Loving the New Life

A question we often hear is, “So what happens to your horses once they are retired from their racing career?”

Te Akau is dedicated to giving our charges the best chance off the track. Many fillies and mares are destined for the breeding shed but some are rehomed along with our geldings. This is a responsibility we take very seriously and we do our very best to keep track of them once they are rehomed.

The first step is careful management of their feed as they “let down” or come out of training. They are then assessed on type and disposition, much like the yearling sales, for suitable disciplines.

Our horse are well handled on a daily basis, rarely having  issues with travelling, being shod, turned out with others or being ridden. That, combined with the innate nature of the thoroughbred to want to please, makes them ideal companions and sport horses across many disciplines.

We have success stories in trekking, showing, hunting, eventing, polo, show hunter, show jumping and just hacking around the farm. Our thoroughbreds' health and well-being is a top priority once they leave our care. We do our best to ensure they find competent, loving homes.

Below are a couple of recent retirees and lovely comments we have received from their owners:

“Its been nearly a month since having Oliver (renamed formerly Vulcan - two pictures below) he is such a nice boy to ride he loves attention and he now even lets me go under his tummy and sit by his legs. He's coming along nicely and slowly getting muscle in the right places, I really enjoy having him around and found out today he likes to follow sheep when they run away from him. He is such a safe horse he would never hurt anyone or anything, all my siblings and even my dad rode him. I love him so much! Thank you so much!”

“Just over a year ago, Monty (two pictures below) came into my life and now I can't imagine life without him. He is a character and has come a long way! He always gives his all and is jumping like a pro now.”

Janette also sent us an update about the great love of her life (outside of lance and the children) - Ace who she rehomed some years ago now. His too is a heart-warming and inspired story.

She writes (all pictures below of Janette and Ace):

“I thought you might like to see some pictures from my first ever show with Ace!  It was in Pukekohe on Sunday and he was an absolute star.  We were in the first timers' ring doing in-hand in the morning and riding in the afternoon.

There were 37 in the inhand group so very tough competition.  So I was rather pleased to come away with a 4th and a 1st!  The 1st was for most obedient!  He was a little excitable at times in the riding when we were trotting but nothing unmanageable and he relaxed each time we were in the ring.  With 20-odd riders we managed an impressive three 1sts and Reserve Champion!  So proud of my boy and I look forward to doing more.”

As you can see from the photos by his lovely expression he seemed to enjoy the day too.  The judge commented on what a lovely job Janette has done too!

Respect for our thoroughbreds is always a top priority for Te Akau - not just when they are with us but when they leave us - it is our responsibility and as we have said, one that we take hugely seriously!

Great stories to start our week!