The popularity and support surrounding the retraining of racehorses has grown exponentially over recent years, as training and competition classes have expanded linearly. Events around the world have RoR classes and sections which are well supported by both competitors and organisers. Just 10 years ago, possibilities with retired racehorses weren’t anywhere near as plentiful as they are today. The phenomenon has taken the competitive world by storm, with many riders actively seeking those who have raced as their next competition horse. But what caused this growth?
Their admirable ability to adapt
Unlike many other breeds, Thoroughbreds, and particularly those who have raced or been in training, have an ability to make it to the top across the spectrum of disciplines. Their stamina poses them as ideal Eventers or Endurance horses, their willingness to learn sees success in the Dressage arena and their attitude even lends itself to roles within the Mounted Police and as pleasure horses.
In the affiliated world of British Dressage, one special ex-racehorse has made his way from racetrack to Inter I in just 6 years, under the knowledgable eye of Nic Turner. The pair started Dressage training just 3 months after 7 year old Galileo Figaro came off the track, having raced (rather unsuccessfully) 28 times across Australia, Japan and the Great Britain. In their time together, they’ve attended the Area Festivals, Regionals, Winter Championships and been crowned RoR Elementary and Medium Champion. Fig is currently the highest competing exracer in the U.K. in affiliated Dressage.
Event rider Gemma Tattersalls 14 year old, Arctic Soul, continually proves to be Mr. Consistent, representing Great Britain at Championship level on numerous occasions including at the 2016 Rio Olympics but before this, was a particularly poor racehorse. He finished 24th out of 25, 10th out of 18, 11th out of 16 and was pulled up in his last race in 2008. Yet since he’s been with Gemma, the pair have shone, with many top 6 International placings, jaw-dropping cross country rounds and consistency that is worthy of his place in Team GB.
Case study: Daniele Bizzarro
Daniele Bizzarro is an Italian International Event Rider based in Oxfordshire, U.K. He moved over from his home country in 2011 when he went to work with William Fox-Pitt. Dan is a regular coach at RoR camps and clinics and successfully retrains and competes a number of his own.
“The first exracehorse I had was around 15 years ago,” Dan says. “Dictus was a Polish Thoroughbred who had raced as a 3 year old. When I got him he had done a bit of showjumping so had an idea of what to do. He was a very genuine allrounder, not flashy, not amazing, but a very decent jumper. He actually took me to my first 3* so holds a special place in my heart.”
That relationship proved invaluable as Dan has gone on to have many more successfully retrained ex-racehorses, including Squadron Leader, the horse he partnered before being crowned the Retraining of Racehorses Elite Eventing Champion in 2014.
“Squadron Leader was definitely one of my favourite ex-racehorses. Some of his best wins include winning the Intermediate at Wilton, finishing 7th in the CIC** at Nunney International and 3rd in the Intermediate at Keysoe. I love that ex-racehorses just keep on trying, particularly in long-format events. When a horse may start to get tired, an ex-racehorse just keeps fighting. You really feel a big difference in the second half of the course. They’re very good in the cross country phase; they’re quick, they cover the ground well and often find it easy to be inside the time.”
A global phenomenon
Retired racehorses are being given a second chance and a second career, right across the globe. In the U.K. there are charities who do all they can to ensure some of the 4,000 racehorses that leave the racing industry each year are cared for and offered the rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming they deserve.
Founder of The Racehorse Sanctuary, Graham Oldfield is particularly passionate about the issue. “These wonderful horses have been bred exclusively to excite and entertain us with their racing prowess. In exchange, do we not owe them lifetime care and the chance of a second career whilst they are still capable of enjoying life?” The Racehorse Sanctuary, based in Somerset, South West England, really is a Sanctuary. The centre provides a lifeline for horses that come out of training, allowing them the time to unwind before any retraining can commence. Horses have a home for life as once rehomed, they continue to belong to the Sanctuary, ensuring none fall into the wrong hands or end up suffering for any reason.
We spoke to David Ray, Patron and Volunteer Fundraiser of The Racehorse Sanctuary and a syndicate owner himself about how he feels such charities are offering support for these great animals.
“The Retraining of Racehorses charity has done a fantastic job in supporting new careers for former racehorses, by funding a range of competition classes that highlight the athletic versatility of the thoroughbred. As a syndicate owner concerned about the fate of our horses after they retire, I support The Racehorse Sanctuary and Rehoming Centre, a charity leading the way in rehabilitating thoroughbreds who present more of a challenge to unlock their potential to enjoy one of the new careers now open to them.”
In Australia, Racing Victoria (the governing principal racing authority) has transformed the industry over recent years, launching their ‘Off The Track’ program as part of their equine welfare strategy. Fiona McIntyre is a Show Horse rider and producer based in Australia who has been working with retried racehorses for the past 25 years and often wouldn’t look for anything else.
“It’s the sense of achievement in the retraining process which gives me immense pleasure and pride. It’s not about the prizes they do or don’t win, that’s merely a bonus.”
She currently has two very successful former racehorses who have shone in both of their current and previous careers. “Sirmione and Precendence were both very successful on the track, when trained by legendary trainer Bart Cummings, and have since gone on to be great Show Horses. Sirmione won over $1.8 million as a racehorse and wins most of his classes as a Show Horse. He’s a beautiful looking horse with a gorgeous movement, he’s got a great trot and we all know he’s got a good gallop!”
The trainability and suitability to a number of disciplines has been an influencing factor for Australians when choosing their horses, for many years. The retraining of racehorses has been popular throughout the country for many years now, and while that popularity may not have linaerly increased, the promotion and support surrounding it certainly has. Racing Victoria has been instrumental in promoting the breed and their potential after racing. They’ve combined with a number of equestrian bodies to hold events purely for retired racehorses, offering great prize money and prizes to competitors. They also promote the ‘Recognised Retrainers’ which allows trainers and owners pathways for their racehorses once they’re retired.
“In reality, here in Australia, many equestrians have known for years what a thoroughbred can do outside of racing but this is now being promoted to trainers, owners and there general public,” Fiona explains.
The future’s bright, the future’s Thoroughbred
The future for retired racehorses really is promising. As the education of trainers, owners and riders continues, the potential of the great Thoroughbred really can be appreciated. Their character, trainability and talent remains true throughout the breed – yes, some may take longer to retrain than others, and of course, there will always be blood, sweat and tears. But one thing remains consistent. That feeling of retraining your own racehorse. It really is the best feeling in the world.
