The throw away racehorse.....

I know plenty of these. The thoroughbred who has finished racing, who's given everything, but may be too slow, or gets injured, or whatever. Sadly, a lot of these end up at the saleyards, and consequently the doggers yard, because they are deemed "useless" by their owners. Sure, they might not be any good at racing, but there's a whole other world out there! I personally think good thoroughbreds (as well as standardbreds) are sadly under-valued these days, with so much choice around, people just don't seem to want to make the effort to retrain one. Not to mention the "fashionable" Warmblood taking over in many sports! It doesn't take all that much to retrain a racehorse, you don't have to be a pro trainer, you just need common sense and the ability to know when something isn't working and do something else. You do need to be a fairly good rider, but not brilliant, and not necessarily a show winner! It's not rocket science, just takes a bit of thought and planning, and understanding your horse's signals.

On the Level on arrival to his new life - still looking very much like a racehorse!

 Take On the Level for example. He raced until he was a 9 year old, including jumps racing. He never won much. After his career ended, he was headed down that same saleyard path, but he was one of the lucky ones. He went to a property in Victoria, unfortunately the lady who bought him had an accident and could no longer work with him, so he changed hands again - ending up in Canberra, on trial for a new vaulting team. His bony back caused some consternation among vaulters, and he took a little while to settle into the new routine, but his super temperament and laid back attitude endeared him to all he met. Three months after his arrival he was doing a clinic for beginner vaulters.

Vaulting at Pony Club.

He also went around to Pony Clubs and introduced vaulting to the kids there. His first competition was not so successful, with the atmosphere getting to him on the first day - he thought he was racing again - but on the second day he settled nicely. After this initial hiccup, he has moved ahead in leaps and bounds. He has been to State and National Championships, and performed admirably, not to mention the odd dressage competition as well! And would you believe it - he has also done lessons and trail rides for children and adult beginner riders along the way! All this from a horse who was "useless" and unwanted.

His first competition - second day and going well!

He is now 20 years old, and enjoying life as a vaulting horse for all classes - individuals, pairs and teams. He is doing well in the canter grades, and while his colour is a little lighter these days, he is showing no sign of his age. He still travels around to pony clubs to do demonstrations and teaching days. He is more than just a horse, he is a valued member of the team. He has a legion of fans, young and old, who adore him. He loves nothing better than to work for a group of vaulters, and gain his rewards - cuddles and carrots - at the end of it all. He lives the spoilt life, as he should.

So think before you throw away your racehorses. They might just be someone's new best friend, or better yet, a team of kids' best friend!