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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' 

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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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The term ‘one and low’ is used ALOT, but what exactly does it mean? What does it look like? Should we be doing it with our former racehorses, in all three paces, under saddle and groundwork?? 

We need to work on; suppleness, stretching core activation, engagement, swing and ‘working uphill’, but how do we achieve this on our downhill former racehorses? 

Is there such a thing as ‘too low?’ 

Please share your thoughts about this episode 

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King Erik’s racing career was cut short when injury (a slipped tendon off his hock) meant that his days of cantering and jumping on the racetrack was to be no more. Having found his home with the Boyles’ in County Dunham, Erik is a fully fledged member of the household, who has not only been Pauls best man at their wedding, but is also now a park Ranger, who patrols a 135acre park in County Dunham deterring illegal activity.

This episode will (hopefully) have you laughing at every part and being able to also enjoy hearing the story and journey of King Erik, from the racetrack to his new home with the Boyles’ in County Dunham. 

 Please do share amongst friends 

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

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Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

Amazon Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eriks-Hacking-Guide-North-England-ebook/dp/B0CXCLW382/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SBPVJD4ESPJW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._Lyjr2w9XopMQ_pQZo2k6B0N0XmcGPgQaETdrS2eYQQgwO0RHzZS-QCa3THM1AJU_KRR4B0mC9ZC6jhOAJUHNR1I0zDLAxCRfDHuus-a-6FPDtAiJYCm6Dgku9Rao0BkE1UDqe5udpFrA5RSIeZrPeIiV_BAyX_x3ygfFA73NrLMLV62hdc8Qr0P2ApmM9saxqwHu9-u2sCVD_F7Ac1JgbRM2SXm_AkorNZkUq_LaH0.ApzU98nUfqo4M1Qfu2ITbr-eIcE2Q1n7bNJdEdqMTq0&dib_tag=se&keywords=eriks+hacking&qid=1710084757&sprefix=eriks+hacking%2Caps%2C329&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR75frpwyobOw3UA-vwBBtY-4-VgvooZouJYWcYpX-lJYva97N7DSkfmupKKOw_aem_xTWz4o_OXFP80mE3fh3_nw

Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/share/15tpfbqLck/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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I had the pleasure of meeting Muireann through Instagram a few years back now as she reached out and asked about retraining former racehorses and if I would ever consider coming over to Ireland to teach. I joined her for an Instagram Live where we talked all about retraining racehorses, and I knew straight away that she was nothing bar brilliant. 

Fast forward 6 months and we met in person when I went to Ireland to teach for The Eile and I saw what Muireann and her team were creating and building with Equitas; A media brand championing change and advocating equity for women. 

The other day Muireann put a post up titled:

“Is Mental health Support Failing Women in the Saddle’

It really struck a chord with me and I knew I HAD to have her come on the pod. The first half of this episode s about her journey with her former racehorse and the paths she has had to navigate both mentally and physically on her retraining journey. The second half, we begin to look into how we feel the equine sector is and our concerns and hopes for the future. This episode is insightful, heartwarming, funny and relatable. Please do listen and share and give Equitas a follow and show your support 

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

Equitas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equitasworldwide?igsh=MThsdm83c2hmM3Ezbg==

Equitas Website: https://articles.equitas.ie

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One of the most common questions I get asked/I see across social media channels is: Which Bit would you Recommend? 

In this episode I look into different approaches and understanding to improving and developing the contact in our former racehorses. Please do listen, share and enjoy and if you'd like to learn more we have a webinar coming up on Thursday 15th April about finding confidence in the contact. Booking link below 

RoR Webinar 15th April booking link: https://horsemonkey.com/search?s=Lou%20robson

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

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I first heard about Lesley and Second Brook, better known as Seb, when they were nominated for the RoR Horse of the Year 2025. I was BLOWN AWAY by their story and their journey together. 

Registered as a blind rider, Lesley and Seb have competed and won at RDA level and their journey together and the highs and lows are not only relatable, but inspirational . Lesley is so honest in this conversation and I love the way she approaches her training, management and development with Seb

Please do listen and share this wonderful story

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

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