OTTWA Retraining Program
The OTTWA Retraining Program encompasses the OTTWA Estate and a network of retrainers with the skills and experience to help racehorses transition to new careers as pleasure or performance horses.
Horses are vet checked and assessed for their suitability for the program before being accepted. They are then allocated to an Official Retrainer with the appropriate expertise for tailored re-education to make the most of each horse’s natural aptitude in preparation for sale.
Up to 12 horses can be in training at a time, with others cared for at the estate until a place is available.
The OTTWA Retraining and Rehoming Coordinator and the Official Retrainers match horses and riders based on the information supplied by potential buyers in their expression of interest.
The program complements established pathways for rehoming racehorses when they retire from the track. The OTTWA Retraining Program give priority to horses which may be more challenging to rehome, such as those in remote areas.
HOW TO GET A HORSE INTO THE OTTWA RETRAINING PROGRAM
The OTTWA Retraining Program has the capacity to retrain 12 horses at a time. In addition, the OTTWA Estate can accommodate other horses in preparation to begin retraining when a position is available.
Both thoroughbreds and standardbreds can be accepted, following an application process to ensure to OTTWA Retraining Program is a suitable pathway for the horse. Acceptance is based on a range of factors such as spelling period, location, soundness and condition, plus a veterinary assessment.
Trainers and owners are encouraged to continue using established rehoming pathways.
Before applying to the program, please read the guidelines below on the application process, the acceptance criteria and terms and conditions.
Acceptance Criteria & Terms & Conditions Application Form FAQs How to Apply
HOW TO BUY A HORSE THROUGH THE OTTWA RETRAINING PROGRAM
Potential buyers submit an expression of interest, which the OTTWA Retraining and Rehoming Coordinator and the Official Retrainers use to match horses with disciplines and riders that suit them. If there is no good fit among the horses available at the time of interest, the application is kept on file for future horses coming through the Retraining Program.
Buyers are matched with the most appropriate horse based on their experience and requirements. When viewing a horse in the program, potential buyers are encouraged to try the horse more than once, so the horse and rider combination can be assessed for suitability.
Ongoing support and advice are provided to new owners, including access to educational material and events, such as OTTWA clinics.
Expression of Interest FormOFFICIAL RETRAINERS
Off the Track WA has a cohort of Official Retrainers, who work with the horses on the skills and experiences required to begin their new equestrian pursuits.
The Retrainers are selected for their experience, particularly in training off the track thoroughbreds and standardbreds. Their diverse backgrounds and preferred disciplines provide a range of suitable skillsets for the variety of horses accepted into the program.
Bayley Thomas
Bayley has been involved with horses since her early childhood and has worked with racehorses since adolescence. Bayley has also pursued her interests in other equestrian disciplines with her own horses, trained horses and coached riders.
Bayley has a Certificate III in Equine Management and continues professional development through regular participation in clinics with highly reputable local, inter-State and international coaches and trainers.
Specialising with standardbreds, Bayley applies her professional skills and experience to identify behavioural issues in horses and resolve them in an acceptable, safe and effective manner.
Bayley was the inaugural winner of the Ladies in Pacing Welfare Award, for her tireless efforts in the rehoming of racehorses post retirement.
Brocklesby Contracting
Team Brocklesby consists of trainer Alan Campbell and rider Tegan Cook. They have a combined experience of more than 60 years, exhibiting long term success in the field of training, producing and selling competition horses from beginner mounts to elite competition horses.
They have experience starting and breaking in horses then furthering their education to be confident to enter and succeed in the competition arena. Tegan and Alan hold high standards of professionalism – a key to their sustained success over a number of years.
Eventing is the main discipline Alan and Tegan produce horses in, both competing to an International level, however they also compete in dressage and show jumping to ensure the horses are given the best opportunity to succeed when competing in the three phases of eventing.
Gielen Performance Horses
Madi’s experience with retired racehorses started 10 years ago, when she was given her first horse an off the track thoroughbred.
Madi brings her strong jumping and eventing skillset to the retraining program. With her experience as an NCAS Level One Coach and member of the EWA High Performance Squad, Madi has produced many off the track horses into high level performance mounts. As an FEI 3 Star Event Rider, Madi has ridden up to advanced dressage and has obtained many notable achievements, most recently the winning the Highest Placed OTT in the 2020 Equestrian in The Park Diamond Class.
One of the things Madi loves most about the sport is being able to witness the training and improvements of the horse and rider behind the scenes as well as at competitions. She brings this passion and positive attitude to her retraining.
www.facebook.com/gielenperformancehorses
www.instagram.com/madigielen_eventing/
LJC Horse Sports
Leon Carroll of LJC Horse Sports is based in the Swan Valley. Leon has successfully competed all over Australia all the way up to World Cup level and has always enjoyed riding off the track horses.
His first OTT thoroughbred was bought for $500 direct from a trainer after recording 33 starts! This horse was known as Jed, a plain chestnut gelding but with great athleticism and jumped competitively up to 1.30m throughout Western Australia.
Leon’s most successful off the track was MEC Privledge who raced 12 times in South Australia. He showed his serious jumping talent by performing well all the way up to World Cup Level (1.60m).
Over the years Leon has produced over 30 thoroughbreds to official showjumpers, he finds them extremely willing and forward thinking. “They are athletic, sharp and generally want to please, these are essential traits for successful sport horses”.
Oakford Equestrian
Owned and operated by Michael Dagostino, Oakford Equestrian has a level of experience second to none in selecting, training, competing and selling off the track horses.
Michael is a very experienced equestrian competitor and has competed in many different equestrian sports including official showing (hacking), dressage, show jumping, polocrosse and polo.
Michael’s favourite equestrian pursuit is eventing and he has built-up a very successful team of horses and is currently ranked 222nd in the world. In 2019 he achieved his dream of completing the Adelaide 5 star event position (which is one of only five Olympic level events held in the world every year) and with a great result – ninth.
The Oakford Equestrian facility comprises of 200 acres and has an extensive range of facilities which will allow the off the track horses to have a unique opportunity to experience a range of different environments, which will be a significant advantage in their training and long-term education.
http://oakfordequestrian.com/
https://www.facebook.com/oakfordequestrian
@oakfordequestrian
CONTACT
For more information or assistance, please the contact Retraining and Rehoming Coordinator by email at offthetrackwa@rwwa.com.au or call 9445 5371.
