About Darley Thoroughbred Rehoming and Retraining
Our aim: To find good homes for all Darley racehorses.
The Darley Thoroughbred Rehoming scheme operates from Badlingham Manor Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket. We rehome and retrain geldings only; most of whom have raced but there are others who have simply not made the grade.
On arrival at Badlingham, the horses are given a minimum of two months turnout to allow them to wind down and socialise with other horses. This time can be extended to as much as six months rehabilitation if the horse is recovering from an injury.
Retraining Programme
When the holiday is over, the retraining begins! This includes teaching the horses to stand at the mounting block, tie up outside the stable, lots of basic handling as well as schooling them and ensuring they are good to hack out in company and alone. For those who can go on to jump, they do pole work and start jumping.
At the start of the programme, we know what the horse can physically go on to do and through the programme we find out what the horse will enjoy doing. We then start to look for a home.
Selection Process
At this stage all the applicants are looked at to see who would be most suited to the horse. There is no top or bottom to the list; just whoever looks best matched. As well as what the horse can do, its temperament comes into consideration. We have had horses who need twenty four hour turnout or one on one attention or no mares nearby, all this has to be considered at this stage.
Next Step
A suitable applicant will then be contacted and invited to the yard to meet the horse. The applicant will groom, tack-up and ride the horse firstly in the school and also on a hack. This is done with the Manager, Jo, and the usual rider of that horse who will ride the horse first. The applicant may be invited for a second time to come and ride the horse.
Trial Period
A new home is found! The horse then comes to you on a three month loan with an agreement signed when you collect the horse. During this period you need to insure the horse for vet fees and third party liability. You will be responsible for maintaining the horse to a reasonable standard, worming him, vaccinating him shoeing him and general every day care.
We encourage people to let us know straight away if they have any difficulties and we will try to help and advise them. The horse may be returned at any point during these three months.
Your Horse
At the end of this three month period we will visit you to ensure that both parties are happy. At this point you will have the option to purchase the horse for Ł100 + VAT and we will ask you to sign a Weatherby's non-racing agreement. The passport is stamped 'non-racing' and returned to you as the new registered owner.
