Autumn 2011 HEROS is proud to have Monsignor as its ambassador – a prime example of a horse with a future aſter a successful racing career. Although injury brought on early rerement he is now enjoying life to the full. supported by ------------- Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme ------------- HEROS N E W S HEROS News is kindly sponsored by... HEROS News is printed on recyclable material. Help HEROS Help Horses Monsignor meets War Horse – page 2 A tribute to Zucchero – page 7 Help HEROS at Christmas – pages 10 and 11
Transcript
Autumn 2011HEROS is proud to have Monsignor as its ambassador – a prime example of a horse with a future after a successful racing career. Although injury brought on early retirement he is now enjoying life to the full.
April 6th Lambourn Open Day22nd Virgin London Marathon
June Jeremy Kyle Golf Classic (TBC)
July 8th Annual HEROS Show13-15th Gatcombe Festival of
British Eventing
September 22nd Annual HEROS Ball
October 6th Lidderdale Racing Club
visit
COVER piCTuRE: Monsignor is not phased by meeting Joey, a horse puppet from the West End play War Horse.
See ‘your’ HEROS horse on the cover of our newsletter. Post hard copies to us or email them to [email protected] – they must be high resolution (300dpi at 15cm wide) and less than 10mb.
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Letters and submitted articles are edited for length and style only. Factual information remains the same.
Monsignor Meets... at the QiPCo British series
Monsignor’s final appearance with QipCO was at Ascot’s inaugural Champions Day where he met Joey from the groundbreaking play War Horse. As with the play’s audiences, Monsignor was bowled over by how life-like the play’s main character is.The weather was great, the crowd was huge and Frankel proved what a Champion he is. And HEROS was able to carry out a record breaking bucket collection (see Bitesize News, page 3). It was a long day for the HEROS team, Monsignor left home at 8am and arrived back at about 8pm. Although he enjoys these outings he is happy to get back to his field and his mates. He can now have a bit of a rest from his travels.
Unsure at first, Monsignor decides that Joey is friendly enough... if a little different. He’s also happy to parade for his public and line up
with the Ascot team, below.
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORTIt’s autumn already and the number of shopping days until Christmas is in the news! It’s a time that raises a mixture of emotions, from eager anticipation of the festivities to depression at the prospect of finding the money to cope, not to mention the ‘bah, humbug!’ club, of which I am determined not to become a member.To HEROS, this season brings another set of problems. The number of potential loanees goes down while the number of people who can sadly no longer afford to keep their horse goes up. As you may imagine, raising funds is doubly hard, whilst turning horses away is even harder. This year we have pulled out all the stops in our fundraising efforts and we have already started furiously planning for next year. Please keep an eye out for future events. As you will gather from the pictures of the HEROS Masked Ball (p4), they really are fun events enabling everyone to have a good time while raising money for the charity.
Inset right is a picture of the latest recruit to the HEROS team. Having already got Sunny and Ludo there was absolutely no way I was having another dog, especially a puppy! All that training and sleepless nights – anyway, meet Banjo! He is really quite good, although myself and the rest of the team are prepared to leap into action at the first sign of an accident in the office.It was puppy training that led me to think of the similarities with training ex-racehorses. Most dog trainers tell you that nine times out of 10 it’s not the dog that needs training but the owner. That is also true with horses. North Farm Stud, home of HEROS, takes horses with problems on livery and works with the horse and owner to correct the situation. Often the cause is simply the way they have been, or are being, handled. The problem does not always show itself while they are with us so, with horses retrained by HEROS, we make the potential loanee or purchaser aware of the reported previous
behaviour and ensure they are capable and confident with the horse. Mostly the behaviour is not replicated, however in the event that it is, HEROS or North Farm Stud are here as a support network. See Rachel’s letter about Gulf on p7 as an example.Details of the HEROS Christmas cards and raffle tickets are available on p11 – do buy some if you can. In the meantime I would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year from all of us at HEROS.
... BITESIZE NEWS ... BITESIZE NEWS ... BITESIZE NEWS ... Bucket shakes Since our last issue we raised a very worthwhile £646.46 at Windsor. Chepstow was very
fruitful for a Tuesday afternoon raising £249.71 but the best was at Ascot for their Champions Day raising a record £4,041.42. The very next day at Bath, for their last 2011 meeting, we collected £614.64 – not a bad weekend’s work. We are due at Newbury twice before the year closes and are looking forward to rounding off 2011 with two large collections there. We will be asking permission from various racecourses for dates in 2012 as we aim to raise about £15k throughout the year – roughly one month’s keep for the horses in our care.
McTimoney Chiropractic College visit
Students from the McTimoney College visited us for the second time this year and were given a group of horses to look at, assess and treat, giving us feedback afterwards. They are under their tutor’s supervision during their visit and we enjoy providing this service. The students learn about the Charity at the same time as getting hands on experience and we’re always keen to promote the McTimoney technique. We have a McTimoney Practitioner at HEROS on a weekly basis to treat the horses.
HEROS on ATR Zoey Bird, who works with At The Races, has just become one of our Trustees following a visit here. She thought that it would be worthwhile asking if ATR would do a filming session here that could be shown on their Channel so that HEROS would reach a large audience. The filming followed day-to-day life here at HEROS and North Farm Stud and has been shown several times. We will soon be putting it on our website.
The Masked Ball on DVD
Robin Marks from Betfair came to the Masked Ball and interviewed some of the celebrities who attended – this will also be on our website soon.
Grace Muir
Best Masks winners (below)... Adam Muir (Grace’s brother) and Ingrid Pasch. Left: Bobby Davro (inset) got everyone going with his auction banter and a sing-a-long.
SPOTLIGHT ON...
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65 HEROS horses rehomed to date in 2011
The second HEROS Ball, held in a marquee at North Farm Stud, was another great success. The theme for 2011 was a ‘Masked Ball’ and everyone turned up in a variety of masks with prizes for the best-masked lady and gentleman (below).
Delicious
The evening started with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner during which the Auction took place. Everyone commented on how delicious the meal was and all enjoyed the banter, witticisms and singing of our Auctioneer, Bobby Davro who got everyone into a real party mood. The auctions raised almost £16,000 and we were very honoured by one of the prizes being donated in memory of Julia Tooth by Juliet Clibborn, a family friend. Julia had a talent for the rehabilitation of horses, but we
unfortunately lost her to cancer in 2010. We were also extremely pleased that Malcolm Denmark was able to attend and be the winning bidder for a print of his horse, Monsignor (now our Ambassador), from an original painting by Lester Piggott.The Wickermen provided musical entertainment followed by Shakey’s Disco to end the evening. A wonderful time was had by all with a quote from one guest telling us that it featured in the Top Ten of
memorable events in his life – praise indeed.Plans are in place for an even bigger and better Ball next year and the date has been set for Saturday 22nd September 2012. Put it in your diary now.
THE mASk OF HEROSLeft: A wonderful setting. Below: Masked faces and famous faces... John Francome and Bobby Davro raise a few smiles and vital funds.
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OCTOBER SUN GREETS VISITORS
Lidderdale Racing is home to the Royal Windsor Racing Club – members and owners with horses in training there enjoy regular visits to see their horses go through their paces. Following their visit in October they took the opportunity to come to North Farm Stud, home of HEROS, for a tour.A glorious summer-like day had already buoyed up the mood on the gallops in Lambourn and coming to HEROS they met lots of the horses and learned about all the things we do here, both with HEROS and on a commercial basis at North Farm Stud Ltd.Alison Lidderdale, wife of trainer Alastair Lidderdale, provided bacon and sausage rolls for everyone. These were enjoyed with tea and coffee during Grace’s introductory talk prior to the tour.
Opportunity
We had also taken the opportunity to include a few people on the visit that had called the office wanting to have a look round. We often have
these requests and as it is difficult to have an open day for uncertain numbers, or arrange individual visits, we try to fit people in where we can.Three of the HEROS horses gave a demonstration of working in the school. Each was a different type of horse and suitable for different types of homes. Grace explained how the horses were assessed and how the rehoming process worked – including some of the difficulties encountered.
Rehomed
Everyone congregated back in the indoor lunging shed for more refreshments and the opportunity to ask questions and, of course, to buy this year’s Christmas Cards.
The Racing Club have provided feedback, which always helps to make improvements – all commented on how much they learnt, providing them with much food for thought.We always enjoy these types of visits particularly when, as in this case, a horse is rehomed. Lidderdale Racing has already put by 6th October 2012 to repeat the event.• This event raised a generous
£400 through donations and the purchase of HEROS merchandise.
Visitors were impressed with Grace’s passion and knowledge during her introductory talk (right) before they enjoyed watching HEROS-trained ex-racehorses going through their controlled paces in the school (above right). Two horses (above) interrupted their relaxation in the paddock to say hello to their audience.
Want to go racing? Let us take you... www.lidderdaleracing.co.uk
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NEW HOmE NEWS
13yo, 16hh grey gelding by Bering ex Ma Lumiere (FR)Very attractive horse who is a good ride. Good to hack out and would excel showing, at dressage or any other sphere.
Te Quiero – would excel at showing.
Museum – a real school master.
Merlins Dancer – a nice horse who needs a strong rider.
Zanay – 100% genuine in need of a first class home.
HEROS HORSES IN NEEd OF NEW HOmES
MUSEUM20yo, 16hh bay gelding by Tate Gallery (USA) ex Go AnywhereHas been well schooled in the past and has really nice paces. He won numerous showing and dressage classes in his younger days and is a real school master who must only be with geldings not mares.
11yo, 16.1hh bay gelding by Magic Ring (IRE) ex La Piaf (FR)Nice horse who is working nicely on the flat. Needs a knowledgeable environment and strong rider. Windsucks.
ZANAY15yo, 16hh bay gelding by Forzando ex Nineteenth of MayAttractive horse and a good mover who needs a first class home with someone to give him loads of TLC. He is 100% genuine and a great ride and would excel at riding club level and tries his best at everything he does. Windsucks.
We met Rachel Knight several times on our travels with Monsignor to racecourses, where she often works. She told us of an accident on her ex-racehorse that had seen her lose confidence and it was obvious that she loved the horse and wanted to rebuild the relationship. As experts in this field we suggested she brought the horse to North Farm Stud for assessment and get her back on board. Rachel knows we are here as back up should she ever need any further advice and she writes the following:Last year I suffered head and back injuries in a serious fall from my horse, an 11yo ex-racehorse named Gulf. The following months of recovery passed with a lack of direction and self belief, until I began chatting to Hilary Parsons (of HEROS). She understood completely and I was encouraged to learn that the team at North Farm Stud, the home of HEROS, do not restrict their interest solely to the rehabilitation of their own horses. They are flexible and can offer help to individuals in diverse situations.Just one phone call and Gulf was booked up. In that one small step I felt instantly more positive.During his first days away Gulf was assessed and checked to rule out any discomfort as a contributory factor. A farrier examined his feet and a chiropractor his back. An equine dentist uncovered a significant problem, which was promptly treated. At every stage I was included in the process, my permission asked and my involvement
actively encouraged until I was gradually tempted back in to the saddle. I was soon enjoying regular, steady hacks with various horsey companions all the time rebuilding the confidence between horse and rider.
I must thank everyone concerned for their treatment of Gulf and I, for the professionalism, concern and understanding shown. My special thanks goes to Sue Jannaway for her patience in taking everything at my speed, offering useful riding tips and putting me at my ease. North Farm Stud, whose work includes retraining HEROS horses, have helped me greatly to take the first steps and now the journey seems possible.
Rachel, xo
BRIdGING THE GULF
it is with sadness that we report that Zucchero was put down on 13th November.He was one of our longest-standing Club horses, having previously been out on loan – returning to North Farm Stud after an operation for an entrapment of his epiglottis. This resulted in damage to his soft palate.The problem got worse recently and he choked for the second time in a short period, and was very distressed, we reached the kindest decision with the vet to end further suffering.
He was a very special horse and had been very happy until his condition started to deteriorate. He first arrived here as a yearling in 1997 to be broken and soon went on to David Arbuthnot’s where he started a career of seven seasons until 2004. A tendon injury brought about his retirement having raced 33 times – winning six and £118,046 in prize money. In his most notable victory, The Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster in March 2002, he raced prominently on the far side beating the favourite Adiemus by a head.
He was very much like his sire, Dilum, to look at and had a huge amount of presence. Testament to his character was the short time he spent with a Riding for the Disabled Centre, making lots of friends. He was the kindest of horses and we all feel very privileged to have had him in our lives.
ZUCCHERO (1996-2011)
GRACE’S GUIdE...to buying/loaning an ex-racehorse.
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The definition of an ex-racehorse• A thoroughbred horse, bred
for racing with a Weatherbys’ passport.
• A horse that may have gone into training but not quite made the grade.
• A horse that has retired from racing due to injury or having no ability.
Having decided you would like to take on an ex-racer, or any horse for that matter, the first essential rule to apply is... can I afford it? I am not referring to the cost of buying the horse, this is basically irrelevant as it is a one off payment and should only amount to what the horse is worth and how it suits your requirements. Actually being able to financially provide and care for the horse is the real issue as it is a long term commitment. Work out a financial plan taking into consideration:• Insurance (including personal
accident, legal liability and vet fees)
• Keep, e.g. grazing, stabling, livery fees, blacksmith, regular worming, flu and tetanus injections
• Equipment, primarily for the horse but also for yourself
You should also seriously consider whether you have time to do yourself and your horse justice. Having ticked all the boxes you can start looking around.
Where to find a suitable horse
Ascot and Doncaster Sales are two commercial sale houses that specialise in selling ex-racehorses. However, be very careful when buying a horse at
any auction. Basically you are buying blind and unless you are experienced and know what to look for, it is very easy to buy something unsuitable. Also unscrupulous vendors, whether selling at a public auction or privately, are capable of ‘dumbing down’ a horse’s behaviour on the day.Buying direct from a trainer is another option but it is best to choose someone you feel you can trust, or who is known well by someone you trust. You need to remember that trainers train racehorses as a commercial business and may not be inclined to take the horse back in the case of a problem you may experience later on.
Wear a body protector when trying out a horse you don’t know.
Make sure you see the horse ridden before riding it yourself.
GRACE’S GUIdE...
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In my view the stigma attached to ex-racehorses is very misguided. Although they are more athletic and therefore quicker in their reactions most are intelligent, versatile and keen to learn new skills.
A retraining/rehoming centre, such as HEROS, can be a good option but check out their credentials first. Looking through testimonials can be helpful.
Will it be the right horse for you?Ask for the horse’s history, however bear in mind you may not get the full story. Every thoroughbred that has run under rules will be traceable on the Racing Post website: www.racingpost.co.uk.
Insurance cover
The horse should have a valid Weatherbys’ passport. Ask to see it and check the horse’s markings, it should also have a microchip on the right hand side of its neck and when the horse is vetted this is something the vet will most certainly check for you.When trying the horse, check whether the owners have insurance cover for you and the horse in case of an accident. I would advise you take out BHS Gold Insurance cover to make sure you are insured before you go and see any horse.Always insist on seeing someone else ride the horse before you get on it and if you have any doubt in your mind, don’t get on.Make sure you wear the correct clothing, i.e. hat, boots and most definitely a body protector.
Take someone with you, preferably someone with experience, to view the horse and also, in the event of a problem, to drive you home.Try the horse more than once and in different situations. Observe its behaviour closely when being handled and also in the company of other horses in the yard and in the field if possible. Does it kick? Does it seem clingy? If hacking out ride in front and behind. It is more likely to show behavioural traits such as whipping around or napping when leading the way.
Vetted
ALWAYS have a horse vetted, even if it is just a two stage vetting, by an equine vet you trust or who has a sound reputation and knows thoroughbred horses.HEROS prides itself on telling prospective new owners everything about a horse and taking care to match the horse with the most suitable new loanee/owner. However, I know that not all vendors or lenders are quite so scrupulous.
Ask questions about how the horse is best shod and also if it has had any injuries and, if so, are there any veterinary reports you could see. As you have probably by now gathered the best advice is to ‘do your homework’, as you should when taking on any type of horse.
Experienced
An added bonus with ex-racehorses from a practical point of view is that the horses are broken in at a young age and will have experienced lots of things, such as traffic, clipping and loading, crowds, noise etc. There is every possibility that you will get a bargain. HEROS has seen some amazing successes from top class eventing, first class broodmare, showing and dressage and those used simply as fun horses or hacks. Contrary to popular opinion, thoroughbreds usually live a long and fruitful life in a caring environment and give years of happy service to their owner or loanee.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Turning your ex-racehorse into a riding horse.
Take out BHS Gold insurance cover before
trying a horse
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Hard feed for a week
£28.50
Hay for a week£22.75
Haylage for a week£19.50
Straw bedding for a week
£15
Headcollar£12.50
Lead Rope£6.50
Rug£85.00
Set of shoes (monthly)
£55.00
Annual vaccination£28.50
Chiropractic treatment
£45.00
Wormer£10.00
Annual dentistry£65.00
With around 30 horses in our care on average you can see how the costs can mount up – every penny can make a huge difference to the ongoing care and attention of the HEROS horses.
FILL my HAyNET Virtual gifts for ChristmasAll horses at HEROS get the best possible care and if you would like to donate money to help these horses at Christmas time we would be especially grateful. Listed below is a range of items each horse requires,
the cost of which you could donate yourself or on behalf of someone else as a virtual gift. In recognition of your help we would forward a certificate to acknowledge the donation.
EXPERTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF THOROUGHBRED CARE, EDUCATION & REHABILITATION
Established in: • Breaking and education of yearlings and store horses.• Pre-training, schooling and sales preparation.• Boarding and visiting broodmares for foaling and walking-in for the
forthcoming season.
Exceptional facilities and first class carePlease ring for a brochure or visit our website www.northfarmstud.com
For more details, or to book a visit to view the facilities and meet the team, call:
Christmas Cards and Raffle Tickets are now on sale – a book of tickets is enclosed in this issue. Should you wish to order more books, please call the office on 01488 638820. Christmas Cards can be ordered by calling the office or by going online at www.heroscharity.org. Alternatively complete the form on this page.
ON SALE FOR CHRISTmAS
Fill in the form below or ring with your order: 01488 638820 (9am-5pm Mon to Fri)
Prices inc. P&P Quantity Price2011 Christmas cards (per pack of 10) £8.50Pre-2011 Christmas cards (per pack of 10) £8.50
Total £
Your name: Date:Address: Tel:
Please complete the order form above and post with your payment to: HEROS, The Swallows, North Farm Stud, Fawley, Wantage, Oxon OX12 9NJ.
Please make cheques payable to HEROS – DO NOT SEND CASH IN THE POST.
For payment by credit card please call 01488 638820.
2011
Champion jockeys swap their silks and saddles for brushes and paints to create Christmas card masterpieces in support of HEROS.
Also available
Only £1 to enter our Christmas raffleRaffle tickets are available NOW. The draw will take place at the HEROS staff Christmas Party at The Queen’s Arms Hotel, East Garston on December 17 and will be drawn by one of our Trustees, Patrons or special guests.
There is a very special prize for the winner and other fabulous prizes on offer so buy your ticket right away – great value at just £1 – and return your counterfoils to the HEROS office by December 14.
Have you thought about... Backlit Film Ballot Boxes Canvas Prints Carpet Tiles Coasters Exhibition Panels and Stands Garden Banners Message Headers Point of Sale Roller Banners Shelf Edge Strips Show Cards Wallpaper Wobblers Wooden Doors
You are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee and have the right to cancel at any time.
DD / MM / YYYY
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Individuals often raise funds for us by doing sponsored events. If you would like to do this we can always supply you with sponsorship forms, brochures and newsletters to hand out to interested people.You can also set up your own fund raising page on www.justgiving.com/HEROS Horse & Dog ShowRowena, a supporter of ours, and her friend Trish Marks organised a Horse and Dog Show at their yard in aid of several charities, HEROS being one, raising an amazing £600 for us.
funDraising foCus
HEROS SENDS A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL
Table Top Sale HEROS Supporters Club member Felicity wrote to us recently:As you know I have been busy organising a fundraising venture to help towards the fabulous work you do at HEROS, the main event being a Table Top Sale in the Community Centre here in Llanidloes in August.You will be pleased to learn that, taking into account the separate sale of a side saddle that was donated by my riding instructor Patsy Pyke, we raised a very acceptable £604.36. From that sum £153 was raised from our raffle and we made more than £74 on our refreshments and cake stall. My own lovely boy, The Good Doctor, goes from strength to strength and a year after I bought him he is proving himself a really wonderful find. He is really on side now and we are hoping to go a small local competition next weekend.
Felicity Hughes-Ellis
On the 10K RunRebecca Oatley had already decided to run 10k when she got to know about us on a visit and subsequently had one of our HEROS horses on loan. She then decided to run the race in aid of HEROS and managed a time of 1hr 10mins raising approximately £270 for us in the process.
It looks like great fun was had by
all at Rowena and Trish’s Horse and
Dog show.
Join the HEROS Supporters Club and be part of the team that helps HEROS help horses.As any charity knows, regular donations and subscriptions are the basic foundation of maintaining financial stability. In relaunching our HEROS Supporters Club this year we want to focus on you, our supporters, and how important those regular donations are to us.You can join with a donation from as little as £1 per month – this alone will cover the cost of worming one horse for a year... and joining is easy. Contact us on 01488 638820 or you can enrol via the website www.heroscharity.org
You can rest assured that every penny we receive goes towards retraining and rehabilitating ex-racehorses.
Help HEROS Help Horses
HEROS, The Swallows, North Farm Stud, Fawley, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9NJ Tel: 01488 638820 • Email: [email protected] • www.heroscharity.org • Charity No: 1115174 • Company No: 5679136
Monsignor has had a busy year in his ‘Meet The Racehorse’ role for The QIPCO British Champion Series being available throughout the series, with the exception of Royal Ascot and The Derby Meeting.
Thanks
But that doesn’t mean he was taking it easy having also paraded at the Lambourn Open Day and the HEROS Horse Show. His gruelling schedule (see below) has included several overnight stays and we would especially like to thank Patrick Holmes of Foulrice Park Racing, who not only gave Monsignor a stable and paddock for several nights when he visited York, but also
supplied accommodation for our representatives as well. Thanks also to The National Stud, where Monsignor also spent several nights. We would like to thank all the people that have visited him in his QipCO stable at the various racecourses. He has enjoyed meeting people and being the centre of attention and we hope you have all enjoyed meeting him.
BUSy IN RETIREmENT
May
June
sePteMBer
oCtoBer
July
Sat 5th & Sun 6th QIPCO Series – NewmarketWed 16th & Fri 18th York Dante FestivalFri 18th QIPCO – NewmarketSat 19th QIPCO – NewburySat 26th York May Spring meetingSat 26th Series – Haydock Park
Fri 1st & Sat 2nd QIPCO – EpsomFri 15th & Sat 16th York June meetingTues 19th to Sat 23rd QIPCO – Ascot
Sat 8th QIPCO – HaydockSun 9th York September meetingFri 14th & Sat 15th QIPCO – DoncasterFri 28th QIPCO – Newmarket
Fri 12th & Sat 13th York October meetingSat 20th QIPCO Series – Ascot
Sat 7th QIPCO – Sandown ParkFri 13th & Sat 14th QIPCO – NewmarketSat 21st QIPCO – AscotFri 27th & Sat 28th York Music Showcase weekend
Monsignor has many engagements to look forward to in 2012… his provisional diary is below. Who said retirement was easy?
august
Weds 1st & Thurs 2nd QIPCO – GoodwoodSat 4th QIPCO – GoodwoodWeds 22nd to Sat 25th QIPCO – York... ‘Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival’ The team will be delighted to
