08/06/2026
I couldn’t agree more with the comments made by EventStars Ltd regarding the importance of giving ex-racehorses every opportunity to succeed in their second careers.
One area that often gets overlooked is float training. For many retired racehorses, travelling in a horse float is a completely different experience from what they’ve been accustomed to throughout their racing careers. Taking the time to ensure these horses are comfortable loading, travelling, and unloading safely can make an enormous difference to their future.
A horse that travels confidently is more likely to attend lessons, competitions, trail rides, veterinary appointments, and new homes without stress. On the other hand, unresolved travelling issues can create significant barriers for owners and may ultimately limit opportunities for an otherwise talented horse.
As an equestrian community, we all have a responsibility to set these horses up for success. Patience, education, and positive experiences during retraining don’t just benefit the horse—they help create safer outcomes for owners, handlers, and everyone sharing the road.
Every ex-racehorse deserves the best possible chance to thrive beyond racing, and good float manners are a crucial part of that journey.
Let's talk FLOATING (as in trailer float).
While this can be a foreign concept to an off the tracker (most of whom travel by truck) - they are often pretty accommodating about the idea (being used to the similarly small spaces of barriers/starting gates).
At EventStars we always try to test the floating out for you - with some key ingredients - such as another horse for moral support, a safe, inviting float with plenty of space, and confident handlers. We tick this off as it's an important factor for many potential homes - after all, if you only have a float for transport, you need to know you can get your off the tracker out and about!
That said, there's occasions when it's probably not smart to come and collect your new horse on a float.
These include:
* if you don't have a moral support horse/pony for company.
* if you're travelling for hours and hours, particularly if the above applies too.
* if you want to stop at BP & enjoy your flat white and chicken bites with no consideration for your poor new greenie who has no idea where he is or where he's off to, so he might start a rock n roll party in the carpark...
We like to keep these experiences positive and stress-free, and if you don't follow the same guidelines, who could blame them for not wanting to get on the float next time you try? A little common sense and understanding goes a long way to future success.
