I’ve always believed that every horse deserves the chance to enjoy a comfortable retirement or a rewarding second career, and few deserve that more than our ex-racehorses. That’s why I’m so proud to be part of The Howden Way’s Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme or TAP for short. As a TAP coach, I get to support riders who are retraining ex-racehorses and give these clever, athletic animals the structured support they need to thrive in their new lives.
If you’ve followed my coaching journey then you’ll know I’m always learning – and that might be from fellow professionals, the riders I train or the horses themselves. That’s one of the reasons I find working within the TAP framework so fulfilling. It allows me to bring together decades of experience coaching riders of all levels and apply that to a cause that sits very close to my heart.
What is the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme?
The TAP is part of The Howden Way, a national training and development initiative that aims to strengthen eventing in Britain from grassroots to elite level. It’s funded by David Howden, CEO and Founder of Howden and Founder and President of Cornbury House Horse Trials and aims to support ex-racehorses as they transition into new careers in the horse world. With around 7,000 horses retiring from racing in the UK very year, it’s a timely and welcome initiative. TAP was launched in early 2025, so it’s brilliant to be part of a new initiative from the beginning and help shape how it’s delivered.
TAP provides structured training and guidance for ex-racehorses and their owners and riders at various stages of their journey. Through TAP, people have support and resources for all the transitional stages of a racehorse becoming riding horse, including lunging, hacking, schooling and, if it is their ambition, competing! It also gives owners and riders access to TAP-approved coaches, like me, who understand the unique physical and mental considerations that can come with retraining a thoroughbred.
I think this support is so important. Racehorses are often incredibly athletic and intelligent, but the shift from the racing world to other disciplines can take time, plenty of patience and the right support from coaches. TAP aims to help make that transition smoother and more successful.
Why TAP is so important
There are many reasons why I believe in this programme. For one, it gives horses a real chance to shine outside of racing. So many thoroughbreds retire sound and capable, with years of potential ahead of them - they just need a chance.
TAP also supports the people who choose to give ex-racehorses a second chance. Retraining a thoroughbred can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but, as many of you will know, it can also be challenging. Thoroughbreds are sensitive creatures, and ex-racehorses are often used to a very particular life in a racing yard. Having a coach on hand who understands those challenges and can offer practical, step-by-step guidance makes all the difference.
TAP is also helping to strengthen the connection between the racing and equestrian communities, promoting responsible aftercare and long-term welfare for the horses we all love. That, to me, is something really worth investing in and being part of.
Upcoming TAP training clinic at Marwood Equestrian
On Wednesday 19th June, I’ll be running a TAP Flatwork, Polework and Jumping Clinic here at Marwood Equestrian, and I’m looking forward to welcoming riders working with ex-racehorses to join us. The session will be tailored to each horse and rider combination, focusing on confidence-building exercises and thoughtful progression. We’ll cover:
- Flatwork foundations to develop balance, straightness and adjustability
- Polework to improve focus, rhythm and control
- Jumping exercises designed with careful progressions and supportive coaching
These clinics are designed to be welcoming, accessible and supportive. Whether your thoroughbred is just starting their retraining journey or you’re preparing for a first competition, we’ll work together to set realistic goals and build on the horse’s existing strengths.
If you'd like to attend, please don’t hesitate to get in touch—we still have a few spaces left.
Looking ahead
I’m excited to continue my work with TAP and support more horses and riders as they write their next chapters together. Coaching is at its best when it’s about partnership—between rider and horse, between trainer and student, and between the different parts of our wider industry. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme is a brilliant example of that spirit in action.
If you’d like to learn more about The Howden Way’s Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme, just click here. And, if you’re interested in taking part in a TAP Clinic at Marwood Equestrian, you can book it here.