine assisted therapy in hospices and hospitals. He was a finalist for the inaugural Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Community Impact Award, and his achievements were celebrated at the RoR Awards on 31 January.

Papineau was “in excellent health” until he was very recently diagnosed with heart issues and the decision was made for him to be put down.

“Papineau was a horse who did even more for others, both within and outside of our industry, in his retirement as he did throughout his career,” said Liam O’Rourke, Godolphin’s director of stud, stallions and breeding.

“He was much loved and will be much missed.”

Papineau, a son of Singspiel, was bred by the late Peter Winfield and bought at the Tattersalls December Sale in 2000. He travelled to Ireland and was raised at Blackhall Stud in Co. Kildare, before starting training with André Fabre.

He joined Saeed bin Suroor in early 2004, winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot that summer with Frankie Dettori in the saddle.

“Papineau was a pleasure to train, and his Gold Cup win at Ascot was a very special day indeed. His achievements after his racing career are something that the whole team should be incredibly proud of,” said Saeed.

In 2005, Papineau was retired from racing and retrained, enjoying dressage, showing and life as a family hack. He also spent time as a nanny at Godolphin’s pre-training facility and has taken part in many parades.

He stepped back from his second career for a quieter life at Woodditton Stud, where he was looked after by Geraldine Jones and her daughter Megan. But his carers found he was not quite ready to fully retire, so Papineau found a new purpose in equine-assisted therapy, visiting Newmarket Hospital and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. It was for this work that he was recognised as a finalist in the RoR community impact award.

In a video shown on the awards evening at The Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket, Geraldine described him as “incredibly soft and gentle”.

“He just knows – if you’re having a bad day, he is always there to listen,” she said.

Meet the former racehorse with a penchant for Classic FM who is helping prisoners and young people

Lucy Elder — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 20:31:07 +0000

A former racehorse with a penchant for Queen and Classic FM has been celebrated for his incredible work in helping young people and prisoners.

Dreamisi and Matt Bannon were among the finalists in the new Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Community Interest Award. Their story was heard by guests at the RoR awards on Wednesday evening (31 January) as the industry celebrated the exceptional versatility of thoroughbreds.

The pair work with north London-based charity Strength and Learning Through Horses. They visit prisons weekly and also work with young people who are struggling.

“He really picks up on the energy of the people in the sessions and works with that; if they’re really anxious and angry, he stays away from them. If they’re really calm and gentle, he goes towards them,” said Matt.

“That makes him a really good horse, he’s really good at picking his place – he’ll go wherever he feels appropriate until he feels that people have done what he needs for them to interact with him. It’s really special to have a horse that can do that.”

The prisoners and young people do groundwork and sessions where Dreamisi is loose with people in an exercise area, to show how horses pick up on atmosphere and human interactions, and in turn, help people better understand themselves.

Dreamisi can push boundaries, which Matt adds is part of what makes him so suited to this kind of work. When he was going through his retraining, they found that Classic FM playlists were a great way to help him settle in the stable and have also since discovered through his work with young people that he is a fan of Queen.

He added: “In the all-male prison, they love the fact that this is a racehorse, that he’s got this power about him and he is big and strong, but he also needs you to keep him calm and support him.

“Being empathetic, being kind, being gentle – these are all human skills that they’ll need to take outside with them and the horses give them a window into finding those parts of themselves.”

‘He seems to instinctively know’: top horse who brings light to ‘so many people’ honoured

Lucy Elder — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 11:54:44 +0000

A former top five-furlong sprinter who makes “everyone who comes into contact with him feel better” was voted the first winner of a new award in recognition of the effect he has on those around him.

Goldream, known as Remy, and racehorse retraining and rehoming organisation New Beginnings were announced as winners of the 2024 Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Community Impact Award on Wednesday (31 January).

“He must have met hundreds and hundreds of people and children. He just makes everybody who comes into contact with him feel better,” said Pam Atkinson of New Beginnings.

Pam’s husband Kevin, with whom she runs New Beginnings, added: “He goes into hospices and the pleasure that he gives to the people at the latter end of life is just phenomenal.

“He seems to instinctively know what to do and puts his nose on people’s faces, he’ll sniff people’s hands.

“To see somebody at the latter end of life smile, when they’ve got so much going on in their world, because a horse has touched them is just phenomenal. You can’t buy that.

“He gives so much pleasure to people. He’s unbelievable.”

Nigel Payne presents The Sir Peter O’Sullevan ROR Community Impact Award to Pam and Kevin Atkinson of New Beginnings. (Image credit: Dan Abraham)

Pam said that Remy “just knows” when someone “could do with a hug”, and that he also brings comfort to the staff in hospices.

“The doctors and the nurses at the hospices have a very difficult job. They come and stroke Remy and get some pleasure from that as well,” she said.

The two-time Group One winner, formerly trained by Robert Cowell, was nominated for the award by York racecourse, for which he is an ambassador. He also spends time visiting medium secure hospitals, as well as schools and met more than 1,200 young people and families in 24 hours during national racehorse week.

Kevin added: “For a five-furlong sprinter, who has been a pocket rocket, to go into a hospice and be with people who need that extra bit of attention – the way he does it is just phenomenal.

”He’s given so much to so many people in so many areas – not just on the racecourse, or the medium secure hospital or the hospice, or primary schools. It’s everything that he does, and he does it all gracefully and humbly. He is a true example of the versatility of the thoroughbred.”

‘I thought, “what will be, will be!”’: Que Sera heads public vote to win prestigious award

Lucy Elder — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:09:00 +0000

The aptly named Que Sera was crowned The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Horse of the Year in recognition of his incredible versatility as a family horse.

The 14-year-old gelding, owned and ridden by Jo and Ben Hales and their children, topped the public vote to be awarded the prestigious prize at the RoR awards at The Jockey Club rooms (31 January).

The family bought him from Philip Hobbs in 2017 and he has excelled in multiple disciplines, hunted with three packs and embraced his role as a family horse. He has helped raise hundreds of pounds for charity, overcome a severe injury to return to work, and won numerous dressage and side-saddle showing titles.

“I’ve never had a horse that’s been quite so consistently successful as he has,” said Jo. “I can count on one hand the times he’s come home without a rosette, and there’s always been a reason, it’s usually my fault! He has won four rugs, countless championships both side-saddle and dressage. But he’s equally happy to go cantering around a fun ride, to have a child riding him or nanny horses in the field.”

Jo thanked her husband (“he’s his horse really, we bought him as his pointer”) and whoever gave the horse his name.

“We really shouldn’t have bought another horse to add to our long collection,” she said. “But with his name and him being such a lovely horse, I went to go and see him.

“He just had the most fantastic walk. I wasn’t able to ride him, just see him walking and have a look at him trotting on the lunge. With his temperament and his walk, I just thought, ‘Que Sera – what will be, will be!’”

Sandy Dudgeon presents The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year trophy to Jo Hales. (Image credit: Dan Abraham)

Presenting the award, Jockey Club senior steward Sandy Dudgeon quoted John Hislop, the late breeder, soldier, journalist and champion amateur, who said: “On the turf, there is only one rightful king, the racehorse and if he is not served in the manner due to him, neither he nor his kingdom will prosper.”

Sandy added: “I think that is one of the great quotes of our sport. Although John died 30 years ago, he would have been inspired by everything all of you here have achieved since RoR’s formation 24 years ago, and all in the room this evening.”

The inaugural Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust Community Impact Award was won by former double Group One winner Goldream and racehorse rehabilitation and rehoming centre New Beginnings.

The 2019 Cheltenham Foxhunter and prolific British point-to-point winner Hazel Hill, owned by Diane and Jane Williams, won the show supreme champion title. The show series champion accolade was won by Wonga Swinger, owned and ridden by Tori Thomas. Megan Brown’s pint-sized Don Stefano, who is competing at intermediate, claimed the eventing prize. Sara Cork collected the hunting award on behalf of Celtic Silver, who had much point-to-pointing success with Tom Ellis and Gina Andrews before a career change. Jane Phillips’ advanced medium mare Fair Duchess won the dressage award, Amanda Hamley’s More Salutes took the endurance crown, with Chris Mackenzie’s Badalona Breeze, produced by Charles Seavill, claiming the polo prize.

Do you have a retrained racehorse success story? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for a chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

‘Ensuring no horse ever faces an uncertain future’: new plans for former racehorses unveiled

Lucy Elder — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:37:00 +0000

Racing aftercare charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has revealed a plan to establish training standards and launch an official retrainer approval scheme, and is seeking to massively increase funding.

The news came as part of RoR’s 2024–2026 strategy, which also focuses on areas including traceability, finance, increasing demand for former racehorses and welfare. It follows a recommendation in the Horse Welfare Board’s 2021 aftercare funding review.

It also intends to collaborate with industry experts, retraining centres, coaches and vets to develop “good practice” guidelines to follow.

RoR managing director David Catlow told H&H the intention is for the industry and equestrian community to “feel confident” whether they are seeking a retrainer for a horse coming out of racing, or looking to buy a former racehorse.

“We have a pilot at the moment with a small number of retrainers where we’re looking at what sort of criteria we need to develop and assure,” he said. “It is something we’re developing.

“This strategy is part of a journey; it won’t be delivered by the end of March, it is something that we want to continually improve. Ultimately, our mission is to safeguard the wellbeing of all former racehorses.”

The strategy also sets out an intention to review the RoR’s existing vulnerable horse scheme, greatly expand its education offering, increase collaboration with licensed trainers and equestrian sporting bodies, and further improve traceability. It also seeks to “elevate industry funding by 10 times current levels” in the next three years, and triple its non-industry fundraising income.

Mr Catlow said that a forum will take place on Wednesday (31 January) to discuss funding models, including who can contribute financially, so RoR can deliver the strategy “on behalf of the industry”.

“We want the industry to adopt this strategy,” said Mr Catlow. “It is going to be important for the industry to step up to support it, because without the funding, we will be limited in what we’re able to achieve.”

RoR board chairman Philip Freedman said: “At its core, this strategy clarifies RoR’s position as the leading provider of strategic support and direction of aftercare.

“It is about ensuring that, through RoR’s activities and racing’s commitment to aftercare, no racehorse ever faces uncertainty or neglect once their racing days are over.

“We look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders, members, and our external partners to deliver this strategy.”

‘She is amazing’: former racehorse and crowd favourite proves unbeatable on showing debut

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:02:50 +0000

During her stellar career in National Hunt racing, Lady Buttons garnered a huge following. She was sometimes referred to as “The Queen of the North” and collected £292,471 for Yorkshire-based trainer Phil Kirby and owner/breeders Jayne and Keith Sivills. Now her racing career is over, she has taken to her new life in the show ring like a duck to water, winning all three of her classes at her first show.

In September 2020, Lady Buttons was retired after suffering a minor injury. Then hopes of breeding from her were dashed when she was found to have under-developed ovaries and would never be able to produce a foal. In the light of that discovery, the then 11-year-old mare made a tentative return to training at the start of this season, with a comeback run possible if she displayed her previous ability on the gallops.

Lady Buttons during her racing career (Image credit: PA Wire/PA Images)

That did not prove the case, and as a result the mare was retired again.

“Izzy Kirby, Phil’s daughter, initially rode her but then she moved away to attend a performing arts school, and so Buttons has moved in with me and I’ve started her retraining from scratch,” says Jennie Durrans, who was Buttons’ work rider in the final two seasons of her racing career while still at Phil’s. “My partner Adam Nicol rode Buttons in all of her races, apart from when he was injured.”

Buttons arrived at Adam and Jennie’s yard in Seahouses in Northumberland, where they now train racehorses, in February this year, and her retraining started.

“She’s had to learn how to slow her jumping down and how to make a shape and really use her back end, so along with my trainers John Thelwall and Alastair Parkin, we have been using lots of pole work,” explains Jennie. “When she arrived, she couldn’t really even walk in a straight line, so we really went back to basics and started from scratch. She’s come on leaps and bounds and is the type of horse that you just look forward to riding. She’s not too fizzy, but not too laid back and just loves to learn.”

Jennie and Buttons enjoying a dip in the sea at home (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jennie says that Buttons is “brilliant and easygoing”.

“She’s lovely to be around and lives with my other two ex-racehorses, one of which is her ‘boyfriend’. She has settle into life here really well.”

Buttons made her showing debut at Alnwick Ford on 30 July, after the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) classes were relocated from a very soggy Burgham Horse Trials. And it was a very successful debut indeed, with Buttons and Jennie winning all three of the classes they entered, including the RoR amateur ridden show series qualifier, which has its final at Aintree in September.

“I never really thought of Lady Buttons as being a show horse – I thought she was more of an eventer, but. thought as the show was down the road, it would be good practice for her to go and ride among a group of horses,” explains Jennie. “In the first class, she was a bit edgy in the line-up a couple of times, but then she was better in the second class and by the time she got to the third class and the championship, she was a pro.

“She’s very intelligent, loves being ridden and just loves to please. She enjoys getting out and about and she was brilliant – she was on and off the horsebox and stood totally chilled in-between classes. I couldn’t fault her, to be honest.”

Jennie Durrans and Lady Buttons. (Image credit: Marcia Thompson)

Jennie’s next aim for Lady Buttons is to take her to the RoR Championships at Aintree and then contest a couple of unaffiliated one-day events before the end of the season, given that Buttons is a super jumper.

“I just need to take her cross-country schooling,” says Jennie. “She is a cracking jumper and I’ve had to get used to how much power she’s got, because she’s got a whopping great big back end!

Jennie and Buttons jump schooling (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Buttons is still owned by Jayne and Keith Sivills, and I’m still in touch with them – I send them lots of photos and they come and visit her.”

During her illustrious career some of Lady Buttons’ finest days were at Doncaster, where she won the Group Two Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle twice as well as two victories in the Listed Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares’ Chase.

She was also dominant in the Mares’ Hurdle at Wetherby, another Listed contest, finishing second in in 2017 and then winning in both 2018 and 2019.

Call for owners to take part in first British horse census

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 18:21:27 +0000

Britain’s first census of thoroughbreds will help traceability of former racehorses – and the sustainability of equestrian sport, it is hoped.

British racing’s Horse Welfare Board (HWB), with Hartpury University, is encouraging all owners of former racehorses to complete the census, which launched on 28 June, before 31 December.

The main aim is to help improve traceability of thoroughbreds after they have retired from racing, to “know where they are, throughout their lives”. It is part of the HWB’s five-year welfare strategy “A Life Well Lived”, which committed to improving the lives of all horses bred for racing, from birth until death. Those behind the project want to make connections and work with bodies across the industry.

“The nice thing about this is the message of the industry joining hands, beyond racing,” HWB programme director Helena Flynn told H&H. “This is something fundamentally different and bigger; there are a lot of surveys in the industry, but this is a census, and this is a call for action to be involved.”

The census, in partnership with Retraining of Racehorses and supported by World Horse Welfare and Weatherbys, also focuses on responsible ownership, including ensuring all horses’ passports and ownership details are up to date. This is ensured “meticulously” by Weatherbys but declines once horses retire and go into private ownership. This issue applies across the industry.

Participants will be asked for horses’ passport and microchip numbers, age, residence, second career and more, to “provide a robust view of the 2023 British retired racehorse population”.

Hartpury head of research Jane Williams said: “We’re delighted to be part of this proactive initiative as Hartpury is committed to supporting the sector to improve the quality of life of the horses we all love.

The census is an opportunity to understand more about lifetime care of thoroughbreds, generate evidence to safeguard against disease outbreaks, and show the huge benefits thoroughbreds bring to so many people.”

Take part in the census

All owners of former British-trained racehorses will be encouraged to register them, free, with RoR.

The charity’s managing director David Catlow said: “The ‘social licence’ for the use of horses in sport is under increasing scrutiny and what happens to former racehorses after they retire is identified as a particular concern. This is a significant step towards ensuring thoroughbreds enjoy a healthy and caring existence and will provide the racing industry with the relevant data to guide future decisions”.

Ms Flynn agreed, adding: “This is how we can play a part in ensuring the sustainability of this industry and sport. This is fundamental to that. Aftercare is an emotive subject, and if we can have greater understanding of that, it will make a huge difference.”

The census can be completed online, and at major equestrian events.

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers said: “This is an excellent initiative along the road of improving traceability for all thoroughbreds. Full traceability lasts a lifetime as a horse bred for racing will always be a racehorse in the eyes of the public, and they rightly hold the industry responsible for them throughout their lives.

“There really is a collective responsibility to make this work towards the much-needed goal of full traceability, both for the sake of the horses and the reputation of the industry.”

‘The story needs to be told better’: how to open the public’s eyes to equine welfare at its best

Lucy Elder — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:22:30 +0000

The racing and rehoming worlds “need to tell the story of equine welfare so much better” to promote the positives and counterbalance the voices of those against the involvement of horses in sport.

That was one of the key messages from the 2023 International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR), held in Melbourne last month.

Australian sports presenter Tim Gilbert stressed the message in his keynote speech.

“People need to be proud of the whole equine welfare story and it needs to become part of the mainstream,” he said.

He added that the industry is “not going to convince” those who are anti-racing, but that those “are not the ones you really need to convince”.

“You need to win the hearts and minds of the public,” he said.

The forum heard of some of the latest thinking in training of horses before and during their career changes, plus a study by Professor Seungho Ryu of Cheju Halla University in Korea. This study focused on developing a preliminary assessment of retired thoroughbreds for their suitability for equestrian sports.

Among its findings was that a three-month transition training period had a significant desensitising impact. It also found that peak heart rate, in combination with the behavioural score out of 10 a horse was given – from 0 being the most relaxed to 10 being the most anxious – were useful criteria to assess racehorse temperament.

The forum heard how aftercare is managed around the world and the significant strides that has taken in recent years, plus individual projects designed to bring the racing and equestrian worlds closer together.

One of these was the “Own After Racing (OAR)” initiative, run by trainer Gai Waterhouse and co-trainer Adrian Bott, which encourages racing owners to stay in a syndicate as their horses retrain.

“There are a few horses with professional showjumping trainers and then we take the owners on that journey, so they come to the shows and experience that as well,” said Jessica Bott, rider, coach and wife of Adrian.

“I think it’s also interesting that people don’t know that that’s out there. So it’s exciting to see those two worlds merge, and I think they need each other.”

IFAR chair Di Arbuthnot celebrated the global progress, while pointing out that there remains more to do.

“Yes, there are challenges – there will always be challenges,” said the former Retraining of Racehorses chief executive, nodding to funding and communications, and adding that the main challenge remains supply and demand.

“We’ve all got a supply of racehorses leaving the industry every year. How do you keep up demand? That is so important. It doesn’t matter whether it’s competition, the many equine therapy programmes that are fantastic, your happy hacker that’s just going to give that horse a lovely home. This is what all countries need to do, because that is welfare. It is showing the world that racing cares about its racehorses.”

She added that IFAR would like to see every racing jurisdiction have an aftercare programme.

“Wherever your horse ends up, there should be a life after racing – racing needs to get hold of this, to own this and deliver an aftercare programme, all around the world,” she said.

A one-tongue salute! Meet Steve the former racehorse, whose quirk always gets a cheer

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 19:51:00 +0000

Meet Steve – the former racehorse who gets a cheer wherever he goes thanks to his cheeky one-tongue salutes.

Top Shots Photography managed to catch Don’t Blame Me, as he is officially known, joining in as his owner Jacqueline Potts saluted the judges at the Malvern Hills Riding Club dressage championships on 29 January.

Jackie told H&H she has to present dressage judges with a veterinary letter to confirm Steve’s poking tongue is caused by a medical condition rather than any discomfort.

“People don’t tend to cheer when you finish a test but they do cheer Steve; everyone knows him because of his tongue!” Jackie said. “He’s just the best.”

Steve won a couple of Flat races during his career, when he was trained by Clive Cox for Paul Rooney. Paul’s racing manager Jason Maguire, who owns Ivy Lodge rehab yard, is a friend of Jackie and her equine vet husband, so Steve was given to her as a six-year-old, four years ago.

“I’ve retrained him; he couldn’t really trot properly at first!” Jackie said. “We had a setback last year when he got cast and tore his glutes so he goes back to Ivy Lodge for treadmill sessions and we’re building him back up. We’ve done a bit of unaffiliated dressage, and this show was our first time back out.”

Picture by Top Shots Photography (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Jackie found out about the diastema two years ago, when her “kind” horse was acting out of character.

“My husband had a look and said we needed to see the dental specialist, who found it,” she said. “The gaps round their teeth are the wrong size, so food gets stuck and then the gums get inflamed. You can’t see it and Steve’s so stoic, he didn’t let me know.”

Steve now goes in every three months to have the gaps flushed and packed with dentine to ensure he is comfortable, but the tongue-lolling has stuck.

“I think it started as he was trying to push food out but it’s become a habit,” she said. “When he’s concentrating in a dressage test – he doesn’t do it jumping – out it comes. Then [the photographer] Miles got that brilliant picture, which was perfect.”

Steve had previously won fans across the world when Jackie bought a fan for him one hot summer and took a video. This was shared by Ivy Lodge, then World Horse Racing, and went viral. Jackie is now aiming to build him back up so he can jump, and is aiming for the Retraining of Racehorses championships this summer.

“He’s the kindest horse,” Jackie added. “He is quirky and has his moments – I’ve hit the deck more times than I did with my warmblood mare – but it’s never nasty, he’s lovely.

‘Pulled up more often than tights’: former racehorses celebrated in new careers

Lucy Elder — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:59:33 +0000

Former racehorses who have taken their riders places they have “dreamed of” were celebrated with national awards and by the people whose lives they touched. Elite winners across six disciplines were crowned at the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) awards in Newmarket on 21 January.

From a 21-year-old eventer turned dressage horse to a hunting star who never made the frame in his racing career and has now spent more than 200 days following hounds, thoroughbreds were celebrated for their versatility and achievements.

Judith Barker’s My Diss Sire, now enjoying his third career, took the dressage award. Now 21, the Vettori gelding raced as a three-year-old before switching jobs and evented to advanced with Judith. The pair are successfully competing at advanced medium and Judith is eyeing a step up to prix st georges.

“Primarily he was an event horse and jumped some really big tracks. He has taken me places I’ve dreamed of. I’m very lucky to have him,” she said.

Laura Williams, groom to polo player Hazel Jackson-Gaona, said she believes 18-year-old elite polo champion Far Song was “secretly born for it”.

“She’s very agile, most thoroughbreds are. She’s got the legs, the turns, the athleticism. And she’s just so soft. As soon as she was retrained, she just got it and she turns on a sixpence,” she said.

Winner of the elite supreme show champion Rich Man Poor Man finished just one of his five starts on the racecourse.

“We joked he should be called ‘Tights’, because he was pulled up more often than tights are,” said owner Morean Hamilton, adding that the 10-year-old, ridden by Kirstine Douglas, has “never disappointed” in his new career.

“He’s a star, he’s a gentleman, trainable, compliant and his work ethic is amazing.”

Clare Balding and Richard Phillips with The RoR elite award winners. (Image credit: Dan Abraham)

Justine Armstrong-Small’s elite show series champion Time Down Under, failed to beat a single other horse in racing. His accolades in his new career include scoring a major title at Hickstead in a journey Clare Balding described as “like a Disney story”.

Sam Tomlinson’s Lilbourne Prince took the endurance prize, and Vicky Heal’s Tribunel – never placed under Rules – won the Meriel Tufnell Trophy for his performance on the hunting field.

“Hunting he is just a machine,” said Vicky, who has had the 19-year-old for 10 years. “He’s done more than 200 days with 15 different hunts, all different country, from Cornwall to Cheshire.”

Elite eventing champion Finch Fancy is one to watch as she steps up to advanced this season.

Ben Liles, who co-owns the 11-year-old with Phil and Charlie May Ainsworth, described the mare as having “the heart of a lion”.

“She showjumps amazingly for a thoroughbred, she really wants to give everything height. My biggest job is just to stay on her. She’s fast, I just have to point and try and stay in balance with her. She’s so nimble, so athletic, she does a fab job,” he said.

“She’s so consistent. Her dressage is getting better, it’s been slightly her weak spot. But at her last event at Osberton, she received three nines in her test. Her rise up the leaderboard when she goes across country is immense. There are so many events where people have struggled to make the time, and she just eats it up.”

He added that the “feisty mare” commands respect.

“Walking into an arena, she has a swagger about her. She’s confident and has almost a cockiness about her,” he said. Even training, she walks in with that confidence in her own ability. My job is just to be the passenger!”

‘The kindest horse with the biggest heart’: Grand National winner helped rider rediscover her joy in eventing

Lucy Elder — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 13:51:31 +0000

Grand National winner Pineau De Re changed the lives of his connections when he blitzed to victory in the Aintree showpiece in 2014. Nine years on, the now 20-year-old gelding has gone on to change another life through the “size of his heart”.

His former trainer Richard Newland, who still co-owns the horse with John Provan, asked Lizzie Brunt if she would retrain “Pineau” for his eldest daughter to ride. Dr Newland’s daughter moved to London, so the horse ended up joining Lizzie full-time.

“He is the kindest horse with the biggest heart and will do anything I ask of him,” said Lizzie, who was working for Dr Newland when she was asked to start Pineau’s retraining.

“He’s so sure-footed, he has a fifth leg wherever you go – I think that’s why he won the National. I’ve never really ridden another horse as clever as he is. We did loads of gridwork to get him to slow down, to stop him going so high, and to help encourage him to tuck up his legs.

“Even now at 20, he still looks free, supple and active, and that’s what the dressage judges love about him.

“The size of his heart makes him so willing and honest, he doesn’t say no, he just gets on with it. It might be a little bit quicker than I’d like, but that doesn’t matter – I just have to hold on and let him do the job! That’s what he’s been like through the whole of his retraining.”

What Pineau gave Lizzie in return was the ultimate gift a horse can give.

“I used to event as my profession and I lost the love for it, because of the pressure. I had a yard full of horses and it was just too much,” she said.

“Then I started riding him and taking him out – it doesn’t matter about winning, does it? It’s just about having a good time. He just means so much to me, for bringing that enjoyment back, for taking the pressure off, and I’m now enjoying competing again as my hobby rather than my profession. I’m just so grateful to him for that.”

Pineau De Re and jockey Leighton Aspell win the 2014 Grand National. (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

She added: “My main aim when I take Pineau out is just for him to enjoy it. He’s already a champion in his own right and has nothing to prove to anyone.”

Pineau was one of three finalists in The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses horse of the year award, which was won by Hannah Chisman’s First Fandango. William Grant’s 17-year-old “super athlete” Skipper Robin completed the trio.

The “calm and kind” gelding, formerly trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, has turned his talents to hunting, team chasing, hunt rides and relays, as well as showing, dressage, arena eventing and showjumping.

“He’s done 10 different disciplines and been successful in all of them. He’s just a super athlete,” said William, adding that he is a great ambassador for showing what “ordinary racehorses” can go on and achieve.

“You hope they will turn out to be sound and safe and sane, but he’s just a gorgeous, loveable character.

“I feel privileged to have owned him. To describe him in one word, he is magic.”

‘From herding cows to HOYS’: versatile ‘legend’ crowned retrained racehorse of the year

Lucy Elder — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:34:07 +0000

The “versatile” First Fandango, who has tasted success at every discipline he has tried, has been crowned The Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) horse of the year by broadcaster Clare Balding.

The 16-year-old, formerly trained by Tim Vaughan, ran 50 times including at four consecutive Cheltenham Festivals before joining Hannah Chisman to start his new life in 2017. The pair have hunted, team-chased, evented, showjumped and tasted success in the show ring.

“He can be winning showjumping Saturday, at a top-class show Sunday, and teaching my little boy on Monday. There is nothing he can’t do,” said Hannah, whose days start around 4.30/5am before she heads off to work full-time as travelling head girl for trainer John Spearing.

“I actually had his full brother. I hunted him down and asked his trainer, Tim, very nicely if I could have him when he had finished.”

She added that “Freddie’s” “attitude to life” is what makes him so special.

“There’s nothing he will say no to,” she said. “He’s so loving. When you walk into the barn, he is the first to talk to you.

“He’s always given me his all in everything we do – from herding cows to showing off at the Horse of the Year Show.”

She said “words will never explain how amazing he is”, thanking her friends for their support “whether I need a pram pushing or tack cleaning – it means so much”.

“That horse is an absolute legend. One thing is I wish my mum was still around to witness all of what I’ve done with my horses. She was the main woman in my life who got me going,” she said.

“He is part of the family and has given me some of the best days of my life. Just doing what I do every day with him is already a win for me and we all love him.”

Clare urged owners to showcase the “love and reward that goes both ways” and the “incredible versatility, bravery, willingness and intelligence” of retrained racehorses to help change misconceptions.

“They have brought so much to the lives of those that ride them now, that own them now, and you have done so much for them. It’s just a really lovely virtuous circle,” she said.

She also encouraged racing to speak to the wider equestrian world more.

“Racing can often exist in a bit of a vacuum,” said Clare. “I think this is a hugely important way in which we reach across different equestrian disciplines. I’ve always tried to say to racing ‘You need to be talking to eventing, you need to be talking to showjumping, to dressage, and to endurance worlds and the showing worlds and the hunting worlds’, because we don’t work as one in this country.

“We all love horses, we all have partnerships with them that mean different things, when actually we very rarely get to be together. And this is a very important opportunity for that.”

RoR chairman Philip Freedman echoed similar thoughts in his opening address.

“Never has it been more important for racing, and indeed for all equestrian activities, to showcase what they do for their former equine athletes once their first career is completed,” he said.

The horse of the year runners-up were William Grant’s “lovable character” Skipper Robin, 17, and 2014 Grand National winner Pineau De Re, owned by Richard Newland and John Provan. Pineau’s rider Lizzie Brunt credited the 20-year-old with helping her re-find her love for eventing.

Elite champion awards were presented across disciplines. In showing, Time Down Under – who never beat a single horse on the track – claimed series champion with owner-rider Justine Armstrong-Small, with Morean Hamilton’s Rich Man Poor Man, ridden by Kirstine Douglas, crowned supreme.

Finch Fancy, co-owned by rider Ben Liles with Phil and Charlie May Ainsworth, won the eventing prize, while Vicky Heal’s Tribunel, who has done more than 200 days with 15 packs, won the hunting award. Judith Barker’s My Diss Sire took the dressage title, Hazel Jackson-Gaona’s Far Song the polo award, and Sam Tomlinson’s Lilbourne Prince the endurance accolade.

Superstar chaser Cyrname thriving in new career: ‘He’s such a professional’

Lucy Elder — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:01:38 +0000

Grade One winner Cyrname, once the highest-rated chaser in Britain, is thriving in his new career after racing and delighted fans when he appeared at Blenheim Horse Trials.

The former Paul Nicholls-trained 10-year-old gelding, owned by Samantha de la Hey, retired from racing this spring. He joined Charlotte Alexander, who has had the likes of Denman, Earthmover and Saphir Du Rheu in their post-racing careers.

“He is absolutely brilliant – very relaxed and chilled – and such a professional horse,” Charlotte told H&H.

Cyrname, known as “Cyril”, earned his place as Britain’s highest-rated chaser following his staggering 17-length victory in the 2019 Ascot Chase. It was an accolade he franked later that year, when bringing Altior’s 19-strong winning streak to an end in the Christy 1965 Chase at the same course.

His first significant public appearance since switching careers was at Blenheim Horse Trials, where he and Charlotte took part in the Thoroughbred Dressage demonstrations with Louise Robson.

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Charlotte credited five-star event rider Louise Harwood for starting off “Cyril’s” retraining so well.

“I sent him to Louise, just to help me – he is quite strong and I knew he needed flatwork education – I have a full-time job alongside eventing two horses this summer, and it was important to give him the best start,” said Charlotte.

“Louise is wonderful and has a lovely yard in Herefordshire. She has been instrumental in getting him to where we are now, which is really just the beginning of starting to compete.”

Louise did a few combined training shows with him, which he loved and showed beautiful manners on the lorry.

“I took him to Lyneham cross-country schooling the other day and he was absolutely brilliant,” said Charlotte, adding she hopes he will go eventing and she thinks he will be a front-running lead horse team chasing.

“He didn’t look at anything – we jumped skinnies on turns and he went straight into the water.

“He went to the Berkeley Team Chase to do the novice and I took him to Blenheim on his own and he’s the sort that falls asleep tied up to the lorry. I’d thought I might need a nanny, but he was lovely.”

She added he led from around the fifth fence at the Berkeley (“and was marvellous”) and is heading to the Warwickshire this weekend.

Charlotte said Cyril “absolutely loves jumping” and the retraining and flatwork is preparing him mentally and physically for the change of pace he will now enjoy it at.

“I’m hoping to field master from him,” said Charlotte, who also field masters from Grade One winner now intermediate eventer Saphir Du Rheu.

“I’m sure he will hunt. He is strong, but not stupid, and is such a sweet horse – he loves being cuddled and I think he really enjoys having one-on-one attention.

“He is lovely, I’m very excited about his future and for what we can do.”

‘I only got a fat lip!’ amazing pictures show dramatic sequence of ‘lucky’ fall

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 18:52:02 +0000

Her first point-to-point outing may not have gone entirely according to plan – but Rachel Collins suffered just a fat lip in this fall.

Luckily, amateur photographers were on hand at the Ashford Valley Tickham Hunt’s meeting to capture the whole sequence, which Rachel told H&H was one of her first considerations.

“It was really lucky,” she said. “If you’re going to fall, you absolutely want the pictures of it! If it hasn’t been documented, did it really happen?!”

Rachel was riding her own DaintyDavey at the Easter meeting at Charing, Kent, in 2013. She had ridden in a few races under Rules but thought pointing would provide more riding opportunities.

“We bought him from Ireland,” she said. “It was quite funny as my partner [John Collins] and the trainer Phil York both said ‘We’ll buy a fairly decent horse, she’ll bottle out after the first race and we’ll get a decent horse to continue with’ – cheeky sods!”

Charing was Rachel and Dave’s first run and they were in the lead when they parted company.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“He sort of asked the question, jinked a bit and I came out of the side door,” she said. “You can see me spinning through the air in the pictures but I don’t remember it; I was probably thinking there were 11 horses behind that could land on me. In that split second, I curled up thinking ‘Please don’t hit me’, and thank god, none of them did, although it was quite close.

“And all I got was a fat lip. You know you almost think ‘Is that it?’ as it was pretty spectacular but I was absolutely fine, I got up and walked away.”

Rachel did stop race-riding; she broke her pelvis on another horse and “thought I’d bow out gracefully”.

But she and Dave went on to excel in a range of other disciplines. He ran his last race in May 2014, a good one for second place.

“Someone was there asking ‘What did you think of his race?’ and I said ‘Brilliant but he’s retiring now’,” she said. “My partner, who’s now my husband, said ‘What do you mean, he’s retiring?’ but sometimes your heart overrules your head. I said ‘That’s it’, and brought him home.”

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) had launched leagues in dressage, arena eventing and showjumping, and the versatile Dave took to his retraining and new career with aplomb, taking the southeast cross-discipline title in September 2014.

The combination also enjoyed victory in showjumping, at the RoR national championships, and in the British Showjumping (BS) club leagues, as well as at the national hunter trial championships.

Rachel was preparing to affiliate fully with BS but in 2017, Dave suffered a serious bout of colic. He recovered but, Rachel said, was “not quite happy” jumping afterwards. He has since enjoyed success in dressage, and now, aged 17, also enjoys hacking, schooling, fun rides and local events.

“He settled into life so well,” Rachel said. “He’s so not what you’d think of an ex-racehorse. I’d happily let my five-year-old nephew, who doesn’t ride, hack him out with me on our bridleways; he’s a really lovely character, and he loves his person, and he just loves life. A really happy chap.”

Rachel added that had she been asked after the fall, she would not necessarily have thought Dave would prove to be so easy to retrain to such success.

“He raced from when he was five to when he was nine, but nothing fazed him, he could do it all with his eyes closed,” she said. “He’s been fantastic and he’ll live out his days here.”

But the pictures of that day at Charing will also always be treasured.

“The first thing I said when I got up was ‘Please tell me you’ve got that on camera’!” Rachel said.

‘Safety net’ to support thoroughbreds on first step out of racing to launch imminently

Lucy Elder — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:02:13 +0000

A “safety net” to ensure thoroughbreds ending their racing careers receive the specialist care they need is being expanded in the coming weeks to cover their first step out of the sport.

Oxfordshire-based specialist racehorse retraining centre HEROS has been appointed as the new primary partner for British racing’s aftercare charity, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). This new partnership means HEROS will provide care and support for horses that need it as they leave the racing industry.

It links back to a recommendation by the industry’s independent Horse Welfare Board (HWB), which launched in February 2020 with the focus of supporting all horses bred for racing from cradle to grave.

“The [HWB’s] ‘Life Well Lived’ strategy was created to ensure that during the whole lifetime of the thoroughbred, all facets of its welfare are scrutinised and where possible improved,” said HWB chairman Barry Johnson.

“This new agreed definition of racing’s responsibility means we can now expand the sport’s safety net to ensure a smooth transition out of racing for any horse bred for racing.

“This is about providing a safe space for thoroughbreds that may need additional support via an industry-backed organisation with first-class experience and facilities.”

From August, HEROS will provide care for any thoroughbred leaving racing who needs extended time and resources for his retraining or recuperation.

This is not a replacement for the many other routes trainers and owners have in place for preparing horses for their second careers, but is rather an alternative and a safety net.

Each horse will receive a full assessment and a bespoke programme in preparation for rehoming. Educational and support programmes will also be offered to anyone new to rehoming a thoroughbred.

The development follows the HWB’s 2021 aftercare funding review, which carried out a study into the management and quality of racing’s aftercare sector.

HEROS’ appointment followed a five-month pitch process, involving 60 British aftercare providers. It has rehomed more than 700 former racehorses since its launch 16 years ago and will receive additional funds to support its new role and expanded responsibilities.

“HEROS was officially launched in 2006, but thoroughbreds have always been part of my life and I have been retraining them for more than 30 years,” said HEROS chief executive and founder Grace Muir.

“I have an incredible team who are as committed as I am to their care and wellbeing. This endorsement from the industry gives HEROS the confidence to forge ahead and achieve even more with our work.

“Thoroughbreds have such a wide range of capabilities, we are fortunate to be able to offer top-class facilities to be able to retrain, rehabilitate and educate here and it’s so rewarding to see them go on to have useful, healthy, active lives after their racing careers.”

The HWB is also partnering with the University of Surrey to expand a welfare assessment tool (Animal Welfare Assessment Grid) to officially record a thoroughbred’s wellbeing on retirement (news, 13 July). This is planned to be rolled out towards the end of this year and will additionally be used to score how suited the horse would be to different jobs and flag areas for development or of concern.

The formalisation and introduction of an aftercare and retraining accreditation standard is planned to tie in with the rollout of the assessment tool

“In recent years there has been sustained growth in the demand for thoroughbreds among the wider equestrian community,” said RoR chairman Philip Freedman.

“This has been a very positive development and is in large part due to the work of RoR in providing opportunities for former racehorses across a range of disciplines and educational measures for their riders.

“However, the organic nature of this growth has led to some horses being cared for by individuals who are not always best qualified for that particular horse at that particular stage of its career. This issue was identified by the aftercare funding review group who, as part of their recommendations, advocated the introduction of a more informed approach to the assessment of horses leaving racing.

“Considerable cross-industry work has taken place since that review and these latest developments are important steps forward to establish stronger standards, structures, and systems to support thoroughbreds as they transition away from the sport.”

Celebrating The Queen’s love of horses: Her Majesty’s retrained racing stars to parade at Epsom

Lucy Elder — Sun, 29 May 2022 18:02:33 +0000

Some of The Queen’s former racehorses will parade at Epsom on Cazoo Derby day (4 June) in honour of Her Majesty’s contribution to the sport.

The Queen is expected to attend Derby Day in person as part of the official Platinum Jubilee celebrations and a guard of honour of 40 jockeys, dressed in her famous colours, will greet her arrival.

Retraining of Racehorses has worked with the Jockey Club to arrange for five of Her Majesty’s retired racehorses will parade on the day, headed by Barbers Shop.

“We know The Queen is incredibly fond of all of her horses, whether they are racing or involved in other disciplines,” said Phil White, London regional director at the Jockey Club.

“This will be a great way to combine her passion for the thoroughbred with a chance to educate people about the work RoR does, and the lives racehorses live once their careers on the track have come to an end.”

Barbers Shop, now 20, was bred by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and won eight times for trainer Nicky Henderson. His accolades on the track included a listed chase win and placings in the King George VI and the Hennessy Gold Cup. He won multiple championship titles in his second career in the show ring with Katie Jerram-Hunnable, including Royal Windsor and Hickstead, before retiring from competition in 2018.

He will be joined by the five-year-old First Receiver, who is also based with Katie and enjoying his new career in the show ring. The New Approach gelding, bred by The Queen, was last seen on a racecourse at Royal Ascot 2020, when he finished second to Russian Emperor in the Hampton Court Stakes.

Three dressage converts also feature in the parade. Louise Robson is bringing Quadrille, who was also a runner-up in the Hampton Court Stakes and is now competing at prix st georges level, as well as Prince’s Trust and Forth Bridge.

RoR chief executive Di Arbuthnot said it is an “honour” for the charity and riders taking part to be involved in what they “hope will be a memorable day for Her Majesty”.

“I have seen at first hand the pleasure The Queen gets from seeing her former racehorses excel in a different discipline and the role her horses have played in helping promote the work of Retraining of Racehorses is immeasurable,” she added.

Your chance to ride at Bolesworth in new three-day dressage ‘spectacular’

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:50:42 +0000

The team at Bolesworth is “delighted” to welcome international dressage back to the venue, after a three-year break.

World-class horses and riders are expected at a three-day “spectacular” CDI3*, from 24 to 26 June. Dressage has previously run alongside international showjumping at Bolesworth, but this will be a standalone event.

National and international classes are on the schedule, with three arenas running competition from prelim to international grand prix level, as is para dressage for the first time.

Bolesworth managing director Nina Barbour said: “We were so disappointed not to have been able to run dressage here last year due to issues with the calendar, but are delighted to be welcoming the dressage world back to Bolesworth for what promises to be a huge celebration of the sport at every level, and a chance for riders of every level to immerse themselves in the full Bolesworth experience.”

The best former racehorse in each national section will win a prize donated by Retraining of Racehorses, and young horses have a chance to shine in the Nexgen classes, for four-, five-, six- and seven-year-olds, with the chance to qualify for the finals at Hickstead.

Visitors will also be able to watch a demonstration by Olympic rider Richard Davison and his student Sarah Higgins.

Richard said: “There really is no other place like Bolesworth. It is perfect for developing our young horses and giving our more experienced horses valuable match practice in a big arena atmosphere before heading to major championships.”

British Dressage (BD) chief executive Jason Brautigam said it is good to see dressage return to the venue.

“There are some fantastic opportunities for riders across the whole of the spectrum, including our under-21s and para athletes, so I am sure this will be warmly welcomed and well supported by British Dressage members,” he said.

“Bolesworth is a special venue, providing top-class facilities and a true international atmosphere, which creates a unique experience for competitors and spectators alike. We are really looking forward to seeing three days of spectacular dressage action in the heart of Cheshire this June.”

‘He is my world’: how a special horse helped his rider deal with grief

Lucy Elder — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 21:02:14 +0000

A former racehorse who is helping his rider deal with her grief has shone a light on the power of the horse-human connection.

Kerry Humphries met her “absolute world” One Pekan on her “very first day” of her job with top trainer Roger Varian.

“Pekan is a bit of a character and he can be pretty grumpy in the stable. But I just fell in love with him straight away,” she said.

“I remember going up to the office, it was in January, and Roger saying that if I would like to have [Pekan] I could have him. I remember saying ‘thank you, Boss, thank you’.

She left the office and screamed, before running up to the first person she saw and hugging them.

“He definitely was my favourite, we had a great bond straight away. He really is special to me. He did have me off a couple of times, though, in training – he’s actually had me off more times now!”

Four years on from that first meeting and their bond is as strong as ever.

“All the girls here love him, because he is that much of a character. He loves going out into the stubble fields, there’s one we go in where the deer run alongside us,” she said.

In 2021, Kerry’s mother died unexpectedly, and she has thanked Pekan for being there to help her through.

“I’ve spent a lot of time just sitting in the stable with him, cuddling him. I just sit in his hay while he munches and he nuzzles me,” she said.

“He acts like a tough horse, but he knows when I’m down. They know. They can sense it on you. He is the reason I do everything. He is more than just a horse to me, he is my best friend. He is my world.

“We’ll go out on a hack and I’ll chat away to him about my day. If I’m having a bad day, I can let it all out and he doesn’t judge me.

“I think everyone who knows Pekan and I do understand what we have done for each other. I’ve given him a home out of racing, and he has helped me in tough times.

“He is not perfect, he’s definitely got his quirks, but that’s Pekan – that’s the character of him and I wouldn’t have him any other way.”

Pekan was one of the two runners-up for the Retraining of Racehorses personality of the year award, from more than 200 entries.

Jockey Hollie Doyle selected the winner, Henri De Boistron, and the riders of all three finalists were present to collect their prizes at the ceremony at the Jockey Club rooms on Saturday (22 January).

‘He’s made me feel safe again’: how horse helped owner rebuild confidence after she was kicked in the face

Lucy Elder — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:03:34 +0000

A rider who was kicked in the face has paid an emotional tribute to her “amazing” former racehorse for helping her rebuild her confidence.

Esmé Foster came across Daffern Seal in 2018 while she was working on a livery yard, where she was “lucky enough to ride him”.

The Fruits Of Love gelding ran under Rules for Kris Weld in Ireland, before spending several seasons pointing in Britain for the Leyshons and latterly Wyn Morris.

When the opportunity came to take him on herself, she grabbed the chance.

“I wanted the challenge of retraining one and working with an amazing horse who has had such an interesting and different life,” she said.

At the end of 2019 Esmé was involved in a serious accident, where she was kicked in the face by a horse (not Dixie).

“I think they put about 20 metal plates and screws in my face. Even now you can feel it, it just feels horrible,” said the 18-year-old, who is the same age as Dixie.

“After the surgery my face was so sore; it was so hard to eat. I chipped both my front teeth. I remember just eating pink custard from the hospital for ages, as that was the only thing I could eat.

“I remember Mum sitting beside me, crying, because she was so upset with everything that had happened. I felt confused because when I arrived at the hospital, I don’t think I really understood how much damage had actually been done and I just thought ‘will I ever be able to ride again or do anything with horses?’.

“That was my biggest concern. I was worried about Dixie more than I was worried about myself, because I felt like it wasn’t fair for him to just be left without me for however long it would be.

“I remember being so scared not knowing what the scar would look like and how different my face would be. I felt so alone.”

She added that she “couldn’t wait” to come out of hospital and did not know if she would feel up to going to the yard.

“I remember looking at photos and showing the nurses photos of Dixie and that made me realise ‘I can’t give this up because he doesn’t deserve that’,” she said, adding that seeing Dixie after her operation made her feel “so much better”.

“He’s been so patient and he always tries his best with everything. The first time I rode him after my accident, I remember just being able to walk, I was too scared to do anything more than that.

“He just knew he had to take his time and be there for me.”

Esmé had anxiety after her accident, particularly with being around horses on the ground, and has spent “hours in the school” with Dixie to rebuild that trust.

“After my accident I did suffer with anxiety, but coming to the yard, being with Dixie – he’s always been there for me – he has just helped me so much. He has managed to make me feel safe again,” she said.

Dixie was one of two runners-up in the Retraining of Racehorses personality of the year award, from more than 200 entries.

Jockey Hollie Doyle selected the winner, Henri De Boistron, and all three finalists were present to collect their prizes at the ceremony at the Jockey Club rooms on Saturday (22 January).

Opinion Love for the horse is our most powerful asset – we need to use it more

Lucy Elder — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 17:52:47 +0000

I fell in love twice on Saturday. Maybe it’s something about January. Tolstoy’s diary notes, which I first saw when shared by writer Dolly Alderton, recount a Big Night in January 1851: “I’ve fallen in love or imagine I have; went to a party and lost my head. Bought a horse which I don’t need at all”. Words to live by, perhaps. A party to have been at, definitely.

But Saturday was a particularly good day to love horses. In what must now be at least the 123rd day of January, it served as a reminder of why we love the sport and more than that, the horse.

It’s something I mentioned on this week’s Horse & Hound Podcast. All of us – by us I mean those connected to the equine world in some way – know how special our four-legged friends are. We know the power of the horse-human bond, we know the unique magic our sport has because of that, we have all laughed and cried into a warm hay-scented neck. They make our lives richer.

We know all that. But as I mention on the podcast, there are those jolting moments that remind us of that and we re-fall in love with it all over again. With that magic, is power that the equestrian and racing world could do so much more with.

Saturday (22 January) was special as it served two of those in quick succession. The much-hyped clash between Shishkin and Energumene – two greats, two champion trainers, two nations – delivered in breathtaking fashion.

From the kings of the game ruling the day, jump exactly 100 miles east to Newmarket and those who have bowed out ruled the night at the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards.

What these awards get right is the balance between celebration of sporting achievement – with its elite awards – and celebrating everything else that these horses bring. The joy in connection and partnership was there in the elite prizes, and there too in the wonderful personality of the year final. Red rosettes are nice, but this was a celebration of more than that.

Nobody could fail to be moved by the stories of the three personality finalists, who have helped their owners through grief, injury and illness.

“Sometimes people don’t know how to talk or be around you. But he didn’t treat me any differently,” said Anastasia Choma, collecting the personality prize on behalf of Henri De Boistron, who helped her through cancer.

RoR head of welfare Jenny Hall, chair of the FEI veterinary committee and former chief veterinary officer for the British Horseracing Committee, collected the dressage prize on behalf of Crewezando, owned and ridden by Patricia Haskins.

Dr Hall, who bred Crewezando some 15 years ago, recalled seeing him competing in his second career and how it hit home what she had created.

“I suddenly went ‘oh my goodness, I bred that horse!’” she said, reminding other thoroughbred breeders that they too can put any horse’s name into the RoR website to find out if he is registered.

Much was said about “hype” in the last week. What if we sold the hype of a racehorse’s retirement as part of that? Not every horse will be your Les Soers – six-goaler Matt Perry’s phenomenal 19-year-old mare, winner of the RoR polo champion award, whom he credits for helping shape his career. That’s the same with any horse, though. Some will, and there will always be places for those that are suitable for a home.

At the end of the day, if a horse is enjoying his work and being cared for, he is in the right place. A home that meets those is of equal value to one where he is progressing up the levels in competition.

Eventing and racing owner Jayne McGivern hit the nail on the head, when collecting the eventing prize for the exceptionally cute failed racehorse and failed polo pony Our Old Fella – “we pretend he is 15.2hh, he’s about 15hh” – who is now eventing at intermediate with Piggy March.

“I feel owners need to take responsibility for the enjoyment they have from their horses,” she said. “They are not disposable. They are not a raffle ticket. They have so much to offer in every respect.”

I’m a strong believer that rehoming pensions should be factored into all racehorse ownership, to go some way to providing for the horse’s next step. If more joined-up money for that was forthcoming, that would likely spark growth in the retraining side of the industry. In turn, leading to more horses receiving high quality retraining, which then creates value.

Responsibility is the fundamental core, but what Jayne summed up so well is the fun in that responsibility.

With racing and the horse world both keen to attract new people, that is how we should be selling responsibility at the very start. After all, what is more wonderful and more powerful than falling in love.

Retraining of Racehorses elite awards winners:

Dressage champion: Crewezando (Patricia Haskins)
Polo champion: Les Soeurs (Matt Perry)
Endurance champion: He’s A Charmer (Lynn Harvey)
Supreme show champion: Minella Rebellion (Katie Dashwood)
Show series champion: Mumford (Collette McGoldrick)
Eventing champion: Our Old Fella (Piggy March and Jayne McGivern)
Hunting champion: Sire Collonges (Tom Jonason)

‘My absolute rock’: award for retrained racehorse who helped owner through cancer

Lucy Elder — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:05:05 +0000

A thoroughbred who has “been a rock” for his owner following her diagnosis with an aggressive form of breast cancer was honoured with Retraining of Racehorses’ (RoR) personality of the year accolade at the charity’s awards.

Anastasia Choma bought the now 12-year-old Henri De Boistron in 2018 as the “perfect all-rounder”. The former Tom George-trained gelding had started his retraining with a “lovely lady” nearby, who thought he might enjoy a home where he could do some eventing.

“As soon as I met him, I knew I wanted to bring him home. I just absolutely fell in love with him,” said Anastasia.

A year later, Anastasia found out that she had triple negative breast cancer. She met Clare Taylor Reeves, who was diagnosed two years before, and who kept her horse nearby.

“We used to hack out once a week and just chat about our experiences. She talked me through all the different processes, surgeries, options because I had quite a few decisions to make at that point as well and I was completely overwhelmed,” said Anastasia, who is now cancer-free.

“Henri was just incredible in that time. He was my absolute rock. I felt like I had a sense of normality. I felt like I could come and be myself with him. He didn’t see me in any other way. I was just his mum and he was happy to see me. That was really amazing.”

She added that what makes “Henri” so special is how sensitive he is to how she is feeling.

“When I’m not at my fittest, after my surgery or after some treatment, he is so calm with me,” she said.

“I can ride him on the buckle end if I’m not quite strong enough, I can walk him down the road, he’s not spooky. And I’m so grateful for that because even though he has had a bit of time off, he can contain himself and he realises I’m not quite up to fitness yet, so he really looks after me.

“Equally, when I’m starting to feel a bit better, he’s a bit more on his toes. I think he knows me better than I know myself and he encourages me to keep moving and keep going forward.”

She said Henri’s temperament is “testament to how incredible former racehorses are”.

“It would all have been so much harder without him. I am so grateful to him and I’m looking forward to a long and happy future together,” said Anastasia, who received the prize on Henri’s behalf from Annie Dodd of the Horserace Betting Levy Board at the RoR Awards in the Jockey Club Rooms on 22 January.

The pair have also raised thousands of pounds for charity, Breast Cancer Now.

Record-breaking jockey Hollie Doyle picked the winner from more than 200 entries.

“I loved how understanding Henri was in helping Anastasia through her treatment and recovery, how he responded to her when she was feeling weak or unwell,” said Hollie. “It really goes to show how sensitive horses can be and how good the rider and horse’s relationship must be.”

‘Utterly useless’ £100k racehorse qualifies for showjumping championship

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:20:33 +0000

He may not have emulated Best Mate or Frankel on the racetrack, but 10-year-old ex-racehorse Discours D’Un Roi looks to have found his forte over the coloured poles after an eye-catching showjumping win at Prestige Equestrian Centre in Gloucestershire recently.

The chestnut gelding and his rider Annabel McCourt picked up a ticket for the prestigious Blue Chip Winter Championship Finals in April thanks to a convincing victory in the show’s Voltaire Design winter novice qualifier.

“He’s very careful and jumps more like a warmblood,” said Annabel.

“He cost a lot of money – over £100k – and after he came to England he ran three or four times over here and was utterly useless, so we bought him!

“It was basically a case of, ‘Take him, he eats too much!’”

Discours D’Un Roi was bred in France by the stallion Vision D’Etat, out of a Sabrehill mare, and went into training with Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte. He made his racecourse debut as a three-year-old, finishing mid-field in two races on the Flat.

When he moved to France’s champion jumps trainer Guillaume Macaire, he managed to rack up a couple of wins over hurdles before being bought in 2017 by Sullivan Bloodstock Limited when he joined the stables of the legendary Nicky Henderson.

The 16.3hh gelding made his racecourse debut in England in a handicap hurdle at Sandown Park with Noel Fehily in the saddle, but finished last of the nine runners. He did not fare much better when fourth in a five-runner hurdle at Ludlow, making “no impression” under Sean Bowen, and connections decided to call it a day after he was pulled up at Chepstow in October with Nico De Boinville riding.

But “Rio” has proved a great all-rounder for Annabel since she took the reins soon after.

“I have had him for four years now and he is a diamond,” explained Annabel, who is married to 1990 Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Graham McCourt, who won the race on 100/1 shot Norton’s Coin.

Having won in showing classes, been hunting and team chasing and tried his hand at eventing, Rio was registered with British Showjumping last year on the advice of Annabel’s coach Stella Bunn, who believed it would be his forte.

“He placed sixth in the RoR [Retraining of Racehorses] champs at Stoneleigh and has won about £200, even though he’s not been out too many times, as he’s pretty consistent,” Annabel said.

‘A real credit to their owners’: success for new format as RoR racing to hunting winner crowned

Lucy Elder — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 20:56:04 +0000

Retrained racehorse Sire Collonges added a new crown to his collection in his second career, with the rider he bonded with during his first.

The former Paul Nicholls-trained 15-year-old impressed the judges on his day with the Ledbury in Monday’s final of the Ri-Dry Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Racing to Hunting Challenge to claim the 2021 title.

The eye-catching grey is a regular with the Belvoir, with rider Tom Jonason, and the pair bonded during Tom’s time as assistant trainer to Paul.

Tom said he was “absolutely over the moon” to win and praised the new format of horses being assessed on the hunting field. The final of the competition, which is now in its fifth year, was previously held at Aintree.

“I thought the format worked really well. First and foremost, it was a very enjoyable day’s hunting and, secondly, it is undoubtedly a much fairer way of judging the competition,” he said.

Sire Collonges (Dom Alco x Quart De Vin) won four of his 24 starts during his six-year career under Rules, including the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in December 2013.

The pair will receive the Meriel Tufnell Trophy, £1,000 cash and a Ri-Dry jacket at the RoR awards in January.

The Fernie’s Becky Smith and the 12-year-old Important Moment, winners of the 2021 Silver Spur in May, were runners-up. Kathleen Robinson and Bills Bank, 16, were third for the North Staffordshire.

“Congratulations to all the finalists, they were all a real credit to their owners and each showed how well they have adapted to their second career,” said RoR chief executive Di Arbuthnot.

“A big thank you to all involved, especially the Ledbury hunt for hosting the final, our sponsors Ri-Dry and our fantastic team of judges.”

‘To recognise horses with a unique personality and character’: nominations open for RoR award

Becky Murray — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:25:45 +0000

The hunt is on to crown the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) horse personality of the year 2021.

Taking place for the second year, the award celebrates former racehorses who have shown “exceptional character” in transitioning to a new career and have had a positive impact on those around them.

There were more than 250 entries for the award in 2020 and it was Sarah Peacock’s 12-year-old gelding Ned Causer who took the honours. Ned ran three times in his “short-lived” racing career, but had a “transformational effect” on Sarah, helping her to overcome bouts of anxiety and depression.

Record-breaking Flat jockey Hollie Doyle will choose the three finalists and pick the ultimate winner. Finalists will be invited to the prestigious RoR Awards at the The Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket on 22 January, where the winner will be revealed.

RoR chief executive Di Arbuthnott said the charity hopes the award will get people talking passionately about what it means to own a former racehorse.

“We want to recognise those horses with a unique personality and character, and to also showcase the special bond they develop with their riders,” she said.

“We know there are many wonderful success stories, as well as great achievements, among the thousands of former racehorses that are lovingly rehomed and retrained each year.”

The award is given in honour of the late Paul Mellon.

“At its outset RoR was privileged to receive a bequest from the estate of Paul Mellon, the philanthropist and owner of 1971 Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Mill Reef, and his legacy has been vital to establishing and funding RoR to promote the welfare of horses that have retired from racing,” said an RoR spokesman.

Entries are open to former racehorses registered with RoR and can be made online via the www.ror-events.org.uk. Nominations close on 29 November.

‘This has been on the bucket list for a long time’: First season combination steps up to clinch SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse title

Alex Robinson — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:25:17 +0000

The nine-year-old gelding Minella Rebellion belied his lack of ring experience to give his owner/rider her first Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) victory in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse (R2R) championship.

Katie Dashwood was on board HOYS debutante “Reg” who will be back in the International Arena in the riding horse final later in the week. Katie and Reg are only contending their first season together.

By Kings Theatre out of Afdala, Reg was in training with Nicky Henderson during his career. He ran five times in total and was placed twice, before retiring from the track in 2017. The duo qualified for the R2R finals at the Onley Grounds qualifier.

“This has been on the bucket list for a very long time,” said Katie. “When I was around six years old I went to HOYS when it was at Wembley for the first time, and from that moment on I always wanted to compete here.”

Reg is produced by Jo Bates, whose team won the R2R title at HOYS in 2019 with Grandeur. At the Jockey Club Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) National Championships, Reg was crowned novice champion before bagging the coveted Jockey Club supreme title. This was the first time in the show’s history that the novice champion has been pulled to take the supreme.

Reg is a full brother to Cheltenham Festival winner and Grand National runner-up Balthazar King and was purchased for £90,000 at a Tattersalls Ireland sale at Cheltenham in May 2016. He was first acquainted with Katie, rider of the successful ex-racehorse Barlow, in lockdown last year following a recommendation from her friend Henrietta Knight.

“Henrietta told me to come and have a look at a potential show horse she thought would fit the bill,” said Katie. “Reg is a true showman; he loves it. It was a real thrill to qualify Reg for HOYS and he really enjoyed being in the ring here.”

Taking second was marketing lead Abi Sole on board her own Hero Worship, who was advancing on his previous best placing of third achieved in 2018. The Kalanisi 18-year-old had three starts on the flat for trainer Michael Jarvis, winning twice and earning just under £20,000.

Collette McGoldrick and her Edward Young-produced nine-year-old Mumford took third.

RoR’s racing to hunting challenge offers day out with the Ledbury

Sarah Radford — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 19:31:54 +0000

A competition for former racehorses who have turned their hooves to the hunting field will adopt a new format this year — with the winner being selected during a day out with the Ledbury.

While last year’s Ri-Dry Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Racing to Hunting Challenge final took place at Aintree racecourse, this year judging of the top six candidates will take place in the hunting field.

The winner will receive a cash prize, Ri-Dry jacket and the Meriel Tufnell Trophy, which will be presented at the RoR Awards ceremony.

To enter, riders are invited to nominate their former racehorse by sending in a brief biography of its career, both on the track and in the hunting field, including pictures or videos of them out hunting.

The judging panel, which includes Sir Jonathan Clark, The Hon Lucinda Cavendish, Louise Daly and Joey Newton, will determine a shortlist of six from the entries, as well as four reserves.

The top six horses will then receive their invitation for a day’s hunting with the Ledbury during December, where they will be assessed for all-round behaviour and manners.

Last year the contest was won by Amy Morgan and 17-year-old Kikos from the Heythrop Hunt. The gelding had a racing career spanning six years before switching to the hunting field in 2013, where he acquired a solid reputation through his good manners and versatility.

Di Arbuthnot, chief executive of RoR, said: “We are genuinely excited to see how this new format works. Judging the finalists in their natural habitat of the hunting field will, we hope, widen the appeal of the challenge. We are indebted to the Ledbury Hunt for providing the opportunity for the finalists to enjoy a fun day out.”

The closing date for entries, which can be made here, is 1 Oct.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

H&H’s guide on how to impress the judges on an ex-racehorse

Alex Robinson — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 07:24:24 +0000

Showing classes specifically for ex-racehorses have grown in popularity in recent years, as more and more horses take to the ring after careers on the track. If you’re looking to show your ex-racer this season, make sure your horse is correctly prepared to impress the judges with the following advice from leading experts and producers.

Who is eligible?

For Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) series, Thoroughbreds must have raced in Great Britain and be registered with Weatherbys. For SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse classes, only Thoroughbreds who have raced under the rules of an approved racing authority recognised as such by the British Horseracing Authority rules can compete.

Tack and turnout

A snaffle bit is acceptable for novice classes, so don’t feel you have to force your horse into a Pelham or a double bridle too soon.
Leather should be plain and flat (ie not rolled). Coloured browbands are acceptable on a hack or riding horse-type, but not a hunter.
Correctly fitting tack that is also suitable for a ride judge is important.

David Frogatt, ride judge for the SEIB racehorse finalists at Horse of the Year Show in 2015, says: “I am often disappointed to note a lack of understanding from riders about tack, turnout and presentation in hand.

“It spoils the overall picture when horses have a huge bridle smothering a quality head, carry ill-fitting saddles — some too small for the judge to sit on or get their feet into the stirrups — and when riders themselves are poorly turned out.”

Gentleman should ride their ex-racehorse in a tweed jacket. For ladies, jackets should be navy or black on a hack type. For hunter or riding horse type, ladies should wear tweed a jacket.
Breeches should be plain, fawn or buff, but not white.
Wear an ordinary shirt with collar and tie. For an evening performance you will need a white or cream stock instead of a tie, with gentleman in a black or navy jacket.
Boots should be black or brown.
Gloves should be plain, ideally leather or string.
Spurs are considered correct dress for adult riders, but they are optional.
You should carry a whip that is plain Malacca or a leather cane and not exceeding 32” in length. Schooling whips are not allowed.

Show day

It is worth watching a class before competing yourself in order to see what happens and pick up tips.

“There is a lot of help out there; producers are keen to give advice and there are good clinics to go to,” says producer Lynn Russell.

After an initial ‘go-round’ where all the horses in the arena walk, trot and canter together, judges pull the horses into line in order of preference.

In novice classes, riders are then expected to give an individual show that includes walk, trot and canter with at least one change of rein. This is your chance to show off your horse with the judges’ full attention, and a well-schooled horse will fare best.

In open classes, a ride judge would take over for the individual show.

There is no galloping in either category.

Horses will also be stripped off and their conformation assessed by a judge. Where entries are low, one judge may do both the ridden and conformation assessments.

It is important to remember, warns Lynn, that “it’s not just a case of seeing a racehorse class and entering it. Horses have to be properly prepared for the ring”.

Top tips for being prepared

1. Standing still is not one of the strongest attributes of ex-racehorses, so patience is needed, especially when mounting. Most will be accustomed to their jockeys being legged up as they move off, a habit that takes time to break.

“With fidgety horses I use a mounting block and have two helpers – one to make a fuss of the horse, and the other to hold the stirrup,” says Lynn. “Practice makes perfect and horses learn through repetition, but you must be consistent with what you expect of them. Reward the horse when they stand still so that they understand that that is good behaviour and they will be rewarded for it.”

2. Practice trotting your horse up in hand — it’s surprisingly harder to do than you might thing. They should trot alongside you — not be pulled along — and without trying to bite you. They must stay straight through their body rather than becoming curved and crooked.

“Most of the time horses will trot back with you, but don’t take it for granted. You need to practice,” advises Katie Jerram, who has won many ex-racehorse titles aboard HM The Queen’s Barbers Shop.

3. Make sure your horse is used to being ridden by other people, so that the ride judge does not come as a surprise to them.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that we are being asked to ride an ex-racehorse and sometimes it’s like taking your life in your hands,” adds Lynn, who also ride judges these classes. “Quite often, six horses will give decent rides and the rest have not been educated at all.”

4. School and educate your horse at home, ideally with the help of a trainer.

“It is quite off putting when riders tell you their horse has only just finished racing,” admits David Frogatt.

“Ex-racers tend to give judges a bit more to do as they can still be quite sharp and it can be a case of sitting still and nursing them along.

They don’t tend to be as soft in the mouth or bend to your leg in the same way hunters, hacks and riding horses do, but I have been pleasantly surprised to be given good rides from horses at the bottom of the line.

The initial ‘go round’ together can be quite an ordeal and while many horses light up at this stage, some are a delight to ride on their own.”

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What does the judge want to see?

“I like to see a quality walk and a happy horse move lightly through its paces,” explains David.

Aim to demonstrate that your ex-racehorse is safe, well-mannered, obedient and a pleasure to ride.

The RoR website states: “this means no pulling, no head-tossing and so on. The horse should work in a soft, consistent, rounded outline. The judge will assess whether he/she considers your horse has adapted well to life as a riding horse and is settled in the show ring.”

Where to compete?

All major shows usually have some form of ex-racehorse series.

The biggest accolades an ex-racehorse can win are the SEIB Racehorse 2 Riding Horse final held at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October, as well as the RoR Tattersalls Show Series Championship and RoR Goffs UK National Championships.

In 2019, the SEIB Racehorse 2 Riding Horse winner was Grandeur (Jo Bates) while Desert Joe (Rebecca Court) landed the RoR Tattersalls Show Series at Hickstead in June and Mumford (Collette McGoldrick) was crowned Supreme Champion at the RoR Goffs UK National Championships at Aintree in August.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.