Excalibrator AKA Scallywag (Scally) was retired in 2019 due to an injury in his offside fetlock.
I strongly believe in changing the perception that an ex-racehorse has little value once its racing career has ended. These incredible creatures often have so much more to give when their racing careers are ended, many are in the prime of their lives, many more are not even considered ‘adults’ yet. A thoroughbred is considered fully mature physically at five to six years old. Often, people think of ex-racehorses as being highly energetic or bad mannered. But oftentimes this is due to training gaps – after all they have been bred and trained for only one purpose up until that point – to run and to run extremely fast!
Fun fact – with a top speed of 70-76 kilometres per hour, thoroughbreds are the fastest horse breed in the world. But on the other hand, thoroughbreds have huge hearts, are sensitive, intuitive, and most importantly, love to work!
I have worked with retired racehorses prior, but Scally is the first retired racehorse I have owned. I was not going to keep him at first, he was going to be my first project horse to re-educate and re-home. Within the first two weeks I very quickly realised the gem Helen Page (his racing trainer) had entrusted me with. Not only was I going to teach this guy a lot, but he was also going to teach me a bucket load more. He had spunk and character but not a mean bone in his body, he would push my skill and knowledge to all levels.
The year and a half together have bought some testing experiences (mainly nursing injuries) but in the end brought us so close. I very quickly became his human and the level of trust he showed in me was heart-warming. Once he was healthy, he was ready for me to jump on his back and was so responsive. We moved very quickly from the arena to trail rides with minimal spooks, trail rides are his favourite. Within the first month of riding him I was able to pop beginner riders on him, he sensed it and became the biggest puppy dog – he looked after his precious cargo. We have started liberty training and after every ride in the arena we have free time where he will follow me around without a lead rope walking, trotting, backing up and dancing – it is so beautiful to watch and to feel him reacting to my energy and body.
Scally can read peoples’ energy and is able to help them to relax quickly with his behaviour and mannerisms. My dream for the future, is to take Scally to hospitals and old people’s homes to provide them with companionship and affection.
Scally is now living his best life as a retired racehorse and my life is filled with so much joy – sometimes anxiety when he has a silly injury, but I cannot wait to be able to provide this experience to all the people who become involved with Life with Horses, through sponsorship, therapy and the lucky family/person who gets their forever thoroughbred.
Racing Information:
Excalibrator, Hichinbrook out of Goodlookin Gambler born in 2013 at Eureka Thoroughbreds, Darling Downs, QLD. Trained by Helen Page and owned by FW Cook, CM Cook, DJ Rochfort, CM Casey, WE Miller, BT Ireland, RD Turner and HL Page. Excalibrator’s race record is 6 wins and 7 places from 23 starts with prize money of $99,865 races during 2018 – 2019.