We
retired two horses last season (Bemused & Chord) and sometimes get
enquiries as to where they have gone, so we thought you would like to see the
ex-racehorses in their new homes/careers.
Their new owners have updated us recently and it is really important to
me that I know where they are and what they are up to. I love to hear about their progress and to
keep in touch with the owners. It is so
important to make sure they are all going to a good home and preferably a home
for life. We owe these horses so much
so it is very important they continue to be well looked after and happy.
Below
is a lovely email from Bemused’s new owner: Kate. Kate intends on bringing Bemused on and possibly eventing him but
mainly took him on so she can hack out with her children, hunt etc., and she was
very interested in taking on a barefoot ex-racehorse for the first time.
Dear Simon,
Well, he’s no longer called Bemused, but has been
rechristened Bertie The Beloved. As his
new name suggests, Bertie the Beloved has exceeded expectations in every way
possible.
Most importantly, his temperament is unbeatable. Whether it be handling him daily, which is
nothing but a pleasure, teaching him new things where his attitude and quick
brain make learning a doddle (that said I’m sure he could learn naughty tricks
if he wanted to but he hasn’t shown any propensity for that yet), or being
whinnied at several times a day, just to say hi, his temperament is the best
I’ve ever come across in a horse. His
movement is far better than I realised when I came to try him, my pro-event
rider chiropractor was green with envy when he met him. Keen to learn more about classical dressage,
I’m keen to get the basics in his schooling correct before pushing him on to
other things. Because he’s such a
trier, I think he could get pent up with worry if I were to rush him so I think
Bertie is really enjoying this approach, and my jump saddle fitter hasn’t yet
been out to fit it to him. So, I don’t
yet have any exciting jumping photos to show you but they will come in due
course. I am confident that jumping
will be a breeze, I’ve always found jumping a lot easier than dressage so tend
to put my effort into that predominantly.
I cannot thank you enough and give your training methods enough credit
because, having taken on so many racehorses in the past, Bertie really isn’t
like a racehorse but rather like a riding horse who has experienced a more
varied training. With a bit of luck I
won’t be wanting another horse for a long time, but when I do, I hope you don’t
mind if you are my first port of call!
With many many thanks as ever,
Kate
& The Beloved
Bertie being ridden by Kate, his new owner
Chord
was also retired and he went to one of his syndicate members (The Plum
Merchants) in the capable hands of Simon & Janine Owen. He settled in brilliantly with his best
friend over the winter, whom I don’t joke is called mini-Chord (and is a pony
stallion!). He and his owner look very
happy having jumping lessons! And it is Simon’s aim to hunt him next season.
Chord with (and I couldn't work out if it was Harvey Smith or AP McCoy on a stylish day on board, then I realised it was the great...) Simon Owen!
Chord with his new pal, mini-Chord
Thank you to Kate, and Simon & Janine, for keeping us
posted on their progress and do keep the photos coming in. Good luck in your new careers boys!
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