Ex-racehorse Resolutions - Try Something New in 2016

So here we are in the first working week of 2016, starting a fresh page in diaries and in life. ( Although, as in any good book, there will be some continuity too – otherwise how would long-term projects like re-training ex-racehorses ever make progress?)

Those of you who have ex-racehorses can use the turn of the year to make a new start for them too, whether that's teaching them a new skill, a new discipline, or even inducting them into their whole new ex-racing life.

In the best tradition, here are some New Year Resolutions you might like to try :

Teach your ex-racer something new

It doesn't need to be anything big or dramatic. Standing still to be mounted, perhaps. Or how to do a proper circle. But, sure – if you're already way past that stage, why not try a whole new discipline? Dressage, perhaps, or showjumping, or Le Trec, or maybe try a day's hunting.

Take your ex-racer on an away-day

Ex-racehorses usually thrive on routine, but they are also highly intelligent and new experiences can entertain, enthuse, challenge and reinvigorate them. So why not take them for a day out – for a show, ( probably indoors, if you're aiming to go at this time of year), an ex-racer parade, a charity/pleasure ride, or even a days riding at the beach? It may be sensible to go along with another horse - one of you boy's steady pals, who will reassure him ( and that way you can share travel costs too!). But it will do your ex-racer good to go somewhere that isn't racing – and find he enjoys it. And it will help his confidence, and the bond between you, to come back home together afterwards. You'll find it rewarding for both of you.

Have your ex-racer's back and joints checked out by a good horse physio.

As any retired sportsman will confirm, old sporting injuries can come back to bother you – if you try something new, if the weather's bad, or just for no obvious reason at all. It's a good idea to have your ex-racehorse checked over once a year. Even if there is nothing obviously wrong, there may be hidden strains or tweaks that will benefit hugely from a physio's expert hands and a few remedial exercises. If you do this regularly already, perhaps it might be worth trying another practitioner? They are all different, with their own specialist skills for both diagnosis and treatment. A new new pair of hands, and eyes, may provide the answer to a long-standing issue.

Do something to support racehorse retraining charities

Even if you did not get your own ex-racer from one of the charitable re-homing centres, you will know about the fantastic work they do and how desperate they always are for funds. Why not get in touch with one or two and enquire about ways you could help? It could be simply giving a donation, but you may be able to help in other ways too. If you are geographically near enough, you might be able to offer some time as a volunteer. If you are good with words, or social media, perhaps you could help with publicity and profile-raising? Or you could organise your own fundraising event – a show, perhaps, or a sponsored ride/swim/walk, or baking cakes to sell, or a jumble sale....

And of course, you can enroll your ex-racehorse with ROR, to take part in their competitions throughout the year.

Check out ROR's Events Calendar, & Others

Put in your diary every ex-racehorse event you even vaguely fancy attending, with or without your horse. Then you can plan ahead, school and practice, sort out tack and clothes, and organise transport and holiday time, so that you and your ex-racer can make the best of experiences new and old in 2016.

Have a great year!