Horses prove there is life after racing

'Horses take centre stage for the next five days as one of Europe's most venerable showcase shows and related trade fairs opens at the distinctive old world venue of the Royal Dublin Society at Ballsbridge.

International showjumpers, quality hunters, brood mares and foals, side saddle specialists, prize show stallions and tenacious jumping ponies will compete in various jumping and showing classes in partnership with horse men and women of all ages, some of whom will have bred their mounts. 1

One stand that will not be selling expensive tack, quality equestrian ware and items for the beloved horse who has everything is that of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.

It is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehousing of horses at all levels of need, from the seriously injured and ill to those who are currently in the market for a new career.

The trust, which was established in 1999 and became a registered charity in 2002, operates from two centres.

A rescue base in the midlands takes in abused and abandoned cases, and an additional rented facility in Co Wicklow is a place where horses, many of them former racehorses, recuperate and on recovery are assessed and prepared for new careers by Beverly Morgan.

Some of the pictures of cruelty and abuse cases displayed on the trust's stand at the RDS this week will be distressing.

But the decision to show them is important.

Each year the Irish economy benefits from the multi-million euro contribution made by our internationally respected bloodstock industry.

Horses make a lot of money for Ireland. Ironically many of the animals who find themselves abandoned and forgotten, have more than earned their way either on the track or as breeding stock.

Now based at the Wicklow facility at Redcross is Ben, a big 17.3 hands dark bay, the survivor of a fire four years ago.

One of his stable companions died in the accident but Ben survived, his back permanently scarred and his throat damaged by smoke inhalation.

His breathing will never be normal, but at seven he is big, lovable and in need of a home. He will probably never be ridden but for the right person could prove a valuable companion for a lone horse in need of company.

At the moment Ben looks pretty happy. He is enjoying life at the trust's rented yard in Wicklow, which has access to 200 acres.

Among his companions in Wicklow is the great champion Moscow Flyer who is currently working as a roving ambassador for the trust.

Moscow Flyer's new friend is an 11-year-old grey gelding Shanillow, whose promising National Hunt career was ended by a tendon injury. After more than a year's recuperation the gelding is back at work and has already won from show classes and side saddle competitions.

Posing in the field is a dramatic-looking dark bay, Danny, better known as Daniel's Hymn. Serene against the bluest Wicklow sky, he looks like an old style thoroughbred who could have been painted by Stubbs. Danny was a successful racehorse who broke down but he is now back in form.

Close by his side is a grey gelding, Rufus, who was placed throughout his career but his future was jeopardised when his owner/trainer became ill.

One of the horses is preparing to leave for his new home. "Jaq", who raced as Jaquar Claw, is about to become an eventer.

The eight-year-old bay had won races at Ascot, York and Haydock before breaking down. He is now recovered and will be fit to enjoy life as a show-jumper at amateur level.

Joey, a light bay, evented under his name Master Mouth and having recovered from injuries looks like he will be returning to that world.

While it is exciting to see racehorses proving that there is life after racing and injury - and that young thoroughbreds need not necessarily be slaughtered - there are the other stories such as that of Rose, a small black pony standing just across the yard from Moscow Flyer.

Rose is blind in one eye where she was stabbed, probably by the same hand that carved initials in her side. She is terrified of humans.

Far more trusting is Old Kelly, a coloured horse of at least 20, whose various ailments have been well tended by the trust since she was found in a wood living off scruff.

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust will be at the RDS all week. It is organising an open day at the Redcross centre on August 27th and Joyce Gaynor, will give a demonstration of equine massage. Advice will be given to visitors on horse care and heightening awareness on an animal that has given so much to Ireland.

The trust can be contacted at the Wicklow premises at (0404) 45 720.