Carney | Super Dressage Smokey

Trained by Bernie Miller, this 2010 Trade Fair gelding retired after a career of 27 starts. Carney raced from 2013 to 2017, claiming four wins, one second and two thirds to earn $85,750 in lifetime earnings before retiring in April of 2017. Following retirement, Bernie enlisted the help of his track rider and now race-trainer, Holly Taylor, to assist in retraining Carney ready for his off the track career.

“He was incredibly easy to work with after his racing career and I attribute that to the care and education that Bernie gives to all of his thoroughbreds. Carney had nice movement with a great brain and picked up early arena schooling so quickly, he seemed destined for the dressage arena,” comments Holly.

From Holly, Carney was rehomed to Deeja Shariff, who owned the handsome black gelding for two and a half years and attended pony club, beach trips, lessons, and competitions together before being rehomed to Annica Calitz in 2021.

Carney remained with Annica for only a handful of months before being rehomed and transferred to Eliza Hebiton, who offered to take on the gelding from Annica after time constraints meant he could not be kept in regular work. Eliza transitioned “Smokey” into working as a riding school mount for Bonsai Jacks Riding School, where he was ridden from ages 10 years and upwards. While with the riding school, Carney also attended several dressage clinics and competitions with one of the adult riders.

“He was forgiving and patient with beginner students, but also had the gears for more experienced riders,” commented Eliza.

In 2022, Carney was listed for sale and was quickly snapped up by Julie Millett, who was looking for a mount to replace a sadly departed past horse and was drawn to Carney immediately. After one test ride, Julie was convinced Carney was the one for her.

Julie describes “Smokey” as a curious George; he is a very affectionate horse who enjoys being involved in all activities around him. Julie has now owned and ridden Carney for eight months, working to establish his dressage further. Together the pair have achieved fantastic results with their first few dressage outings, riding within the Zamia Dressage series that Julie helps run, and thoroughly enjoy themselves. Carney was the Best Performed Off the Track Horse of the series.

Short term, Julie hopes to focus on developing Smokeys transitions and further improve his balance, while long term the pair aim to reach Elementary level dressage. Ultimately, Julie hopes to enjoy Carneys company and journey for as long as possible.

OTTWA wish Carney and Julie all the best for their promising future ahead.