Sanctuary for ex-racehorses is thriving

Wavertree Dream, the first horse to be re-homed from the sanctuary, returned there recently to demonstrate his successful transition from Newmarket winner to riding horse.

Known affectionately as Scooby, Wavertree Dream was put through his paces by his new owner, Julia, in front of visitors and trustees.

Graham and Sue have been involved in rehabilitating and rehoming ex-racehorses for many years, first in East Sussex and latterly at the Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre at Slinfold, near Horsham.

The centre was named after the famous National Hunt horse Moorcroft Boy, who had been gifted to Graham,and from it they successfully re-homed more than 100 horses. They left the centre on a sound footing when they decided to move on to Stonehouse Farm.

"We wanted to be able to take the extra time needed to assess and re-school some of the not so straightforward horses, which still have a promising future. The farm is also a sanctuary for those that can only be re-homed to exceptional keepers," explained Graham.

Both Graham and Sue have vast experience with horses. Graham was lead driver in the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and is a British Horse Society inspector, competitor and dressage judge. Sue had successfully managed a thriving high class livery yard, whilst competing in all three disciplines, before deciding to concentrate purely on the thoroughbred ex-racehorse.

For full story see West Sussex Gazette May 30