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A LIFE AFTER RACING: WHAT CAN MY HORSE DO? R O A O F F I C I A L C H A R I T Y PA RT N E R
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Richard Ramsey – leading show producer and rider for over 30 years “A show horse needs to be 15hh or over and must move freely and straight. Though small splints can be tolerated, lumps, bumps and curbs are a no-no! A good front is essential and a sensible temperament too, with the modern big show an even more electric place than a racecourse. “Colour is immaterial and a horse with quite a lot of white markings is acceptable. A plain head is okay provided the rest is correct: you can bridle a head but not a bad hindleg.�
o your horse is reaching the end of their racing days and, following consultation with your trainer, you think retraining might be an option. For the first of our monthly features on the retraining of racehorses, we ask three experts what they look for in a thoroughbred that will make it suitable to compete in other equestrian disciplines. Yogi Breisner – Chef d’Equipe to British Eventing Team and World Class Performance Manager “The majority of racehorses, whether from the Flat or National Hunt, can be re-schooled to compete in eventing, dressage and showjumping. “Within these disciplines the level a horse can reach depends on their basic talent. This is not always apparent whilst the horse is in training as a racehorse, but once out of training the majority of racehorses settle down, show a calmer temperament and adapt well. “Success in dressage largely depends on the horse’s basic movement. In racing one often looks for a good walk and gallop, but for the dressage an excellent loose trot with cadence and rhythm is also important. The horse must also not have any problems with its mouth e.g. sticking the tongue out or grinding the teeth. “From a showjumping point of view it is not enough that the horse has a big jump; it must also show that it is reasonably
David Morley – Chairman of Polo Pony Welfare “Polo ponies need to ideally measure 15hh to 15.2hh, but anything between 14.2hh and 16hh is acceptable. “A nice athletic type is required with a stride that is not too long so that it is easier to extend to gallop and shorten to one’s natural gait to slow down. “We look for a nice head that is not too big and reasonable conformation with a good hind leg. Given the demands of polo on the hooves and legs we try to avoid long cannons and long pasterns.�
Contact RoR Owner Ian Murray’s Inishmor is now eventing following his racing career
careful and can tuck its legs up and use its neck and back.�
If you and your trainer consider your horse suitable for any of these disciplines or you have any questions, please contact Retraining of Racehorses on 01488 648998 or email info@ror.org.uk
In Brief Weatherbys visit
Weatherbys have kindly extended an invitation to ROA members to visit their offices in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on the morning of Tuesday, May 13 for a tour of the organisation followed by lunch. The tour will give an opportunity for members to see behind the scenes of the organisation, and an insight into the key role that Weatherbys fulfils within the racing industry. There are a few spaces left, which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to members and a guest. If you would like to book a place, please email Amy Haxby on ahaxby@weatherbys.co.uk, stating whether you would like to attend on your own or with a guest.
THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
Open Days
The ROA will be represented at the Lambourn and Middleham Open Days on the morning of Good Friday, April 18. Betfair’s Lambourn Open Day offers a full programme of events, with more than 30 trainers opening their gates to the racing public from 8.30am to 1pm. See lambourn.info/open-day for details on tickets and timings. Middleham’s Open Day is also sponsored by Betfair. Events begin at 9.15am in the Market Square, and there will be 15 trainers’ yards opening in Middleham and the surrounding area. A free park and ride service will be operating. Details at middlehamstablesopenday.co.uk. Arena Racing Company will be providing
big television screens, so racing fans will be able to watch the afternoon’s racing action while enjoying the open day events. Members who introduce themselves to ROA staff members in attendance at both open days will be assured a warm welcome and a special ROA giveaway.
York fixtures in May
We would ask members to kindly note the following amendment to the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners, since the publication of the fixture booklet. York’s fixture on Saturday, May 31 will not be a participating fixture but Tattersalls Musidora Stakes day, on Wednesday, May 14 is included as a participating fixture.
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