We are very proud to have rehomed many of the horses we have had in training. The “ex-racehorse” makes a wonderful riding horse for all sorts of disciplines. Their different personalities make them suitable for a number of different second careers in their life after racing.
Where are they now?
We love nothing more than to hear from current owners of our former horses and see how they are settling into life after racing. Click on the bars below to see more about how some of our former friends at Plantation Farm are getting on in their second careers.
Bucks Beautiful – Rehomed by Harriet Tice
2014 Chestnut Mare – Maresca Sorento x Buck’s Beauty
I was lucky enough to rehome Babs in 2020 from Plantation Farm. Since then, she has done a bit of all Riding Club activities – clinics, SJ, dressage, trips to the gallops, fun rides and even the odd pub ride! She has won or been placed in all her unaffiliated dressage outings proving to be a fun, little horse who will have a go at anything.
Having started her education at Plantation Farm meant that she had really good basic flatwork when I got her, as well as being well schooled with her jumping. She was used to hacking out on a weekly basis which meant she was good in traffic and was not bothered by farm machinery as she had seen it all before.
Éclair Mag – Rehomed by Kyrsten Halley
We got Mags from the brilliant team at Plantation Farm in April 2023 where he had been given brilliant foundations as a riding horse and the most wonderful temperament, and he has been an absolute joy ever since.
We have taken things quite slowly so his muscles and frame have proper time to adapt to his new life and we are working towards competing in dressage, but in the last year he has been on trips to lessons and clinics everywhere, hacks to explore and even a stay away training camp and taking it all in his stride. He went to his first dressage competition and got placed and was a super star and we can’t wait to crack on with his new competition career.
He has manners to die for and is loved by everyone who meet him, he is known as the yard cuddle monster and since leaving racing now has a huge appetite and tries to con treats out of everyone, he can… usually successfully!
I couldn’t think myself luckier to have such a perfect, talented, well-mannered and lovely horse and can’t recommend any horse that has come from the Plantation Farm team highly enough. Mags sends his love to everyone there and hopes to see you all soon.
Oakley – Rehomed by Dee Park
Sadly I lost my old TB in May 2024 so I was on the hunt for a companion for my other TB Jimmy Sewell (IRE). I looked around but nothing was suitable then I spotted Oakley on the ROR website. The description was PERFECT, just what I’d been seeking.
I contacted the wonderful Sam at Plantation Farm and arranged a viewing. I actually went in my horsebox as I had a good feeling about him. Sam trotted him up and rode him. ‘Yes’, I said ‘I’ll have him’ and Sam gave me some feed, water and haylage then he was whisked into the box. Easy journey home to my house – we have 4 horses in our stableyard – 2 retired.
I GAVE HIM TIME – 8 weeks off to get used to a new routine with long hours out in the field with Jimmy., Honestly, now he has chunked up, he is a wonderful horse and lovely to ride. My tip is give them time when they come out of training and you will have a fantastic horse. Oh and I keep in touch with Sam and give her updates as he was a yard favourite.
Percy – Rehomed by Anna Mattews
I have owned Percy aka Pud (Proclamation x Petrikov) since September 2018. I wanted an ‘all rounder’ and he has exceeded every expectation. When we went to view him I felt very relaxed with Sam, it was clear she had done a lot of work and had a lovely bond with him. I knew then and there he was right for me and Sam made the process very easy.
I have ridden all my life but had never owned a TB. He never raced or went into training- fast life isnt really for him. He is such a kind boy and loves attention. Will ransack your pockets for treats and follows me round the field when I’m poo picking! He lives at home with his Arab brother whom he adores (a bit too much!) we have done a bit of everything, dressage, show jumping, one day events, showing- he can turn his hoof to anything. Both my mum and my dad have had a walk and trot on him and neither can ride! He really looked after them. An older lady (85!) used to bring him in from the field as did my friends daughter (6 year old – under supervision) and it was amazing how he would just mooch along beside them.
In 2021 we qualified for HOYS in the search for a star series and we were very proud to stand 4th! He behaved impeccably. He’s very easy to keep and a good doer (he likes to eat!) I’m very lucky to have found him.
Highlander Casseul – Rehomed by Montina Munday
I have taken things slowly with Scottie whilst he adapted to all the changes, his routine, new environment, and the other horses on the yard. He is schooling well on the flat, enjoys hacking out & some RoR clinics are lined up. He has taken everything all in his stride and any questions asked of him he has processed well and grown in confidence every day. The long-term aim for Scottie will be to be an allrounder and have a go at everything (eg UA SJ, Eventing and RoR showing classes).
The rehoming process through Plantation Farm was straightforward but thorough. We had initial discussions on what I was looking for in a horse, what I wanted to do and how the horse would be kept. After these discussions, I had the opportunity to view the available horses and try the one that they believed would be best for me. The team was very accommodating, allowing me to try Scottie a couple of times before we both felt confident that we would be suitable for each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better match-up and Scottie has since become a favourite on the yard, loved by everyone, including children (especially Spiderman).
These horses are like part of the family for the team and all they want is what is best for them for their future careers.
Silver or Gold – Rehomed by Belinda Chaffer
I bought Silver in 2018 I think when he was 8. He had finished racing/training earlier that year. He is the most lovely horse, he’s done fun rides, been to the beach, up gallops.
Unfortunately had to have his eye removed last summer but this has not phased him at all. He now sports a custom made eye patch!
Elyaquim & Mysterious Man – Rehomed by Brook Taylor-Ware
I have now re- homed two of Plantation Farm’s thoroughbreds, Mysterious Man (Magic) and Elyaquim(Spider)
When going to view both these horses it was love at first sight; being able to go up see the horses in the lovely facilities of Plantation Farm and how happy they are already with seeing how much they are truly loved before moving on to go find their forever home .
Magic – he was the kindest horse you could ever find, my true heart horse. With a few years getting to know him, lots of re-training and hard work it led us on to competing in ROR dressage and out on the hunting field.
Spider is now living is best life, getting treated like a superstar! We have been doing lots of schooling, hacking and arena hire. In addition I have just taken him out to his first competition where he was impeccably behaved! We plan to go out hunting this season, which will give him the opportunity to have lots of fun!
The best part I’ve found from re-homing from Plantation Farm is how much all the staff / owners care and love to see how you are getting on with your horse. I couldn’t recommend a better place to find your next best friend.
The Boogieman – Rehomed by Kim Bland
I’ve always loved thoroughbreds but had never owned a full TB until now. I was a little anxious buying straight from a racing yard but as soon as I saw Sam trotting around, I could tell these horses had been started right. I instantly felt a connection with my boy and after two laps of the arena, I’d made up my mind.
All the basics were established and ready to start building upon. After a year or so of hacking and schooling (due to COVID!), Boo went out to his first dressage competition and came home with two wins, and later that year won the Area RC dressage, qualifying for the Nationals.
He competes successfully in ODEs, arena eventing and SJ, always in the ribbons, as well as enjoying fun rides and stay away camps.
‘Uncle Boo’, as he’s now known, has the best character and took on the task of educating my foal from just 6 weeks old. He now enjoys messing around the fields and entertaining the yearling. He is so easy on the ground, my “lame” mum will happily walk him to the paddock, and he often takes my nephews for lead rein hacks around the farm.
I would definitely buy another ex-racehorse and would 100% start my search at Plantation Farm.
Godrevy Point – Rehomed by Janina & Kamarai
In July 2023, our family acquired Ben for rehoming as a 17th birthday present for our son Kamarai who had outgrown his mare and was eager to find a new partner to affiliate in Eventing. We live in London and have been lucky to find a local private yard where we keep Kamarai’s horses.
Ben is our first experience with thoroughbreds and retired racehorses. He has been a wonderful addition to the family and although he is 17.3hh, is a gentle giant with the sweetest personality. After a few weeks of settling in at the yard, we started with his retraining which he took to like a duck to water. There were so many firsts for him, like hacking in our local park full of dog walkers and curious city folk and trying his hoof at Cross Country.
He is an incredibly quick learner, and after only a few months of training managed to qualify for British Eventing’s ACE Winter Series Final at Aintree, after a 3rd placement at our local show centre in 100cm and a win in the 105cm.
After a mild injury at the beginning of the Eventing season, we opted to give him an extended rest, and to concentrate on the 2025 season instead. After restarting him, he immediately picked up from where we left off and can’t contain his enthusiasm at being back in work.
Coco – Rehomed by Laura Handy
I purchased my mare from Sam in Sept 2023!
Prior to our 4 hour drive to view the mare Sam answered my many questions.
When we first arrived to view the 3-year-old mare, Sam made us feel very welcome and showed us the mare in her stable, we were again able to ask loads of questions and we could see how well the yard staff cared for their horses.
Sam then tacked up and rode the mare first before I got on. To be honest I wasn’t sure I was capable of taking on such a young horse. However after some advice from the friend I taken with me, I made the decision to take the mare home. I renamed the mare Tyra and registered her as Glancing Star.
Tyra settled in really well, in fact we went for a long hack alone the very next day. Tyra loves hacking and will literally take me anywhere I want to go. She doesn’t get silly or fresh in open fields and will wait when asked. She’s happy in a group or alone.
The trickiest part was mounting, as she didn’t understand standing still at the block. However it took a YouTube video, a pack of apple bites and 30 mins to teach Tyra to park herself at the mounting block.
Since owning Tyra we’ve enjoyed loads of hacks and fun rides. We started schooling at the beginning of spring and in the summer we competed at David Brooms Cricklands summer show. We took home reserve champion in the Newby Novice class.
In the next few weeks we will start with some pole clinics and further schooling lessons with the view to compete in the ROR showing classes next year.
In time I’d love to get involved with ROR eventing and potentially pairs hunter trials with my daughter.
After a very rocky 3 years with my previous horse I’m so grateful that I found Tyra.
Massive thank you to Sam and the team.
Ecume Atlantique – Rehomed by Caroline Taylor
I acquired Cumin (Ecume Atlantique) from Richard last summer to add to my gang of Team Chasers and Drag Hunt horses.
He is the most wonderful character and although pretty enormous (all 17.3hh of him) he is a gentle giant and is the easiest of all mine to do anything with. He took to Team Chasing very nicely last Autumn, Drag Hunted for me in the winter months and is about to start Autumn Team Chasing again next weekend. Unfortunately the Spring season was written off due to the ground so we dabbled in a bit of Arena Eventing and grid work sessions to get more experience and keep the interest going.
Like most ex-racehorses he is very straightforward to teach, learns quickly, doesn’t argue and is a total pleasure to have around as my adrenalin seeking partner and as my loving friend.
If you are interested in rehoming a thoroughbred from Plantation Farm, or have any questions about the process, please email the office where we will only be too happy to offer advice or fill in our contact us form.
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