Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme

15/09/2026

❤️ From racehorse to riding horse - meet Blaklion😍

Some horses have a way of leaving a lasting impression, and Blaklion is certainly one of them.

We caught up with this incredibly successful former racehorse and his owner, Fay Shulton, at Cornbury House Horse Trials where Blaklion took part in our Former Racehorse Parade.

Fay shared what makes Blaklion so special and told us about their journey together - a wonderful reminder of just how much potential lies beyond the racecourse. 🐎✨

If you’ve ever wondered whether a Thoroughbred could be your next riding horse, Blaklion is a fantastic example of what these incredible athletes can go on to achieve.

And you don’t have to make that journey alone.

Through The Howden Way, we provide support, guidance and subsidised training to help former racehorses and their riders thrive. Our team of 25 carefully selected Level 3 or above certified coaches are there to support you every step of the way.

Because every former racehorse deserves the opportunity to find their next chapter. ❤️

👉 Ready to start your journey?
Visit www.thehowdenway.com/tap to find out more and book subsidised training near you.

07/09/2026

🌟 TWO DAY CAMP AT ASTON LE WALLS NEXT WEEK🌟

There is still time for anyone hoping to join the two day camp at Aston le Walls next week to book their place on the link below.

The camp, delivered by Lucy Jackson Eventing and Sarah Gairdner offers sessions across both days and can be tailored for whatever level you find yourself at on the retraining journey.

Delivered in small groups across both days, the camp is heavily subsidised and everyone will be afforded a wonderfully warm welcome

Secure your place now to avoid disappointment.

This 2 day camp is open to all thoroughbreds and levels of ability — whether you’re just beginning your journey with a retrained racehorse or already out competing with your thoroughbred who has never stepped foot onto a racecourse. Over the two days, participants will enjoy a variety of tailore...

31/08/2026

Lots of training coming up during the next two weeks and beyond. Now the weather has turned slightly cooler there's no better time to start focusing on your training.

With sessions starting from just £15 per horse and rider that cater for every level of the retraining journey do make sure you book your place early. All sessions are delivered by are carefully selected Level 3 or above coaches and can be booked via our website www.thoroughbredaftercare.com

The next fortnight sees sessions at (in date order commencing 2nd Sept) Pontispool Equine Sports Centre, Dragons Stud, Cairn Equestrian BOOMERANG , Willow Lake, The Grange, Robin Post Equestrian along with a two-day camp at Aston le Walls

As always, huge thank you to our programme partners who assist make the subsidised training possible. Namely Dodson & Horrell HarryHall.com HorseQuest Unibed - High Performance Equine

31/08/2026

Lucy Jackson Eventing is still taking entries for Pontispool TAP training on Wednesday….all levels of ability covered across the sessions so do reach out to Lucy or book via our website as we are here to help no matter what stage of the retraining journey you and your horse are at…

**STOP PRESS** .. short on entries for Wed TAP at Pontispool. I’ll leave entries open for another 24hrs if you wouldn’t mind please sharing this post.

Coaching available at the following venues in the following phases

- Wed 2nd Sept Pontispool Equine Sports Centre Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme or Pvt flatwork or SJ
- 8th Sept Tweseldown XC
- 15th 16th Sept Aston le Walls Equestrian Centre TAP day or camp all 3 phases
- 17th Sept Lyneham Heath Equestrian TAP or Pvt any phase

Some availability at my place in Naunton between times too 07973493554

24/08/2026

It’s here at last! Happy 🐎✨

We couldn’t be more excited that it’s time to officially celebrate, on a national level, the wonderful Thoroughbred and all they stand for.

Yard visits are underway across the country all week for people to meet both the current and existing stars of the sport. So do visit the official National Racehorse Week website to book your place if you haven’t already.

It isn’t all about racing as it’s also about shining a light on what great careers they can have after retiring from the track. We have lots of subsidised training going on across the country where we have greatly assisted former racehorses on their retraining journey with their new owners and riders by delivering in excess of 2500 sessions in the past 18 months.

Here’s to the horses and the huge pleasure they bring all of us! 🏇

We would love to see you celebrating your own thoroughbreds by posting in the comments below!

Thank you to our programme partners who feel as passionate about thoroughbreds as we do. Their support is hugely valued. Dodson & Horrell HarryHall.com HorseQuest Unibed - High Performance Equine Bedding
Image: Lord in Red ridden by owner Emma Jane Brown and presenter Vanessa Ryle at Cornbury House Horse Trials last year.

23/08/2026

Great to see so many of our members and their fantastic horses doing so well at the RoR championships. Well done to everyone who qualified, competed and did well at the champs. It’s fantastic to see so many wonderful thoroughbreds coming together under one roof and so evidently thriving in their second careers.

It’s an absolute honour to have played a part in their journey and we couldn’t be any more pleased for you than we are. Huge congrats once again! 🎉💪🙌👌

🎉🙌💪

22/08/2026

Congratulations 🙌 to Sam Smith and Florinsfirth who, following us catching up with them at last week at a TAP session with coach Katie Williams, have just won the Medium Open title at the Retraining of Racehorses Championships at Aintree International Equestrian Centre as well as taking 2nd in the Advance Medium Restricted.

Thank you Dodson & Horrell HorseQuest HarryHall.com Unibed - High Performance Equine Bedding for your support of the programme which assists bring subsidised training and education to everyone who owns a thoroughbred that may like to join us at one of our many sessions across the country.

18/08/2026

What makes thoroughbreds so special?

Well, we caught up with TAP member Beau and her ex-racehorse Tim at a session recently with coach Katie Williams and we asked her this very question. I think she answers it perfectly for all of us don’t you?

Subsidised sessions are taking place all the time across the country so why not visit our training calendar and come along and join us. Sessions start at just £15 and can be tailored for whatever stage of the retraining journey you are on.

Huge thanks to our partners Dodson & Horrell HarryHall.com HorseQuest Unibed - High Performance Equine Bedding for their ongoing support of the programme which has already seen approaching 3000 sessions delivered since launch.