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In most of the episode we have had with our lovely and fascinating guests , the most common re occurring theme with what advice would be given with these horses is; Time

But what exactly does this mean and look like? How can we see time as a friend and how do we navigate, the possibly daunting timescale of what people describe when retraining an exracehorse? 

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In this episode we get to talk to the brilliant Vicky Leonard who tells us about the new Thoroughbred. Week in Australia and New Zealand. Vicky is truly passionate about the racing scene as a whole (including after care) and her thoughts, knowledge and insight into the global world of Racing is incredible and something I wish to aspire to. 

This conversation has EVERYTHING! Talking about transparency in racing, aftercare programmes, thoughts and discussions around sensitive subject in the racing world and how we can all learn from each other to create the best world possible for these thoroughbreds.

Please share, enjoy and love every second of this episode 

National TB Week Website; https://thoroughbredweek.com.au

National Tb Week Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/nationaltbweek?igsh=NXoydXI1ZGhobXlk

Kick up for Racing Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/kickupforracing?igsh=MTIzejVoY2pqZHRtMg==

Kick Collective Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/kick.collective?igsh=cWM0YzFsM3p4Z2dx

Light up Racing Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/lightupracing_?igsh=MW1wOWszNnJ3ZTk2ag==

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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First Fandango better known as Fred, ran 50 times for trainer Tim Vaughan. He ran both on the flat and over the fences and since leaving racing has turned his hoof to being not only a fantastic jumper/eventer, but also a brilliant dressage and shoe horse, showing the true adaptability of the former racehorse

This year alone, Fred and Hannah have achieved many wins/titles in every discipline and I really wanted to know the journey that these two have been on, intend to carry on and what lies ahead in the future. 

Hannah and Fred are also headed to HOYS this week (8th October 2025) and we are wishing them the best of luck! 

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Greatwood Charity was the first charity to use former racehorses to educate disadvantaged children and young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Emotional wellbeing, mindfulness and inclusion are at the heart of all of Greatwood’s educational programmes. 

Not only do Greatwood offer many educational and supportive services, they also rehome and retrain former racehorses. 

In this conversation with Sasch Thorbek (their Chief Operating officer) we talk through what greasewood stands for, what they have achieved and are achieving and what the future looks like for them

 Greatwood website: www.greatwoodcharity.org

Greatwood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatwoodcharity?igsh=MWowOWY1d21xa3c4bA==

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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For some, August can be the toughest month. You're probably thinking 'why? we have longer days, weather is great and we also have holidays.'........

 We have also been at the RoR National Championships, BD regionals and had National racehorse Week, so what isn’t to love about August?

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Jodie Harvey jones is nothing but a ball of high energy, with so much; love, compassion and enthusiasm surrounding her former racehorse Harry. In this episode we talk about how she found Harry and the journey that she has been on with him, whilst being part of some seriously cool social media projects.

I wanted to know what its like documenting her entire journey for the world to see, the possible stumbles that she has come across in her retraining journey, her approach to certain 'typical former racehorse subjects' i.e. barefoot, feeding etc and how she navigates all of this whilst working her way up through the world of social media 

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

Jodie Instagram: @harrys_newchapter

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Nicola and Frog's retraining journey is nothing short of remarkable, interesting and so relatable. To say they have had an 'interesting' journey' would be a ver big understatement, but what is most important, and interesting is that Nic has not only learnt stuff about her left, but also how Frog, as a horse, responds, and how to find the way forward in all scenarios.

We talk about; kissing spine surgery, confidence with; hacking, long reining, venturing out for the first time, finding your home team and everything in between

I hope you enjoy this episode 

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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We, horses and humans are asymmetric. How we deal/train and develop these asymmetries to become the 'best version' of straightness that we can find, is a bit of a minefield. 

With our former racehorses they predominantly run in one direction and have their own version of 'in the middle' or 'straight.' How do we approach these asymmetries, and what as riders should we do to help find 'the middle' 

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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The Retraining of Racehorses Charity has been established for 25 years. In that 25 years the numbers of members has exploded and grown year after year. I want to make it SUPER CLEAR that this is not an interview as a 'promotional piece.' It's a conversation that I asked to happen to be able to create a better understanding of the depth of work and support that the RoR do and put in to be able to support all members and safe guard these horses post racing. 

The volume of support and education that the RoR offers is something that you don't find in many organisations and the care, wellbeing and security net provided to these horses post racing, is just, quite frankly, phenomenal.

Please enjoy, share and if you have a former racehorse and currently rents signed up as member (its free) please do so! (Link below)

ROR website: https://www.ror.org.uk

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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I do struggle when I hear phrases such as; 

"I want to ride at Grand Prix' (whether that is dressage or SJ)

'I am looking to get a former racehorse and I would like to ride at Grand Prix one day'

It's not because I don't want people to dream, or aim high, its because of, not only the conformation of our former racehorses, but also their brain and their ability to do the 'higher level' work, whilst keeping the brain active, yet relaxed. In this episode I bring some of my thoughts to life surrounding former racehorses and the the higher level of work when ins port post racing 

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