We were delighted to hear today that one of our retired racehorses, Sacre Malta, had won the Retraining Of Racehorses (“RoR”) Blueberry Events Winter Series Dressage Championship! Run by Lisa Marchant and sponsored by Chartered equine / human physio Faith Fisher-Atack of Equine Physio Services, Sacre Malta was the runaway winner of his section.
“Malty” was retired in 2016 as a 10 year old and courtesy of Carolyn Pickard who was keen to see him have a fab home, he went to live with Karen Metcalfe in Whixley, North Yorkshire where he has enjoyed a life after racing comprising eating / hacking / grazing / schooling / playing / jumping / and thoroughly being loved by both equine & human pals!
Malty is just one of a number of our horses who have retired into lives after racing and we were especially proud of his achievement today.
29/04/18
With just two days to go, we ended the 17/18 Jumps Season on a high thanks to a great win from Ayslo in the 2m Novice Hurdle at Perth last Thursday.
On his first run for the yard after being sent to Brough Farm by owner Andrew Brooks last month, the 6 year old was settled handily in midfield of the 13 runners for much of the race by John Kington and, when ridden after jumping the 3rd last, Asylo rallied & stayed on strongly to score by 3 lengths.
This was just Asylo’s second start over hurdles and he looks to have a really exciting future.
He made the long journey home with stablemates Hazy Manor, Ruaraidh Hugh and Stags Leap; all of whom had run with credit in their respective races, and will be sure to come on for the long awaited chance to get to the track after the desperately wet winter.
Big Chunky was then left to contest the Bumper on Friday for owners Sue Kramer & Mary Hatfield.
Running in his first ever race, this promising, big young horse was given a lovely ride by John Kington and was running on nicely at the end. He will have learned a lot from the experience and there’s plenty to build on going forwards for the 4 year old son of Kalanisi. Plus a big well done to Sue & Mary for making the long journey north to be there to support their boy on his debut – glad the fish & chips were decent….!
Asylo back home and out in the paddock on Friday for a well deserved pick of grass
28/04/18
Despite Middleham being white over with snow on Easter Monday and thereby limiting the ability to safely exercise the horses, they put their time to good use enjoying a Spa Day!
“These wellies are rubbish, they let in water!!”
Hazy Manor, seen here modelling a very fetching pair of whirlpool boots, was a little alarmed when the pump was switched on for the first time. These boots provide a hydrotherapy therapeutic system that massages the lower limbs – a Jacuzzi for the legs! And a sensation she appeared to enjoy once she got over the initial shock.
These boots are also useful in the case of injury as they help to reduce swelling and aid in the recovery process.
One In A Row then had a turn in the solarium.
As well as providing a pleasant experience for the horses, the solarium is also a useful piece of therapy equipment. It gives a warming effect that can improve circulation and help to relax tense muscles. The effect is similar to a horse being out in a field and enjoying warm sunshine – not something we have seen much of in recent months but we live in hope of its imminent arrival…..
Although we also have a very highly qualified Equine Physiotherapist in Heather Burley regularly visiting the yard to provide specialist massage therapy, and thereby complementing our in-house spa treatments, More Madness & Copt Hill were last seen waiting patiently for the Zumba class to begin……
05/04/18