Another Sunny Training Day
We were incredibly lucky in August to host another training day with beautiful weather. While the temperature was low, the sun was high, and horses and riders enjoyed a stunning day of riding at the State Equestrian Centre.
With 49 retired racehorses initially entered, the day’s schedule was full. We were lucky to have coaches, Rebecca Thomas, Jennine Thomasson and Jennifer Bailey join us for a day of educating retired thoroughbreds and standardbreds. There to capture those moments of brilliance and breakthroughs amongst the riders and horses was our dedicated clinic photographer, Eric Lloyd Photography. We were also happy to promote Herne Hill Stockfeeds and their generous discount offer for all horses with an OTTWA Passport through our Herd Hero initiative.
In the International arena, Jennine guided the riders from green to advanced levels through their lessons. We spotted some super combinations in these lessons, with many horses developing as their lessons progressed. As flatwork is the foundational starting point for all horses transitioning off the track, it was great to see so many riders participating in these lessons.
Additionally, our protocol tests were well utilized by many riders entered Wooroloo CCI. As this clinic was hosted the week before the event, it was the perfect opportunity for riders to fine tune their tests before the competition. Many also participated in lessons to better prepare themselves also.
Indoors, Rebecca Thomas passed on her guidance and expertise to riders in jumping and poles lessons. From experienced mounts to horses fresh from racing this year, there was a wide variety of lessons to be taught. Riders and horses looked to enjoy themselves as they were guided around the set-up course and many settled after their initial hesitations to jump confidently. It’s super to watch horses gain confidence through these educational opportunities.
Out on the cross-country field, Jennifer utilized the water jump and surrounding obstacles to give riders an exciting day of cross-country education. Whether they were diving into the water, cantering up the hills or popping over logs, the horses did so with their ears pricked and their focus lasered. With such nice weather, this made for a beautiful day to be riding out on the field though we are sure some of the riders were quite chilly after splashing through the water jump in the early morning.
FAST FACTS
Of the 49 horses who entered, five were Standardbred.
The horse with the highest racing earnings in attendance was ‘Beg to Differ’ who won just under $200k.
Two horses retired from racing this year (in 2025) and are just in the early stages of their off the track development. These horses were Special Sort and Superior Kingdom.
34 horses who attended were Western Australian born and bred.
Trade Fair and Patronize both had two of their progeny attend this clinic.
