This thread contains comments to "Beyond the track - News - The Project" from embedding this forum at http://theprojecttv.com.au/horse-stories.htm.
As a horse owner myself, these are extremely intelligent and versatile breeds. They're built for athleticism, and terminating such an athlete is like terminating an olympian. Where would the racing and wagering industry be without these beautiful creatures... there wouldn't be such a thing.
I bought my beyond the track thoroughbred, Angus, from Lyn Shand/Equus nearly a year ago. I was getting back into riding after about 18 years out of the saddle so it was essential that I bought a horse suitable to help me brush off the cobwebs and give me confidence to progress but also one that had the potential to challenge me and help me explore the world of competition. Lyn was fantastic and spent a great deal of time talking to me about my previous riding experience and my future riding wants. She matched me perfectly with Angus and provided me with immediate and ongoing support from her extensive experience and horse husbandry knowledge.
I agisted Angus with Lyn for some months before moving him to our new horse property. In that time Lyn continued to support me and Angus on our journey and nothing was ever too much trouble.
I am now competing on Angus in dressage, show jumping and horse trials. I am thrilled with our progress and so excited about our future. Angus is my pride and joy. He is so grounded, yet so bold. He is the most good looking boy and we get affirmation of that every where we go. There is nothing he won't take on. His desire is to please. His ground manner impeccable, he is phased by nothing. He is an absolute dream and I love him dearly.
Angus is the complete opposite of any of the stereotyped misconceptions of thoroughbred race horses. Please, please, please do whatever you can to support Equus/Lynn/Tim in their endeavour to rescue, retrain and re-home one of the most beautiful animals on this earth. Their plight is nothing less than a tragedy and the way in which most of them are disposed of when their racing life is over should be classified as crime. There is so much more to a race horse than champaign, hats, pretty girls and a fun day out at the races. Ask me about Angus and I'll ask you how long have you got!