Ruth Carr Racing | Where are they now

Retired Racehorses (A - J)

Here at Mowbray we try to find our horses a new home when they have finished racing. It is important to match them up with a compatible rider. Ruth wanted the public to know that contrary to popular belief racehorses can do another job after racing. So it was nice to receive an email from Dan who had followed Sharp Hat through his racing career.

Hi Ruth - just wanted to say you have done a brilliant job with your 'Where Are They Now?' page - it was lovely reading all the stories about some of my old favourites - not enough trainers take the time to update the public on the retired stars of the sport that we follow year in, year out and occasionally we wrongly fear the worst, so I just wanted to express my gratitude! Well done, and keep up the good work! Dan

Here are some of the comments and pictures of horses previously trained at Mowbray, some of them are nearly household names that won a lot of races and others just didn't make the grade!

Autumn Blades

Autumn was a striking looking horse that found a home in Scotland with Alison and Raccoon.

18th January 2012 Alison emailed "Autumn never moved once in the trailer, what a star, on such a long journey. He settled into his stable quickly and was no trouble this morning when turned out. He was very inquisitive and took a long look walking round the fields! He has made friends easily and seems happy. He has a lovely stature and is always proud with his ears pricked! What a beautiful looking horse he is."

24th January 2012 Alison emailed "A couple of pics for starters! He was lovely out hacking. Alison & Autumn x"

Avanti Tiger

Avanti is a lovely chunky, laid back type of thoroughbred and has found himself a wonderful home with Melanie from Bramhope, Leeds. Mel text "Hi Ruth, just to let you know he has settled in and had his tea, he played in the school for a while and my saddle fits him. I will keep you updated. Thanks again." A week later. "Hi Ruth, I have been riding every day, we lunge for five minutes first then he is good, we don't need much leg as he responds well. We are very happy with him." See horses for sale page for pictures of him before he left Mowbray House.

16th October 2009 Mel emailed " At last the pictures of Avanti for you. We are just getting back on track with him after a year off injured. He is doing well and getting fitter by the day, although he prefers to hack out over being schooled. I am going to continue to light work with him over winter and then may do a little dressage next year as we are now on a dessage yard. We have also bought a warm blood as a friend for him and they get on very well and are always together. Hope you like the pictures."

11th March 2011 Mel emailed "Just to let you know how Avanti is doing, he is still a perfect boy who is great to hack out. He has now got another brother we bought an Andalusian after xmas ,so with the Warmblood Tobias we now have three and they all get on great together."

Billy

Billy was a homebred sold as a yearling to Lindsey.

June 2011:- We are going to leave him until he is 3 and then break him in. He will be going showing as he has got 3 lovely paces and jumping hopefully. We have walked him round the field and was not fussed by any thing. I took him with my other horse but Billy led the way - bless him! Will keep you posted on how he is doing."

September 2011 Lindsey emailed I had Billy out last weekend showing. He was a star, never put a foot wrong and went in and out of box. He got a 2nd and a 3rd. I was so happy with him and people thought he was older than a yearling!"

2nd December 2011 Lindsey emailed " Hi, just a quick update that my 1yr old son has been backing Billy as a yearling he is so good. Sorry the pic is not good and he 15.3hh already!"

30th January 2012 Lindsey emailed "Hi Ruth just a few pics of Billy - he's doing well."

Bradley

Bradley was a homebred that didn't grow big enough to go to the races. We broke him in and he was bought by Debbie and her family as a long term project to go jumping.

26th June Debbie text "Back home, safe and sound"

Charlie Chan

Charlie Chan was a lovely lad to have about the yard but was far too laid back to make it as a racehorse. He is now in Hampshire and is just about to start competing. See horses for sale page for pictures of him before he left Mowbray House.

Charlie Charlie Charlie

22nd June 2009 Diane emailed " If you remember we bought Charlie from you but then he was sold after reschooling to a lovely home in Hampshire. His new owner has always kept in touch giving me updates on his progress and he was getting on really well. Some bad news though I am afraid, he started rearing for no apparent reason and he had the usual checks done and after xrays they have found he has arthritis in his neck of a 30 year old horse unfortunately. His ridden career is obviously over but she has loaned him to a friend as a companion as he has such a lovely temperament. Didn't know if to let you know or not but I know you do like to hear how they are doing.
I am assured he will have a lovely home where he is now and loves his companion friend!"

Chezney

Chezney was a homebred that didn't grow big enough to go to the races.

21st August Katie emailed "Hiya Ruth, the 2yr Megan bought off you- Chezney- i bought him from her and hes fab hes been out showing and is always in the ribbens so i have sent you some pictures of him! (hes the one in tack, doing in hand showing playin with tarpoline etc :) )"

Classic Descent

Classic is a sweet little horse that always threatened to win more races than he actually did. We decided to retire him from racing in Autumn 2011 and he was bought by Christine.

18th November Christine emailed "Hi Ruth this is Christine with Classic, just to let you know he has settled in really well and is hacking out alone and in company no problem, hes getting on really well with the others, am really pleased with him thank you. Will get some photos sorted to send soon. Christine."

Coal Miner

Coal Miner also known as Sooty raced a few times but didn't make the grade. He was an exceptionally quiet and laid back 3yo - never proving any bother in thestbale, ridden or at the races. He was rehomed with Katie from Devon and Sooty had a long 13 hour journey from Yorkshire to his new home! Katie hopes to event Sooty in the future. We look forward to hearing about his progress. See horses for sale page for pictures of him before he left Mowbray House.

30th August 2010 Katie text:- Hi Ruth, Sooty has arrived and apparently travelled very well.

11th September 2010 Katie text "Sooty has settled in really well and has charmed everyone. Both humans and equines think he's lovely! He's had a saddle fitted and has been enjoying showing how good he is on the lunge and under saddle. I'm looking forward to lots of fun with him. Thank you! Katie"

4th November 2010 Katie emailed " After his marathon journey from Yorkshire to Devon Sooty settled in remarkably quickly. Home is now a small private yard which he shares with my other two horses (Meg - his 17 year old 'babysitter' and Nell - a 5 year old thoroughbred who is now a beautiful, unrideable 'field ornament' having been diagnosed with arthritis in the coffin joints last year.) The 'girls' have the adjoining paddock to Sooty's and they both have stunning views across the valley. Nell spends much of her day admiring Sooty and gazing adoringly in his direction. In return he is affectionate but also keen to give much of his attention to the lush Devon grass!

Sooty has behaved impeccably since his arrival. Everything I have asked of him he has done and with great enthusiasm. He is an intelligent, well mannered horse and a great credit to you Ruth. He is obedient and quick to learn, whether on the lunge, schooling in the field or hacking out on the Devon lanes. Schooling wise he moves well, has lovely active paces including a really comfortable canter. (Oh, and he schools in a large field away from his stable mates with tractors zooming by and a mare and foal looking on!) Hacking out Sooty is an absolute gentleman. On the very first occasion he looked nervously at the strange white 'monsters' on the road (white lines) but was perfectly happy to walk straight over them once he'd been assured they were safe. The second time out they received a cursory glance and now they are not even noticed. He is also great with traffic, which is super, especially if his babysitter (Meg, the 17 y.o.) decides, as she did last week, that she wishes to jog and bounce sideways up the hill instead of walking to his right to protect him from oncoming traffic! He walked calmly up the hill and I thanked the drivers, while his babysitter tried to suggest that she was the three year old not him!

My farrier can not believe how well behaved he is and that he is so young. He stands like a rock to have his feet done - thanks to good training at early early age by your farrier brother?) Likewise, he is super in the stable. My father always offers to catch / change Sooty's rugs for me in preference to the others because he is such a pleasure to work with. This winter the plan is to keep him ticking over with as much (light) varied work as possible and working with a trainer, then to start thinking about local unaffiliated dressage competitions in the Spring. As for late Spring and Summer...well, we'll have to see but I'm really looking forward to helping him explore his potential. . In short, Sooty has impressed everyone he's met by his good manners and positive attitude to his work. He has charmed (and shown up!) his stable companions and I adore Sooty and am excited about the future with him.

Finally I have attached a few photos for you. The weather continues to be pretty foul so getting a photographer (ie parent) to stand in a windswept field and take pretty pictures isn't easy. The 'Meeting the neighbours' one is the one I thought I'd attached last time (Sooty on the RHS & Nell on the LHS) from when Sooty first arrived, the others are the recent ones.

Cryptic Clue

Cryptic was a bonny little horse who was eager to please. He went to Emma from Peterbrough as a years project with the view to selling him on. She said "He travelled home really well and has settled in amazingly well. Every one keeps saying how they can't believe he's an exrace horse because he's so relaxed and such a gentleman." Cyptic has recently begun entering small competitions and at his first, which was showjumping and he got four clear rounds and a 5th in the 2ft class and a 3rd in the 2ft 3 class. We look forward to hearing about his progress. See horses for sale page for pictures of him before he left Mowbray House.

23rd October, Emma emailed " Hiya Ruth. Cryptic Clue, now renamed Woodie by my Mum, is getting on really well. We have been and are currently entering weekly shows to build up his confidence and ability in his new home. Most recently we have entered working hunter classes where we were placed 5th out of 20 at 2'3 jumping, showjumping which is going really well and he seems to enjoy most, we were placed 3rd. He also seems to a nack for showing in racehorse classes. Dressage which seems to be his least favouite, he seems to be doing the best at, being placed 2nd in ourfirst test. I have included some pictures of the working hunter class, us jumping for the first time and our first competition together."

16th April 2009, Emma emailed: Heya Ruth, just wanted to let you know how Cryptic and me are getting on. We won our first showjumping competition a couple of weeks ago, only 2'3, nothing major but was good for us. It was also our first time away from the yard and first time for us in an indoor arena. He took it all in his stride but i swear he thought he was going to race when we got there because he wouldn't stand still :D I have also recently made a break through in that now he is rounding nicely into an outline and building muscle in new places. He looks completly different than when we got him. I'm planning to take him cross county soon and aiming to start eventing by the end of the year with a one day event as my target. Thank you for selling me such a super horse. Emma

25th April 2009, Emma emailed: Wwe are entering some race horse classes on Bank Holiday Monday and hopefully we will qualify for the regionals. I don't currently have any new decent pictures but here is a link to video of me and Cryptic jumping so you can see him in action. Emma Click here to see them in action.

19th May 2009, Heya Ruth, just another quick update. Cryptic and I entered both ridden and inhand showing ex-racer class the other day and was placed second in both and have now qualifed for the championships in october at Arena uk. Thanks once again for such a fantastic horse. Oh and i took him jumpcross the other day which is similar to cross country and he loved it and jumped everything! Emma

17th August 2009, Hi Ruth, just a quick email to let you know how Cryptic is getting on and to say thank you for such a wonderful horse. He has improved greatly in confidence and ability and loves to work althought he can be a bit awkward from time to time (but what 5 year old isn't!). We have recently taken part in a jumpcross competition which was a great success for his first time. He has also been placed first in our last 4 working hunter competitions with fantastic coments from the judges. Also he hs recently been xc training and took to it really well.. jumping all the jumps with no hesitation. We have our first British eventing one day event booked for the end of August at Milton Keynes so hopefully he will be just as good. I have included some pictures of him and a video of the jumpcross. Thanks again. Emma. Click here to view the video.

9th June 2010 Emma emailed:- " Hiya Ruth. Well what can i say... this year has been fantastic already, thanks to the fantastic horse you sold me. He is simply amazing and we couldn't ask for more. So willing to please both whilst being ridden, in the stable and to handle. And I do believe that is thanks to you and your handling of him.

We have started eventing now, done a few events this year and been completing double clears in most of them with him flying round the XC, He just seems to love it. The dressage aspect leaves a bit to be desired, only because he knows jumping is coming so gets excited. :) We are also making great progress in pure dressage comps. Now competing at Novice level scoring in the mid 60% which i am extremly pleased with because it is my weak area. Also we have qualified for the Trailblazer championships in showjumping so will be making our way to Stoneleigh at the end of july for 3 days of fun.

And showing, Well the judges seem to love him, We have now won our last 4 classes in ex-racer showing and have quallified for the TARRA championships and ROR champions of champions so hopefully the run will keep up for them. Thanks again for this horse, I have attached some pictures and a link to my youtube page where there are videos of me and him at some comps and that if you are interested in seeing :) Click herehttp://www.youtube.com/user/emmada001

Thanks Emma

24th January 2012 Emma emailed "Heya Ruth, Hope you are well. Well Cryptic Clue is doing well. We have continued eventing and we are now eventing at BE100 level, he did his first one at the end of last year and he was placed 9th. I was so pleased with him. progression has been slow because of me going to university but hoping to affiliate again this year and reach novie level by the end of the season. He has imporved in all other aspects aswell. His flat work is coming along nicely and we are just establising lateral movements like half pass and simple changes. he has also proved very clever and he can now to spanish walk and other tricks, all with the insentive of food of course :) I couldn't have asked for a better horse. Thank you very much, I have attached some pictures and a video link if you are interest in seeing. Many thanks Emma"

Click here to view Emma's video.

Diamonds Darling

We broke Di (now called Flora) in but unfortunately she didn't make it to the racecourse. She is now with Holly who is bringing her on to event.

26th October 2009 Holly emailed "'Flora is doing very well. Looks great and has a great attitude to her work. Very pleased with her"

19th November 2009 Holly emailed "Flora is having the winter off to do some growing. She is still being a dream to deal with. Before she was turned away she was happily working in the school. I will email you some photos as soon as she is back in work"

1st April 2010 Holly emailed "Flora is still so lovely. She is in at night and out during the day at the moment. Still growing! Eek! 16.3hh now. She is now starting to become braver with the other horses. Waiting for spring grass to help her put on a few pounds. She learns very quickly and is a real mummies girl. Watch this space, she is going to be a star! I really can’t thank you enough for letting me have her!"

20th May 2010 Holly emailed - Please find attached one half decent photo of Flora now back in work. She is still being a gem, a real yard favourite. I will keep you up to date. Fingers crossed we will be going out to a party or two this summer. Thank you again for giving me a truly wonderful little horse. x

2nd August 2010 Holly emailed:- "Her attitude on the ground and ridden is just wonderful. She loves to work, she gets on great with the other horses in the field and she just loves her food! I hoping to take some more photos over the next few weeks which I will forward on to you."

8th October 2010: Holly emailed "Just a quick update on Flora. She is still working really well. We are hoping to go on our first outing at the end of October! We will be heading to a Clinic at a yard about 45 minutes away from us so it should be a nice little trip out for Flora and it will be good for her to be ridden somewhere other than at home.

When the clocks change at the end of the month Flora will stop work for the year and have a little holiday. I feel she has learnt a lot this year and deserves a nice break. She will come back into work in March 2011, I am hoping she comes back with the same super attitude she has now. Lots of people have seen Flora and we have been very flattered by the lovely comments. It has reassured me that she is a serious little horse for the future. Flora has a home for life with us!

2011 plans are to get her fit and working well at home, start some jumping, get out on some pleasure rides, do some local unaffiliated dressage and showjumping and hopefully finish with a One Day Event at the end of the year. Well... that’s the plan anyway."

24th January 2012 Holly emailed "Hi Ruth, I hope you are well. Flora is well, currently turned away for the winter (purely because of my job commitments). We had some hormone problems with her a while ago, she was behaving like a colt when ridden and on the ground. I thought she may have had a cyst on her ovaries or similar... It turned out to be very high testosterone levels. She now has hormone implants (size of microchips) in her neck which allows me to work her and take her out competing safely. She is an absolute gem to ride and deal with so the sudden behaviour change was quickly resolved. During the summer/autumn she was working beautifully and attended some dressage competitions... at which she was placed! We were also jumping at home which she loves! I am now head girl for Woodlander stud and have my homebred to back this spring so Flora may go on ‘loan’ to a family friend (a 5 minute drive from my mum’s yard) to do dressage and some hacking. If circumstances with the loan home changes I may put her in foal to one of the Woodlander stallions. You and her previous owners are welcome to come and visit her anytime. We are 10 minutes from Huntingdon Racecourse. All the best, Holly Reeve"

Earthling

Earthy found a brilliant home with Anne Chambers near Pontefract. He is now better known as Bertie and is about to embark in a career as a side saddle show horse! Anne says of Bertie " He's doing really well. Earthy/Bertie been re-schooled and I've had him out today over level crossings, trains, mowers, hedge trimmers abfab! Went to the national side saddle show at the weekend at Addington Manor in Buckinghamshire with my grey Rocky. He really did good, felt like really special in the indoor international arenas with the top hat , habit, veil etc and spotlights. Hope to do the same next year with Earthy Bertie. Will be doing dressage this winter. He was a real star today. He saw loads of things that he's not seen before and did not put a foot wrong. When we got back to the field he stood there with his face in the conversation with myself and my friends making a real contribution to the discussion. Thank you!! He's a star." See horses for sale page for pictures of him before he left Mowbray House.

4th April 2009 Anne emailed: Hi Ruth. We are doing our very first show tomorrow. We've had a go at dressage and now i want to see how we fair in company. Had the side saddle on him and intend to do that in competition very soon. He is really brill and so quick to learn. He's not at all like a thoroughbred is reputed to be. He really is a gent and as calm as anything. If he does get upset it is only a fleeting emotion and he is back so quicky. Love him to bits!! My older horse of 18 yrs has had major surgery last week. He had colic but it just got worse and at 9.00pm saturday we had the vet out for the second time that evening. She sent us to Liverpool and at 2.00am we arrived and they operated on him to find three fatty tumors on his intestine.... so scary!! BUT he's home now stitches are out and he has to have 8 weeks box rest and 8 weeks small paddock - any way so glad that he 's at home now. I will send some photos soon - good luck with the racing. I told Bertie that he wasn't running in the National today but he didn't seem bothered.... but then again he wasn't a jumper but he could have had a good picnic on the hallowed turf!!!! All the best love Anne and Earthy Bertie!!

12th April 2009 Anne emailed: We didn't go (to the show) in the end but.. da dahh.. been today to a little local show.. he looks so good! I let a young lady, who is a really brill rider, have a go just to see how he went!!!! WOW show hack or what!!!!! I rode him in the novice show horse and got a 4th and Holly rode him around for me to see him move... he really is a star.. he was fab BUT!!!! didn't know what to do when the other horses were going in the wrong direction towards him... we only go one way on the track!!!! A beautiful handsome horse full of character!! PS My old boy has been at Liverpool for emergency surgery for colic which wasn't colic but tumors growing round his colon..got him home now but we were really worried... 4 months rest then he can do things again.. of course he thinks that he can do everything now.. silly old boy. LOVE HIM TO BITS!!! All the best, will keep you up dated. Love Anne and EARTHY -BERTIE XX

26th May 2009 Anne email "Bertie really fine, did dressage last weekend saturday and sunday. He did good and got a 1st and 3rd on Saturday then freaked out on the Sunday. It was a really busy show and there were kids runing around and horses going in all directions to him and he got a bit scared. But he coped well and he will be better next time. All the best Anne and Bertie!! X

January 2012 Anne emailed "Hya Ruth, Yes still got my lovely lad. I'm not too well at the mo though on chemotherapy just started yesterday actually so he's gone to college for a few months. He's at the Doncaster Racing college not the racing side though he's helping the NVQ stage students and they all love him he's so gentle, we call to see him about every week to watch them being ridden. I managed to find another ex racer a 16.2 chestnut who again is at college him and Earthy Bertie get on really well I just fall in love with them, Can't really afford them now Im retired but hey what the hell? They'll be back at ours for the summer. Photos attached of him at 'home' with the rest of the herd!!! Hope all's well with you! All the best Anne and Earthling"

Fan Club

We paid a lot of money for Fanny when we bought him from France with a good maiden win under his belt. However, talented as he was Fanny didn't enjoy his racing and although we tried everything we didn't have any success. He has now joined Faye near Darlington who is reschooling him to event. For photos of him at Mowbray Farm see the Ex Racehorses For Sale page.

24th May 2010 Faye text:- "Fan Club all settled. He was busy showing off his flashy paces to my two boys but grazing happily now."

1st June 2010 Faye emailed:- "Apologies for not being in touch... Fanny is being a little superstar. We've only been hacking him out for the last week but he has been fab and taken it all in his stride. He's settled in really well at the yard and follows my two boys round - if they are in he wants to come in too. I'm going to do some flatwork with him tonight and then we are going to a showjumping lesson tomorrow night so fingers crossed! Definitely think he's the kind of horse who likes to be doing lots of different things. I'll keep you posted as to how we get on tomorrow night!"

4th June 2010 Faye emailed "I just thought I would let you know how Fanny got on this week. His flatwork needs quite a lot of work but once he relaxes he has some really nice paces... And as for his jumping - wow! We had a bit of an issue getting started as he wouldn't go over a pole on the floor but once we got going he was fab. He is very nappy on his right rein and would just plant himself but I think we got there in the end. He jumped his first ever filler and only had one pole down in the 45 minute lesson. We are off cross country schooling on Monday..."

16th July 2010 Faye updated "Fanny is getting on really well thanks. He finally mastered the half halt last night which I am thrilled with! We went to a little showjumping competition last week and only had one pole down at 2ft 6”. I’ve got the Baileys nutritionist coming out today as we are struggling to keep the weight on him but apart from that all good!"

2nd August 2010 Faye updated "Hi Ruth, I thought I’d let you know that Fan Club and I collected our first red rosette on Wednesday night at a local unaffiliated show jumping competition. He jumped a nice clear and did absolutely everything I asked him in the timed jump off including taking a tight line around the inside of the jump and jumping the fence on an angle! I was very impressed. Sadly the next class didn’t go quite as well as I think he might have just blown his brains a bit in the jump off and we decided to plant ourselves before fence 9. It took some encouragement to get him to continue! We have entered our first hunter trial at the end of August and are continuing our flatwork – very slowly but we are getting there! I’m thrilled with how he is working and coming along"

Flo

Didn't make it to the racecourse and sold as a 3yo.

8th July:- Caitlin emailed " Hi Ruth. It's Caitlin - we came and bought your 3 year old Black Filly in early June. We have named her Florentina, Flo for short, and wanted to let you know how she's doing. She's still pretty slim and filly like but is starting to fill out. We've been working hard on getting her to have her bridle put on conventionally and seem, with the help of lots and lots of nuts, to be winning. We're bringing her on really slowly and she's schooling in walk, trot and canter, being lunged, hacking out round the village (skips and buses no problem) and doing a bit of Join Up and in hand stuff. She's a lovely willing girl and we all love her very much so thank you."

24th January 2012 Caitlin emailed "Hi Ruth, Were getting on really well so far thanks :) We did have a few little hiccups with her rearing, but I think that may have been down to her baby teeth falling out! She's been learning to work on a contact and popping some little fences. She's been a great little horse so far :) Caitlin"

Gem Bien

Gem Bien was a horse that won races when trained by Mr Chapman and his new owners got in touch with Ruth.

3rd February 2011 Ness emailed "Hi Ruth my daughter has a wonderful horse 'Gem Bien' on loan & on his passport your grandfather David Chapman once was his owner & wondered if you had any memories of him. On the website 'at the races' his winning races where mainly 2000-2006, with jockeys such as Kelly Harrison, A Culhane & T. Quinn. We would love to know what sort of character he was then. He's very kind,ultra sensitive, loves his ears scratched & quite hypa but excellent with traffic. My daughters started jumping him & he loves it.She's a very calm rider & the work really well together. He's now nearly 13yrs but has the flexibility of a youngester. We love him to bits. Any info would be most appreciated. Thank you Ness."

7th February 2011 Ness emailed "Hi Ruth. Thanks so much for your email.

I've attached some pics of him as he is now.

Summer coat Indoor school Waiting for results of first ever dressage test

First dressage rossette Hack in the woods

Would have put jumping ones in but all on video. Ps no-one could forget his grey mane !

He is still the same as you described him! Hates change in routine. Because I'm a part-time working mum & my daughter is at college 3 days a week we have to subtly change his routine, i.e. who he's out with, which field he's in & he has to go down last from the stables in the morning. We have had him for a year & we can see a big change from him. When the others go down first he doesn't pace up & down the fencing/stable until he's lathered in sweat & stressed off all the weight we've tried to keep on him. He's stopped getting sweated up in the lorry as its a routine now as we go to an indoor sch for a lesson once a week in the Lorry Snow/wind/ice permitting, (we live in Scotland).

He doesn't get his tail to swish so violently when tacked up, I'm sure he thought he's still going to a race. He hates the wind & rain Not really safe to ride him in it as he will not concentrate. Probably something to do with the bad storm he'd been in. Easier to catch than when we first had him - my old pony was bad to catch so I know the tricks. He used to be lead up from the sandschool sideways dancing like a race horse getting his adrenaline up for the race, but never strong, now he walks calmly. My back man checked his back & said it was the best he'd seen in a horse his age especially for the length of time he had raced - that he must have been well looked after.
He still has lots of 'hypa' moments but they aren't nearly as bad & don't last as long.

The girl we loaned him off said that the man she bought him off said that no-one should get on him until after he'd been lunged & she said that he was cold backed. We got fed up with that & get straight on him. He now accepts that he has to stand at the mounting bench, longer than it takes a jockey to get a leg up.

Looking back, if I'd known what my daughter would be taking on, I would not have had him on loan as she did not have the experience to handle him - for the first 6 months he would do the wall of death when asking to canter (as a mum I had to stop watching, I thought he'd fall on her), now its mostly calm. Her calmness has paid off & she's had to learn a lot, her riding skills have improved ten fold ! It would be brilliant if Mel can remember the details the horse whisperer said to her & any photo's of him winning at the races or any other time
would be fantastic - he's a celebrity to us.

Thanks again
Ness"

May 2011 Ness emailed "We would like to add some New pics to ‘where are they now’ of Gem Bien, enjoying his 1st jumping over jumps with fillers. Considering he was a flat racer, jumps do not faze him at all. First Competition due on 28th May 20011"

Gem & Paris

30th January 2012 Ness emailed "Hi Ruth Gem is good. In June Paris broke her pelvis in 2 places & her toe on the night after he won his show jumping class. (Not horse related). She was in hospital for 10 days & it really upset Gem, he couldn’t understand where she was & would just pace his stable & not eat. She had fallen off in an earlier lower class & I think he must have thought he’d hurt her. When she was out of Hosp I pushed her in a wheelchair to see him – All was fine again! She started to ride again in Sept. I will attached short videos. She looked very nervous in case it hurt & the lively boy was the quitesst we’d ever known him. He looked after her. Since then she progressed to jumping him again. Then the wind, ice & snow have put a stop to lessons – roll on spring Do you know if there’s any where I can see a pic or video of him racing ? The photo of Mel & Gem hold pride of place on wall. Best wishes, thanks so much for asking about him Vanessa"

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Headland and On The Trail

Headland and On The Trail both one lots of races when trained by Mr Chapman and found a home togeather with

31st December 2008 Caroline emailed "Hope you are all keeping well up there. You'll be pleased to hear that the boys are doing just fine. Ed (Headland) is now a little jumping star. He's clearing 3 foot no problem at all so he'll be competing next year. Ty (Trail) is being schooled for dressage and will hopefully be competing too next season."

24th October 2009 Caroline emailed " I thought I'd drop you a quick line to let you know how the boys are. Headland (aka Ed) has taken to jumping like a pro!! I have a little rider for him called Amber who loves him to bits and we'll be doing some competing over the winter. He's also doing some dressage and competing once a month. On the trail (aka Ty) is still a fiesty little man but is putting his willingness to please and sheer elegance to good use in dressage. I do a little jumping with him now and again but it tends to blow his mind a bit so I'm currently working on getting him calmed down enough to concentrate on what he's doing.

20th November 2009 Caroline emailed " Here are some photo's of Ed jumping last night. The young lady riding him is Amber. She part loans Ed and sometimes rides Ty too, as well as their new lil sister Storm :) I'll take a look at the website and will keep you posted."

Hey Up There

We bought Hey Up There as a yearling and she ran in races several times but didn't make the grade. She found a home with Jennie.

28th August 2011 Jennie emailed " Hi Ruth! I thought I'd send along a it-has-nearly-been-a-month update. Hey Up has been an absolute superstar. She's quickly gotten into the yard routine and is just lovely to handle. She's great for all the girls to lead out to the field, and no trouble to bring in, and she's great with all of th e other horses in her field. She's also had the farrier, the dentist, and physio and stood like a superstar for everyone. No one can believe she's only 3 1/2! We've mostly been hacking out and around the farm ride and the nearby roads, and she's taken everything in stride. She goes in and out of water, hacks quietly whether we're in a group or by ourselves, and didn't react AT ALL to what may have been the busiest road hack in history (we had lorries, several trucks, way too many speedy cars, bikes, and motorcycles--all on a very narrow country road!). She's such a sensible and sweet horse and really shows how well trained she has been from the very beginning. It's been a pleasure to have her this last month. I'll keep you updated and send along pictures when I have some!
Thanks again, Jennie Blake

20th November 2011 Jennie emailed " Hi! Thought you'd like to see how the little mare is getting on. She's still the best behaved horse on the yard, and a favourite with everyone. We've begun playing with canter poles under saddle and cross rails on the lunge. She's such an honest and willing little project. We're aiming at some dressage comps over the winter and possibly some low level eventing or the 4yr old young event horse classes for the Spring and Summer. She's also proved herself to be quite a hit with the little kids on the yard; she's very tolerant of small people wanting to pet her on the nose. She's an excellent example of how nice a horse can be when they're started right, I'm having "the best time! We'll keep you updated! Jennie

Ice Planet

Ice won a lot of races for Dandy Nichols and Ruth found him a home with Jackie and her daughter Katie.

21st October 2009 Jackie emailed " Ice settled in great.. Had his feet done, been clipped, had mane pulled. Injections done yesterday & teeth done today. Only person he took a dislike to was the farrier (who is a very very nice man).. They ended up having to cold shoe him because he was very naughty. Hopefully next time he will be good. Biker loves him & they go out together with katie leading them both. He loves little paddywack as well & I promise I will get some piccies of them both next couple of days. Katie been riding him & hes been a little angel. Lunges well in pessoa too. All in all he seems to be a happy boy so far with us. It's great to have a horse you can brush & cuddle without watching where the teeth are. (Biker is such a grump) & hates brushes but we still love him the same. Anyway just thought I would let you know that he's happy, eating well & a good boy for us."

18th November Jackie emailed "Ice still being a good boy by the way. He's brilliant. Went to a show on Sunday & was a very good boy.. Got his first rosette in 2nd place in ex racer ridden...what a star.Katie loves him to bits."

24th November Katie emailed "Just a quick email and some pics, he's been a good boy :) came 2nd in his first ridden show schooling well, we've even jumped a couple of cross poles although i dont feel jumping is a great talent of his haha. hacking out better now because 1st time he was naughty but now hes in a stronger bit we seem to be getting there, anyway hope u like the piccies.

3rd January 2010 Katie emailed "Ice still behaving - his schooling has come on great, and he loves his hacking. He came in a bit lame the other day as he had a lump on his shoulder but vet put him on bute for a few days, coming back on tuesday but he seems a lot better."

5th January 2010 Katie emailed "Weather not too bad for us, horses still managed to be turned out although they are ready to come back in after an hour, riding wise not too bad either as we have an indoor school, waters a bit of a pain get it from big water butts when the taps are frozen its just so cold, ice and biker in 3 heavyweigt rugs and are only just warm enough."

19th February 2010 Katie emailed "Ice is really well yeah. He's a star, his schooling has come on loads. He's fab out hacking - nothing bothers him. Took him for a gallop other day - dont think I'ev ever gone so fast! Haha! But then took him out a few days later and he just cantered nicely behind the others. His jumping has come on loads too, still only doing small x poles but hes picking up a lot better. Yeah he's Fab! :) xx"

2nd August 2010 Katie emailed " Hi Ruth just another update on Ice, hes doing really well, He's been out and about while weathers nice and although he remembers he was a racehorse when he gets off wagon he soon settles down.Have been doing some x-country which he seems to enjoy, Hes also done some showing hes currently leading overall in X-racers in hand and reserve in ridden Taking him to gallops this week, so will try get some pictures, hes such a star. Apart from when he gets shod :) x"

21st January 2011 Katie emailed "Hiya Ruth, just a quick update on Ice Planet, he's doing really well. I took him in his first prelim dressage test and he came 1st out of 12 horses with some nice comments from the judge. He's getting alot better with his feet. My friend is having lessons with him from Laura Lucas at the minute as she has lost her confidence on her horse and hes been fab. My friends other half rides him sometimes too, everybody loves him! I'll have a look and see if i can find some up to date pictures of him. Thanks Katie xx"

15th August 2011 Beth emailed "Hi Ruth, Katie suggested that i Email you to update you on Iceplanet! I've had him on loan for just under 6 months now. Just thought i'd attach some photos of him. His jumping has come on leaps and bounds! Its unreal the difference him, hes taken to it really well and really enjoys it! Went showing today and came away with a 1st, three 2nds and a 3rd! Let me know what you think to photos :) Hope to hear from you soon, Beth."

24th January 2012 Katie emailed "Hiya ruth he's doing fantastic he's currently jumping 1.05 and got reserve champion at the x racers qualifier he's out on loan 3 days a week to a girl called Beth but he's doing brilliant yeah I'll have to send u some pictures I also have chesney who came from you 2 year old chestnut I bought him off my friend ther both fine I'll get u some pictures sorted, Katie x"

Inflagrantedelico

Flag found a home with Vicky near Mansfield. A couple of days after we delivered him Vicky emailed "Just to let you know Flag is settling in just great, he as made friends with Pogo and Mullberry - they make him look tiny ha ha! We will be doing some gentle work to start, I've fallen in love with him". See horses for sale page for pictures of him before he left Mowbray House.

17th March 2009 Inflagrantedelico has changed hands since he left us. His new owner emailed -

My name is Nic and we are just outside Mansfield, my Mum and I jointly own "Murphy" as he is now known. He joins my daughters 2 ponies Monty and Casper, both are very young and so they all frolic well together. Our plan for him is to enjoy hours out hacking and eventually be able to hack out with the girls on their ponies too. Longer term we may look at some endurance and possibly some jumping, who knows. But at the moment our main aim is to do some quality schooling with him and get some basic "riding" done... I have attached some pictures, however the aren't great, I will get some more to you soon and keep you updated on his progress.

15th February 2010 Nic emailed "Thought it about time to upate you on Murphy's progress, for your "where are they now page" - its almost a year that I have had him now.

Well its been an eventful but trying year!!

A couple of days after my last update, Murphy received a bad kick, whilst turned out, we nearly lost him as he went into shock, thanks to my mums previous knowledge of "mardy thoroughbreds!" she luckily saw the signs early enough to get the vet in quickly, just as he was about to "go down!!" We and he was very lucky that day. Never the less, he was completely out of action for a good 12 weeks (box rest only for 6 weeks of it too) - what a start to our relationship!

He recovered eventually and then the work needed to start, the poor year he had previous to coming to us, had come out and his condition was awful - build up time and slowly, slowly does it. I had to organise a "suitable escort" for him as he absolutely refused to hack out alone and became so naughty in the school. So, I threw caution to the wind and hacked him out at every possibility and slowly we started to regain trust and belief and steadily we were able to take the lead on hacks and actually start enjoying them. Although when he was naughty on the road, I soon started to realise that he was just panicing (a soothing pat and calm words sorted it all out) and ridiculously, if I said "CAR", he instantly stopped acting the idiot and waited for the car to pass !!!!! OH I get it, you're taking the mickey, Murphy!!!....... That was it, Fun now, Fun all the way, let's just get out there and ENJOY ourselves - so we did.

He now hacks out with my daughter on her ponies, and more often than not, is the lead horse. I have started to pop him a little in the school, but mainly out on hacks - He seems to love jumping.

Recently, he has developed a new love - BUCKING, I ask for canter, we buck, I ask him to slow, we buck, I ask him to trot (off road), we buck!! He is getting so excited about the FUN in riding out, he just can't stop showing his excitement (please stop Murph - my backs killing, I don't know how I stay on sometimes)

We have a few "full on Gallops", took a bit of getting going, was very hesitant to let himself go at first, but when he realised the pony was winning, he eventually got the idea!!! Bless him... (actually its since then that we have developed the bucking) Hmmm

My 2 daughters, Leah and Sophie, are obsessed by him. Leah in particular loves taking every opportunity to get on him, and he behaves so well for them (just saves his antics for me - he knows mummy too well)..

We are still a long way off, but getting there really slowly - hoping that at some point this season, he'll make it to some shows (im thinking jumping), just not sure what he'll make of it, I think the first time out - we may do well to just get in the ring - but I am willing to be patient and give him all the time he needs - providing we keep going forward a little, im happy..

We'll get there together - Happy Riding!!!

Some photos attached - but none of me actually riding, why does no one take photos of me... Some WILL be on the way soon!

Jabraan

Jabraan was a handsome boy who loved to jump. He is now being schooled for show jumping by Vanessa from near Derby who emailed "Yes, he is great, he loves my other horse, follows him round! He seams very happy, not grumpy in stable at all. So looks like he likes his new home. Not riden him yet, want him to settle in first. I will let you know he is geting on later in the week!". We look forward to hearing more news on Jabraan. See horses for sale page for pictures of him before he left Mowbray House.

Just Nod

Nod didn;t make the grade as a racehorse and found a home with Edie.

June 2011 Edie emailed "Hope everything is going well for you. Finally got a spare moment, so wanted to let you know how Nod is doing. It all finally seems real, as when I first saw her on your site I was living in New Zealand - it took a while to sink in that she is mine now! She's seems fully settled in now, a lot more confident in the field and starting to boss the other mares around (then quickly getting put back in her place!) She has made friends with another ex-racehorse with a famously calming effect on other horses (not that Nod needs it, she's very laidback!), so we have been hacking out with her and have had no trouble whatsoever. She's working well in the school and her head is starting to come down a bit more now too. She's very loving, and is already a favourite on the yard and we're really happy with her, she's got the most inquisitive nature I've known! Just been taking it steady with her and giving her time to adjust to her new life, but I'm excited to get out and about with her over the summer. We decided to sell my pony so that I could dedicate my time to Nod, it was the best decision as I seem to spend hours with her without noticing! Have attached some pictures for you - Her face has healed completely now so she looks as pretty as the first time I came to see her now! I've been taking a friends horse to our local shows, and checking out the ex-racehorse classes, so I've got plenty of goals I want to achieve with her in time. "

30th October 2011 Edie emailed " Hi Ruth, hope all is well with you and your team - have had a busy few months but just wanted to give you a quick email to let you know how Nod is getting on.

We've spent the summer doing a lot of groundwork, hacking and lessons and are now beginning to see a real improvement. We've had a few ups and downs, Nod is very sensitive and excitable (even for a TB!) and when it all gets too much for her we really know about it! We have been having lessons from a dressage rider - when he rode her she went straight into an outline and looked like she'd been doing it for years, then I got on and her head went straight back up, typical! She's really starting to listen to me now though and when she comes into the school she knows it's time to work and listen well. She loves jumping - have done a lot with long lines and free schooling and she has a really neat little jump, so although we're concentrating on flat work I can't wait to start jumping in the spring.
These last few weeks she has really come into her own and is keen to work, absolutely brilliant on the roads and a big softie in the stable. We clipped her for the first time last week (she was starting to look like a woolly mammoth) and after some slightly mad behaviour when she first heard the clippers, she stood calmly with a hay net. She has been out all summer but is now coming in at night and this has made a real difference to her - she isn't as anxious when she's separated from the other mares and seems to really enjoy being wrapped up in a warm rug!

It's definitely the project I was looking for - she certainly won't be hunting this season (!) - but I'm so happy with her, we've built up a really good bond and seeing even the smallest improvements in her confidence and behaviour make up for any daft antics we sometimes have to put up with! Hoping to get her through the winter in the great condition she is in now and then see what next year brings...
Here are a few recent pictures - her little bob tail is really starting to grow back now!

All the best, Edie

Just The Lady

Lady came to us from Dandy Nichols' yard where she had won 4 races but she didn't race for us. Lady has found a lovely home with Jessica and James in Dorset.

12th December 2009 Jess text "Hi Ruth, got Lady home safely, she travelled like an angel for over 6 hours! Starting to get dark so didn't go out today. Trying her out with the mares tomorrow, if that doesn't work out she's going to share a field with another filly."

31st December 2009 Jess emailed " Hi Ruth, Yeah I had a fab Christmas, how was yours up in snowy York? Heard you had LOTS of snow there? We had none:( Bournemouth never really gets any!!!)

I was actually going to email you next week as we're booked in with our equine dentist, saddler and farrier and let you know how she gets on. Lady has been a real star- we are so pleased with her, she's settled in very well and loves going out with the girls-so much in fact that if she is first to come in she can be a bit of a nightmare to catch! I think Lady recognises me as mum now as when she sees me she calls for me (or maybe her breakfast) :) She is such a gentle girlie-James has no problems bringing her in, washing her legs off, changing her rug etc.

We haven't had any problems other than the occasional (I think twice)10 minutes catching her and slight mud fever on her white sock which has now cleared up.

I'll email you again next week. Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

8th January 2010 Jess emailed " Hi Ruth, Just a quick email to let you know how proud we are of Lady. The vet came out to do her teeth, flu and Tet vaccinations and could not believe that she was only 4 years old! Lady was so well behaved and so calm even though she was in all on her own as her friends were all in the field! As it was our vets first visit they checked her over and commented on how healthy she is, scoring her 3 out of 5 for condition which I believe is good (5 being overweight). She has gained 20kg since coming to us, which I am really pleased about considering how cold it is.

The saddler has been put off until the weather is better as everywhere is like an ice skating rink I wont have her clipped until we are doing something with her. Farrier next if he can get here!

28th January 2010 Jess emailed " Hi Ruth, Just a quick email with a few photos of Lady. Lady is coming along fabulously- ver the last few weeks I have been lunging her and walking her out on the roads with a friends pony. She is brilliant in traffic and is less spooky than my friends 10yr old pony!!! Lady now has a full set of shoes on and I'm sure it will come as no surprise that she was brilliant with the farrier too! James kindly took some photos today of lady showing off her lovely, light on her feet, paces which i have attached. I am thrilled to bits with her and personally I think she is going to be a star! Jess James and Lady (the star)

29th May 2010 Jess emailed " Hi Ruth, Lady is coming up beautifully now, starting to work in an outline without an aid and showing some real potential especially for a 4 year old! She has turned out to be quite a hyper and excitable girl and did manage to put her back out for a few weeks which did set us back a bit. I've put her on a magnesium calmer (Nupafeed) which has really worked so think she just needed some extra magnesium (Especially with the amount of spring grass down this way)! Until recently we've mostly been hacking-building her up with a little light schooling. Shes fantastic out on the roads with company but not on her own yet... We have gone on a few short rides but as soon as we head for home she tries to nap and throws tantrums (sometimes rearing, bucking) all the way home!!! My instructor comes out once a week now and i'm hoping it wont be long until we can start taking her to a few local shows... maybe a little prelim dressage test!? We haven't jumped yet as trying to get our flatwork right first but can't wait:)
Anyway enjoy the photos, see if you can recognise her... Jess xxx

January 2012 Jess emailed " Hi Ruth, Nice to hear from you. Hope you're well? Unfortuantely 2011 was not a good year for me and for Lady :( January last year I had a bad fall- spent a while in hospital and completely lost my confidence. Lady came in from the field with a serious kick injury (right down to the bone and into the joint) to her hock-spent 6 weeks at the vets and several months off work. Thankfully we're both fine now- Lady amazingly is sound and my friend brought her back into work last summer. I got back on for the first time in 6 months last Autumn and hope to start working Lady properly this year. Rather than risk anymore injuries Lady now has a minature shetland (Tuppence) as a companion in their own paddock. I have attached an few photos of the girls, they love each other a wee bit too much and now I have problems separating them!!!! I'm hoping 2012 will be a good year :) Will give you an update in the summer. Bye for now Jess Ladybug and Tups"

Just Thomas

We'd had Thomas since he was a foal and trained his Mum and Dad so it was important to us that he went to a really good home when we realised that he wasn't going to make a racehorse. Sam Roylance from near Manchester bought him to share with her two daughters. For photos of him at Mowbray Farm see the Ex Racehorses For Sale page.

15th March 2010:- Sam text:- Travelled no problem at all, he's settled in his stable and eating. I'll keep you updated and send you pictures very soon.

1st Arpil 2010:- Sam text:- Hi Ruth, Thomas is doing fine. We've done a couple of small hacks and some schooling, he's a star. We love him to bits. He's putting on weight already and his coat is now coming out so he's looking lovely. He's really good with my girls.

2nd August 2010:- Sam emailed " Hi Ruth, Just a couple of pictures for you of Thomas. He's doing really well. Sam"

7th September 2010:- Sam emailed " Please could you send me any documents I need to show Thomas in the ex-racers, I have been invited to Aintree Racecourse for the Sumpreme Show in December and I would love to show Tom but I need the correct paperwork. I have been informed Bob Champion is the judge (very exciting), not sure if you know about it? But im sure he'd love him! His hooves are improving now so hopefully shoes on next week."

8th September 2011:- Sam emailed "Hi Ruth, A couple of photo's for you of our first show (4/9/11). Thomas doing really well, placed 3rd and 4th which is fantastic for his first time out. This is Kara my daughter who is riding him, she is just 15 years old. Sam x"

24th January 2012:- Sam emailed " Hi Ruth, Thomas is fantastic, my daughter rides him everywhere now! Showing starting again in the next few weeks so I'll let you know how we go (high hopes this year). We've had our stables built at home now which is lovely as we get so much more time with him & he's loving it too (very calm). Sam x"