From now on the Au-Delà des Pistes team will have the pleasure of announcing an “ex-racehorse of the month”. This will be a thoroughbred that has shone in its new discipline. We hope to show the breed’s versatility by showcasing a maximum variety of different disciplines.
Élevé par l’Écurie des Monceaux, Saad est arrivé dans la vie d’Alana et Alexis 3 jours après sa dernière course un peu par hasard. Après 34 courses, le pur sang évolue aujourd'hui en cso, cce, spectacle ... et sera l'un des nouveaux ambassadeurs d'ADDP
Élevé par l’Écurie des Monceaux, Saad est arrivé dans la vie d’Alana et Alexis 3 jours après sa dernière course un peu par hasard. Son ancien propriétaire et entraineur Philippe Peltier lui cherchait une maison pour sa nouvelle vie. Ses deux futurs cavaliers ne le connaissaient pas et ne savaient même pas à quoi il ressemblait avant qu'il descende du camion ! Issu du milieu des courses le travail de reconversion attirait le jeune couple. Ancien cheval de plat et une carrière bien remplie avec 34 courses, 3 victoires et 9 places, ses débuts à l'obstacle étaient catastrophiques : "il ne sautera jamais" disait leur entourage. Alana et Alexis ont pris leur temps et ont persévéré. Saad a progressé à une vitesse incroyable. Désormais, il évolue sur des épreuves à 110cm et sort même en CCE amateur 3 ! Durant le confinement les objectifs de concours ont été laissés de côté et le trio a eu envie de nouveautés et surtout d'une approche plus "naturelle" dans leur relation. C'est là que le travail à pied et le travail sans mors ont été abordés. Très vite Saad s'est pris au jeu en apprenant de nombreux tours et leur travail a porté ses fruits jusqu’à le monter avec une simple cordelette. CSO, spectacles, CCE, randonnées, dressage et même le horse ball, tout est faisable avec Saad ! Rencontré lors d’une compétition à Deauville, Saad participe chaque année à plusieurs journées de la reconversion avec Au-Delà des Pistes. En 2023, il va devenir l’un des ambassadeurs de l’Association. Hongre Bai de 10 ans, par ACCLAMATION X PERFECT DAY (HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR) 34 courses, 2 victoires et 9 places
Élevé par l’Écurie des Monceaux, Saad est arrivé dans la vie d’Alana et Alexis 3 jours après sa dernière course un peu par hasard. Après 34 courses, le pur sang évolue aujourd'hui en cso, cce, spectacle ... et sera l'un des nouveaux ambassadeurs d'ADDP
Élevé par l’Écurie des Monceaux, Saad est arrivé dans la vie d’Alana et Alexis 3 jours après sa dernière course un peu par hasard. Son ancien propriétaire et entraineur Philippe Peltier lui cherchait une maison pour sa nouvelle vie. Ses deux futurs cavaliers ne le connaissaient pas et ne savaient même pas à quoi il ressemblait avant qu'il descende du camion ! Issu du milieu des courses le travail de reconversion attirait le jeune couple. Ancien cheval de plat et une carrière bien remplie avec 34 courses, 3 victoires et 9 places, ses débuts à l'obstacle étaient catastrophiques : "il ne sautera jamais" disait leur entourage. Alana et Alexis ont pris leur temps et ont persévéré. Saad a progressé à une vitesse incroyable. Désormais, il évolue sur des épreuves à 110cm et sort même en CCE amateur 3 ! Durant le confinement les objectifs de concours ont été laissés de côté et le trio a eu envie de nouveautés et surtout d'une approche plus "naturelle" dans leur relation. C'est là que le travail à pied et le travail sans mors ont été abordés. Très vite Saad s'est pris au jeu en apprenant de nombreux tours et leur travail a porté ses fruits jusqu’à le monter avec une simple cordelette. CSO, spectacles, CCE, randonnées, dressage et même le horse ball, tout est faisable avec Saad ! Rencontré lors d’une compétition à Deauville, Saad participe chaque année à plusieurs journées de la reconversion avec Au-Delà des Pistes. En 2023, il va devenir l’un des ambassadeurs de l’Association. Hongre Bai de 10 ans, par ACCLAMATION X PERFECT DAY (HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR) 34 courses, 2 victoires et 9 places
Quand un crack d’Auteuil est le bon élève de la reconversion ...
Milord Thomas, un crack que l'on ne présente plus et dont le palmarès est exemplaire. Ses éleveurs l'ont confié à Maëlys, une amie de la famille pour entamer sa reconversion. Work in progress : suivez le sur sa page Facebook ... Nous avons hâte de le retrouver lors d’une journée de la reconversion sur un hippodrome pour qu’il nous devoile ses prouesses !Bravo Milord Thomas et sa cavalière Maëlys Duval !
Quand un crack d’Auteuil est le bon élève de la reconversion ...
Milord Thomas, un crack que l'on ne présente plus et dont le palmarès est exemplaire. Ses éleveurs l'ont confié à Maëlys, une amie de la famille pour entamer sa reconversion. Work in progress : suivez le sur sa page Facebook ... Nous avons hâte de le retrouver lors d’une journée de la reconversion sur un hippodrome pour qu’il nous devoile ses prouesses !Bravo Milord Thomas et sa cavalière Maëlys Duval !
WHOLE WORLD is a six-year-old thoroughbred that was retired in July 2018 after a tear of the tendon sheath in his right front leg. During his racing career he was trained by Adrien Lacombe in Senonnes, where he raced five times and won twice, as well as finishing fourth twice. In August, a month later, he joined the Etrier de Granlieu in Saint Colomban (44) in view to being retrained as a riding horse.
A beautiful story that Elodie Yume, the happy owner of a retrained racehorse, wanted to share with you ...She explains, “WHOLE WORLD is a six-year-old thoroughbred that was retired in July 2018 after a tear of the tendon sheath in his right front leg. During his racing career he was trained by Adrien Lacombe in Senonnes, where he raced five times and won twice, as well as finishing fourth twice. In August, a month later, he joined the Etrier de Granlieu in Saint Colomban (44) in view to being retrained as a riding horse.“On Whole World’s arrival, he had three months of complete rest before starting his retraining the following October. He immediately showed himself to be very relaxed, revealing a real aptitude for dressage thanks to his suppleness and his desire to always do well. “In less than a year, he had learnt the basics of classical riding and had started to work well over jumps, even if he was a little nervous. Whole World is a horse that listens to his rider whether he is on foot or being ridden. “Always calm and patient, he easily forgives our mistakes and takes the time to think when he is afraid or does not understand. Of course, he is still young and can sometimes be naughty, but he always remains manageable. Although still nervous, he is growing within himself from day to day and loves people. He’s great on rides, and doesn't look at anything. “After getting to know him, I had the joy of becoming Whole World’s owner in September 2019. Today, he is still at livery at the Etrier de Granlieu, where we are learning and preparing the different dressage moves in order to be able to compete in the ADDP events dedicated to thoroughbreds, as well as continuing to enjoy leisure time with him. Whole World is an exceptional horse for his age, with an incredible gentleness and kindness. He had great fortune to cross the path of a trainer and a retraining centre who knew how to take care of him and allow him to show himself in another discipline than racing. »Thank you to the WHOLE WORLD team.
WHOLE WORLD is a six-year-old thoroughbred that was retired in July 2018 after a tear of the tendon sheath in his right front leg. During his racing career he was trained by Adrien Lacombe in Senonnes, where he raced five times and won twice, as well as finishing fourth twice. In August, a month later, he joined the Etrier de Granlieu in Saint Colomban (44) in view to being retrained as a riding horse.
A beautiful story that Elodie Yume, the happy owner of a retrained racehorse, wanted to share with you ...She explains, “WHOLE WORLD is a six-year-old thoroughbred that was retired in July 2018 after a tear of the tendon sheath in his right front leg. During his racing career he was trained by Adrien Lacombe in Senonnes, where he raced five times and won twice, as well as finishing fourth twice. In August, a month later, he joined the Etrier de Granlieu in Saint Colomban (44) in view to being retrained as a riding horse.“On Whole World’s arrival, he had three months of complete rest before starting his retraining the following October. He immediately showed himself to be very relaxed, revealing a real aptitude for dressage thanks to his suppleness and his desire to always do well. “In less than a year, he had learnt the basics of classical riding and had started to work well over jumps, even if he was a little nervous. Whole World is a horse that listens to his rider whether he is on foot or being ridden. “Always calm and patient, he easily forgives our mistakes and takes the time to think when he is afraid or does not understand. Of course, he is still young and can sometimes be naughty, but he always remains manageable. Although still nervous, he is growing within himself from day to day and loves people. He’s great on rides, and doesn't look at anything. “After getting to know him, I had the joy of becoming Whole World’s owner in September 2019. Today, he is still at livery at the Etrier de Granlieu, where we are learning and preparing the different dressage moves in order to be able to compete in the ADDP events dedicated to thoroughbreds, as well as continuing to enjoy leisure time with him. Whole World is an exceptional horse for his age, with an incredible gentleness and kindness. He had great fortune to cross the path of a trainer and a retraining centre who knew how to take care of him and allow him to show himself in another discipline than racing. »Thank you to the WHOLE WORLD team.
Now a 15-year-old, TORNABAIE (Crillon x Tornafa), is a pretty bay thoroughbred mare, that has begun her life of pre-retirement... A riding horse for the last couple of years, she does light dressage, a bit of show-jumping and goes for leisurely rides.
Now a 15-year-old, TORNABAIE (Crillon x Tornafa), is a pretty bay thoroughbred mare, that has begun her life of pre-retirement... A riding horse for the last couple of years, she does light dressage, a bit of show-jumping and goes for leisurely rides. Back to the successful career of a retrained racehorse! After a year in training with Yannick Fertillet and running in a flat race at Machecoul in 2008, the mare injured her pelvis. Her career as a jumper was in doubt... and the decision was taken that she needed to be treated and retrained. Justine Alicia Raynaut was the ideal person to take on TORNABAIE. Originally from Cannes and a horse-ball player, she discovered racehorses during the race meet at Cagnes-sur-Mer. It was at an exhibition match that she met Yannick Fertillet, a great fan of horse-ball. Classically trained, Justine quickly became a proficient trackwork rider where she rode out and led-up at the races for several trainers. She therefore had the right background to take care of a retrained racehorse. TORNABAIE was given to her in exchange for looking after her, and the adventure begun with this very energetic and complicated mare. A lot of patience, calm and perseverance was needed for Justine and her partner to train the mare to be able to participate in the Côte d'Azur horse-ball team (Azur Horse-ball). Thanks to the work and help of her trainers Laurent Brandela and Raymond Rault-Verpré, TORNABAIE competed for several years in horse-ball competitions from Amateur 3 to Amateur Elite with several rankings and titles at the French Championships, with Justine in the saddle and that of her good friend Julien Baggi. A true revelation. After more than 10 years together, her owner now loudly proclaims the pride she feels for her brave pretty mare with a strong character following her successful career and the prizes she has won. Apart from the love that unites these two, their beautiful story has also influenced and shown the success of retraining racehorses to many others in their sport. Other retrained racehorses such as BARBATRUC (trained by Patricia Butel), KOKOUCHU (Matthieu Boutin) and THE DIAMOND (Dominique Bressou) are also competing in the sport... we wish for many more
Now a 15-year-old, TORNABAIE (Crillon x Tornafa), is a pretty bay thoroughbred mare, that has begun her life of pre-retirement... A riding horse for the last couple of years, she does light dressage, a bit of show-jumping and goes for leisurely rides.
Now a 15-year-old, TORNABAIE (Crillon x Tornafa), is a pretty bay thoroughbred mare, that has begun her life of pre-retirement... A riding horse for the last couple of years, she does light dressage, a bit of show-jumping and goes for leisurely rides. Back to the successful career of a retrained racehorse! After a year in training with Yannick Fertillet and running in a flat race at Machecoul in 2008, the mare injured her pelvis. Her career as a jumper was in doubt... and the decision was taken that she needed to be treated and retrained. Justine Alicia Raynaut was the ideal person to take on TORNABAIE. Originally from Cannes and a horse-ball player, she discovered racehorses during the race meet at Cagnes-sur-Mer. It was at an exhibition match that she met Yannick Fertillet, a great fan of horse-ball. Classically trained, Justine quickly became a proficient trackwork rider where she rode out and led-up at the races for several trainers. She therefore had the right background to take care of a retrained racehorse. TORNABAIE was given to her in exchange for looking after her, and the adventure begun with this very energetic and complicated mare. A lot of patience, calm and perseverance was needed for Justine and her partner to train the mare to be able to participate in the Côte d'Azur horse-ball team (Azur Horse-ball). Thanks to the work and help of her trainers Laurent Brandela and Raymond Rault-Verpré, TORNABAIE competed for several years in horse-ball competitions from Amateur 3 to Amateur Elite with several rankings and titles at the French Championships, with Justine in the saddle and that of her good friend Julien Baggi. A true revelation. After more than 10 years together, her owner now loudly proclaims the pride she feels for her brave pretty mare with a strong character following her successful career and the prizes she has won. Apart from the love that unites these two, their beautiful story has also influenced and shown the success of retraining racehorses to many others in their sport. Other retrained racehorses such as BARBATRUC (trained by Patricia Butel), KOKOUCHU (Matthieu Boutin) and THE DIAMOND (Dominique Bressou) are also competing in the sport... we wish for many more
For December, we want to tell you the story of MOISEY! This nine-year-old thoroughbred was retrained at one of the establishments in our Au-delà des Pistes network called the Cœur de Courses Association based at the Cagnes sur Mer racecourse. Today, MOISEY and his owner Justine Durand are famous in Show Jumping competitions up to 1m10!
Bred in France, MOISEY had a racing career on Italian racecourses. He ran nearly 27 races and won more than €30,000 in prize money. At 5 years old, he was retrained and integrated into the Cœur de Course stables.
He spent almost a year there, with recovery time needed before his retraining work started. When an ad to adopt MOISEY was published, Justine fell under the spell of this tall thoroughbred measuring 1m75 by the simple means of photos. She decides to go to Cagnes-sur-Mer for a test drive, and it is love at first sight. She returned home the next day with her new partner!
The couple form very quickly. "He is a horse with a lot of qualities, he learns quickly, and is very respectful," Justine tells us. Beyond that, he is a horse that is very close to man and is always in search of affection! His large size means that it is often confused with a French Saddle horse.
When they start their first show jumping courses at heights of 85cm, MOISEY behaves in an exemplary way. He looks at nothing and jumps perfectly. Very quickly the height rises, and in only three years, they progress until they reach 1m10!
In October 2017, they participated in the CSI* GPA JUMP FESTIVAL in Cagnes-sur-Mer under the Cœur de Courses Association. It was a great way for MOISEY to return to the racetrack in his new guise as a sport horse! The gelding has not only made his owner proud but also Ludyvine Crepeau, the manager of the association Cœur de Courses, who has done everything possible to give him the second chance he deserves!
Today, Justine and MOISEY have joined a team that competes in Dressage and Eventing. This is the couple’s next challenge! Their objective is to start jumping at 1m15!
Beautiful projects for this couple who seems to have found the perfect fit.
Congratulations to all for this great retraining and we wish them all the best in the future!
For December, we want to tell you the story of MOISEY! This nine-year-old thoroughbred was retrained at one of the establishments in our Au-delà des Pistes network called the Cœur de Courses Association based at the Cagnes sur Mer racecourse. Today, MOISEY and his owner Justine Durand are famous in Show Jumping competitions up to 1m10!
Bred in France, MOISEY had a racing career on Italian racecourses. He ran nearly 27 races and won more than €30,000 in prize money. At 5 years old, he was retrained and integrated into the Cœur de Course stables.
He spent almost a year there, with recovery time needed before his retraining work started. When an ad to adopt MOISEY was published, Justine fell under the spell of this tall thoroughbred measuring 1m75 by the simple means of photos. She decides to go to Cagnes-sur-Mer for a test drive, and it is love at first sight. She returned home the next day with her new partner!
The couple form very quickly. "He is a horse with a lot of qualities, he learns quickly, and is very respectful," Justine tells us. Beyond that, he is a horse that is very close to man and is always in search of affection! His large size means that it is often confused with a French Saddle horse.
When they start their first show jumping courses at heights of 85cm, MOISEY behaves in an exemplary way. He looks at nothing and jumps perfectly. Very quickly the height rises, and in only three years, they progress until they reach 1m10!
In October 2017, they participated in the CSI* GPA JUMP FESTIVAL in Cagnes-sur-Mer under the Cœur de Courses Association. It was a great way for MOISEY to return to the racetrack in his new guise as a sport horse! The gelding has not only made his owner proud but also Ludyvine Crepeau, the manager of the association Cœur de Courses, who has done everything possible to give him the second chance he deserves!
Today, Justine and MOISEY have joined a team that competes in Dressage and Eventing. This is the couple’s next challenge! Their objective is to start jumping at 1m15!
Beautiful projects for this couple who seems to have found the perfect fit.
Congratulations to all for this great retraining and we wish them all the best in the future!
For our November Retrained Racehorse of the Month, it’s the turn of AU COMBAT to be in the spotlight. This nine-year-old thoroughbred was competitive on the racetrack throughout his career. Today, it’s in the Show Jumping arena that he shines with his owner Noemie Dedieu.
Bred by Gaetan Gilles in the Pays de la Loire, AU COMBAT ran 13 times, winning a total of over €90,000 over hurdles and fences. In 2015, he notably finished second in a Listed race at Auteuil for Donatien Sourdeau de Beauregard under David Cottin. He finished fifth at the same level in September 2016 at the Paris racetrack before being retired.
Retrained firstly by Eugenie & Robert Danloux of Ecurie DH, AU COMBAT joined the stables where Noemie rode. A complete check-up is undertaken before he began his new career as an event horse. Regularly monitored by a vet and osteopath, nothing was left to chance. It was this care that helped him quickly progress and help his retraining.
Ridden by another rider to start with, Noemie started riding AU COMBAT when her other ex-racehorse became a broodmare. Already taken with the advantages of ex-racehorses for eventing and show jumping, Noemie was extremely optimistic about AU COMBAT’s future career.A horse with a big heart and very easy to handle, and he is even good with novice riders that don’t have to be scared thanks to his kindness.
The the moment, the duo competes in show jumping competitions at one metre, where they regularly post clear rounds. The ultimate objective, in time, would be to take part in the elite amateurs in eventing.
That’s also what we wish for them!Congratulations to them both for this exciting retraining!
For our November Retrained Racehorse of the Month, it’s the turn of AU COMBAT to be in the spotlight. This nine-year-old thoroughbred was competitive on the racetrack throughout his career. Today, it’s in the Show Jumping arena that he shines with his owner Noemie Dedieu.
Bred by Gaetan Gilles in the Pays de la Loire, AU COMBAT ran 13 times, winning a total of over €90,000 over hurdles and fences. In 2015, he notably finished second in a Listed race at Auteuil for Donatien Sourdeau de Beauregard under David Cottin. He finished fifth at the same level in September 2016 at the Paris racetrack before being retired.
Retrained firstly by Eugenie & Robert Danloux of Ecurie DH, AU COMBAT joined the stables where Noemie rode. A complete check-up is undertaken before he began his new career as an event horse. Regularly monitored by a vet and osteopath, nothing was left to chance. It was this care that helped him quickly progress and help his retraining.
Ridden by another rider to start with, Noemie started riding AU COMBAT when her other ex-racehorse became a broodmare. Already taken with the advantages of ex-racehorses for eventing and show jumping, Noemie was extremely optimistic about AU COMBAT’s future career.A horse with a big heart and very easy to handle, and he is even good with novice riders that don’t have to be scared thanks to his kindness.
The the moment, the duo competes in show jumping competitions at one metre, where they regularly post clear rounds. The ultimate objective, in time, would be to take part in the elite amateurs in eventing.
That’s also what we wish for them!Congratulations to them both for this exciting retraining!
En ce mois d’octobre, c’est MAILLE SUN qui est à l’honneur. Pur-Sang anglais de 17 ans qui sort maintenant depuis quelques années en dressage pur avec sa cavalière et propriétaire Hélène Thomas !
Ostéopathe équin, Hélène Thomas fait partie du groupe Equithalasso, spécialiste des soins bien être pour les chevaux à base d’algues marines, et partenaire de l’association Au-delà des Pistes !
Le couple formé depuis maintenant 15 ans a progressé ensemble, et pas à pas, pour aujourd’hui être prêt à dérouler la fameuse "Saint-George" ; célèbre reprise de dressage de niveau Amateur élite et/ou professionnel !
A l’entraînement chez Christian Scandela à Marseille, MAILLE SUN a courru une vingtaine de courses et s’est placé dix fois "dans l’argent". En décembre 2006, après une nouvelle course en demi-teinte, il est réformé par son éleveur et propriétaire, Remo Sorentinno.
A la recherche d’un cheval, c’est au centre d’entraînement de Callas, lieu d’entraînement de MAILLE SUN, aux environs de Marseille, qu’Hélène se rend sous les conseils de Xavier Noël, son moniteur de l’époque. Elle y rencontre donc MAILLE SUN pour la première fois. Il est alors âgé de 3 ans et demi. Après un rapide essai sur une petite piste en sable, c’est le coup de cœur !
Au-delà de sa locomotion plutôt plaisante, c’est un contact difficilement explicable qui s’établi entre la cavalière et son futur compagnon de vie. "C’est grâce à son œil que j’ai eu le coup de cœur, je ne sais pas, c’est juste comme ça" se confie-t-elle.
Pendant la première année qu’ils passent ensemble, MAILLE SUSN et Hélène travaillent essentiellement en extérieur. Avec cette transition, le hongre affirme son caractère : un cheval coquin et joueur, et même parfois capricieux. Mais ces quelques fantaisies sont vite oubliées car à pied, il est adorable, sociable avec ses congénères, facile aux soins et très agréable au quotidien.
A 5 ans, le travail de reconversion débute réellement pour MAILLE SUN, et c’est sous les conseils de Yann Chatogno qu’il suit sa formation de cheval de dressage, et ce, depuis maintenant une quinzaine d’années.
Le couple commence les concours de dressage en 2008, les débuts ne sont pas toujours évidents mais Hélène sait que cela n’est qu’une question de temps. Peu à peu, la progression se fait sentir. "Il a cette particularité des pur-sang où il trouve un certain plaisir au travail ; on sent une résistance à l’effort qui est propre aux réformés" affirme la cavalière.
Aujourd’hui, MAILLE SUN et sa cavalière concourent en niveau amateur élite / Pro 3 et ils n’ont de toute évidence pas à rougir face aux chevaux élevés pour du dressages qu’ils affrontent ! Les mouvements techniques comme les pirouettes ou les changements de pieds sont maintenant maitrisés à la perfection par le pur-sang. D’ici la fin de l’année ils dérouleront la Saint George et tenteront de s’établir confortablement à ce niveau-là afin d’y prendre du plaisir.
A 17 ans, MAILLE SUN est en pleine forme et concourra certainement encore quelques années tant qu’il ne montre pas de signes de fatigue. Sa propriétaire, lui reconnait des qualités physiques exceptionnelles qu’elle étend aux Pur-Sang en général : "Ils ont généralement de très bons tissus et une résistance incroyable."
Et en effet, après un bilan effectué par une vétérinaire orthopédique en début d’année, il semblerait que MAILLE SUN ait encore de belles années devant lui. La conclusion du bilan semble suggérer des résultats qui s’apparentent à celui d’un poulain plutôt qu’à celui d’un cheval de 17 ans !
De bonne augure pour la suite de la carrière de ce couple dont l’histoire est remarquable !
Nous leur souhaitons de continuer sur la belle lancée qu’ils ont suivi jusque-là !
En ce mois d’octobre, c’est MAILLE SUN qui est à l’honneur. Pur-Sang anglais de 17 ans qui sort maintenant depuis quelques années en dressage pur avec sa cavalière et propriétaire Hélène Thomas !
Ostéopathe équin, Hélène Thomas fait partie du groupe Equithalasso, spécialiste des soins bien être pour les chevaux à base d’algues marines, et partenaire de l’association Au-delà des Pistes !
Le couple formé depuis maintenant 15 ans a progressé ensemble, et pas à pas, pour aujourd’hui être prêt à dérouler la fameuse "Saint-George" ; célèbre reprise de dressage de niveau Amateur élite et/ou professionnel !
A l’entraînement chez Christian Scandela à Marseille, MAILLE SUN a courru une vingtaine de courses et s’est placé dix fois "dans l’argent". En décembre 2006, après une nouvelle course en demi-teinte, il est réformé par son éleveur et propriétaire, Remo Sorentinno.
A la recherche d’un cheval, c’est au centre d’entraînement de Callas, lieu d’entraînement de MAILLE SUN, aux environs de Marseille, qu’Hélène se rend sous les conseils de Xavier Noël, son moniteur de l’époque. Elle y rencontre donc MAILLE SUN pour la première fois. Il est alors âgé de 3 ans et demi. Après un rapide essai sur une petite piste en sable, c’est le coup de cœur !
Au-delà de sa locomotion plutôt plaisante, c’est un contact difficilement explicable qui s’établi entre la cavalière et son futur compagnon de vie. "C’est grâce à son œil que j’ai eu le coup de cœur, je ne sais pas, c’est juste comme ça" se confie-t-elle.
Pendant la première année qu’ils passent ensemble, MAILLE SUSN et Hélène travaillent essentiellement en extérieur. Avec cette transition, le hongre affirme son caractère : un cheval coquin et joueur, et même parfois capricieux. Mais ces quelques fantaisies sont vite oubliées car à pied, il est adorable, sociable avec ses congénères, facile aux soins et très agréable au quotidien.
A 5 ans, le travail de reconversion débute réellement pour MAILLE SUN, et c’est sous les conseils de Yann Chatogno qu’il suit sa formation de cheval de dressage, et ce, depuis maintenant une quinzaine d’années.
Le couple commence les concours de dressage en 2008, les débuts ne sont pas toujours évidents mais Hélène sait que cela n’est qu’une question de temps. Peu à peu, la progression se fait sentir. "Il a cette particularité des pur-sang où il trouve un certain plaisir au travail ; on sent une résistance à l’effort qui est propre aux réformés" affirme la cavalière.
Aujourd’hui, MAILLE SUN et sa cavalière concourent en niveau amateur élite / Pro 3 et ils n’ont de toute évidence pas à rougir face aux chevaux élevés pour du dressages qu’ils affrontent ! Les mouvements techniques comme les pirouettes ou les changements de pieds sont maintenant maitrisés à la perfection par le pur-sang. D’ici la fin de l’année ils dérouleront la Saint George et tenteront de s’établir confortablement à ce niveau-là afin d’y prendre du plaisir.
A 17 ans, MAILLE SUN est en pleine forme et concourra certainement encore quelques années tant qu’il ne montre pas de signes de fatigue. Sa propriétaire, lui reconnait des qualités physiques exceptionnelles qu’elle étend aux Pur-Sang en général : "Ils ont généralement de très bons tissus et une résistance incroyable."
Et en effet, après un bilan effectué par une vétérinaire orthopédique en début d’année, il semblerait que MAILLE SUN ait encore de belles années devant lui. La conclusion du bilan semble suggérer des résultats qui s’apparentent à celui d’un poulain plutôt qu’à celui d’un cheval de 17 ans !
De bonne augure pour la suite de la carrière de ce couple dont l’histoire est remarquable !
Nous leur souhaitons de continuer sur la belle lancée qu’ils ont suivi jusque-là !
For this new school year, it is VELVET SPIRIT that is in the spotlight. This 14-year-old thoroughbred gelding is a very good student. Show Jumping or bridleless Dressage competitions are no problem for him thanks to the ethological work carried out by his rider and owner, Marion Delforge.
Born in 2005, VELVET SPIRIT's racing career was a short one, and from nine races, he was placed four times. In the eyes of his entourage, he did not possess much scope from improvement on the racecourse, so his owner Bruno Foucher and trainer Gerard Lecomte decided to retrain him at the end of 2008.
He passed through various stables where he started his retraining before joining the stables where Marion was working. Bought by a Horse-Ball rider, VELVET SPIRIT did not seem to enjoy the game and showed his disapproval for the discipline. However, Marion became attached to this gelding with a big heart.
Not suitable for that discipline, VELVET SPIRIT’s owner decided to sell him. First bought as a Riding Club horse, Marion then did everything possible to acquire him! And after a few weeks her dream finally came true, as she became the owner of this beautiful five-year-old.
The couple's beginnings were at times a little complicated. VELVET SPIRIT is very sensitive and does not yet have the basics of dressage. When they started in competitions, their problems took over and the results weren’t as they wished. Marion then chose to take a step back with him and returned to work on the basics.
It was at this moment that she discovered walking and ethology. Their relationship gradually became stronger, and VELVET SPRIRIT’s sensitivity became an asset, with a complicity between the two of them being established.
After a little over ten years of living together, they are now competing in bridleless competitions on Show Jumping fields or Dressage squares! Jumping a round at 1m10 in just a halter is only a formality and the results are there: Vice-Champions of France CLUB 1 in 2014 !
In parallel, the couple sometimes did demonstrations in front of friends with the tricks they have learnt: upright, leg up, lying down... A unique relationship based on the trust that the horse and his rider have in each other ! As Marion likes to say: "He has been and always will be my best teacher. It is his sensitivity that is the main factor of my perpetual searching for answers ! ”
Today Marion wishes to concentrate mainly on dressage competitions, and also plans to try out the hunter discipline and the Equifeel (recent equestrian discipline aims to highlight the complicity and communication between the rider and his horse, editor's note) !
Beautiful projects for this couple who have already completed a very beautiful retraining.
Congratulations to them for this fine example of patience and perseverance!
For this new school year, it is VELVET SPIRIT that is in the spotlight. This 14-year-old thoroughbred gelding is a very good student. Show Jumping or bridleless Dressage competitions are no problem for him thanks to the ethological work carried out by his rider and owner, Marion Delforge.
Born in 2005, VELVET SPIRIT's racing career was a short one, and from nine races, he was placed four times. In the eyes of his entourage, he did not possess much scope from improvement on the racecourse, so his owner Bruno Foucher and trainer Gerard Lecomte decided to retrain him at the end of 2008.
He passed through various stables where he started his retraining before joining the stables where Marion was working. Bought by a Horse-Ball rider, VELVET SPIRIT did not seem to enjoy the game and showed his disapproval for the discipline. However, Marion became attached to this gelding with a big heart.
Not suitable for that discipline, VELVET SPIRIT’s owner decided to sell him. First bought as a Riding Club horse, Marion then did everything possible to acquire him! And after a few weeks her dream finally came true, as she became the owner of this beautiful five-year-old.
The couple's beginnings were at times a little complicated. VELVET SPIRIT is very sensitive and does not yet have the basics of dressage. When they started in competitions, their problems took over and the results weren’t as they wished. Marion then chose to take a step back with him and returned to work on the basics.
It was at this moment that she discovered walking and ethology. Their relationship gradually became stronger, and VELVET SPRIRIT’s sensitivity became an asset, with a complicity between the two of them being established.
After a little over ten years of living together, they are now competing in bridleless competitions on Show Jumping fields or Dressage squares! Jumping a round at 1m10 in just a halter is only a formality and the results are there: Vice-Champions of France CLUB 1 in 2014 !
In parallel, the couple sometimes did demonstrations in front of friends with the tricks they have learnt: upright, leg up, lying down... A unique relationship based on the trust that the horse and his rider have in each other ! As Marion likes to say: "He has been and always will be my best teacher. It is his sensitivity that is the main factor of my perpetual searching for answers ! ”
Today Marion wishes to concentrate mainly on dressage competitions, and also plans to try out the hunter discipline and the Equifeel (recent equestrian discipline aims to highlight the complicity and communication between the rider and his horse, editor's note) !
Beautiful projects for this couple who have already completed a very beautiful retraining.
Congratulations to them for this fine example of patience and perseverance!
This August, we honour JEU DE L'OIE as part of our "Ex-Racehorse of the Month" series. This 12-year-old thoroughbred had a racing career and looked promising, however an injury kept him away from the racecourse. Today, he makes his Horse-Ball riders happy instead.
Well bred, JEU DE L'OIE was presented at the Arqana sales in August 2008 by Haras d'Etreham. Then a yearling, he was bought by the late Marquise de Moratala for €95,000.
Sent into training with Jean-Claude Rouget, he ran six times when ridden by well-known jockeys such as Christophe Soumillon and Ioritz Mendizabal. He was often "in the money" in his races, as they say in the sport.
In 2010, he won again at Tarbes Racecourse, however an injury to a hind leg unfortunately ended the career of the then three-year-old JEU DE L'OIE. He was put out to grass at the Marquise’s to recover.
Five years later, Gildas Mabilais, the manager of Haras de Boscherville, an accredited establishment with Au-delà des Pistes, crossed paths with JEU DE L'OIE.
Following his time off, that had led the injury to heal, "JEU" was ready to return to work. He then discovered a new discipline: Horse-Ball.
In search of a horse for the following next season, Marius Doye, a player on the French Under 21 Horse Ball team, went to Haras de Boscherville to try him. Marius bought him immediately !
After a first season of competition at Pro level, this year the couple are playing at Pro elite level and are participating in the International Tournament to prepare for the 2019 European Championships !
Having also gained the ride on his brother's more experienced horse, Marius now has the opportunity to alternate his horses. That is why, in parallel, JEU DE L'OIE played a season at Horse-Ball club level with a rider starting out in the discipline. An ideal way for the horse to continue to gain experience without suffering physically or mentally from it thanks to a low intensity of play.
All the riders who ride JEU DE L'OIE love him! He combines power and speed but is above all very kind. "He never shies away from work, he's always willing and he's a real pleasure every day! ", confides Marius.
The objectives for the upcoming season will be to continue to perform at the highest level and to perfect his training. Their aim is to one day join the French Pro elite team and why not, win the trophy for the best horse of the season?
So let's keep our fingers crossed for this young and handsome couple!
This August, we honour JEU DE L'OIE as part of our "Ex-Racehorse of the Month" series. This 12-year-old thoroughbred had a racing career and looked promising, however an injury kept him away from the racecourse. Today, he makes his Horse-Ball riders happy instead.
Well bred, JEU DE L'OIE was presented at the Arqana sales in August 2008 by Haras d'Etreham. Then a yearling, he was bought by the late Marquise de Moratala for €95,000.
Sent into training with Jean-Claude Rouget, he ran six times when ridden by well-known jockeys such as Christophe Soumillon and Ioritz Mendizabal. He was often "in the money" in his races, as they say in the sport.
In 2010, he won again at Tarbes Racecourse, however an injury to a hind leg unfortunately ended the career of the then three-year-old JEU DE L'OIE. He was put out to grass at the Marquise’s to recover.
Five years later, Gildas Mabilais, the manager of Haras de Boscherville, an accredited establishment with Au-delà des Pistes, crossed paths with JEU DE L'OIE.
Following his time off, that had led the injury to heal, "JEU" was ready to return to work. He then discovered a new discipline: Horse-Ball.
In search of a horse for the following next season, Marius Doye, a player on the French Under 21 Horse Ball team, went to Haras de Boscherville to try him. Marius bought him immediately !
After a first season of competition at Pro level, this year the couple are playing at Pro elite level and are participating in the International Tournament to prepare for the 2019 European Championships !
Having also gained the ride on his brother's more experienced horse, Marius now has the opportunity to alternate his horses. That is why, in parallel, JEU DE L'OIE played a season at Horse-Ball club level with a rider starting out in the discipline. An ideal way for the horse to continue to gain experience without suffering physically or mentally from it thanks to a low intensity of play.
All the riders who ride JEU DE L'OIE love him! He combines power and speed but is above all very kind. "He never shies away from work, he's always willing and he's a real pleasure every day! ", confides Marius.
The objectives for the upcoming season will be to continue to perform at the highest level and to perfect his training. Their aim is to one day join the French Pro elite team and why not, win the trophy for the best horse of the season?
So let's keep our fingers crossed for this young and handsome couple!
In this summer month of July, the sport of eventing is in the spotlight with BEGUIN DE BERSAC, an 8-year-old Anglo-Arab.
After running seven times on the flat and winning €4,000 in prize money, BEGUIN DE BERSAC was retrained at the age of five before being offered for sale in 2015.
It is at the stables of Eddy Sans, an international event rider based in Pontarmé (60), that his current owner, Lou Dieber, first crossed paths with BEGUIN DE BERSAC. She decided to buy him at first sight, without even trying him!
During their first canters, there was no doubt that BEGUIN DE BERSAC was an ex-race horse. Lou Dieber had also ridden out at racing stables, and it served to confirm the close bond developing between them.
During their first year of competition in 2016, the couple followed the Training Circuit 1 in Show Jumping before starting in the eventing discpline, where they gradually progressed, step by step. Lou has specifically taken her time to train her new horse. After initially competing at Amateur 2 level before going on to Amateur 1, this year they started CCI* (International Competitions) a month ago at Bertichères, before competing this weekend on July 14th, in Jardy, in the Paris region.
Beguin's quality has been recognized by great riders such as Thomas Carlile who told Lou that she had a real horse for the future. The rider wants to take her time, especially in view to the jumping, before which BEGUIN DE BERSAC still gets very excited. T
he next objective? Be a regular on the "1 star" circuit in order to be able to take the next step, the "2 stars".
Their ultimate goal? Of course, to reach the CCI*** level, but "when we are both ready. Not before! ", says Lou.
Patience, listening and trust seem to be the key words to the relationship between this rider and her ex-racehorse. It has already been a beautiful journey for them both, and we wish them both the best in their objectives.
Let's hope the July 14th fireworks will resonate for the couple this weekend in Jardy!
Congratulations for this great retraining, and all the best to them!
In this summer month of July, the sport of eventing is in the spotlight with BEGUIN DE BERSAC, an 8-year-old Anglo-Arab.
After running seven times on the flat and winning €4,000 in prize money, BEGUIN DE BERSAC was retrained at the age of five before being offered for sale in 2015.
It is at the stables of Eddy Sans, an international event rider based in Pontarmé (60), that his current owner, Lou Dieber, first crossed paths with BEGUIN DE BERSAC. She decided to buy him at first sight, without even trying him!
During their first canters, there was no doubt that BEGUIN DE BERSAC was an ex-race horse. Lou Dieber had also ridden out at racing stables, and it served to confirm the close bond developing between them.
During their first year of competition in 2016, the couple followed the Training Circuit 1 in Show Jumping before starting in the eventing discpline, where they gradually progressed, step by step. Lou has specifically taken her time to train her new horse. After initially competing at Amateur 2 level before going on to Amateur 1, this year they started CCI* (International Competitions) a month ago at Bertichères, before competing this weekend on July 14th, in Jardy, in the Paris region.
Beguin's quality has been recognized by great riders such as Thomas Carlile who told Lou that she had a real horse for the future. The rider wants to take her time, especially in view to the jumping, before which BEGUIN DE BERSAC still gets very excited. T
he next objective? Be a regular on the "1 star" circuit in order to be able to take the next step, the "2 stars".
Their ultimate goal? Of course, to reach the CCI*** level, but "when we are both ready. Not before! ", says Lou.
Patience, listening and trust seem to be the key words to the relationship between this rider and her ex-racehorse. It has already been a beautiful journey for them both, and we wish them both the best in their objectives.
Let's hope the July 14th fireworks will resonate for the couple this weekend in Jardy!
Congratulations for this great retraining, and all the best to them!
In this month of June, we tell the story of BLUE DAY. After an inconclusive racing career, this eight-year-old AQPS is now expressing himself in the Dressage arena. His owner Nathalie Georens has retrained him from A to Z, and it is a beautiful story as we like to hear !
When in training with Mr Lopez in Wissembourg, BLUE DAY ran five times on the flat without winning but was always "in the money", as it is said in the industry.
At the same time, looking for a horse to compete in Eventing, Nathalie was informed by a friend who worked in racing world that BLUE DAY would be looking for a new home in view to his retraining. Nathalie then contacted Mr Wintz, the owner breeder of BLUE DAY. It was love at first sight. In a few minutes the decision was made – she had to have him.
The initial objective was Eventing, however, their beginnings were a little difficult. Indeed, BLUE DAY did not seem to appreciate Show Jumping. Encouraged by her trainer, Maitre Écuyer Jean Jacques Boisson, she decided to continue exclusively with Dressage.
The first competitions in free-style were very emotionally challenging. "Blue is a very sensitive horse. He feels all my emotions. I'm kind of his landmark. If I'm here, everything's fine," confides Nathalie. "Today, he is so calm and serene that it is difficult to imagine his competition debuts," adds the rider.
In 2018, BLUE DAY and his rider competed at Amateur 2 level and were placed six times from eight outings, including three wins.
This year, the couple moved up to Amateur 1 and won in April. Their objective is to now qualify for the French Championships to be held at Le Mans next October.
Nathalie also confides that her ultimate ambition is to be able to perform the famous Prix Saint-Georges at elite Amateur level.
The entire Au-delà des Pistes team would like to congratulate this couple for their great results. We wish them every continued success in achieving their goals!
In this month of June, we tell the story of BLUE DAY. After an inconclusive racing career, this eight-year-old AQPS is now expressing himself in the Dressage arena. His owner Nathalie Georens has retrained him from A to Z, and it is a beautiful story as we like to hear !
When in training with Mr Lopez in Wissembourg, BLUE DAY ran five times on the flat without winning but was always "in the money", as it is said in the industry.
At the same time, looking for a horse to compete in Eventing, Nathalie was informed by a friend who worked in racing world that BLUE DAY would be looking for a new home in view to his retraining. Nathalie then contacted Mr Wintz, the owner breeder of BLUE DAY. It was love at first sight. In a few minutes the decision was made – she had to have him.
The initial objective was Eventing, however, their beginnings were a little difficult. Indeed, BLUE DAY did not seem to appreciate Show Jumping. Encouraged by her trainer, Maitre Écuyer Jean Jacques Boisson, she decided to continue exclusively with Dressage.
The first competitions in free-style were very emotionally challenging. "Blue is a very sensitive horse. He feels all my emotions. I'm kind of his landmark. If I'm here, everything's fine," confides Nathalie. "Today, he is so calm and serene that it is difficult to imagine his competition debuts," adds the rider.
In 2018, BLUE DAY and his rider competed at Amateur 2 level and were placed six times from eight outings, including three wins.
This year, the couple moved up to Amateur 1 and won in April. Their objective is to now qualify for the French Championships to be held at Le Mans next October.
Nathalie also confides that her ultimate ambition is to be able to perform the famous Prix Saint-Georges at elite Amateur level.
The entire Au-delà des Pistes team would like to congratulate this couple for their great results. We wish them every continued success in achieving their goals!
For the month of May, it is MARRAJEL is in the spotlight. A five-year-old thoroughbred, he is now the apple of his owner’s eye and will soon start his retraining. Patience is the key word here.
Born in Ireland, MARRAJEL was offered at the 2015 ARQANA October Yearling Sale before being bought by Chantilly based trainer Georges Mikhalides. The beginnings of his career were difficult for MARRAJEL, as he was slow to show the potential and had a strong character.
After a few months spent out at grass, he joined a new trainer Laurent Bouldoires who wanted to try MARRAJEL over hurdles. Despite his difficult start, MARRAJEL calmed down after a while and began to show some of his talents. Unfortunately, his late maturing physique left him needing more time on veterinary advice, leading the owners to choose to retrain him. MARRAJEL was four-years-old.
It is on an advertising site that MARRAJEL crossed the path of his current owner, Katylee Lengos. After a brief trial, they hit it off very well, despite his rider being used to riding horses.
MARRAJEL immediately joined Katylee's private stables alongside her other horses. In 2018, a period of desensitisation was a priority with outdoor outings to discover the world and keep a cool head. Tractors, cows, vehicles, roads, horses etc..... are the daily life of MARRAJEL. He also goes on holiday with his owner where he behaves in an exemplary way on the Normandy beaches.
After a complete check-up, Katylee has decided to wait until MARRAJEL is a six-year-old to start his work and give him time to finish growing.
Katylee confides: "In the future, his discipline will undoubtedly eventing, and he has the physique to do well. I don't know if I could go with him on this path to a very high level. Otherwise he will participate with me in show jumping events, maybe even Hunter classes, because there too he has the physique, and probably also in amateur dressage."
It is a busy programme that awaits MARRAJEL and Katylee, to whom we wish an excellent continuance!
For the month of May, it is MARRAJEL is in the spotlight. A five-year-old thoroughbred, he is now the apple of his owner’s eye and will soon start his retraining. Patience is the key word here.
Born in Ireland, MARRAJEL was offered at the 2015 ARQANA October Yearling Sale before being bought by Chantilly based trainer Georges Mikhalides. The beginnings of his career were difficult for MARRAJEL, as he was slow to show the potential and had a strong character.
After a few months spent out at grass, he joined a new trainer Laurent Bouldoires who wanted to try MARRAJEL over hurdles. Despite his difficult start, MARRAJEL calmed down after a while and began to show some of his talents. Unfortunately, his late maturing physique left him needing more time on veterinary advice, leading the owners to choose to retrain him. MARRAJEL was four-years-old.
It is on an advertising site that MARRAJEL crossed the path of his current owner, Katylee Lengos. After a brief trial, they hit it off very well, despite his rider being used to riding horses.
MARRAJEL immediately joined Katylee's private stables alongside her other horses. In 2018, a period of desensitisation was a priority with outdoor outings to discover the world and keep a cool head. Tractors, cows, vehicles, roads, horses etc..... are the daily life of MARRAJEL. He also goes on holiday with his owner where he behaves in an exemplary way on the Normandy beaches.
After a complete check-up, Katylee has decided to wait until MARRAJEL is a six-year-old to start his work and give him time to finish growing.
Katylee confides: "In the future, his discipline will undoubtedly eventing, and he has the physique to do well. I don't know if I could go with him on this path to a very high level. Otherwise he will participate with me in show jumping events, maybe even Hunter classes, because there too he has the physique, and probably also in amateur dressage."
It is a busy programme that awaits MARRAJEL and Katylee, to whom we wish an excellent continuance!
For the month of April, we have chosen to honour the young CHARIVARI, that currently has a new career in Horse-Ball. The son of the famous stallion Shamardal started his new career path through the Retraining Stables Bordeaux, an establishment that is part of the Au-delà Des Pistes network through its management by Christophe Desormeaux.
CHARIVARI has begun his new career as a Horse-Ball horse with his owner Natasha Goldsmith in the Pro Féminine team of Bordeaux Brandeau. He never reached the racetrack, having first been trained in the Paris region before being placed with the trainer Yan Durepaire in La Teste de Buch, in southwestern France. Lacking the potential for any kind of career on the racecourse, it was agreed by his connections to retrain him.
It was at this stage that the three-year-old CHARIVARI joined Christophe Désormeaux, at the helm of Retraining Stables Bordeaux, before starting his retraining.
After his first year of work punctuated by a few sessions of classical riding and a winter in the field with other horses to give him time to finish growing, he then started his Horse-Ball training after turning four.
Described as a "calm, safe and incredibly kind horse" by Christophe Desormeaux, CHARIVARI was ridden by riders of all levels.
In October 2018, Natasha Goldsmith, one of the riders at the stables, tried him during a training session and he became her real favourite! A few weeks later, the couple became an official one, and CHARIVARI now belonged to Natasha.
Despite having only started competing in 2019, CHARIVARI already behaves like an experienced horse despite his young age. Still in training for his new career under the eye of Christophe Désormeaux at his stables, the gelding continues to improve day by day. Désormeaux explains, "He has the physique of a Horse-ball horse; short, compact and with real strength in his hind quarter. This has been the ideal retraining for him, and he has an amazing temperament."
In January 2020, CHARIVARI will be 6 years old and will be able to start competing on the amateur and professional circuits. Let's hope for the beginning of a long and successful career !
All the Au-dela Des Pistes team congratulates the different people around CHARIVARI for this beautiful retraining and wishes them the best of success!
For the month of April, we have chosen to honour the young CHARIVARI, that currently has a new career in Horse-Ball. The son of the famous stallion Shamardal started his new career path through the Retraining Stables Bordeaux, an establishment that is part of the Au-delà Des Pistes network through its management by Christophe Desormeaux.
CHARIVARI has begun his new career as a Horse-Ball horse with his owner Natasha Goldsmith in the Pro Féminine team of Bordeaux Brandeau. He never reached the racetrack, having first been trained in the Paris region before being placed with the trainer Yan Durepaire in La Teste de Buch, in southwestern France. Lacking the potential for any kind of career on the racecourse, it was agreed by his connections to retrain him.
It was at this stage that the three-year-old CHARIVARI joined Christophe Désormeaux, at the helm of Retraining Stables Bordeaux, before starting his retraining.
After his first year of work punctuated by a few sessions of classical riding and a winter in the field with other horses to give him time to finish growing, he then started his Horse-Ball training after turning four.
Described as a "calm, safe and incredibly kind horse" by Christophe Desormeaux, CHARIVARI was ridden by riders of all levels.
In October 2018, Natasha Goldsmith, one of the riders at the stables, tried him during a training session and he became her real favourite! A few weeks later, the couple became an official one, and CHARIVARI now belonged to Natasha.
Despite having only started competing in 2019, CHARIVARI already behaves like an experienced horse despite his young age. Still in training for his new career under the eye of Christophe Désormeaux at his stables, the gelding continues to improve day by day. Désormeaux explains, "He has the physique of a Horse-ball horse; short, compact and with real strength in his hind quarter. This has been the ideal retraining for him, and he has an amazing temperament."
In January 2020, CHARIVARI will be 6 years old and will be able to start competing on the amateur and professional circuits. Let's hope for the beginning of a long and successful career !
All the Au-dela Des Pistes team congratulates the different people around CHARIVARI for this beautiful retraining and wishes them the best of success!
To end this month of March, we turn our attention to the sport of Endurance with the eight-year-old Anglo-Arab ONDEDECHOC and his owners, riders and breeders, Manon and Sebastien Valerio.
ONDEDECHOC was bred by Haras d’Ainhoa, the stud owned by Sebastien Valerio’s father. He never made it to the racetrack, with the seasoned endurance rider and chiropractor saying he was "not made for racing" after a stint with trainer Didier Guillemin, with whom the Valerio family have collaborated for a number of years.
It didn't matter! ONDEDECHOC moved well and had a beautiful physique, although he was perhaps a little big... Sebastien Valerio explains, "ONDEDECHOC has always been a very kind horse, generous, and with very good movement. When his trainer advised us not to continue on the racetrack in October 2015, I toyed with the idea of trying him at endurance. I knew he was very big, but he had a very nice way of moving and above all a very good temperament. He always wants to please! So we picked him up and left him for about five months at grass, as I usually do with my horses coming out of training, so that they can decompress both mentally and physically."
Once the green light was on, ONDEDECHOC quickly understood what was expected of him. Sebastien Valerio says, "He was initially a racehorse, so we had to take the time to go through the stages one by one so that he could understand what was being asked of him. For example, do not rush as soon as a long and beautiful gallop opens up. But due to his character, we were able to start our first race in May 2016, over 20 km. Subsequently, he showed a recovery capacity worthy of the greatest endurance horses, despite his size which could put him at a disadvantage against his competitors."
20 – 40 – 60 – 90. The distances for ONDEDECHOC quickly increased to such an extent that in 2018, under Sebastien Valerio, he finished 11th at the World Championships for 7-year-old horses in Samorin, Slovakia, which was run over a distance of 120 km.
In parallel, Sebastien's daughter, Manon, won a qualifying event at Fontainebleau to join the French junior team and was invited to participate in the 160 km long President's Cup in Abu Dhabi last February. Following in her family’s footsteps, Manon and ONDEDECHOC took part in the race over this distance. A first for the couple.
The choice turned out to be an excellent one, as ONDEDECHOC and Manon finished 2nd out of the 39 European couples invited. Sebastien says: "ONDEDECHOC was exemplary. Both in terms of recovery and physical performance as well as in terms of his temperament. Racehorses are still rare in high level endurance but I am convinced, through their metabolism and natural locomotion, especially in stayers, that they can become good horses with the right preparation. For their well-being, things must be done in the right order and with great patience and preparation. I don't know if ONDEDECHOC will be a "crack", but I know that he is already a very good horse in the discipline."
The next step? The qualifying race for the French team in Compiegne, from June 12 to 15, ridden either by Manon for the Junior team or Sebastien for the Senior team. The question is, who will have the last word?!
We wish ONDEDECHOC and the Valerio family all the best, and thank them for showing the potential of retrained racehorses in this most rigorous of disciplines !
To end this month of March, we turn our attention to the sport of Endurance with the eight-year-old Anglo-Arab ONDEDECHOC and his owners, riders and breeders, Manon and Sebastien Valerio.
ONDEDECHOC was bred by Haras d’Ainhoa, the stud owned by Sebastien Valerio’s father. He never made it to the racetrack, with the seasoned endurance rider and chiropractor saying he was "not made for racing" after a stint with trainer Didier Guillemin, with whom the Valerio family have collaborated for a number of years.
It didn't matter! ONDEDECHOC moved well and had a beautiful physique, although he was perhaps a little big... Sebastien Valerio explains, "ONDEDECHOC has always been a very kind horse, generous, and with very good movement. When his trainer advised us not to continue on the racetrack in October 2015, I toyed with the idea of trying him at endurance. I knew he was very big, but he had a very nice way of moving and above all a very good temperament. He always wants to please! So we picked him up and left him for about five months at grass, as I usually do with my horses coming out of training, so that they can decompress both mentally and physically."
Once the green light was on, ONDEDECHOC quickly understood what was expected of him. Sebastien Valerio says, "He was initially a racehorse, so we had to take the time to go through the stages one by one so that he could understand what was being asked of him. For example, do not rush as soon as a long and beautiful gallop opens up. But due to his character, we were able to start our first race in May 2016, over 20 km. Subsequently, he showed a recovery capacity worthy of the greatest endurance horses, despite his size which could put him at a disadvantage against his competitors."
20 – 40 – 60 – 90. The distances for ONDEDECHOC quickly increased to such an extent that in 2018, under Sebastien Valerio, he finished 11th at the World Championships for 7-year-old horses in Samorin, Slovakia, which was run over a distance of 120 km.
In parallel, Sebastien's daughter, Manon, won a qualifying event at Fontainebleau to join the French junior team and was invited to participate in the 160 km long President's Cup in Abu Dhabi last February. Following in her family’s footsteps, Manon and ONDEDECHOC took part in the race over this distance. A first for the couple.
The choice turned out to be an excellent one, as ONDEDECHOC and Manon finished 2nd out of the 39 European couples invited. Sebastien says: "ONDEDECHOC was exemplary. Both in terms of recovery and physical performance as well as in terms of his temperament. Racehorses are still rare in high level endurance but I am convinced, through their metabolism and natural locomotion, especially in stayers, that they can become good horses with the right preparation. For their well-being, things must be done in the right order and with great patience and preparation. I don't know if ONDEDECHOC will be a "crack", but I know that he is already a very good horse in the discipline."
The next step? The qualifying race for the French team in Compiegne, from June 12 to 15, ridden either by Manon for the Junior team or Sebastien for the Senior team. The question is, who will have the last word?!
We wish ONDEDECHOC and the Valerio family all the best, and thank them for showing the potential of retrained racehorses in this most rigorous of disciplines !
Our Retrained Racehorse of the Month is back! For the first edition of 2019, we move to the elegance of pure Dressage. A 15-year-old AQPS, QUINQUINA DES RODONS will compete this year on the Grand National Pro-Elite circuit, the highest level of this discipline in France.
A professional riding instructor, Victor Euwer met QUINQUINA DES RODONS in 2008. Aged four at the time, the chestnut gelding was for sale at a stable in Maisons-Laffitte. Victor explains, "I went with one of my pupils who was looking for a horse to buy. We were at the stables when I saw QUINQUINA DES RODONS. He wasn’t particularly good looking and was a bit thin, but he had an alert eye. I had €3,000 to spend, and I said to myself, "Why not!". I didn’t have my own horse to ride at the time, and I thought it would be fun to try QUINQUINA DES RODONS."
Back at home, QUINQUINA DES RODONS’s training began in earnest, and the couple quickly began to get on well together. "As we worked together, I began to like him more and more. QUINQUINA DES RODONS has always been very kind and generous in his work. He had a natural impulsion and that great sensitivity that we associate with Thoroughbreds. This sensitivity can be unhelpful at times as they can quickly panic when things don’t go according to plan, but this can also be a brilliant thing, notably in a discipline such as Dressage as this makes them extremely reactive to the leg, and helps them progressive quickly with the paces and shapes needed."
Progress, yes, and how much progress! Although the first competitions were not a real success: "I was very stressed, I put crazy pressure on myself, wanting to succeed at all costs for my horse, that I communicated all my bad vibes to him. It wasn't going well in the arena. They're real sponges. So I decided to stop competing with him for at least 3 years to have fun gently, and without pressure, to make him evolve in his pace and in his work. ", says his rider.
It was at the beginning of 2018 that Victor and QUINQUINA DES RODONS returned to the dressage arena, this time at Pro 1 level. "It was the dressage trainer Bernard Bosseau, with whom I was working with during a daily session, who encouraged me to resume competing with QUINQUINA DES RODONS, so much had he progressed. Of course, he will never have Totilas’s paces (one of the best dressage horses in the world) but his rigour and seriousness give him good marks. With him, I no longer have any pressure. Everything that happens to us is just a bonus. I never thought I would reach this level with him when I bought him in 2008. QUINQUINA DES RODONS is kind, serious, generous and has blind confidence in me. Today, we have a real complicity. I think, he does it!".
After a year on the Pro 1 circuit in the right way, we wish all the best to QUINQUINA DES RODONS and Victor Euwer. They will compete this year on the Pro-Élite du Grand National de Dressage circuit, and in addition, have also set themselves the objective of competing in Freestyle in 2019 !
Good luck to them and thank you for promoting retrained racehorses in this most demanding discipline!
Watch videoOur Retrained Racehorse of the Month is back! For the first edition of 2019, we move to the elegance of pure Dressage. A 15-year-old AQPS, QUINQUINA DES RODONS will compete this year on the Grand National Pro-Elite circuit, the highest level of this discipline in France.
A professional riding instructor, Victor Euwer met QUINQUINA DES RODONS in 2008. Aged four at the time, the chestnut gelding was for sale at a stable in Maisons-Laffitte. Victor explains, "I went with one of my pupils who was looking for a horse to buy. We were at the stables when I saw QUINQUINA DES RODONS. He wasn’t particularly good looking and was a bit thin, but he had an alert eye. I had €3,000 to spend, and I said to myself, "Why not!". I didn’t have my own horse to ride at the time, and I thought it would be fun to try QUINQUINA DES RODONS."
Back at home, QUINQUINA DES RODONS’s training began in earnest, and the couple quickly began to get on well together. "As we worked together, I began to like him more and more. QUINQUINA DES RODONS has always been very kind and generous in his work. He had a natural impulsion and that great sensitivity that we associate with Thoroughbreds. This sensitivity can be unhelpful at times as they can quickly panic when things don’t go according to plan, but this can also be a brilliant thing, notably in a discipline such as Dressage as this makes them extremely reactive to the leg, and helps them progressive quickly with the paces and shapes needed."
Progress, yes, and how much progress! Although the first competitions were not a real success: "I was very stressed, I put crazy pressure on myself, wanting to succeed at all costs for my horse, that I communicated all my bad vibes to him. It wasn't going well in the arena. They're real sponges. So I decided to stop competing with him for at least 3 years to have fun gently, and without pressure, to make him evolve in his pace and in his work. ", says his rider.
It was at the beginning of 2018 that Victor and QUINQUINA DES RODONS returned to the dressage arena, this time at Pro 1 level. "It was the dressage trainer Bernard Bosseau, with whom I was working with during a daily session, who encouraged me to resume competing with QUINQUINA DES RODONS, so much had he progressed. Of course, he will never have Totilas’s paces (one of the best dressage horses in the world) but his rigour and seriousness give him good marks. With him, I no longer have any pressure. Everything that happens to us is just a bonus. I never thought I would reach this level with him when I bought him in 2008. QUINQUINA DES RODONS is kind, serious, generous and has blind confidence in me. Today, we have a real complicity. I think, he does it!".
After a year on the Pro 1 circuit in the right way, we wish all the best to QUINQUINA DES RODONS and Victor Euwer. They will compete this year on the Pro-Élite du Grand National de Dressage circuit, and in addition, have also set themselves the objective of competing in Freestyle in 2019 !
Good luck to them and thank you for promoting retrained racehorses in this most demanding discipline!
Watch video
Continuing our series of “Retrained Racehorse of the Month”, we have pleasure in presenting the ex-racehorse SUNNY BRUERE’s story for the month of November. Since being retrained, SUNNY BRUERE has gone on to become a very talented competitor in the Eventing discipline at International level, and will show off the potential of thoroughbreds at the Salon du Cheval de Paris on November 24.
Aged 13, SUNNY BRUERE was retrained at the age of five after a modest career over jumps and on the flat.Given by his connections to the Seconde Chance Stable, it is at this establishment that it was love at first sight for his current rider and owner, Clemence Chaumat. She remembers, "One of my friends worked at the stable at the time. I already knew about ex-racehorses, but more for leisure rather than competitive riding. I was looking for a big grey horse, with a good jump and nice paces, for a small budget. Otherwise known as a rare pearl! But…when my friend invited me to try SUNNY BRUERE, it was love at first sight and I left with him! That was just a month after he had retired from racing."
This was followed by a long retraining process where SUNNY BRUERE showed lots of character, as well as potential. Clemence Chaumat explains, "SUNNY BRUERE is a very kind horse, but he has lots of character. He can quickly stop when the work becomes too boring or constraining. He can do everything, but it needs to be enjoyable for him too".
As a six-year-old, Clemence and SUNNY BRUERE took part in competitions in France and in England. SUNNY BRUERE was then ridden by a professional rider for a year before returning to Clemence. "When he came back to me we continued to improve up to international level where we competed for the first time, in July 2016, at the CCI* at Jardy. Some good results followed until SUNNY BRUERE fell very ill. I really was afraid I would lose him."
SUNNY BRUERE suffered from eye ulcers that saw him in intensive care for more than a month. Today, although he is much better, he does still have some after-effects. His rider continues, "He still has some scars on the inside of his eyes that stops him from seeing well in shady areas. This makes it difficult with cross-country courses that are based in forests. At the beginning of the year, even though we were placed in the first three after the show-jumping, I had to retire from the cross-country."
Nevertheless, SUNNY BRUERE is not just a one trick pony, as with his lovely paces, Clemence Chaumat is also aiming to compete in show-jumping competitions at 125cm and the French Championships for Dressage in the 2019 season. She explains, "SUNNY BRUERE, like all thoroughbreds in my opinion, has a huge heart and is capable of doing anything if we give them time to understand and explain. Thoroughbreds have a real character, and constraining them is not good for them, when we are patient, they give us everything ! "
The partnership will be present during the demonstrations organised by Au-Dela Des Pistes on Saturday, November 24 at the Salon du Cheval de Paris, and Clemence Chaumat and SUNNY BRUERE are excellent ambassadors for the retraining of racehorses. The team thanks them for coming!
Continuing our series of “Retrained Racehorse of the Month”, we have pleasure in presenting the ex-racehorse SUNNY BRUERE’s story for the month of November. Since being retrained, SUNNY BRUERE has gone on to become a very talented competitor in the Eventing discipline at International level, and will show off the potential of thoroughbreds at the Salon du Cheval de Paris on November 24.
Aged 13, SUNNY BRUERE was retrained at the age of five after a modest career over jumps and on the flat.Given by his connections to the Seconde Chance Stable, it is at this establishment that it was love at first sight for his current rider and owner, Clemence Chaumat. She remembers, "One of my friends worked at the stable at the time. I already knew about ex-racehorses, but more for leisure rather than competitive riding. I was looking for a big grey horse, with a good jump and nice paces, for a small budget. Otherwise known as a rare pearl! But…when my friend invited me to try SUNNY BRUERE, it was love at first sight and I left with him! That was just a month after he had retired from racing."
This was followed by a long retraining process where SUNNY BRUERE showed lots of character, as well as potential. Clemence Chaumat explains, "SUNNY BRUERE is a very kind horse, but he has lots of character. He can quickly stop when the work becomes too boring or constraining. He can do everything, but it needs to be enjoyable for him too".
As a six-year-old, Clemence and SUNNY BRUERE took part in competitions in France and in England. SUNNY BRUERE was then ridden by a professional rider for a year before returning to Clemence. "When he came back to me we continued to improve up to international level where we competed for the first time, in July 2016, at the CCI* at Jardy. Some good results followed until SUNNY BRUERE fell very ill. I really was afraid I would lose him."
SUNNY BRUERE suffered from eye ulcers that saw him in intensive care for more than a month. Today, although he is much better, he does still have some after-effects. His rider continues, "He still has some scars on the inside of his eyes that stops him from seeing well in shady areas. This makes it difficult with cross-country courses that are based in forests. At the beginning of the year, even though we were placed in the first three after the show-jumping, I had to retire from the cross-country."
Nevertheless, SUNNY BRUERE is not just a one trick pony, as with his lovely paces, Clemence Chaumat is also aiming to compete in show-jumping competitions at 125cm and the French Championships for Dressage in the 2019 season. She explains, "SUNNY BRUERE, like all thoroughbreds in my opinion, has a huge heart and is capable of doing anything if we give them time to understand and explain. Thoroughbreds have a real character, and constraining them is not good for them, when we are patient, they give us everything ! "
The partnership will be present during the demonstrations organised by Au-Dela Des Pistes on Saturday, November 24 at the Salon du Cheval de Paris, and Clemence Chaumat and SUNNY BRUERE are excellent ambassadors for the retraining of racehorses. The team thanks them for coming!
For October’s edition of the Retrained Racehorse series, we are delighted to present SHAHWARDI. This 12-year-old gelding amassed over €350,000 during his race career. He now competes at an amateur level in three-day events with his rider, Doris Kantinol.
SHAHWARDI, by LANDO out of SHAMDARA, was bred and raced by His Highness the Aga Khan and trainer Alain de Royer Dupré, before being sold to Mr Anthony Bloom to continue his race career. He raced in France, Britain, Ireland and Australia, at Group level accumulating 4 wins and 14 places throughout his 26 race career. He even won a Group 2 at Caulfield racetrack in Australia and placed at the Royal Ascot meeting during his travels.
He was sent to be retrained in 2014 and was bought by Laura Marland, who let Doris ride him for the 2017 season, as she was looking for a riding horse for eventing. Doris started to work with SHAHWARDI as she recounts: "He had some good basic dressage skills but he did not know how to jump. To begin with, I was unable to detect his jumping ability, but I gave him time and I committed to the challenge. We did a lot of dressage and we worked with poles on the ground. For a while he refused even to jump a 20cm obstacle! He also would not change legs and then suddenly everything fell into place." The pair now compete at an amateur Category 4 level in eventing.
A rider from Doris’ stable attended the Au Dela des Pistes Retrained Racehorse day staged in August at Deauville this year and they explained the concept of the demonstrations undertaken by former racehorses who return to the track. This inspired Doris to contact Au Delà des Pistes to see if she could participate in a similar event with SHAHWARDI. Doris explains: "At the Chantilly Retrained Racehorse day, I was much more stressed than when I compete. I was afraid Shahwardi would want to take off once he set foot on a racetrack again. To begin with he was worried about show jumping on the race track. When he finally did jump, he used a lot of power, which he does not normally do. He was however very clean over the jumps and I felt like he was enjoying himself. He did the best he could under the circumstances. I had a great day and I really enjoyed the event."
The pair would like to finish the season at amateur 3 level and the Au Dela des Pistes wish them an excellent future together.
For October’s edition of the Retrained Racehorse series, we are delighted to present SHAHWARDI. This 12-year-old gelding amassed over €350,000 during his race career. He now competes at an amateur level in three-day events with his rider, Doris Kantinol.
SHAHWARDI, by LANDO out of SHAMDARA, was bred and raced by His Highness the Aga Khan and trainer Alain de Royer Dupré, before being sold to Mr Anthony Bloom to continue his race career. He raced in France, Britain, Ireland and Australia, at Group level accumulating 4 wins and 14 places throughout his 26 race career. He even won a Group 2 at Caulfield racetrack in Australia and placed at the Royal Ascot meeting during his travels.
He was sent to be retrained in 2014 and was bought by Laura Marland, who let Doris ride him for the 2017 season, as she was looking for a riding horse for eventing. Doris started to work with SHAHWARDI as she recounts: "He had some good basic dressage skills but he did not know how to jump. To begin with, I was unable to detect his jumping ability, but I gave him time and I committed to the challenge. We did a lot of dressage and we worked with poles on the ground. For a while he refused even to jump a 20cm obstacle! He also would not change legs and then suddenly everything fell into place." The pair now compete at an amateur Category 4 level in eventing.
A rider from Doris’ stable attended the Au Dela des Pistes Retrained Racehorse day staged in August at Deauville this year and they explained the concept of the demonstrations undertaken by former racehorses who return to the track. This inspired Doris to contact Au Delà des Pistes to see if she could participate in a similar event with SHAHWARDI. Doris explains: "At the Chantilly Retrained Racehorse day, I was much more stressed than when I compete. I was afraid Shahwardi would want to take off once he set foot on a racetrack again. To begin with he was worried about show jumping on the race track. When he finally did jump, he used a lot of power, which he does not normally do. He was however very clean over the jumps and I felt like he was enjoying himself. He did the best he could under the circumstances. I had a great day and I really enjoyed the event."
The pair would like to finish the season at amateur 3 level and the Au Dela des Pistes wish them an excellent future together.
For the September edition of our "Retrained Racehorse of the Month" series, we have the pleasure of presenting a different approach to retraining, in the form of SWEET YASMINA, a 12-year-old thoroughbred, owned by Lisa Cronie.
For the September edition of our "Retrained Racehorse of the Month" series, we have the pleasure of presenting a different approach to retraining, in the form of SWEET YASMINA, a 12-year-old thoroughbred, owned by Lisa Cronie.
For August’s edition of “Retrained Racehorse of the Month”, we have chosen MAMAMIA OF COURSE. After a modest career on the flat and over jumps, this 10-year-old gelding now shares his life with his former exercise rider, Charlotte Masseron, with whom he does ethological riding demonstrations.
MAMAMIA OF COURSE arrived at the Maisons-Laffitte stables of Jean-Louis Gay at the same time as Charlotte Masseron, who was just starting as an exercise rider. He raced a few times on the flat and over jumps without much result.
In training for two years, he was then retrained in 2012 following a fracture to his front left pedal bone. Contacted by his trainer, the exercise rider decided to take MAMAMIA OF COURSE, her favourite at the stable, to avoid him having a tragic end.
"He stood out from the others as he was very playful, and it was this side that I loved even though it wasn’t always easy to handle," Charlotte Masseron remembers. At the time, she was taking a course in ethological equitation. She therefore resumed her horse’s education from scratch and “re-broke” him using this method.
Having left the world of racing, she decided to take her BPJEPS with MAMAMIA OF COURSE. Charlotte explains, "He is a very generous horse that gives you everything. He adapts easily and learns and understands quickly! Thanks to ethology, he is very light in dressage and doesn’t ask questions in cross-country. For the BPJEPS, I am the only one to have passed the exam with my own horse and we managed to get our diploma despite the reservations people had about us! You can do everything with a thoroughbred when we take time, they are horses that need to understand first."
The duo showed their talents with a demonstration at the Retrained Racehorse Day at Deauville on August 25 for Au-Dela Des Pistes. "I am very happy with him – he behaved exceptionally during his time in Deauville. He was very calm. During the demonstration, he wasn’t as relaxed as I would have liked because he was a bit stressed by the environment that reminded him of racing, but I am very proud of him and our history. It’s important to show people what ex-racehorses can do. The day was a very good experience for both of us," says Charlotte Masseron.
MAMAMIA OF COURSE wore just a rope headcollar with a short string during this demonstration. They also compete in eventing at Amateur 3 category.
The Au-Dela Des Pistes team thank MAMAMIA OF COURSE and Charlotte Masseron for their amazing participation and it will be a pleasure to see them again.
For August’s edition of “Retrained Racehorse of the Month”, we have chosen MAMAMIA OF COURSE. After a modest career on the flat and over jumps, this 10-year-old gelding now shares his life with his former exercise rider, Charlotte Masseron, with whom he does ethological riding demonstrations.
MAMAMIA OF COURSE arrived at the Maisons-Laffitte stables of Jean-Louis Gay at the same time as Charlotte Masseron, who was just starting as an exercise rider. He raced a few times on the flat and over jumps without much result.
In training for two years, he was then retrained in 2012 following a fracture to his front left pedal bone. Contacted by his trainer, the exercise rider decided to take MAMAMIA OF COURSE, her favourite at the stable, to avoid him having a tragic end.
"He stood out from the others as he was very playful, and it was this side that I loved even though it wasn’t always easy to handle," Charlotte Masseron remembers. At the time, she was taking a course in ethological equitation. She therefore resumed her horse’s education from scratch and “re-broke” him using this method.
Having left the world of racing, she decided to take her BPJEPS with MAMAMIA OF COURSE. Charlotte explains, "He is a very generous horse that gives you everything. He adapts easily and learns and understands quickly! Thanks to ethology, he is very light in dressage and doesn’t ask questions in cross-country. For the BPJEPS, I am the only one to have passed the exam with my own horse and we managed to get our diploma despite the reservations people had about us! You can do everything with a thoroughbred when we take time, they are horses that need to understand first."
The duo showed their talents with a demonstration at the Retrained Racehorse Day at Deauville on August 25 for Au-Dela Des Pistes. "I am very happy with him – he behaved exceptionally during his time in Deauville. He was very calm. During the demonstration, he wasn’t as relaxed as I would have liked because he was a bit stressed by the environment that reminded him of racing, but I am very proud of him and our history. It’s important to show people what ex-racehorses can do. The day was a very good experience for both of us," says Charlotte Masseron.
MAMAMIA OF COURSE wore just a rope headcollar with a short string during this demonstration. They also compete in eventing at Amateur 3 category.
The Au-Dela Des Pistes team thank MAMAMIA OF COURSE and Charlotte Masseron for their amazing participation and it will be a pleasure to see them again.
For the July edition of our series of "Retrained Racehorse of the Month", we have chosen ROYAL CAROUSEL’s story. A grey gelding that ran on the flat and over jumps in his previous career, he was crowned Vice-Champion of France in the Hunter category on July 27 with his rider Severine Moreau.
Trained by Jean-Yves Artu, ROYAL CAROUSEL took part in around 10 races during his career. Severine, who rode him from time to time in training, fell in love with the horse that she was taking for a ride.
Running on the flat and over jumps, ROYAL CAROUSEL picked up an injury that required time off, so Severine offered to take him for six months. His owner Monsieur Jouanno then decided to put him back into training, but with the risk of injuring himself again too great, he was then retired and given to Severine.
He stayed in the field for five years. "This transitional time was very important because it allowed him to clear his head and get rid of all the pressure," says Severine. This is not her first experience of ex-racehorses, because ROYAL CAROUSEL is the third that she has had.
Wanting to compete again, she put him back into work, and together they began their partnership in a show-jumping competition in 2008. "ROYAL CAROUSEL is a horse that gives everything and loves being petted. He is also very obedient and has a very good stride which is needed for a Hunter," explains Severine. With his nice paces, Severine and her horse switched to this discipline with great success.
The duo recorded some very good results before taking part in the French National Hunter Championship on July 27, 2018. "The day before the event, ROYAL CAROUSEL hit his eye in the box and it swelled up a lot. I thought we would have to withdraw. Luckily the following day his eye was a lot better! We were able to take part in the competition and the first day everything went well and we were provisionally placed second overnight. The second day a pole fell, which lost us first place," said Severine. ROYAL CAROUSEL and his rider still came second in the competition!
Now a 17-year-old, Severine is looking at a final year of competing with the gelding, before giving him a well-deserved retirement in the field with her.
The Au-Dela Des Pistes team congratulates ROYAL CAROUSEL and Severine Moreau for their performance and wish them the best of luck in the future. THANK YOU for promoting the potential of ex-racehorses so well!
For the July edition of our series of "Retrained Racehorse of the Month", we have chosen ROYAL CAROUSEL’s story. A grey gelding that ran on the flat and over jumps in his previous career, he was crowned Vice-Champion of France in the Hunter category on July 27 with his rider Severine Moreau.
Trained by Jean-Yves Artu, ROYAL CAROUSEL took part in around 10 races during his career. Severine, who rode him from time to time in training, fell in love with the horse that she was taking for a ride.
Running on the flat and over jumps, ROYAL CAROUSEL picked up an injury that required time off, so Severine offered to take him for six months. His owner Monsieur Jouanno then decided to put him back into training, but with the risk of injuring himself again too great, he was then retired and given to Severine.
He stayed in the field for five years. "This transitional time was very important because it allowed him to clear his head and get rid of all the pressure," says Severine. This is not her first experience of ex-racehorses, because ROYAL CAROUSEL is the third that she has had.
Wanting to compete again, she put him back into work, and together they began their partnership in a show-jumping competition in 2008. "ROYAL CAROUSEL is a horse that gives everything and loves being petted. He is also very obedient and has a very good stride which is needed for a Hunter," explains Severine. With his nice paces, Severine and her horse switched to this discipline with great success.
The duo recorded some very good results before taking part in the French National Hunter Championship on July 27, 2018. "The day before the event, ROYAL CAROUSEL hit his eye in the box and it swelled up a lot. I thought we would have to withdraw. Luckily the following day his eye was a lot better! We were able to take part in the competition and the first day everything went well and we were provisionally placed second overnight. The second day a pole fell, which lost us first place," said Severine. ROYAL CAROUSEL and his rider still came second in the competition!
Now a 17-year-old, Severine is looking at a final year of competing with the gelding, before giving him a well-deserved retirement in the field with her.
The Au-Dela Des Pistes team congratulates ROYAL CAROUSEL and Severine Moreau for their performance and wish them the best of luck in the future. THANK YOU for promoting the potential of ex-racehorses so well!
All roads lead to the French Club Elite Show Jumping Championships for our retrained racehourse of the month of June, ZAMBA BEAUTY! After having won the title of Champion of the Eure Department, ZAMBA BEAUTY, now a 13-year-old and ridden by Sarah Houssais, will take a further step on the path to becoming national champion in two weeks’ time at Lamotte-Beuvron.
And yet, ZAMBA BEAUTY’s original story was one that had a very different destiny. Retrained as a four-year-old after a modest flat career, she was part of a group of horses that were owned by a horse dealer and destined to ride in the "wrong truck". Luckily, he instead decided to give her to a rider that played Horse-Ball and also retrained her.
Sold on to another rider that then abandoned her, ZAMBA BEAUTY eventually found a home for life with her new owner Sarah Houssais. She remembers, "I was going around the livery yards in Normandy when I found ZAMBA BEAUTY. A man was looking after her as best he could as her owner had abandoned her, and he told me that she was a lovely mare that needed a good home. She wasn’t very good-looking, but I fell for her."
Even if the subsequent retraining wasn’t the easiest, the new pair competed for the first time in 2015 in show-jumping events at Club 2 level (around 85cm). Sarah Houssais remembers, "The start was very difficult. ZAMBA BEAUTY, even if she has a lovely temperament was very nervous and stressed. She learnt quickly, but any change in her environment made her panic. We took a year to be able to jump two fences together quietly. And then, it all fell into place ! "
It really did fall into place, as one year after that in 2016, ZAMBA BEAUTY finished close to the placings in the French Owners’ championships at Lamotte-Beuvron in Club 1 (95cm) and was eighth in the conformation and paces competition. Constantly progressing, the pair won the Eure Championships on June 11 to qualify for the National Championships back at Lamotte-Beuvron. Sarah Houssais outlines, "ZAMBA BEAUTY is amazing. She has a character trait that all thoroughbreds have in my experience - generosity. They have an enormous heart and will give everything when you ask for it if they trust you. Not to mention their capacity to adapt to anything ! "
The Au-Dela Des Pistes team congratulate the pair on their fantastic story and wish them the best of luck in their next venture that is coming up quickly !
All roads lead to the French Club Elite Show Jumping Championships for our retrained racehourse of the month of June, ZAMBA BEAUTY! After having won the title of Champion of the Eure Department, ZAMBA BEAUTY, now a 13-year-old and ridden by Sarah Houssais, will take a further step on the path to becoming national champion in two weeks’ time at Lamotte-Beuvron.
And yet, ZAMBA BEAUTY’s original story was one that had a very different destiny. Retrained as a four-year-old after a modest flat career, she was part of a group of horses that were owned by a horse dealer and destined to ride in the "wrong truck". Luckily, he instead decided to give her to a rider that played Horse-Ball and also retrained her.
Sold on to another rider that then abandoned her, ZAMBA BEAUTY eventually found a home for life with her new owner Sarah Houssais. She remembers, "I was going around the livery yards in Normandy when I found ZAMBA BEAUTY. A man was looking after her as best he could as her owner had abandoned her, and he told me that she was a lovely mare that needed a good home. She wasn’t very good-looking, but I fell for her."
Even if the subsequent retraining wasn’t the easiest, the new pair competed for the first time in 2015 in show-jumping events at Club 2 level (around 85cm). Sarah Houssais remembers, "The start was very difficult. ZAMBA BEAUTY, even if she has a lovely temperament was very nervous and stressed. She learnt quickly, but any change in her environment made her panic. We took a year to be able to jump two fences together quietly. And then, it all fell into place ! "
It really did fall into place, as one year after that in 2016, ZAMBA BEAUTY finished close to the placings in the French Owners’ championships at Lamotte-Beuvron in Club 1 (95cm) and was eighth in the conformation and paces competition. Constantly progressing, the pair won the Eure Championships on June 11 to qualify for the National Championships back at Lamotte-Beuvron. Sarah Houssais outlines, "ZAMBA BEAUTY is amazing. She has a character trait that all thoroughbreds have in my experience - generosity. They have an enormous heart and will give everything when you ask for it if they trust you. Not to mention their capacity to adapt to anything ! "
The Au-Dela Des Pistes team congratulate the pair on their fantastic story and wish them the best of luck in their next venture that is coming up quickly !
For this month’s Retrained Racehorse series, we return to the popular discipline of eventing, where we have the pleasure to present CORBON, a 4 year old gelding, ridden by the International Eventing Rider, Barbara Sayous.
Trained originally by the champion Pau based trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget, CORBON won once from four outings on the flat. However his trainer soon realised that whilst a great career as a racehorse did not beckon, the gelding had potential as an eventing horse due to his athleticism and his calm nature. Barbara Sayous explains: "Jean-Claude called my father and I to say he had a horse that he felt had potential as a sport horse. My father went to see him in training and immediately fell in love with him. We therefore brought him back home and turned him out in a field for 3 to 4 months so he could finish growing and put on some weight. He has such a kind and affectionate nature that we said to ourselves, even if he does not make it as a sport horse, we’ll keep him as a riding horse!"
However after only several weeks of retraining, CORBON quickly proved to be a great student when working on the flat and over poles. His rider explains: "CORBON has a fantastic temperament. He has always been calm, straight forward and hard working. Obviously we had to teach him to work in the correct way, to learn not to be in a rush during his exercises. To begin with, it was difficult to teach him how to jump as he did not understand that he had to go over the obstacles. However one day the penny dropped, over a straight line of jumps and since then he thinks this is fun and is very respectful of the fences."
The International 3 star rider, Barbara Sayous, also makes the following point: "There are a lot of misconceptions with thoroughbreds. However these horses are extremely hard working and eager to please. CORBON is not the first thoroughbred we have retrained. Their character that is kind, respectful and straight-forward is undeniably their best feature. They also have a natural aptitude to gallop in the cross country phase of eventing. I have ridden many warm blood breeds to a high level and I can testify that many are not as easy as ex-racehorses and they do not gallop as fast either! To those riders out there that are still hesitating about whether to try an ex-racehorse as an eventing horse, I say to them, stop hesitating!"
Since the beginning of the 2018 season, CORBON has competed twice in showjumping competitions, scoring 4 and 8 penalties respectively. "He made small errors that a young horse makes, but they were not important", explained Barbara Sayous. Today, Monday 28th May CORBON undertook his first eventing competition, ridden by François Pons, another high level eventing rider and Barbara’s partner. This first test in the discipline ended with an excellent third place in the overall standings after two magnificent clear-round on CSO and cross-country.
All the Au-Delà des Pistes team wishes to congratulate CORBON and Barbara Sayous for their success so far and we wish you an excellent future together. THANK YOU for showing the potential of the ex-racehorse.
To see Corbon in video, don't hesitate to click on the Facebook page of Barbara Bayous Eventing.
For this month’s Retrained Racehorse series, we return to the popular discipline of eventing, where we have the pleasure to present CORBON, a 4 year old gelding, ridden by the International Eventing Rider, Barbara Sayous.
Trained originally by the champion Pau based trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget, CORBON won once from four outings on the flat. However his trainer soon realised that whilst a great career as a racehorse did not beckon, the gelding had potential as an eventing horse due to his athleticism and his calm nature. Barbara Sayous explains: "Jean-Claude called my father and I to say he had a horse that he felt had potential as a sport horse. My father went to see him in training and immediately fell in love with him. We therefore brought him back home and turned him out in a field for 3 to 4 months so he could finish growing and put on some weight. He has such a kind and affectionate nature that we said to ourselves, even if he does not make it as a sport horse, we’ll keep him as a riding horse!"
However after only several weeks of retraining, CORBON quickly proved to be a great student when working on the flat and over poles. His rider explains: "CORBON has a fantastic temperament. He has always been calm, straight forward and hard working. Obviously we had to teach him to work in the correct way, to learn not to be in a rush during his exercises. To begin with, it was difficult to teach him how to jump as he did not understand that he had to go over the obstacles. However one day the penny dropped, over a straight line of jumps and since then he thinks this is fun and is very respectful of the fences."
The International 3 star rider, Barbara Sayous, also makes the following point: "There are a lot of misconceptions with thoroughbreds. However these horses are extremely hard working and eager to please. CORBON is not the first thoroughbred we have retrained. Their character that is kind, respectful and straight-forward is undeniably their best feature. They also have a natural aptitude to gallop in the cross country phase of eventing. I have ridden many warm blood breeds to a high level and I can testify that many are not as easy as ex-racehorses and they do not gallop as fast either! To those riders out there that are still hesitating about whether to try an ex-racehorse as an eventing horse, I say to them, stop hesitating!"
Since the beginning of the 2018 season, CORBON has competed twice in showjumping competitions, scoring 4 and 8 penalties respectively. "He made small errors that a young horse makes, but they were not important", explained Barbara Sayous. Today, Monday 28th May CORBON undertook his first eventing competition, ridden by François Pons, another high level eventing rider and Barbara’s partner. This first test in the discipline ended with an excellent third place in the overall standings after two magnificent clear-round on CSO and cross-country.
All the Au-Delà des Pistes team wishes to congratulate CORBON and Barbara Sayous for their success so far and we wish you an excellent future together. THANK YOU for showing the potential of the ex-racehorse.
To see Corbon in video, don't hesitate to click on the Facebook page of Barbara Bayous Eventing.
For the April edition of our « Retrained Racehorse of the Month » series, we have the pleasure to present CLAY DAVIS, a six year old gelding that has been retrained as a vaulting horse by the Machecoul Riding School in the Loire-Atlantique region. This riding centre are regular winners of vaulting competitions at departmental, regional and national level in this specialised equine discipline.
CLAY DAVIS never raced as a racehorse and he was retired from training as a three year old. He was then sent to the Au-Delà Des Pistes accredited retraining centre Ecurie Seconde Chance. His eventual vaulting trainer, Alex Laurent, manager and instructor at the Machecoul Riding School, bought CLAY DAVIS from a local riding club that was ceasing their activity due to financial constraints. Alex explains: "I really like this breed of horse and I have worked with them a lot throughout my career. Thoroughbreds are both intelligent and extremely generous horses. We have four ex-racehorses at our stables but only CLAY DAVIS has been trained as a vaulting horse."
CLAY DAVIS was not bought for this purpose as Alex explains : " For vaulting we tend to look for very big horses, with long, broad backs so the rider has enough space to execute their moves. CLAY DAVIS is a small horse, measuring 16 hands. However his temperament compensates for his size. He is very calm and concentrated on his work even if sometimes he jumps around like a thoroughbred! He will probably never reach a high level of vaulting but he is likely to participate soon in his first vaulting competition. He also has potential in dressage and eventing. He’s a really lovely horse and he retrained very quickly as a vaulting horse."
The Au-Delà des Pistes team wishes a successful first vaulting competition for CLAY DAVIS in this discipline that is rare to find an ex-racehorse, but as we like to say: these horses can do anything!
For the April edition of our « Retrained Racehorse of the Month » series, we have the pleasure to present CLAY DAVIS, a six year old gelding that has been retrained as a vaulting horse by the Machecoul Riding School in the Loire-Atlantique region. This riding centre are regular winners of vaulting competitions at departmental, regional and national level in this specialised equine discipline.
CLAY DAVIS never raced as a racehorse and he was retired from training as a three year old. He was then sent to the Au-Delà Des Pistes accredited retraining centre Ecurie Seconde Chance. His eventual vaulting trainer, Alex Laurent, manager and instructor at the Machecoul Riding School, bought CLAY DAVIS from a local riding club that was ceasing their activity due to financial constraints. Alex explains: "I really like this breed of horse and I have worked with them a lot throughout my career. Thoroughbreds are both intelligent and extremely generous horses. We have four ex-racehorses at our stables but only CLAY DAVIS has been trained as a vaulting horse."
CLAY DAVIS was not bought for this purpose as Alex explains : " For vaulting we tend to look for very big horses, with long, broad backs so the rider has enough space to execute their moves. CLAY DAVIS is a small horse, measuring 16 hands. However his temperament compensates for his size. He is very calm and concentrated on his work even if sometimes he jumps around like a thoroughbred! He will probably never reach a high level of vaulting but he is likely to participate soon in his first vaulting competition. He also has potential in dressage and eventing. He’s a really lovely horse and he retrained very quickly as a vaulting horse."
The Au-Delà des Pistes team wishes a successful first vaulting competition for CLAY DAVIS in this discipline that is rare to find an ex-racehorse, but as we like to say: these horses can do anything!
For March’s edition of the retrained racehorse of the month series, we celebrate a French cultural tradition: High School Dressage (or Dressage Haute Ecole). LILLY FORTUNE had a modest race career from four to five years, before excelling in this elegant and renowned discipline of the French equestrian world.
For March’s edition of the retrained racehorse of the month series, we celebrate a French cultural tradition: High School Dressage (or Dressage Haute Ecole). LILLY FORTUNE had a modest race career from four to five years, before excelling in this elegant and renowned discipline of the French equestrian world.
For the February 2018 edition and as part of our monthly Retrained Racehorse of the Month, we are pleased to present the story of DUR AU MAL. This five-year-old AQPS gelding has joined the ranks of Pierre Fleury, an equestrian artist with international renown just a little less than a year ago.
DUR AU MAL has never run. Reformed at the beginning of 2017 due to a lack of aptitude, DUR AU MAL quickly joined the Pierre Fleury team in April of the same year. Justine, his wife said: "We were in contact with professional Horse-Ball players who regularly retrained former racehorses and we told them that we were looking for a horse of this type to diversify our horse picket. We usually work mainly with Highland ponies. I know Thoroughbreds well, having climbed a lot in the past, and they are horses that I particularly like because of their sensitivity."
First try, first blow of heart when the couple goes to try DUR AU MAL in one of their contact’s yard. Justine Fleury says: "DUR AU MAL is a real nice horse. He is a little looking at everything but quickly trust the human. That's why his schooling went very well. He has a very docile character. My 22-month-old daughter (whom I'm holding!) rides on her back in liberty and he stays absolutely cool. It's to tell you!." Good learning, and fast as it is because just five months after his arrival in the Fleury stables, DUR AU MAL is already performing its first performance during the Foire de Caen, in September. The wife of the artist explains: "Pierre could better talk to you than me but DUR AU MAL is very responsive. He has an extraordinary ability to learn, which is characteristic of ex-racehorses. There is also a real energy behind these horses which makes work in freedom very pleasant with them. Sometimes this can be a disadvantage because when an error is made, it takes on a much larger proportion than with other breeds of horses, but we manage to get back to work quickly. Thanks to this character trait, the evolution of DUR AU MAL has been excellent." Excellent to the point that today DUR AU MAL is raised with the piaffe, with the Spanish step, with the bed in freedom (...) and carried out recently its second representation with a third envisaged current May 2018. Next step ? Justine Fleury answers: "Now, we'll have to learn how to manage the different environments in which he will meet during the shows. The applause of the public is for example a point that he will have to learn to apprehend. But that should not be a problem because everything has always been good with him. We are also looking for a second ex-racehorse to perhaps embellish the “Thoroughbred" show with DUR AU MAL. If you know ?!" To see one of the performances of DUR AU MAL, as a dancer (at minute 59), and Pierre Fleury, click here. http://bit.ly/2F6wlSj The whole team of Au-Delà Des Pistes wishes a very nice continuation to Pierre Fleury and DUR AU MAL and will be happy to find them a new partner of show!For the February 2018 edition and as part of our monthly Retrained Racehorse of the Month, we are pleased to present the story of DUR AU MAL. This five-year-old AQPS gelding has joined the ranks of Pierre Fleury, an equestrian artist with international renown just a little less than a year ago.
DUR AU MAL has never run. Reformed at the beginning of 2017 due to a lack of aptitude, DUR AU MAL quickly joined the Pierre Fleury team in April of the same year. Justine, his wife said: "We were in contact with professional Horse-Ball players who regularly retrained former racehorses and we told them that we were looking for a horse of this type to diversify our horse picket. We usually work mainly with Highland ponies. I know Thoroughbreds well, having climbed a lot in the past, and they are horses that I particularly like because of their sensitivity."
First try, first blow of heart when the couple goes to try DUR AU MAL in one of their contact’s yard. Justine Fleury says: "DUR AU MAL is a real nice horse. He is a little looking at everything but quickly trust the human. That's why his schooling went very well. He has a very docile character. My 22-month-old daughter (whom I'm holding!) rides on her back in liberty and he stays absolutely cool. It's to tell you!." Good learning, and fast as it is because just five months after his arrival in the Fleury stables, DUR AU MAL is already performing its first performance during the Foire de Caen, in September. The wife of the artist explains: "Pierre could better talk to you than me but DUR AU MAL is very responsive. He has an extraordinary ability to learn, which is characteristic of ex-racehorses. There is also a real energy behind these horses which makes work in freedom very pleasant with them. Sometimes this can be a disadvantage because when an error is made, it takes on a much larger proportion than with other breeds of horses, but we manage to get back to work quickly. Thanks to this character trait, the evolution of DUR AU MAL has been excellent." Excellent to the point that today DUR AU MAL is raised with the piaffe, with the Spanish step, with the bed in freedom (...) and carried out recently its second representation with a third envisaged current May 2018. Next step ? Justine Fleury answers: "Now, we'll have to learn how to manage the different environments in which he will meet during the shows. The applause of the public is for example a point that he will have to learn to apprehend. But that should not be a problem because everything has always been good with him. We are also looking for a second ex-racehorse to perhaps embellish the “Thoroughbred" show with DUR AU MAL. If you know ?!" To see one of the performances of DUR AU MAL, as a dancer (at minute 59), and Pierre Fleury, click here. http://bit.ly/2F6wlSj The whole team of Au-Delà Des Pistes wishes a very nice continuation to Pierre Fleury and DUR AU MAL and will be happy to find them a new partner of show!
For the first Retrained Racehorse of the Month for 2018, we are delighted to present DIAMONDCHOP. This former racehorse now plies his trade as a “Horse Coach” – which, if you’re like us, is an activity you’re probably discovering for the first time thanks to the many skills of retrained thoroughbreds!
For the first Retrained Racehorse of the Month for 2018, we are delighted to present DIAMONDCHOP. This former racehorse now plies his trade as a “Horse Coach” – which, if you’re like us, is an activity you’re probably discovering for the first time thanks to the many skills of retrained thoroughbreds!
In the final instalment of this year’s retrained racehorse series, we are proud to present MARADINI, an 8 year old ex-racehorse, that ran twice for his original owner, His Highness the Aga Khan before retraining to the TREC discipline.
In the final instalment of this year’s retrained racehorse series, we are proud to present MARADINI, an 8 year old ex-racehorse, that ran twice for his original owner, His Highness the Aga Khan before retraining to the TREC discipline.
For the November edition of the Retrained Racehorse of the month series, we have the pleasure to present COUP DE TETE, a former hurdler that was retrained only 9 months ago. Today he is the prized eventing performer of a group of friends.
For the November edition of the Retrained Racehorse of the month series, we have the pleasure to present COUP DE TETE, a former hurdler that was retrained only 9 months ago. Today he is the prized eventing performer of a group of friends.
Continuing our series of Retrained Racehorses, profiling former racehorses who have gone on to success in second careers, we are delighted to bring you the heart-warming story of SAPHIR DE KERZA, a former National Hunt performer who has made the successful cross-over to a career in endurance riding.
Continuing our series of Retrained Racehorses, profiling former racehorses who have gone on to success in second careers, we are delighted to bring you the heart-warming story of SAPHIR DE KERZA, a former National Hunt performer who has made the successful cross-over to a career in endurance riding.
As part of Au-Delà des Pistes ongoing series of Ex-Racehorse of the Month, for September we are delighted to introduce you to CALCÉDOINE. An eight-year-old mare who has been retrained in the discipline of eventing, she and her rider, Vinciane Rock were recently crowned Champions of France in the Eventing Derby.
As part of Au-Delà des Pistes ongoing series of Ex-Racehorse of the Month, for September we are delighted to introduce you to CALCÉDOINE. An eight-year-old mare who has been retrained in the discipline of eventing, she and her rider, Vinciane Rock were recently crowned Champions of France in the Eventing Derby.
For the August edition of our "Ex-Racehorse of the Month" series, we are pleased to present VISON SPÉCIAL, an ex-race horse that now excels at Extreme Cow-Boy Racing. This gelding also participated, on the 26th August, at our Retrained Racehorses Day at Deauville-La Touques racecourse.
For the August edition of our "Ex-Racehorse of the Month" series, we are pleased to present VISON SPÉCIAL, an ex-race horse that now excels at Extreme Cow-Boy Racing. This gelding also participated, on the 26th August, at our Retrained Racehorses Day at Deauville-La Touques racecourse.
For the July edition of our monthly "Retrained Racehorse" series, we are pleased to present FORTEZZO, a 9 year old gelding, retrained as a showjumper for the last three years by his dedicated owner and rider, Sophie Perouelle.
For the July edition of our monthly "Retrained Racehorse" series, we are pleased to present FORTEZZO, a 9 year old gelding, retrained as a showjumper for the last three years by his dedicated owner and rider, Sophie Perouelle.
For June’s edition of our monthly "Retrained Racehorse" series, we are pleased to present MENS SANA (Latin for A Healthy Mind), a six-year-old mare, who has been retrained by her dedicated rider, Brieuc Rigaux, France’s number one polo player.
For June’s edition of our monthly "Retrained Racehorse" series, we are pleased to present MENS SANA (Latin for A Healthy Mind), a six-year-old mare, who has been retrained by her dedicated rider, Brieuc Rigaux, France’s number one polo player.
For May’s edition of our monthly « Retrained Racehorse» series, we are pleased to present ABI PRETTY, a 7 year old mare, retrained as a three day eventer for the last three years by her loyal rider, Manon Filliou.
ABI PRETTY, was born to race and she was trained in Damien Cadot’s yard. However, after several months of training, ABI PRETTY’s entourage discovered she had a respiratory issue which proved problematic for her training and racing career. In fact ABI PRETTY was born without a pair of ribs, on the right side of her rib cage. Her rider, Manon Filliou, explains: “ABI PRETTY was born without two ribes on her right side. If you look carefully you can see she has a slight indentation on this side. The daily exercise of training to race was too much for her, given this handicap. She did not suffer in any way, but this deficiency stopped her from progressing normally in training due to a lack of respiratory capacity.” ABI PRETTY’s entourage, her trainer but also her owner breeder, Pauline Bouguier, decided to reorient ABI PRETTY to equestrian sports, to offer her a second career. Manon Filliou explains: “Her owner, Pauline Bouguier, who is also a friend of mine, asked me to take Abi to retrain her to become an eventer, given this sport is my passion. I accepted with great pleasure and we started the retraining process, with regular training sessions in both dressage and show jumping”. For the last 3 years, ABI PRETTY and Manon have progressed together and they achieved a first place in February 2016 in a Young Horse class. The proud rider explained: “Abi is a mare that is always trying to please. She retrained to eventing with very little difficulty. Over cross country courses, her missing ribs are absolutely not a problem. In fact she is very fast, naturally.” On the Lion d’Angers racecourse on 25th May, ABI PRETTY and Manon, who are sponsored by ADDP for the 2017 eventing season, demonstrated their skills as part of the first Retrained Racehorse day organised by the charity this year. Accompanied by Anaïs Rimbod and Marvillia, another ex-racehorse, the pair performed in front of the Le Lion d’Angers public, who were no doubt impressed to see what an ex-racehorse can achieve with some retraining. “It was a great experience”, details Manon. “I am proud of my mare. She behaved impeccably, despite the crowds and the noise from the racecourse. I think she loved being the centre of attention!”.
For May’s edition of our monthly « Retrained Racehorse» series, we are pleased to present ABI PRETTY, a 7 year old mare, retrained as a three day eventer for the last three years by her loyal rider, Manon Filliou.
ABI PRETTY, was born to race and she was trained in Damien Cadot’s yard. However, after several months of training, ABI PRETTY’s entourage discovered she had a respiratory issue which proved problematic for her training and racing career. In fact ABI PRETTY was born without a pair of ribs, on the right side of her rib cage. Her rider, Manon Filliou, explains: “ABI PRETTY was born without two ribes on her right side. If you look carefully you can see she has a slight indentation on this side. The daily exercise of training to race was too much for her, given this handicap. She did not suffer in any way, but this deficiency stopped her from progressing normally in training due to a lack of respiratory capacity.” ABI PRETTY’s entourage, her trainer but also her owner breeder, Pauline Bouguier, decided to reorient ABI PRETTY to equestrian sports, to offer her a second career. Manon Filliou explains: “Her owner, Pauline Bouguier, who is also a friend of mine, asked me to take Abi to retrain her to become an eventer, given this sport is my passion. I accepted with great pleasure and we started the retraining process, with regular training sessions in both dressage and show jumping”. For the last 3 years, ABI PRETTY and Manon have progressed together and they achieved a first place in February 2016 in a Young Horse class. The proud rider explained: “Abi is a mare that is always trying to please. She retrained to eventing with very little difficulty. Over cross country courses, her missing ribs are absolutely not a problem. In fact she is very fast, naturally.” On the Lion d’Angers racecourse on 25th May, ABI PRETTY and Manon, who are sponsored by ADDP for the 2017 eventing season, demonstrated their skills as part of the first Retrained Racehorse day organised by the charity this year. Accompanied by Anaïs Rimbod and Marvillia, another ex-racehorse, the pair performed in front of the Le Lion d’Angers public, who were no doubt impressed to see what an ex-racehorse can achieve with some retraining. “It was a great experience”, details Manon. “I am proud of my mare. She behaved impeccably, despite the crowds and the noise from the racecourse. I think she loved being the centre of attention!”.
It is with great pleasure that we present the winner, FABULOUSLY, nominated by his owner for the last 8 years Laure Grall.
It is with great pleasure that we present the winner, FABULOUSLY, nominated by his owner for the last 8 years Laure Grall.
For this month, Au-Delà Des Pistes is delighted to present ICE STONE. This 8 year old gelding, was owned and bred by the Marquise de Moratella.
For this month, Au-Delà Des Pistes is delighted to present ICE STONE. This 8 year old gelding, was owned and bred by the Marquise de Moratella. Trained by Didier Guillemin, who is based in the South West of France, ICE STONE won three races during his career. His owner places great importance on the welfare of her horses: before, during and after their race careers. This was illustrated by ICE STONE’s story, as following a tendon injury as a 4 year old, he was sent back to ACF Equine in Saint Lambert la Potherie, which manages the horses of the Marquise de Moratella. It is here that ICE STONE met his new rider, Pierre-Hugues Henry, manager of ACF Equine but also a professional Horse-Ball player. After a period of convalescence, ICE STONE was retrained for this unique sport. After several training sessions, ICE STONE and Pierre-Hugues started to compete for the Angers Horse-Ball team and rose to participate at the highest level, the Pro-Elite league. On the 11th March, during the French Horse-Ball Championships at Deauville, the pair won as part of the Angers team against Chambly and were presented with a magnificent Au-Delà Des Pistes saddlecloth!
For this month, Au-Delà Des Pistes is delighted to present ICE STONE. This 8 year old gelding, was owned and bred by the Marquise de Moratella.
For this month, Au-Delà Des Pistes is delighted to present ICE STONE. This 8 year old gelding, was owned and bred by the Marquise de Moratella. Trained by Didier Guillemin, who is based in the South West of France, ICE STONE won three races during his career. His owner places great importance on the welfare of her horses: before, during and after their race careers. This was illustrated by ICE STONE’s story, as following a tendon injury as a 4 year old, he was sent back to ACF Equine in Saint Lambert la Potherie, which manages the horses of the Marquise de Moratella. It is here that ICE STONE met his new rider, Pierre-Hugues Henry, manager of ACF Equine but also a professional Horse-Ball player. After a period of convalescence, ICE STONE was retrained for this unique sport. After several training sessions, ICE STONE and Pierre-Hugues started to compete for the Angers Horse-Ball team and rose to participate at the highest level, the Pro-Elite league. On the 11th March, during the French Horse-Ball Championships at Deauville, the pair won as part of the Angers team against Chambly and were presented with a magnificent Au-Delà Des Pistes saddlecloth!
Dublin’s famous racecourse, Leopardstown, hosted the Gr.1 Irish Champion Hurdle meeting on Sunday 29th January 2017. At this year’s meeting, the champion hurdler, Hurricane Fly came back to parade at the racecourse.
Dublin’s famous racecourse, Leopardstown, hosted the Gr.1 Irish Champion Hurdle meeting on Sunday 29th January 2017. At this year’s meeting, the champion hurdler, Hurricane Fly came back to parade at the racecourse.
After Sprinter Sacred a few months ago, another champion, Don Cossack, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2016, has retired.
Following a light injury, trainer Gordon Elliott and his owners Gigginstown House Stud, have decided to halt the race career of Don Cossack. The 10 year old gelding will live out a quiet retirement, in the paddocks of Gigginstown House Stud. Congratulations to all his connections and to Don Cossack for his admirable race career including 16 victories and 6 at the highest level.
After Sprinter Sacred a few months ago, another champion, Don Cossack, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2016, has retired.
Following a light injury, trainer Gordon Elliott and his owners Gigginstown House Stud, have decided to halt the race career of Don Cossack. The 10 year old gelding will live out a quiet retirement, in the paddocks of Gigginstown House Stud. Congratulations to all his connections and to Don Cossack for his admirable race career including 16 victories and 6 at the highest level.
On Friday 30th December 2016, Au-Delà Des Pistes was present at Pau racecourse for the parade of Monpilou, the best Anglo-Arab of his generation. This versatile chaser and hurdler regularly defeated thoroughbreds throughout his brilliant career.
Since retiring from the racetracks, Monpilou, has been under the care of Valery Pascal Dupouy for two years in the south-west of France, after his owner Jacques Détré entrusted him with his gelding to live out a peaceful retirement.
Watch videoOn Friday 30th December 2016, Au-Delà Des Pistes was present at Pau racecourse for the parade of Monpilou, the best Anglo-Arab of his generation. This versatile chaser and hurdler regularly defeated thoroughbreds throughout his brilliant career.
Since retiring from the racetracks, Monpilou, has been under the care of Valery Pascal Dupouy for two years in the south-west of France, after his owner Jacques Détré entrusted him with his gelding to live out a peaceful retirement.
Watch video
At Cheltenham racecourse on the 13th November 2016, the champion two mile chaser Sprinter Sacré, paraded in front of a packed crowd to bid farewell to his fans.
His trainer, Nicky Henderson, had recently announced the nine time Grade I winner was retiring from competition to live out a peaceful retirement. Well done to all the connections of this magnificent and legendary horse.
Watch videoAt Cheltenham racecourse on the 13th November 2016, the champion two mile chaser Sprinter Sacré, paraded in front of a packed crowd to bid farewell to his fans.
His trainer, Nicky Henderson, had recently announced the nine time Grade I winner was retiring from competition to live out a peaceful retirement. Well done to all the connections of this magnificent and legendary horse.
Watch video