28 EQUINE WELFARE “He’s great to handle, which is one of the benefits of buying a horse off the track – they’ve seen a lot, been in floats and trucks, been stabled and in a busy environment. “I really took my time with Romeo initially. He had done some basic dressage schooling, so I introduced more groundwork, lunging, basic polework and hacking out. I took him on outings with the other horses, where initially, he just had to stand in a yard, eat hay, and chill out in new surroundings. On his first hack out, I found out Romeo was a bit scared going under branches – he crouched down going under anything remotely low!” Romeo has proven to be a very good jumper, and embodies the qualities essential for success in showjumping – a good balanced canter, a careful, watchful, jumping technique and bravery. So soon after ending his racing career, Romeo still retains the urge to go fast now and again. When Ross first took him to Boneo Park Equestrian Centre, he couldn’t help but get a little excited when he heard the thud of hooves on the sand in the show jumping arena and the noise from the PA system. “He thought he was back at the races and all of a sudden, he was on high alert. He was waiting for the race to start and couldn’t figure out why all the other horses were going in different directions and weren’t getting organised in a straight line, ready to run fast. He was a bit bemused!” laughed Ross. Initially beginning in the 45cm class, Romeo has progressed to 95cm classes with ease, which is very pleasing for Ross, who has transitioned out of eventing and into show jumping. One of her remaining equestrian dreams is to compete for Australia in showjumping at the Olympics and World Championships. “Since I transitioned out of eventing, I have competed at World Cup level, and it’s exciting to be jumping at that elite level. I’ve evented all my life and I got to a stage where I wanted a new challenge,” she said.
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