Book Review - 'Re-educating Racehorses'

I spend so much time these days writing about ex-racehorses, as well as actually doing things with them, that I confess I don't seem to get much time for reading. So, I've only just discovered this book, even though it was published in 2012.

 'Re-educating Racehorses' , by Fred Cook and  Rowena Jane Simmonds

I have to say I really enjoyed it. Sometimes I get cross, reading, or listening to, people telling me how they do things ( and often, how their way is the best/only way.) We all develop our own methods of working with our horses ( and dogs), building a relationship, and getting the best out of them. I really do believe there are many ways up the mountain, and if it works, it works. But I also have to admit that, in my experience anyway, horses ( and dogs) are a never-ending learning-curve. There is always something new to try.

So I was very pleased to discover that a) 'Fred and Rowena' talk a lot of common sense, clearly based on a lot of direct personal experience, that I didn't feel called on to argue with at all, and b) that they also came up with suggestions I've not tried before and sound like good ideas.

The book is written in a clear, accessible style, with some nice humourous touches as well, of course, as lots of useful information. It covers the timeline from a horse being in training, and the physical and mental issues of its lifestyle there, to sourcing and ex-racehorse, the first few days in a new, non-racing home, and measures to help the ex-racer adapt to its new life and job. These include in-hand exercises and the sort of simple schooling that are vital in the early days, going on to tackling jumping poles later on. Everything is explained clearly, with useful illustrations.

There are also some lovely photos of the horses themselves. My favourite is one of the amazing Brave Inca, at an ex-racer parade with his 'new Mum' in showing gear and his former jockey, AP McCoy, in the famous green-and-gold hooped racing colours. Both humans had achieved so much with this great horse, and both clearly thought the world of him.

I found this book both informative and entertaining – even, in places, rather touching. I can certainly recommend it. It's available in hardback, paperback, and kindle formats, so whatever your preference you can give it a go.

New! First-ever auction sale JUST for ex-racehorses

Thanks to the work of organizations such as Retraining of Racehorses in the UK, and CANTER in the States, ex-racehorses are increasingly in demand for non-racing activities such as showing, eventing and showjumping. Now the respected bloodstock auctioneer company, Brightwells, is to hold the first ever public auction sale in Britain specifically dedicated to ex-racehorses.

The sale will take place on Wednesday, 20^th May, 2015, at Brightwells' salesground in Malvern. Organized in conjunction with ROR, the concept of the sale was recommended in the strategic overview of ROR conducted in 2014, and is supported by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF). Everyone hopes it will be a great help in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses.

The new sale has been designed to help buying, and selling, an ex-racehorse become as happy an experience as possible. The entry fee is only £50 ( + VAT) – far less than the fee for other bloodstock sales. Importantly, unlike at most horse sales, Malvern offers excellent facilities on the salesground for the horses to show off their paces under saddle, including rustic and coloured jumps. Potential buyers can even try out the horses themselves. (So, buying should be a bit less of a gamble than at other sales!)

Moreover, every horse sold will have a non-racing agreement clause stamped in its passport, so vendors can be reassured that the horse they are retiring will never be allowed to race again.

Andrew Elliot, Bloodstock Manager and Auctioneer at Brightwells says: “We are very much looking forward to the sale and we hope it will be the beginning of a long-term alliance with ROR. While Brightwells already conduct successful thoroughbred sales at Ascot and Cheltenham, this new ROR sale is specifically aimed at horses leaving the racing industry that have more to give as future competition or riding horses.

“Not only do owners get a subsidised entry fee, they also get peace of mind in that every sale will be accompanied by a change in the horse’s passport ensuring that it can’t subsequently be raced. We have received positive feedback from trainers regarding the initiative and we believe the venture will prove really useful for trainers and owners and, most importantly, for all suitable horses.”

Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of ROR, said: “In recent years ROR has focused on increasing the demand for former racehorses within the sport horse and leisure market. The charity stages competitions for thoroughbreds across a dozen different equine disciplines, and following the success of these classes demand for former racehorses has increased. There are now over 10,000 horses registered on ROR’s database as active in a second career and the sale is intended as another step towards facilitating the transfer of horses from a training yard to a life after racing.”

The sale is to be held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. Viewing and trying of horses is from 8.00 – 11.am. The sale starts at 11.30am.

It will be interesting to see how it goes, and to get feedback from buyers and sellers. I don't know if similar ex-racer sales are held anywhere else. If there are, perhaps someone can post in with info on how they do?

Grand National Heroes - still going strong

For me one of the highlights of the TV coverage of the Grand National is always the parade of former winners – super-star ex-racehorses! This year the parade included :

Lord Gyllene ( 1997 winner – now a grand old man aged 27 – and looking fantastic!), Red Marauder (2001), Bindaree (2002), Amberleigh House (2004), Hedgehunter (2005), Numbersixvalverde (2006),

Silver Birch (2007), Comply or Die (2008), Mon Mome (2009), Don't Push It (2010), Ballabriggs (2011), Neptune Collenges (2012) and Aurora's Encore ( 2013).

It was a delight to see them all looking so well – more portly, certainly, than in their racing days, but still sprightly, glossy and looking ready, mentally at least, to give it another go.

(And the 2014 winner, Pineau de Re, did exactly that – though didn't manage to do a Red Rum and win a second time on this occasion.)

It was heartwarming, too, to watch and listen as prolific National Hunt owner, and winner, J P MCManus, described how his equine retirees spend their days on his farm – we should all dream of such a retirement! It was a privilege, he said, to see them every day – “They're heroes”. True enough.

Of course, heroes  never give up, and many of these old warriors have been highly successful in their new lives after their racing days ended.  Some have proved remarkable versatile, like  Neptune Collonges, and even done off-the wall stuff , like Royal Athlete ( winner in 1995), who proved settled and sedate enough to compete at junior side-saddle in the showring. (And I can't resist adding - though not actually a Grand National winner, having come fourth  in 2007, Philson's Run did ex-racehorses proud by becoming a wonderful ladies' hunter - so good, that his new owner rode him to her wedding, escorted by a pack of hounds!) 

So when they are not revisiting Aintree and signing autographs for their devoted fans, what do these retired Grand National heroes do these days ?

Quite understandably, several of the older ones spend most of their time lolling in their retirement paddocks, though even then they are doing some good work. Lord Gilleyne is a gentleman-companion to broodmares, as well as doing charity appearances. Similarly, 25-year-old Red Marauder supervises young horses in the fields of his former Grand National jockey, Richard Guest, and still does the occasional 'photo opportunity'.

Bindaree was retrained to be an eventer, and in 2007 won 4 out of the 6 one-day events he entered. He was also successful at pure dressage. He is now is a field-friend to fellow-National hero, Hello Bud at trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies' yard. Amberleigh House, meanwhile, resides at the National Stud in Newmarket, where he is adored by visitors and the only horse there allowed to be fed Polo mints.

Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs both belong to Trevor Hemmings, the owner of this year's winner, Many Clouds. Both the old boys have paraded many times for the delight of racegoers and charity supporters (and Many Clouds is already learning the ropes for it too!.) They live mainly in some style at Trevor Hemmings' farm on the Isle of Man, where they enjoy pampering and luxury leisure time. Then each spring they travel to mainland UK to lead out youngsters at the Hemmings' Gleadhill Stud near Chorley.

Numbersixvalverde and Silver Birch both live in Ireland with their former trainers. Numbersix was re-schooled for dressage, at which he excelled for some years. Over the past eighteen months, though, he's taken a rest from that and keeps himself fit on Martin Brassil's horsewalker. Silver Birch, meanwhile, still enjoys riding out with Gordon Elliot's string, giving a lead and word of wisdom to the younger generation.

Comply or Die, who won the National in 2008, and came second in 2009, had another two goes at it after that! In his fourth attempt, though, he was pulled up, it all getting a bit much for his 12-year-old legs. He was retired to the Gloucestershire farm of his National jockey, Timmy Murphy, where he now helps out with the young horses when he's not enjoying the pastures.

Don't Push It,  who 'just lost his sparkle' for racing, retired safe and sound and now lives in Ireland, enjoying the luxury of J P McManus' Martinstown stud farm there, along with so many other of McManus's retired 'heroes'.

Aurora's Encore did his share of parading after his Grand National win, whilst continuing his racing career. But then he sustained a small leg fracture in his last race at Doncaster, and needed surgery to pin it together. Aged twelve, it was obvious he should not race again. He spent many months in the field recuperating. Thankfully he is now sound once more, and ready to consider what he wants to do next.

Neptune Collonges has got it all well organised. His owner John Hales retired him the moment he passed the winning post a nose in front in his National. After a short wind-down period, he was taken under the wing of John Hales' daughter, Lisa, and re-schooled for dressage and showjumping. Well, we all know he can jump! But he's also done really well at dressage too, and won another local competition only four weeks ago. He also leads out young horses, and does a host of parades and charity appearances. Apparently he is 'still a total idiot' whenever he sees a racecourse ( and he had two handlers during this year's Grand National parade). Yet he is really well-behaved and gentle in other situations, and especially good with children – and wheelchairs! His fund-raising appearances for health charities, such as Alder Hey Hospital, are therefore real successes and much enjoyed by all.

Ex-racehorse Showing Time is Here

It's Easter - here comes Spring, and with it, in the UK at least, the ex-racehorse showing season really gets going.

Now is the time to check show dates for amendments, and send for show schedules. The Retraining of Racehorses website ( www.ror.org.uk) is a good place to start, especially if you are taking it seriously this year and aiming at the big shows. Novices – horses and people – and just-for-fun competitors should keep an eye on local riding club publicity, as well as the usual social media advertisements.

Here are 10 things you should have been doing over the winter (and if you're like me, probably haven't!)

1 Planning your show campaign - show dates, venues, and likely classes.

2 Organizing transport – either checking and maintaining your own trailer or horsebox, arranging shared transport with friends, and/or booking dates with professional horse transporters. (Bad idea to leave it to the last minute.)

3 Adjusting your horse's diet to help produce show condition – 'topline' and a lovely glossy coat.

4 If necessary, gradually working on your horse's mane to get it the right length and thickness for neat plaiting.

5 Ex-racehorses often associate plaiting with going racing, so if yours is likely to do this, and so get stressed or over-excited on show-day, try plaiting up a few times and then simply doing some circles in the school, or going for a quiet bimble round on his favourite hacking route. You'll need to give him a new set of mental associations.

6 If you plan to use a different saddle in the showring, try it out a few times first, so both you and your horse get used to it. Remember you probably won't be using a lot of padding underneath ( if you're doing things correctly, anyway), so make sure the saddle fits well. Ex-racers may have residual back or shoulder issues, which could be aggravated by ill-fitting tack and spoil their performance.

7 And while you're at it, check out your own togs. Does your show jacket still fit? Does it need cleaning? (Or it it still covered in old slobber, with crumbled horse-treats in the pockets, from last year?) Same goes for your breeches, and any elegant trousers you plan to wear for in-hand showing. And, for in-hand classes, make sure you have some good ankle-boots, preferably waterproof, that you can run in without slipping or tripping . If the soles have gone worn and slippy, get them repaired or replaced.

8 Better check your own fitness too, especially if you'll be showing in-hand, which involves a lot of running! If you're a bit creaky and breathless, time to do some jogging or cycling

9 Introduce your ex-racehorse to small ponies. Although some ex-racers will have had a pony – or even a goat - as a companion during their racing days, most won't have. Many ex-racers are totally taken aback at the sudden sight of very small equines – especially Shetland ponies, which TB's seem to regard as some weird alien species. And as for donkeys... ! And ex-racehorses will certainly not be used to small ponies ridden by giddy children careering madly about in all directions – which tends to happen a lot at 'quiet' local shows. Be prepared!

10 Some things to practice with your ex-racehorse: ( and if you haven't already started, best get cracking!)

• Standing still, both in-hand and under saddle. (Not as simple as it sounds, for ex-racers!
• Walking and trotting in-hand, in straight lines. ( Ex-racehorses should have done this before, if only for vetting, but they may not have done it going away from other horses in the arena.
• Standing still to be mounted, and using the stirrup to get on board. ( Judges may want to do this in the ring – not good if your horse walks all over them.)
• Riding in circles, at walk, trot and canter, or both reins. Remember that being on the right leg at canter is vital in the showring, but your ex-racehorse may find this hard.
• Riding in circles with other horses in front and behind you.
• Transitions up and down the paces – aim for smoothness with no head-tossing!
• Working 'in an outline', with your horse going forward with nice self-carriage.
• Using the bit and bridle you intend to show in, both in-hand and ridden. You'll need to check the rules of each class first, as they can vary a lot. Then, if you're wanting to use something different to everyday, give you horse plenty of practice with the new kit before you get to the show. (Remember that most ex-racehorses will never have encountered a double bridle, and won't automatically know how to deal with it.)
• Your individual show display. Best to keep it simple – walk away, trot back, trot a circle on each rein, canter a circle or each rein ( or at least part of a circle, enough to show your horse can do it!), only gallop if you have to, walk back to the judge, halt ( preferably before mowing the judge down), and a nice smart salute.
• Different styles of show turnout – sown-in plaits, or plaiting with rubber bands? If so, what colour? Tail pulled, or plaited? What pattern of quarter marks? With a brush,, or a fancy stencil? Experiment beforehand, and see which best suits your horse (and your dexterity!) And if you fancy a glitzy coloured browband,( very fashionable for showing ex-racehorses at the moment) try a few returnable ones beforehand to see what matches his eyes!

So, if you haven't been hard at work with all this stuff all winter ( yes, of course you have!), there's plenty to catch up with and now's the time to start.

Ex-Racehorses at Cheltenham - TV Channel 4

Channel 4 is generally very supportive of ex-racehorses, and did pretty well by them in its coverage of the Cheltenham Festival today. The programme opened with those emotional and now famous shots of Big Buck's after his last race at Cheltenham a year ago, being applauded as he was led away into most honourable retirement by a tearful Rose Loxton – who was crying with relief that the old warrior had come through his final battle safe and sound.

Then followed a really lovely piece on the 'Four Kings' who reigned at Paul Nicholl's Ditcheat yard in those glorious days – Big Buck's, Denman, Masterminded, and of course Kauto Star. The four greats, brilliant champions all, were reunited now to hack together across Cleve Hill. Partnered by their civilian riders – who had donned the old boys' racing colours for the occasion – they strolled relaxed and contented over the hill that overlooks Prestbury Park, the scene of so many of their greatest victories, while the commentator recounted their various triumphs.

It was wonderful, and quite moving, to see them again, all well, handsome and happy in their new, less demanding, but still interesting lives.

It's a pity, though, that Channel 4 did not include a mention of the parade of ex-racehorses that we glimpsed going on behind Clare Balding. Very frustrating! It was a great parade this year, arranged as usual on the opening day of the Festival by Retraining of Racehorses. The divine duo, Kauto and Denman, were there, as well as Big Buck's – his first Cheltenham Ex-racehorse Parade since he retired last year. But there were other greats too, including the 2008 Grand National winner Comply or Die, the brilliant hurdler and Feltham Novices Chase winner Grands Crus, Ladbroke Hurdle winner Jack the Giant, Blazing Bailey, Miko de Beauchene, Sentry Duty, and Ortolan.

All these old boys were brilliant racehorses, but they have all now been highly successful at becoming re-trained racehorses too. Several of them are enjoying life in the hunting field – Denman, Big Buck's, Blazing Bailey, and Miko de Beauchene – and Denman loves his teamchasing too. Kauto Star and Comply or Die are now taking well to dressage, which Grands Crus tackled successfully too, as well as showing, before moving on to become a showjumper with current ridersJulie Reynolds and Nichola Topper. Jack the Giant, like so many ex-racers, has become a champion of the showring, whilst Ortolan is eventing with Polly Stockton, a member of the British World Class Performance squad. Moving from one prize-winning job to another like this may takes time and dedication, but these great old champions show it can certainly be done.

Full details of the horses in the parade are here:

1. BIG BUCKS (Hunting) - Lucy Tucker

12 years old by Cadoudal

He ran 40 times over hurdles and fences, earning over £1.3 million in prize money. The only horse to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle four times (2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012). Won a record 18 consecutive races over hurdles.

Trained by Paul Nicholls

Following his retirement from racing in 2014 Big Buck's moved to Locketts Farm in Dorset with Lucy Tucker. Here his days vary from hacking, hunting and being a work companion for the point to pointers. He is hunted regularly with the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale Hounds ridden by either Lucy or senior master Mike Felton. Lucy is planning on giving him a short break before bringing him back in and starting to do some jumping work with him before aiming to compete in some RoR classes over the summer months.

2. BLAZING BAILEY (Hunting) - Sarah Welford

13 year old bay gelding by Mister Baileys

He ran 48 times on the flat, over hurdles and fences notching up over £380K in prize money. He won a total of 12 races. He ran four times at the Cheltenham Festival finishing 3rd in the Triumph Hurdle and the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

Trained by Alan King

Blazing Bailey has been looked after by Sarah Welford since arriving at Alan King's yard as a three year old, so upon retirement his owners, Three Line Whip, decided that they would give him to her. Following his retirement from racing he has been hunting on a number of occasions. They have been competing in hunter trials and team chases as well as lots of hacking. He also has a new role in leading the babies on the gallops at the stud that Sarah is now running. Sarah says Bailey is thoroughly enjoying his retirement.

3. COMPLY OR DIE (Dressage) - Verity Green

16 year old by Old Vic

Ran in 31 races both over hurdles and fences. Won 8 races and over £798,000 in prize money. In 2008 he won the John Smiths Grand National and was runner-up in 2009.

Trained by David Pipe

Following his retirement from racing 2011 Comply Or Die spent his time with Verity Green being a lead horse for the young horses on the gallops. He started hunting in 2011 and continues to go out as much as he can. Although good to ride and handle, Comply Or Die still has great spirit and likes to remind anyone on board that he still has it! Verity took up dressage with him last year and qualified for the RoR dressage finals in Leicestershire in November at introductory level. This year will see them continuing with dressage and they hope to move up a level and qualify for the finals again.

4. DENMAN (Team Chasing) - Charlotte Alexander

15 year old by Presenting

Ran 24 times winning 14 races and over £1.1m in prize money. He ran at the Festival for six consecutive seasons, winning the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup and 2007 Royal & Sun Alliance Chase. He was three times runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and twice won the Hennessy Gold Cup.

Trained by Paul Nicholls

Denman moved to Charlotte Alexander at the beginning of September 2012. Once fit he was introduced to sponsored rides and then hunting. Denman took to hunting like a duck to water. He jumps everything from walls and rails to hedges and ditches. However, in April 2013 disaster struck when Denman went lame due to a bone infection, this was then followed by a blood disorder resulting in five months in equine hospital. Thanks to the care given and overseen by Ian Wright at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, the support of his owner Paul Barber and Denman's renowned fighting spirit he is now back to full fitness. Recently has been back out in the hunting field in preparation for the coming team chase season.

5. GRANDS CRUS (Showjumping) - Nicola Topper

10 year old by Dom Alco

Had 20 starts in NH flat races, over hurdles and fences. Winner of 7 races and over £249K in prize money. He was 2nd to Big Buck's in the 2011 Ladbrokes World Hurdle

Trained by David Pipe

Following his retirement from racing at the end of 2013 Grands Crus moved to Julie Reynolds to start his retraining. Since then he has taken to his new career very well and he debuted in a class at the Three Counties Show last June finishing fourth. He has since completed two dressage competitions and been placed eighth and fifth. Julie is having regular lessons and has now started showjumping with him. Julie is looking forward to retuning to the Three Counties Show again this year and is also starting to train for eventing. He will be in the parade by Nicola Topper who has been doing a combination of flat and jump work with him.

6. JACK THE GIANT (Showing) - Allister Hood

13 year old by Giant's Causeway

26 starts on the flat, over hurdles and fences. Winner of 9 races and over £223K in win/prize money.

Trained by Nicky Henderson

Following his retirement from racing in 2010 a syndicate was set up of six Newmarket ladies called "The Jack Pots" to buy Jack and send him to Allister Hood to retrain for a career in the show ring. Jack The Giant took to this very well and soon became a name within the top show classes. His biggest win was in the Tattersalls/RoR Championship at Hickstead last year. The pair were also second in the RoR/Jockey Club Novice Championship at Aintree and fourth at the Horse of the Year Show. The plan is to continue in the show ring in 2015 and again qualify for the RoR Championships.

7. KAUTO STAR (Dressage) - Laura Collett

15 year old bay gelding by Village Star

Ran 41 times over hurdles and fences winning over £2m and 23 races. He won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and again in 2009, the King George a record breaking five times and the Betfair Chase three times. He ran a total of six times at the Cheltenham Festival during his career.

Trained by Paul Nicholls

Since arriving with Laura Collett, Kauto Star has taken to his retirement routine very well. Laura says he is a pleasure to work with and is enjoying all the work that has been asked of him at home. Along with his retraining for dressage, he enjoys hacking out, spending time in the field and having the occasional jump. Kauto Star has done demonstrations at Newbury, Barbury Castle and Burghley, together with his annual trips to Kempton Park and the Cheltenham Festival. He will start competing in dressage competitions this year.

8. MIKO DE BEAUCHENE (Hunting) - Tracey Phillips

15 year old bay gelding by Nashamaa

He had 43 runs under rules including hurdles and fences. He won 4 races and over £203K in prize money. His wins included the Coral Welsh National in 2007 and the Vodka Red Square Gold Cup at Haydock in 2008.

Trained by Venetia Williams

Since finishing his racing career, Miko De Beauchene and Tracey Phillips have been hunting several times with the North Cotswold Hunt and have completed fun rides in the Cotswolds, which he thoroughly enjoys. He is now enjoying taking part in some hunter trials, eventing and showjumping competitions. He has also been taking part in the RoR showing classes and has been placed in these.

9. ORTOLAN (Eventing) - Polly Stockton

10 year old chestnut gelding by Next Desert

Ran 6 times, placed on one occasion.

Trained by David Pipe / Donald McCain

After an uninspiring racing career, Ortolan's owners Allan and Stella Stennett sent him to event rider Polly Stockton in 2012. Polly, a member of the British World Class Performance squad, has brought him on and he has now been competing for three seasons, regularly delivering double clears in cross-country and showjumping and going up in grade. His 2014 season culminated in victory in the Intermediate class at Little Downham. At the inaugural RoR Awards in 2014 Ortolan was named joint Elite Eventing Champion.

10. SENTRY DUTY (Hunting) - Emma Carpenter

13 year old by Kahyasi

He ran 47 times on the flat, over hurdles and fences. Winner of 11 races and over £264K in prize money.

Trained by Nicky Henderson

Emma Carpenter took Sentry Duty on in September after he had spent some time with her mother relaxing and switching off after his retirement from racing. He then went pre-season hunting for the first time in October last year followed by attending the opening meet in November. He has continued to hunt all season with the Clifton-Upon-Teme Hunt and the North Cotswold. He is also used by Emma to lead her daughter's pony on. Emma has even taught at Pony Club on him. He has started schooling over poles and is preparing to take part in the RoR Challenge classes this year.

Grands Crus enjoying his new job

Not Choosing an Ex-racehorse

I'm currently helping my friend Zoe seek a horse to buy. She is adamant she does NOT want an ex-racehorse –and, much as I love ex-racers, I entirely agree with her. Because a retired racehorse, however well re-trained, is not right for everyone.

Zoe is a 40-something working mum, returning to riding after a career-&-kids gap of some twenty years. She's always loved horses, and used to ride well, but after such a long gap says she's 'forgotten more than she ever knew'. (If only more people were so honest, and realistic!) Actually I think Zoe is exaggerating, but she's certainly rusty, unfit, and lacking in confidence. And, she has no previous experience with racehorses, 'ex' or otherwise.

She has been sensible, and had some refresher lessons on a steady riding school cob. She's keen to learn, knows her present limitations, and now has the flexi-time and money to do justice to a horse of her own. And, she's chosen a good livery yard where help, advice, and riding buddies will always be on hand.

Even so, and ex-racehorse would definitely not be right for her, at least not just now. A Thoroughbred is seldom a dope-on-a-rope type. A well-rehabilitated retired racehorse can be patient and kind and remarkably forgiving of human numpties. But even the best ex-racer will always be fast, sensitive, a bit unpredictable, a bit 'hair-triggered.' And, being highly intelligent and perceptive, ex-racers are quick to sense human moods. They can start to worry, or take advantage, if they detect hesitancy, anxiety or fear in a handler/rider. And a worried, or bolshie, ex-racehorse reacts swiftly, lithely, and sometimes dangerously.

An ex-racer, perhaps more than any other type of horse, needs humans who are calm, confident 'herd-leader' types, people who know what they are doing and are happy to harness and enjoy all the positive characteristics a former racehorse will have.

An ex-racehorse does NOT need a rider/handler who doesn't know the right thing to do with them, who is nervous, a bit clumsily heavy-handed, dithering and slow to react, or too physically unfit to get on board quick 'n' easy. ( And at the moment, Zoe tick all those boxes! But she's working on it....)

One really depressing thing we found, trawling through the Horses For Sale sites, was how often we saw this phrase: “ I just can't give him the exercise/time/commitment/ lifestyle he needs”. ( I found much the same thing recently looking at rehoming ads for young Border Collies. So sad.) Well, hello ... OF COURSE an animal needs time and commitment from its human! And all creatures need exercise. Generally, (except perhaps for sloths and iguanas) four legs need more exercise than two. And ex-racehorses ( and Border Collies!) need LOTS more! What a pity people do not always consider these things before going out and acquiring an animal.

Thoroughbreds can be very high-maintenance. An ex-racehorse will certainly need more, in terms of time, commitment, and money, as well as exercise, than many other horses would. Ex-racers, especially ones recently out of training, need more feeding than other breeds, and more rugging in winter. They need more attention from the farrier, the horse dentist, and probably from a back-specialist. They may well need special pills-and-potions for brittle feet, ulcers, stress, weight gain, etc, etc. Sounds like a bottomless money-pit? Yupp, afraid so.

Ex-racehorses, especially when in a new home, are happier in the company of other horses. (And happy usually means easy to manage.) As with most horses, they can become very stressed if kept alone for long periods. And for a new ex-racehorse/human partnership, it's best if there are other people around too, just in case anything goes wrong during the settling-in phase, when it's more likely to happen. Also, having another, steady horse to ride out with is a great idea, certainly until the new horse and rider have got to know and trust each other. And that, of course, takes time, and patience. And commitment ( from other people, as well as yourself.)

Most especially, an ex-racehorse needs exercise – whether that's through riding, lungeing/long-reining, or simply walking in-hand – as well as daily turnout ( even if only for an hour in a sand pit) Unlike some steadier breeds, ex-racers cannot be kept stabled for two or three days without proper exercise, and have no nasty consequences. (Try it, – the ex-racer will come out of the stable like a champagne cork. Then try to ride, if you dare!) So if you only have time for a half-hour hack twice a week, an ex-racehorse is probably not for you – unless you have someone to help with the exercising when you can't do it.

And don't think you can get away with turning your ex-racer out in a field 24/7, and then happily hopping on board when you get a moment, 'because he's had plenty of exercise.....'. Afraid it doesn't seem to work like that. Thoroughbreds are smart, and inquisitive, and usually keen to be doing something. If they lack human contact and interaction, and have no-one giving them stuff to do and think about, they will soon make up their own entertainment and lifestyle choices – which may not include you! They may become hard to catch, and bad-mannered to handle and difficult to ride. They will have turned into naughty schoolboys on holiday who simply don't wanna go back to school/work.

If this all sounds likely to put people off getting an ex-racehorse, that may be a good thing. When someone ends up with an animal – horse, dog, ant-eater, whatever – that just isn't right for them, it often ends in misery for all concerned. The animal can't be blamed for not being 'suitable'. It's the human who makes the choices, so it's important to consider everything very carefully, and honestly, before making a decision. Ex-racehorses are, nearly always, gorgeous – but sometimes just not 'appropriate'.  

Denman gallops again - just for the fun of it!

It was lovely to see the great Denman out parading, under saddle, at Newbury races on Saturday. The old boy looked fantastic – at fifteen years of age, he was still a magnificent barrow-load of muscle, energy, and well-being. As he was ridden round the parade ring by his new 'Mum', Charlotte Alexander, he was clearly enjoying all the cheering adulation he received, and had a distinct air of “Yup, I am The Greatest” about him.

“He loves parading before his race at Newbury,” Charlotte said. “He particularly likes hearing all the clapping when walking round the ring and the cheering when galloping back past the stands having led the runners out onto the track. Denman knows he is a star and deserves all the praise lavished upon him — he is an exceptionally brave horse”.

Denman suffered serious illness in 2013, when he contracted a potentially fatal blood and bone infection, and spent five months in equine hospital.

“He has taken ages to build up strength and muscle and he is now progressing in leaps and bounds,” Charlotte reports. Denman is now a regular out in the hunting field, and loving it. “He is such a happy horse and it is incredible that he is able to leap across the country as he does. He is like a spitfire, quick, exciting and beautiful.”

Denman doesn't parade much - “He's too busy hunting!” - but he makes a special effort to attend 'his' race , the Denman Chase. It was named after him because he triumphed so brilliantly in it in 2008 (as well as winning two Hennessy Gold Cups at the same Newbury track, in 2007 and 2009). This year, as he led the runners out onto the track, he swaggered along as if he was looking forward to showing all the young whipper-snappers, and everyone else, just how the race should be run – and won! When the runners set off for the start, and Charlotte steered Denman aside and let him open up in a gallop past the grandstand, the crown roared their cheers for him, and Denman looked like he was ready to show them all what proper galloping meant. He would probably have loved to have joined the runners.

The point is, he didn't. Because Denman is an EX-racehorse now. Great as he was back then, his life has moved on. What was so lovely to see was that, though he took a strong enough hold as they galloped, when Charlotte asked him to slow and come back to hand, he did, amazingly quickly and obediently. Though he was a brilliant, tough-as-teak racehorse for many years, and though the call of instinct and old habit, to follow today's runners, must have been immensely strong, Denman did as he was asked and came back to a hack canter. What's more, he went into a beautiful self-carriage outline that would have graced any showring. What a triumph of re-schooling! Charlotte must have been so proud of him. A powerful, fit horse, with all his racing instincts reawakened at the scene of his former victories, could so easily have regressed, boiled over with excitement at old memories, pranced, reared, bucked, bolted...... (And a small lady like Charlotte Alexander could have had a hard time dealing with that!) But none of that bad stuff happened. It was just a perfect demonstration of how retraining a racehorse should turn out.

It was quite clear that Denman and Charlotte Alexander know and trust each other thoroughly. They were both enjoying themselves enormously, with not a hint of anxiety. Indeed Charlotte told the TV interviewer that both she and Denman would love to have a go in the race, but sadly weren't allowed to... If they had been, they would no doubt have had great fun together, as they do when out teamchasing and hunting. And that's the thing – it would be FUN. Denman has left the ranks of professional racehorses, and is now a fully retrained, and beautifully reschooled, pleasure-riding horse - re-skilled, relaxed, confident, happily occupied, and enjoying life.

Well done Charlotte Alexander, well done Denman! You are an example and encouragement for us all.

Denman and Charlotte Alexander having fun out hunting