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Thoroughbred transition showcased at Pony Club event

The transition of thoroughbreds ‘off the track’ has again been showcased at a Pony Club Association of SA (PCASA) event.

Approximately 30 horses were involved in the recent PCASA Southern Zone Show Jumping Series, held at Jupiter Park, and around the same number took part in the dressage competition held on Saturday. Some of these thoroughbreds competed on both days, showing their versatility.

The events are part of a year-long series – impacted by COVID-19 this year – and coincided with the announcement of a $27,000 one-off cash grant from Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) to boost safety at the state’s 49 Pony Clubs.

The TRSA commitment was in addition to its multi-year sponsorship deal, part of which goes towards the Pony Club state championship.

Southern Zone president Debbie Cook said off-the-track classes are held in all Pony Club grades, with Trudi Day the dominant competitor at the Jupiter Park event, taking out the A grade class and the associated off-the-track (OTT) award, plus the D grade on another OTT mount.

“Every pony club class – that’s A through to E grade – has an off-the-track option, you just have to nominate your off-the-tracker,” Debbie explained.

“We’re aiming to show what off-the-track thoroughbreds can do in their after racing lives and Trudi actually rode three thoroughbreds last weekend.

“Two of those thoroughbreds raced and the other one was to race, but never made it to the track.

“There were many more previously raced thoroughbreds in all classes over the weekend. Two of the eventing phases – dressage, and show jumping – were on display across the weekend and successfully tackled by former racehorses.”

Trudi’s mother and Riverside Stud manager, Julie Day described the off-the-track concept as “a great initiative” and welcomed TRSA’s ongoing sponsorship commitment.

“It gets people keener to get an off-the-tracker, and if they’re given the right schooling, they’re fantastic horses,” she said.

“They’ve got a great temperament, mostly, and as eventers, which is what we mainly do, they’re great athletes.

“They’re fantastic for cross country because they can keep going and going.

“I just think it’s a great idea.”

Julie said most ex-racehorses respond well to new lives involved in equestrian and Pony Club activities.

“Horses can get a little anxious when you first take them away from racing, but as long as you show them around and give them plenty of outings, they learn to settle,” she said.

“It’s usually best to give them a good spell, let them letdown and be a horse for a while.

“Then you get them back into it and start them slowly. Some come along more quickly than others, but you’ve just got to have that patience.

“They’re getting a new career. First they’re taught to chase, then they’re taught dressage and show jumping, so they’ve got to learn to settle down a little bit.”

Debbie described the TRSA initiative as “fantastic”.

“PCASA Southern Zone is looking forward to helping showcase thoroughbreds after racing,” she said, “as are other clubs and zones around South Australia.”

 

IMAGE: Trudi Day on ‘Riverside My Mugatea’ in action at this month’s PCASA Southern Zone Show Jumping Series, held at Jupiter Park. PHOTO: Equestrian & Sports Photography-Bethany Cook

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