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What Can I Feed to build top line in my Ex racehorse?

Unfortunately, eating chocolate bars does not mean we get a six pack- so why do we feel the same is true of our former racehorses?

Dengie webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8n2672vLhM

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THIS IS A MUST LISTEN!!!! Do you ever feel like you struggle to communicate or understand your ex racehorse? Whether this is from the floor, or under saddle? I met Tik at the Retired Racehorse makeover Project in 2015, where he won the freestyle section aboard Mr Pleasantree. I was blown away with how Tik not only had. Great bond with Mr Pleasantree, but how he had gone through the whole process of; selecting the horse for the job of the Makeover project, how he had trained him and what the future looked like for them both. Tik Maynard is not only an Event Rider, who has ridden upto FEI level, but he is also a true horseman. He focuses on being able to read, understand and train the horse you have in front of you.  Tik is known for his work with training the spooky or anxious horse and working with green/inexperienced horses

Tik won Road to the Horse in 2024, the freestyle section for the Retired Makeover project in 2015 and 2018. 

PLEASE share this episode amongst everyone who has a horse. It doesn’t need to be ‘ex racehorse related’ as this episode is for everyone and is one FULL of knowledge and wisdom 

Youtube video from retired Racehorse Makeover Project with Mr Pleantree 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lowhPBYwaPo

Tik working with horses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA7pju36Hj4
Tik working with the spooky and anxious horse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv52nhbSwBI

Tik Maynard instagram:@tikmaynardcompany

Tik Maynard Facebook: @tikmaynard

Tik Maynard Book: ‘In the Middle are Horsemen’

Louise instagram: @thoroughbred_dressage

Facebook: Thoroughbred Dressage 

Website: www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Do you ever feel like giving up? Someone could do this far better than you? Why am I investing so much time and emotion into something that seems to be going no where? Or that you dont feel safe?

WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE,  (we also visit 'that place' on a regular basis...) but what are the steps/what can we do to be able to 'get to the other side' whilst not bankrupting ourselves, putting ourselves in harms way, and being able to have the perspective to be able to see the 'bigger picture' without deluding ourselves....

This isnt an episode just about training or riding, but also care and management and how to avoid saying 'the end' 

www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Jessica Westwood knew by the age of 8 years old that she wanted to ride racehorses. Her biggest dream was to ride in the Grand National. Sadly, injury meant that her Grand National dream didn’t come to fruition; however, what has blossomed out of this is a yard and life that is dedicated to the ‘full circle’ of the racehorse. From foals, to pre training, rehab and re training Jess’ yard covers it all in the South of the UK at Molland Ridge Stud. 

Jess may be known for her very famous racehorse, turned ex racehorse Munkery Turkety, whom she trained as a very successful racehorse and equally a very successful ex racehorse, who was crowned RoR Horse of the Year in 2018.

This episode is JAM PACKED full of advice, tips, insights into what its like to be a trainer and different approaches on retraining different types of horses and histories of horses. Jess is so passionate about her career and everything ‘thoroughbred’. The knowledge that she brings to this episode is incredible and Im very grateful for Jess’ time and willingness to share her story and knowledge. 

One not to miss!

www.thoroughbreddressage.com 

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Across social media groups I always see the question of; ‘My ex racehorse keeps pulling off Shoes-any advice?’

Followed up with comments of; ‘Take them off”……

I am not anti barefoot, I am also not anti ‘shoe’, but I am PRO HORSE

Here at team TB we have every type of foot/shoeing/style going; barefoot, shod in front, shod all round, leather pads, aluminium shoes, racing plates, graduated pads, dental impression, bar shoes, spider shoes……We do what the horse needs to help them in the best way that we possibly can. 

In this episode I talk about our approaches to how we develop the horses on their ‘shoeing journey’ from racehorse to riding horse/sports horse. I talk about the various approaches that we take with the health and well-being of horse being at the forefront of every single step 

www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Emily is a dressage rider and has represented Ireland at the European Championships at Pony, Junior and YR level and now competes at small tour level on her current top (warmblood) horse. She was given the opportunity to help school the horses at Henry de Bromhead yard and started working with A Plus Tard (winner of £957,000 on the track and winner of the Gold Cup, 23 runs, 8 wins and 4 Grade 1’s)

 In this episode we talk about the differences between training the ‘bred for dressage’ horse and the ‘bred for racing, now dressage horse’ and the training ideas, concerns and positives that come with transitioning the former racehorse to a life within the white boards 

www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Here we go.......So I was posed a question during a yard visit during National Racehorse Week if Retraining was a made up role? 

This stopped me a little in my tracks and made me slightly question not only what I do, but also if they had a point. I this episode I try to have a look at both sides of the argument surrounding this question and why, retraining is FUNDAMENTAL to the health and well-being of these horses at all stages of their lives 

www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Why does retraining feel so bl***y hard at times? Retraining Racehorses can have its up’s and downs, and can make us questioning both our sanity and our bank balances. It’s very easy to put the face forward of ‘but it’s so rewarding’ (which it is by the way) but what about the times when we feel like giving up is the better/easier answer? 

“Over the Rails’ podcasts delve into some of the topics that surround retraining and the life with former racehorses. In these episodes we aim to talk about our; problems, fears, woes and worries across varying topics. Hoping to create some ‘normal’ to the ‘not so great times’, but also highlight how we work through them and how to know what a great time is, you have to have the direct opposite of a bl***y hard time. 

www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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Hannah's first words to me when I asked her to record on the podcast was 'are you sure, I am no one competing at intro level'.......I bumped into Hannah on several occasions within a 24 hour period whilst at Aintree champs. I had no idea who she was, what classes she was competing in, or her journey. What I did love was how she approached working and handling her horse Atheby and I wanted to know more and also tell her what a phenomenal job she was doing with him. (and she isnt 'no one' and we all start somewhere) 

I LOVE Hannah's 'process' of her path to the championships and how she approached every single step. This was not a path to win, but to get to Aintree and lay the foundations for the YEARS ahead that she has with Atheby

This conversation is relatable to every single person with an ex racehorse and I spent this whole conversation; smiling, laughing, nodding my head in agreement and am desperate to hear more from Hannah on her journey with Atheby and her approach to training throughout their years ahead. 

This is a MUST LISTEN to anyone with an ex racehorse. please share it far and wide, I promise you won't be disappointed 

www.thoroughbreddressage.com

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RoR Champs have just been and gone. In part one of our two episodes dedicated to the RoR Champs Sophie and I have a general catch up. 

These championships are amazing, but also can be quite daunting for not only people, but the horses as well. Situated at Aintree Racecourse (home of the Grand National) these championships span 6 days and have classes in; dressage, showjumping, arena eventing and showing. The Elite dressage and Showing champions are crowned here and its a week full of love for the wonderful ex racehorses. 

In this episode Sophie and I have a chat about our horses performances, the highs and lows and learnings that come with getting to a championships and how we look forward to the future 

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