Known for its exquisite monuments, the iconic city of Paris will soon look a little different, as the French capital plays host to the 2024 Olympics from Friday 26th July – Sunday 11th August.
Similar to horseracing, the equestrian sports included in the Olympics are one of the only sports in which men and women compete on equal terms, and the only Olympic event to involve animals.
Having made its first debut in Paris in 1900, the sport returns to its Olympic roots for 2024, as equestrian royalty from around the world gather together in the historical grounds of Chateau de Versailles.
Did you know?
Paris 2024 is a memorable year for the thoroughbred breed, as this year’s Olympics will be the first in which thoroughbreds will be a recognised breed in the starting lists and results.
Previously, full thoroughbreds, including ex-racehorses, competing in the games were listed as ‘breeding unknown’.
With around 7,000 horses leaving the British racing industry each year, finding the perfect post racing career path for these thoroughbreds is important. Many will be retired to stud for breeding, go onto race abroad, or go point-to-pointing, but the highest percentage of horses (over 40%) will go into retraining to excel in a different equine discipline, including…
- Eventing
- Dressage
- Showjumping
- Showing
- Polo
- Horseball
The list endless.
Thoroughbreds are extremely versatile horses, which means that even if they’re unsuccessful on the tack, there is a high percentage that they will go on to excel in a different area. It’s very similar to us changing jobs, these horses need to learn new skills, adapt to different environments, and even new surroundings.
The Rothschild Yard
In the centre of the Home of Horseracing, the showcase yard of the Museum has a unique set up, enabling us to educate and inform our visitors of ‘life after racing’. Head to the Rothschild Yard, where our knowledgeable yard staff look after a variety of ex-racehorses, fresh off the track, ready to turn their hoof to a new career.
You’ll have the chance to learn about the work of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. Find out why horses leave racing and how RoR helps them enjoy a second career.
The Olympic games is the perfect opportunity to highlight the versatility of these magnificent horses, with some making it to the top of the sport and claiming Gold!
Artemor (1969 – 1984)
Ridden by Jan Kowalczyk (Poland)
1 x Ind. Gold (Moscow 1980)
1 x Team Medal (Moscow 1980)
Sire: Eros
Dame: Artemiza
Artemor was a small, but mighty horse and raced as a three year old. After a failed career as a racehorse, he turned his foot to showjumping and eventing, competing in both until 1978. Artemor’s successful career helped his rider to becoming one of the most successful athletes in Polish equestrian history.
Touch of Class (1973 – 2001)
Ridden by Joseph Fargis (USA)
1 x Ind. Gold (Los Angeles 1984)
1 x Team Gold (Los Angeles 1984)
Sire: Yankee Lad
Dame: Kluwall
Having had a brief racing career, before being re-trained as a showjumper, this talented mare and Fargis were nicknamed the ‘Dream Team’. Taking home two Gold medals in Los Angeles, Touch of Class was the fourth horse in history to win two show-jumping Gold medals.
Ready Teddy (1987 – 2011)
Ridden by Blythe Tait (NZ)
1 x Ind. Gold (Atlanta 1996)
Ind. 8th (Sydney 2000)
Ind. 18th (Athens 2004)
Team 5th (Athens 2004)
Sire: Brilliant Invader
Dame: Double Summer
Ready Teddy started his career with intensions of making it to the race track, and finished it having represented New Zealand at more Olympics than any other horse in history! This mighty horse came home with an individual Gold medal on his debut at Atlanta 1996, followed by two further appearances in 2000 and 2004.
Over to You (1988 – 2022)
Ridden by Jeanette Brakewell (GB)
1 x Team Silver Medal (Sydney 2000)
1 x Team Silver Medal (Athens 2004)
Sire: Over the River
Dame: Another Miller.
Over to You, a household name amongst many equestrians, is the most medaled event horse in British history. Whilst he had an unsuccessful career as a racehorse, ‘Jack’ was known for his courage and flair across country, making him a true eventing legend.
Miners Frolic (1998- 2022)
Ridden by Tina Cook
1 x Team Bronze (Hong Kong 2008)
1 x Ind. Bronze (Hong Kong 2008)
1 x Team Silver (London 2012)
Ind. 6th (London 2012)
Sire: Miners Lamp
Dame: Mighty Frolic
Whilst Miners Frolic never made it to the track, he was definitely bred for it. Out of a hunter chaser mare, this provided him with the stamina and boldness he needed for cross country, although not known for being a hugely brave horse, he certainly stepped up to the mark earning medals in both Hong Kong and London.
Blackfoot Mystery (2004 – Present)
Ridden by Boyd Martin (USA)
Ind. 17th (Rio 2016)
Sire: Out of Place
Dame: True Mystery
Whilst Blackfoot Mystery was certainly born for the track, he showed poor performance with only 3 starts, before starting his retraining process. His unbelievable athleticism, scope and power in his jump made him the Olympic contender he was for Team USA in Rio.
Find out how thoroughbreds can be very effectively re-trained for a satisfying and successful life beyond horseracing, via our Behind the Scenes tours at 11am and 2.30pm every day.
