Retrainers leading racehorses to new skills after racing

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Community, Harness, Off The Track, Thoroughbred

Racing WA is delighted to showcase the latest team of Off the Track WA (OTTWA) Retrainers helping racehorses prepare for new ventures in retirement.

The retrainers act as a key part of the OTTWA Retraining program, providing tailored education to each retired racehorse in preparation for new careers in their life after racing.

Joining the team of retrainers this year is lifelong horsewoman, Linda Brenzi, and husband and wife team, Tim and Tracey Ellis.

Linda started riding at the age of three, quickly moving onto competing with thoroughbreds, and has never looked back.

“I love retraining off the track horses. I am often asked to find horses for people and have the perfect job to do so, working as clerk of the course.”

“I have three off the track thoroughbreds I use for the position and find they are super intelligent and have all taken to the job with ease.”

“I have re-educated many, and I really enjoy seeing horses I have found on the track doing well with their new owners.”

Tim and Tracey own and operate Ellison Park, a facility designed for the re-education of off the track horses as eventers and show jumpers.

Both have been riding from an early age and enjoy not only competing with thoroughbreds, but also helping them move on to second careers with other riders.

Tim served more than five years with the WA Mounted Police, winning the WA Police Horse Event at the Perth Royal Show with off the track thoroughbred Blackhaven, after just nine months of training.

The newcomers to the team join long term retrainers, Michael Dagostino, of Oakford Equestrian, and Tegan Cook and Alan Campbell of Brocklesby Equestrian.

Michael has a wealth of experience in selecting, training, competing, and selling off-the-track horses.

He has competed in a range of disciplines including official showing, dressage, show jumping, polocrosse and more predominantly, eventing.

Tegan and Alan together have more than 60 years combined experience in training competition horses from beginner mounts to elite performance horses.

The OTTWA Estate and Retraining Manager work together with the OTTWA Retrainers to match horses and riders based on the information supplied by potential buyers in their expression of interest forms.