Ever wondered what happens to horses after they retire from racing ?
From a young age, all thoroughbreds are taught to run.
So what happens to thoroughbreds when through various reasons, horses can no longer compete on the racetrack?
For most mares, they go to the breeding paddock whilst successful male entires, head to stud duties.
So what happens to the geldings ?
The majority go on to be pleasure horses in various equine sports.
The following story is about one such retired Dynamic Syndications gelding named PERSISTENCY.
He was injured in his only race start and was unable to race again. The owners were keen to see the horse receive a good home. Dynamic were able to find the right place for him and through several years of dedication since, a delightful young lady has turned him into a potential top line equestrian horse.
This is the story of Courtney Smith, the 18yo daughter of leading Newcastle trainer and Dynamic Team Member - Darren Smith. Courtney explains what she has been through with the retired PERSISTENCY to give him a new career.
Courtney’s Story:
Getting a horse off the track requires time and patience while they learn their paces and build confidence to life beyond racing.
The first time I saw Persistency he was standing in box 21 in dad’s stable block at Williamtown. His stable name was Percy. He was striking looking horse and instantly attracted my attention. He was a gentle giant.
Persistency is a 5 year old, brown gelding by Testa Rossa from Rorkes. In his first race at Scone he was placed 9th of 14 horses. Although beating 5 horses home he was never to race again from due to a tendon injury.
At that time I was representing NSW at the Equestrian Australian Show Horse and Rider Championships at Werribee with my own well preformed mare CS Primadonna.
Competing alongside the best horses in Australia, CS Primadonna was awarded “Runner Up” National Large Hack of the Year 2011. CS Primadonna was another horse I had obtained off the track.
It is a real personal achievement seeing a horse learn so much in your care, winning state and national competitions from all your hard work and time.
Returning home, dad informed me that Percy needed to find a good home. I knew his background, he had good manners and I was thrilled Dynamic gave him to me.
He went to the paddock for a few months to have a spell.
With time, patience and care, Percy was an excellent student and his show horse career began after I sold Primadonna to New Zealand in June of 2012.
Show horses are described as the super models of the horse world. They compete under one or more judges performing a set workout. Show horses are judged on manners, movement and body conformation. These horses must compete at local Agriculture shows to become eligible for Royal shows and National competitions.
Percy took to the idea of being a show horse very well. As a show horse, he needed a new show name, so I have called him CS Masquerade. His first show was the Taree Agriculture show held over two days. Day one he was awarded Champion led thoroughbred and Champion led Australian National Saddle Horse. Day two Percy was awarded Champion ridden hack. This was an outstanding achievement competing against horses that had been campaigned all year and this was just his maiden effort.
Percy then attended Equestrian Australia Newcomer Show - Winning his Open Hack class over 16.2hh and carrying me to Reserve Champion Lady Rider.
Then at his third and final show for 2012 we went to the Emma’s Show Horse Championships. Percy was awarded Champion Ridden Thoroughbred and placed 3rd in his Open Class over 16.2hh behind two Royal Show winning horses.
Although Percy’s only attended a few shows this year, his education has come along way and is up to training medium and elementary dressage.
At present, Percy is enjoying a well earned rest and will be back in work in the next few days.
Our plans in 2013 include attending and competing at: Horse of the Year, Grand National Qualifiers across NSW and multiple Agriculture Shows.
You may remember him as PERSISTENCY whilst his New Sporting name is CS Masquerade. However to everyone who has anything to do with this lovely, kind thoroughbred – he’s just known as Percy !
I look forward to keeping Dynamic Syndications up to date with his progress in 2013.
Courtney Smith