ENGLISH TEXTS breed . Many of the foundation stallions of sport horses have thoroughbred ancestors in their lineage . Within riding schools , it is almost a given to find thoroughbreds ( along with trotters ) among their horses , proving to be excellent schoolmasters . In today ’ s era , where equine welfare is a primary concern , retraining has become more structured and has taken on a new role within the industry . Since 2019 , France Galop has financially supported retraining efforts through the association Au-Delà des Pistes , a recognized public-interest organization that takes in more than 300 horses annually , thanks to around thirty retraining stables spread across France .
A predetermined path From birth , thoroughbreds bred for racing follow a structured progression designed to prepare them for their future careers . During breaking-in , they learn a set of specific cues before moving on to race training . They learn to walk in a line , lean into the bit to gain speed , accelerate when the reins are gathered , and work closely alongside another horse . The training relies heavily on rein and weight cues but involves minimal use of the rider ’ s legs . But what about equestrian sports ? In disciplines such as dressage and jumping , the use of the rider ’ s legs is fundamental - they drive the horse forward , guide , and direct . The hands , by contrast , remain light , used subtly to slow down , straighten , and refine control . Considering these key differences , the retraining process is crucial in transitioning a racehorse into a sport or leisure horse .
Time is your best ally “ You had time to ride him , but not to take him out . But what do you really give when you don ’ t give your time ?” – from movie Danse avec lui Thoroughbreds are intelligent horses with remarkable resilience . Whether retired due to injury or simply because they lacked the necessary speed for racing , they can achieve great things in their second careers . Having been handled from a young age , exposed to various environments , and worked by multiple people , they often become adaptable and easy to manage in daily life . Once retired from training , a period of rest is highly beneficial to allow them to decompress and adjust to their new routine . Each horse is unique and will require more or less time to understand what is being asked of them . Just like the pre-training phase before racing , retraining is a crucial period that should not be rushed . Each step must be fully assimilated before moving on to the next . More sensitive horses , who express greater emotions , may require extra time to gain confidence in their new work . Ultimately , it all comes down to adaptation and observation - being able to assess the horse ’ s individual profile and direct them toward an activity suited to their temperament and physical abilities . The goal is to ensure their safety and that of their future rider . The time dedicated to these horses is essential to unlocking their full potential .
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ÉRIC HOYEAU : THE THOROUGHBRED IS NOT AN ORDINARY HORSE .
A gentleman-rider with over 200 victories on the flat and over jumps , and a World Champion title in NH in 1982 , Éric Hoyeau played a key role in bringing together France ’ s two auction houses to create ARQANA in 2006 . Under his leadership since then , ARQANA has been particularly innovative and has continuously grown to establish itself as the market leader in France and the second-largest player in Europe . Last year , he gradually handed over the reins of the Deauville-based agency to Olivier Delloye , the new President , while continuing to be involved in various projects because , as he puts it , “ For both men and horses , when you change careers or lifestyle , you can ’ t
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