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The Thoroughbred Club – Ivy Parsons & Spinout

Meet owner – Ivy Parsons – and her horse, Spinout. 

Here is a brief overview of Spinout’s race history:

Spinout is by Hard Spun out of Red Princess.  He is a 6 yr old thoroughbred gelding standing at 15.1 1/2h.  I have renamed him VALENCIO for the purpose of his EA and SHC registrations.

Ivy’s  story on how she came to own Spinout:

I purchased SpinOut from his trainer Roy Rogers Racing on the recommendation of his trackwork rider Indiana Weinhert. Indi says “I was in Perth at Dion Luciani stables I fell in love with the horse, a week later when my boss Roy Rogers came back from Perth I walked around the corner to see his face in the barn in Albany! I was super exited and the name Alvin from the chipmunks came straight to mind cause he was super cute and friendly! He also had bit of cheekiness about him when you went into his yard to feed him he would try nibble on your clothing and follow you everywhere in his yard, was always a fun horse to have around! He was super cute!

What discipline does Spinout now excel:

SpinOut is maturing into a lovely horse and is taking to showjumping, pony club and local hack shows very successfully.

He tries his hardest for me and I think he’s the perfect teenagers thoroughbred to learn the ropes of the reeducation process on and I’m really looking forward to our 2019 season together.

Personal story about Spinout:

He was very sensible to ride and a very quick learner – not afraid of much (as we rode in the bush a lot of the time). Spinout never pulled, just stayed nicely on the bit.  He was every track work riders dream 😁

On that recommendation I took Spinout off the track to be my first project. He had trialled 7 time and had 3 races in total for no success. He has proven to be quite the character too chewing hoodies, hats and anything he can get himself into! He thrives on human attention and always likes to be the centre of everything. Mum and Dad call him annoying 😂 and I was told by his breeder he was named “ferret” when he was younger.

Thank you Ivy.

We at Thoroughbred Events Australia and The Thoroughbred Club wish you all the success in the world because of you we know our beloved race horses are being cared for.

The Thoroughbred Club – Will & Talia Sims

Meet owner Talia Sims and her horse, Will (race name Whispering Dream)

Here is a brief overview of  Will’s race history:

Will had one start but was retired due to roaring. When he left the track he can straight to me to begin his new life.

What is your story on how you came to own Will:

I love giving them a second chance at life.

What discipline does Will now excel:

Dressage

Personal story about Will:

He is very dirty and a character and likes to show his private parts the minute I get out of the saddle :) This makes cleaning for me very easy….otherwise he is very mouthy and plays with everything that’s within his reach so your tackbox will be empty very soon….

Thank you for your story on Will.

We at Thoroughbred Events Australia and The Thoroughbred Club wish you all the success in the world.
Because of you we know our beloved race horses are being cared for.

The Thoroughbred Club – Sharky

Meet owner A Williams and her horse, Sharky (race Recife Beach)

Here is a brief overview of  Sharky’s race history:
Sharky was only a baby when he arrived at our racing stables where I worked with him and also rode him track work and attended race meets with him, He won $100k in prize money from roughly 30 starts. He won he’s last race on Christmas Eve at scone where I strapped him.

What is your story on how you came to own Sharky:
When Sharky ran his final race the trainer contacted me and offered me to take him home and I did.

What discipline does Sharky now excel:
Hacking
Show Jumping

Personal story about Sharky:
He’s got so many quirks, He tries to eat the judges hats when awarded ribbons

Thank you for your story on Sharky.

We at Thoroughbred Events Australia and The Thoroughbred Club wish you all the success in the world.
Because of you we know our beloved race horses are being cared for.

The Thoroughbred Club Thursday – BJ

Meet owner Jerry Ling and her horse, BJ (race name Blakjak Paperback)

Here is a brief overview of BJ’s race history:

BJ wasn’t a very successful racehorse despite being out of All American and half brother to the G1 winning filly Yankee Rose. He had 10 unsuccessful race starts and moved through a few different prominent trainers before I bought him the day after his last race for $800 in April 2016. I’ve brought on BJ as an all round performance horse and he is proving to be an awesome dressage and SJ mount!

Here’s a bit more background on BJ – [click here]
Arrowfield did an off the track story on us earlier this year!

Jerry’s story on how she came to own BJ:

“I reached out to as many syndicates and trainers as possible and met BJ before he’d finished racing.  My gut told me he was my horse and I made an offer and have never looked back. I love him and I’ve loved the process of bringing him on! He’s now schooling elementary dressage and makes light work of jumping over 1m.”

What discipline does BJ now excel:

Dressage
Show Jumping
Pleasure
Trail

Personal story about BJ:

He used to be very timid and shy when I first got him and I love that he is now really confident and friendly with people and can give cheek kisses on command!

When I’ve had a bad day at work there’s nothing like his nose wiggling on my cheek and a big cheek

Thank you Jerry.
We at Thoroughbred Events Australia and The Thoroughbred Club wish you all the success in the world.
Because of you we know our beloved race horses are being cared for.

The Thoroughbred Club – Dydeedoe

The Thoroughbred Club is so special as we get to share good and rewarding stories.

Today we are sharing another success stories of our beloved racehorse transitioning into a new career.  This story is so close to our heart as The Thoroughbred Club put a Call out to their followers and within 20 minutes we had a hit!!!! Now Dydeedoe is going to live out her days as a nanny.  Here is her success story of her life.

Below are the kind words from Jeannette & Cress Dawson.

It all started in the backyard having a BBQ with friends – “Let’s get a racehorse!”.

James Bester had shares available in a King of Kings yearling filly to be trained by David Payne. It was love at first sight (the filly), and 4 of us went into the world of racehorse ownership. Dydee didn’t quite work out in the city and went to Neil Godbolt in Port Macquarie, where she had a win and placed twice.

The decision was made to try our hand at breeding. We had little money to spend on stallions, but with research and luck Dydeedoe produced 3 winners and 2 place getters including Ajax Stakes Gr 2 winner Havana Rey (King Cugat), trained by Bjorn Baker. Dydeedoe has spent time with Karen Irwin at Riverslea, and for the last 10 years has been with Louise Ellis, Argyle Thoroughbreds, at Panuara. A big thank you to Louise who has looked after Dydeedoe and all her progeny over the years. The last foal from Dydeedoe is a Choisir gelding, who hopefully will hit the track this year.

Dydee’s new career as a nanny will be a fitting retirement for a lovely mare.

The Thoroughbred Club Thursday – Velocity Impact

What a lucky horse VELOCITY IMPACT is and we can report he is living an amazing life.  A huge thank you goes to Deirdre Stein.

VELOCITY IMPACT was bred on Newhaven Park in NSW (one of Australia’s leading thoroughbred nurseries) and went on to Victoria to race however was not successful and sold to Julia Creek in North Queensland again unsuccessful.  We are not sure from there what happened but was found at Burpengary Sales.  

Sharon Lenton was notified about a horse in Queensland and asked if The Thoroughbred Club could help.  A plea went out to Queensland followers but unfortunately not one cent could be raised. (Note: 3 other horses had been purchased by very kind followers & friends). Sharon decided to buy VELOCITY out of her own funds (and the kindness of a few NSW friends). Then started the journey of coordinating him out and to find his forever home.  Help came his way. 

VELOCITY went for a long spell to recover from his ordeal.  He was retained by Deidre and now is leased to Kate Sedgley – a young girl who loves him and they are making a great partnership here.  He is a lovely natured horse, very quiet to ride and handle.  VELOCITY learns very quickly and has a good safe future in front of him now. 

VELOCITY IMPACT is by STARCRAFT, a chestnut gelding and is now a 6yo. 

Here are photos of him dressed as a bride with a just married banner around his rump and a bridal veil on his fancy dress day – which he WON. He also went over little jumps and was in a barrel race. [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1531270432795-90410e05-f89d-0″ include=”5808,5809″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On 12 February 2018, VELOCITY had his first competition – a dressage test.  He behaved superbly, very relaxed about everything, nothing worried him. Kate is so proud of him. The Judge complimented her on his presentation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1531270432801-96c4d38a-21ef-9″ include=”5806,5805″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kate is having a great time with him. He is certainly looking fabulous.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1531270501973-5b449fd8-4505-6″ include=”5810″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]VELOCITY is now a very happy, well fed, loved horse with no worries about his future.

This is definitely a WINNING STORY.

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Photos by Deirdre Stein

 

This story goes to prove there is definitely life after racing.  We encourage all race horse owners to secure safe homes for your horse once it leaves a racing table.  There are many disciplines to choose from.  We are always happy to source advice for you.

The Thoroughbred Club (home of the “We Care” campaign) is solely sponsored by Thoroughbred Events Australia (TEA).
All money raised at any TEA event goes to the continual sponsorship to off the track thoroughbreds.  

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Racing to Protect & Serve- NSW Mounted Police Unit

The racing life of a Thoroughbred Race Horse varies on a number of factors but mostly comes down to their willingness to want to continue racing. Others reach an age where they simply just have had enough and yearn for a green paddock. Others can happily race on until they reach 12 years of age, which is when they must be retired officially from racing.

Most people often ask what happens to a race horse once it has been retired from racing, there is no generic response to this question as there are a number of options that await an Off The Track Thoroughbred. Some of these options are Showing, Equestrian Events (Show Jumping, Dressage, Cross Country), trail riding, barrel racing and so on. But for a special select few a much more important career awaits!

When you think of Police, the first thoughts that come to mind could include Cops (the American TV show), Bad Boys (the theme song to Cops) and usually means that you are running away from them (maybe because you were checking your phone while driving). One area of the Police Force that seems to be a favourite is the Mounted Police, we all seem to love seeing Police Horses either on the streets or at various events.

So what do race horses and the Police force have in common? For those special few that meet the select criteria and pass their trial period, they go from race track to patrolling the streets, protecting and serving.

On Sunday 26th November, the NSW Mounted Police Unit opened up the gates and invited the general public in for the opportunity to get up close and personal with the troop horses and to get an understanding in the life of a Police Horse.  Our Journo went along in search of Thoroughbreds that have become Police Horses and as proceeds from the day went to Camp Quality, it was hard to go past the NSW Mounted Police Unit Open Day for our Winning Wednesday.

History of the NSW Mounted Police

Established on 7th September 1825 by Governor Brisbane makes it the oldest continuous operation not only in Australia but globally. In 1830 the unit was first located at Belmore Barracks and three country divisions in Bathurst, Goulburn and Maitland. It was not until March 1862 the NSW Police Force was formed.

The unit moved to the current location in Bourke Street in 1907 and has since undergone redevelopment to include top class facilities that allows the police to continuously train the officers (both human and horse) for a life keeping our streets safe. Today the unit comprises of around 36 officers and 31 horses, with 85{fddcb93768ef9c7fdbaa8f7e3070a154b0816ccbd68b1bd9684c02e142c32ffe} being female officers.

Duties of the Mounted Police Unit

Police Horses are used for various occasions and events these range from:

  • Mounted patrols through streets
  • Crowd Management
  • Operational Support
  • Search for missing persons, escapees and some cases searching for evidence.
  • Ceremonial & Parades
  • Musical Rides (if you attend the Easter Show you will be familiar with this demonstration, if not click here to watch

Selection Criteria

Not every horse can become a Police Horse, there is a set criteria that must be met even before the horse will be taken on trial. Should a horse meet the criteria then it is placed on a 3 month trial before being accepted into the force. Here is a look at some of the criteria:

Horses

  • The horse must stand 16 hands or above
  • Usually between the ages of 4 and 10 years of age
  • Geldings are preferred however, not mandatory
  • Must be Bay, Brown or Black in colour (this is a tradition that dates back to the 1800’s and has been kept by the unit)
  • Must pass tests on soundness, temperament, trainability and stable handling

Fun Facts about Police Horses

  • A variety of breeds are chosen from, there is not one preferred breed
  • Up to 10 horses can be trialled before being accepted
  • Training may take up to 2 years to complete
  • The horses will have a stable name and a troop horse name
  • Once retired, appropriate homes are found (horses are usually listed in Horse Deals Magazine)

Mounted Police Officers

Just like the horses, the officers must also demonstrate their suitability to be accepted into the Mounted Unit.

So what does it take to be able to wear the blue uniform on the back of a Police Horse?

  • Officers must complete 3 years of general duties at a Local Area Command (LAC) before applying
  •  Pass well-founded medical, physical and written examinations
  • Trained in horse care and saddlery, riding, equitation and lance drills, general duties, arrest procedures, issuing traffic infringements, random breath testing, navigation and search skills.
  • Must train their primary horse while still assisting with others (eventually officers are assigned to one primary horse in which they will be responsible for)
  • Horses must be exercised twice a day

Potential new officers must also undertake a 2 week assessment testing phase which results in the final day with tests under saddle, bareback and jumping. If accepted into the unit, they are subjected to a further 3-4 month course before they can be operational within the unit. Including the mandatory qualifications that officers must have, the mounted unit are required to also hold a Medium Rigid Truck Licence, Equestrian Australian Qualifications (Introductory Riding & Horse Management).

When not out on patrol or other assignments, the officers are responsible for other “fatigue” duties which can include stable maintenance, attending to saddlery, training (troop drill, crowd control, escort duties etc). Must also be possess detailed veterinary knowledge, farrier procedures, rug & tack maintenance and horse transportation.

Mounted Police Thoroughbreds

Walking around the stables in the complex, it was clear that there is definitely a mixture of breeds within the Troop Horses. These ranged from the gorgeous big Clydesdale, Percheron, Stock Horses and of course our favourite the Thoroughbred. Let’s get to know a little about the Thoroughbreds that were found in the stables.

Valinorean

It was hard not to mistake this big boy as a Thoroughbred, as soon as you walk into the first stable complex you are greeted with a towering bay gelding that stands at an imposing 16.2 hands.

Valinorean (Exceed and Excel x Eldarin) is an unraced Thoroughbred bred by the largest operation in the world Godolphin, related to champion Grand Armee. For those not familiar, Godolphin is the racing and breeding operation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. His passion and dedication for horses is admired by many in the racing game (to read more click here).

Not cutting it as a Race horse, Valinorean was donated by Godolphin to the NSW Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Trust (TRT). This organisation is part of Racing NSW and is headed by ex mounted police officer Scott Brodie. TRT is a not for profit organisation that takes retired race horses and retrains them for a life after racing. With Scott’s experience having worked in the force, he is aware of what is required for horses to make the grade to be accepted into the Mounted Police Unit, as a result of his potential this big guy is currently on trial, all reports are that he is doing well.

Take a look at some of his training with Scott Brodie here 

Warrigal (Stable Name: Halo)

Another bay thoroughbred gelding standing at an imposing 16.3 hands and weighing over 600kgs he is considered to be one of the best horses in the unit. Warrigal joined the force in 2003 and during his time has performed in front of 80,000 people in the 2005 & 2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Hollywood (Stable Name: Ardy)

This horse comes from racing royalty, his father is none other that champion race horse Octagonal who had won more than $5 million dollars and won the hearts of many people during his race career. Hollywood joined the unit in 2009 and plays a special role within the force in that he is always the first choice for the Commander to ride when attending parades or events.

 

 

Other horses that are part Thoroughbred

Beersheeba (Stable Name: Regal)- Warmblood x Thoroughbred, named to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of “The Battle of Beersheeba”

Angus  (Stable Name: Coby)- Percheron x Thoroughbred, related to Ras and Jackson.

 

 

Ismo (Stable Name: Vegemite) – Clydesdale x Thoroughbred, stands at 16.3 hands and joined the force in early 2000

 

 

 

So if you ever do wonder where some retired race horses go, just remember the next time that you see the Mounted Police at an event, beach or patrolling the streets, you just never know you may be standing next to an ex champion that has found a life after racing, protecting and serving!

Thoroughbred Events Australia would like to thank the NSW Mounted Police Unit for opening up their gates to give as an insight into the life of a Police Horse but for also giving retired racehorses a life after racing. It was great to see a large crowd turn out and help support Camp Quality.

 

Article and photos by Kylie Johnson