"If you admire bravery and brilliance and honesty, then look no further than the thoroughbred”
Robert Hall

RETRAINING A RACEHORSE

Retraining racehorses is becoming more popular than ever.  The breed is renowned for its brainpower and bravery and they can be multi-talented across an array of disciplines.  Usually well handled since birth they are easy to do in the stable setting, have been exposed to a wide range of situations already and are intelligent, inquisitive companions, eager to please.

Retraining takes time and patience however and allowances should be made for the fact that the racehorse has been conditioned as an athlete.  A knowledgeable retrainer will understand their minds and allow time for the horse to settle into a new life and begin a program that suits the horse’s temperament and experience.  Some may have developed habits that require managing or present other physical challenges, but most will adapt well if matched to the appropriate career.

As interest grows, so too do the incentives, fuelling demand for the ex-racehorse.  In Northern Ireland there are already a plethora of clinics and classes for ex-racehorses with milestones en route to the major shows.  This year look out for the Treo Eile badge at events across the country offering prizes for the leading thoroughbreds.  Our Academy pages will detail classes but it’s imperative to Register your Racehorse to be eligible for prizes.  Registration is free, so don’t delay.

If you are already retraining thoroughbreds and would like to be included in our Retrainer Directory, please email us for your GDPR consent forms.  Your details will be published on the website so owners may contact you directly.

If you are considering retraining a racehorse, read our Training Tips below and ensure you are prepared well in advance. The retrainers and coaches listed here can also offer advice and assist with your selection process.

TRAINING TIPS

RACING LIFE

RESOURCES

HUSBANDRY

A thoroughbred will work so hard for you and try to give you everything"

RETRAINERS DIRECTORY

Antrim

Chloe Thompson
Nutts Corner
Phone: 07537822211
Email: chloet2196@gmail.com
Learn More

Molly McCrory
Phone: 07896791545
Email: mollymccrory79@gmail.com
Learn More

Armagh

British and Irish Thoroughbred Agency
Craigavon
Monique Lyle
Phone: +447384100154
Suzy Barkley
Phone: +44774515893
Learn More

Down

Julie Donaghy Simpson
Lios ba Gror, Banbridge.
Phone: +447508938236
Email: juliedonaghy79@gmail.com
Learn More

Donegal

Ruth Stack
Phone: 0874478685
Email: rstax93@yahoo.ie
Learn More

Shauna Boyle
Drumdoit, Donneyloop, Castlefin.
Phone: +447593407497
Email: drumdoitstables@gmail.com
Learn More

Galway

Birchill Sports Stables – Maeve Carty
Loughrea
Email: retrainingexracers@outlook.ie
Learn More

Michael Harty
Cashelbay Stud, Tawin, Oranmore
Phone: 0838305908
Email: michaelharty11@gmail.com
Learn More

Kerry

M&G Sport Horses – Samantha Goodier
Glencuttane, Kilgobnet, Beaufort
Phone: 0872583565
Email: samantha-goodier@hotmail.com

Kildare

Curragh Equine Rehabilitation Centre – Liam Hayes 
Ballysax 
Phone: 087 7609565
Learn More

Richard Hyland
Phone: 089 242 9743
Learn More

Cathy Grassick 
Newtown Stud, Naas
Phone: 086 255 4407
Email: cathygrassick@hotmail.com
Learn More

Kildare Equine Services 
Carbury
Phone: 087 137 0003  
Email: clancyabbey15@gmail.com 
Facebook: Kildare Equine Services 
Learn More

Mary Ann Casey 
Phone: 0976355498
*More info to come*

Kilkenny

Nicki Russell 
Tybroughney, Piltown
Phone: 087 206 8030 
Email: nickicolley@hotmail.com 
Learn More

Longford

Susan McDonald
*More info to come*

Mayo

Philippa Scott
Barnfield House, Ballymacredmond, Corroy
Phone: 0872151874

Meath

Joanne Quirke
Phone: 0868660262
Learn More

Niamh O’Connor Barry
Clinstown, Stamullen
Phone: 086-8653755 
Email: niamhmoconnorbarry@gmail.com 
Learn More

Offaly

The Old Boreen Stud
Phone: 086 251 6142
Email: boreen.stud@gmail.com
Learn More

Roscommon

Calagy Sport Horses – Chloe Osbourne
Phone: 087 790 6017

Tipperary

Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue – Anne Williamson
Mullinahone
Phone: 086 083 4208
Email: cappanagarranerescue@hotmail.com
Learn More

Wexford

Equi Ed
Enniscorthy
Email: equiedeire@gmail.com
Website: www.equied.com
Learn More

Wicklow

Clara Kavanagh
Kilmacoo, Avoca
Email: retrainingexracers@outlook.ie
Website: retrainingexracers.ie
Learn More

IHWT
IHWT Equine Centre, Ballinamona, Woodenbridge, Arklow
Phone: 0402 30773
Email: info@ihwt.ie
Learn More

Stephen Doyle
Grange Beg, Dunlavin
Phone: 086 075 0753
Email: stephend841@gmail.com
Learn More