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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! 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Stable Recovery is a facility in Lexington Kentucky that is changing peoples lives for the better with the help/use of thoroughbreds. In this episode I talk to Christian Countzler, who is BEYOND passionate about the work they do at Stable Recovery and how, with the Power of the horse, they are able to help change lives

At Stable Recovery, their mission is to provide a safe and stable living environment for men in early recovery. They are a peer-driven therapeutic community with a focus on equine-related employment opportunities.

At Stable Recovery they believe that all men deserve a second chance at a productive and meaningful life.

They provide the critical components needed to achieve success in recovery. Working with horses is uniquely therapeutic for individuals in the early stages of recovery from addiction. Paired with a mix of other unique responsibilities, the men on the farm operate a supportive community where they are all trying to achieve the same goal.

Please share this episode and go and follow and support Stable recovery they're an incredible organisation 

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In this episode we delve into the phrase that is used in a negative way its because they’re a former racehorse’. 

I HATE hearing this phrase when people are competing/training as a reason to ‘why’ the horse isn’t able/couldn’t possible do whatever it is that you’re looking to ’ask’ them to do/achieve. So how can we reframe this ?

Finding members of your home team can also be a daunting task, and trying to work out which are the best members/who can you trust in a world where there are 100’s of recommendations, and various qualifications here there and everywhere

Please listen, enjoy and share 

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

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