Making a successful switch from the track

When William Fox-Pitt made history at Burghley, which he won for the sixth time, he was riding the former racehorse Parklane Hawk, making its debut at four-star level.

Parklane Hawk raced up to the age of seven in New Zealand, though not successfully, but has shown a huge talent for eventing, which requires considerable stamina.

The spotlight was also on a group of other former racehorses at the recent St Leger meeting at Doncaster. Nine horses and riders took part in a parade before the start of racing last Friday, organised by the charity Retraining of Racehorses, illustrating their new-found talent in other disciplines.

It was a special day for Helen Scott, from Richmond, and her horse, The Last Rambo,14. Helen’s story about this horse won one of the first ‘RoR Biggest Heart’ awards after a public vote as the ex-racehorse showing the best temperament taking on a new career in eventing.

Paul Piddington, owner of the Vale of York Polo Club at Bawtry, won a £500 prize for Reviving, judged to be one of the best ex-racehorse polo ponies ridden by a one-goal and under player.

Also in the parade was Sandy Toes, ridden by Tom Watson. He came out of training last year and is also being trained as a polo pony with Paul.

Two horses were chosen to represent the world of showing. Dan De Man, ridden by Anne Parkinson, from Clitheroe, ran 69 times under National Hunt rules. He has done dressage, endurance and show-jumping and has hunted. Now showing, he has competed at Hickstead in the RoR final for the past five years.

Rubber Duck, ridden by Alison Horton from Skipton, ran in eight Flat races and has done dressage and won at RoR classes. Alison has just started eventing with her.

To The Last Man, ridden and owned by Christine Myers, from Northallerton, has found his niche in endurance. The 15-year-old ran 39 times on the Flat and over hurdles and started doing endurance rides in 2009.

There is a chance to find out more about what is involved in retraining a racehorse on September 26 when Yogi Breisner will be giving a demonstration at Richmond Equestrian Centre.

British Eventing’s world-class performance manager will be working with horses coming straight out of Mark Johnston’s and Bryan Smart’s yards to begin their retraining.

Vicky Smart and Deirdre Johnston have both been successful in retraining racehorses.

“I’m probably responsible for about 10 that we have re-homed from our yard. We can’t keep them all unfortunately,” said Deirdre.

Vicky Smart has built a winning partnership with several ex-racehorses, including Chivola and has competed at the Horse of the Year Show, at Hickstead where they won the RoR championship last year and has also had wins at the Great Yorkshire Show’s new class for ex-racehorses, which is sponsored by the Smarts.

Tickets for the RoR evening are £10. Payment can be made on the day but to book a place email [email protected].

THE BHS is warning riding schools and livery yards to be on the alert after an attempted theft at a BHS-approved centre in Northamptonshire.

A woman visited the centre claiming to be a BHS approval inspector but the proprietor was suspicious and contacted the BHS. They said the woman, described as being in her late 20s, early 30s with blonde hair, was not connected to the organisation in any way. All inspectors carry ID.

Some hours later, there was an attempted break-in which was unsuccessful and the police were called. Chris Doran, of the BHS, said: “This matter is very concerning and we would urge all centres to be particularly cautious in coming weeks.”

Anybody who is worried should contact the approvals team on 02476 840509.

EAST Yorkshire para rider Gerry Savage made a successful debut at the recent European Para Dressage Championships.

“My realistic goal was to finish in the top 10 and I was happy to finish seventh in each of my tests,” said Gerry, who was riding for the Irish team.

The team also achieved their target of a top 10 placing, finishing seventh overall out of 16 teams. “I would like to congratulate team GB, our friendly stable neighbours, on their successful haul of 11 individual gold medals along with team gold,” added Gerry.

THREE riders from Yorkshire have been selected for the English squad that will compete at Endurance GB’s Home International to be held at the Royal Welsh Showground next month.

Teams from England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland will take part. Members from North and East Yorkshire EGB who have been selected are Tina Smith, riding Princess Carmara; Tracy Thompson, riding Crystal Jobaar and Bridget Brown, riding Murphy Himself. Bridget’s daughter, Nikki, will also be riding as an individual.

Each team has a squad of 12 from which a final six will be selected. The event takes place on October 1 and 2.

Come and have a go at the ‘big time’

NEXT month’s Countryside Live at the Great Yorkshire Showground will have the added attraction for riders of new qualifiers for the Olympia Heritage Mountain and Moorland ridden classes.

These will give competitors a final chance to qualify before Olympia in December, so organisers are expecting bumper entries.

Since equine classes were added to the event three years ago, entries have grown every year.

Linda Brudenell, chief steward, said: “It is very much aimed at encouraging riders to ‘have a go’. Of course we want to attract experienced riders but it’s also a chance for those who are maybe just starting out to get a feel for the ‘big time’. None of the classes are affiliated and are open to all. Each carries a prize for the highest placed Yorkshire rider.”

The Mountain and Moorland classes will take place on Saturday, October 22 in the Great Yorkshire Show’s main ring. The championship will move indoors to the equine hall at 3.0pm.

Graham and Tina Fletcher – this year’s Hickstead Derby winner – will be running another ‘Search for a Talented Young Show Jumper’ competition. Youngsters from the age of 10 can take part. After some instruction, they will ride in the indoor arena and the eventual winner will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to visit the Fletcher’s yard.

For more information about Countryside Live, which runs on October 22 and 23, go to www. Countrysidelive.co.uk.

ALLERTON Park Horse Trials get underway today with the focus on Ian Stark’s second cross-country course for this event. The lakeside setting is always a highlight at Allerton and some changes have been made to the water island complex, which should make for exciting viewing.

The event attracts riders from all over the country but is particularly popular with local riders. This weekend, those flying the flag for Yorkshire include top event rider Nicola Wilson along with Rachael Lupton, Jolyse Clancey and James Somerville.