I met William, formerly known as Stake-Acclaim, at the Racehorse Sanctuary fun day. It was love at first sight. My feelings were confirmed when Catherine mentioned that William’s favourite treat was extra strong mints, exactly what I happened to have in my bag! I came back to the Sanctuary for another meet and greet with William and had a little ride on him. He was quiet and chilled, which is exactly what I needed after being out of the saddle for five years. A couple of weeks later William returned home with me and joined Dashing-Chief, my 29-year-old ex-racehorse, who I had owned for 23 years.

The first month William was allowed to relax, get to know the new yard and just enjoying being a horse. During this time, he had a new saddle fitted, visits from the physio and the vet, who all confirmed he was fit and well and could begin his journey as a riding horse. We started in-hand showing and enjoyed hacks out with other horses. He was petrified of the Shetland on our yard, but with plenty of meets and greets he soon got used to the pony and didn’t get his knickers in a twist every time he walked past. William wasn’t fazed at shows and the judges were astonished at his behaviour, given he was not long off the track.

The following spring, we began our showing season. We received many firsts in ‘Best Turned Out’ and always first or second in ‘in-hand RoR’. These shows with their busy environments didn’t bother him he just took them in his stride. William went on to win the end of year championship for in-hand RoR and reserve champion for Best Turned Out at our local show.

In the summer of 2024, we sadly lost our beloved Dashing-Chief, breaking both William and my heart but we helped each other through it. I know if I had not had William, it would have been the end of my riding career.

In the autumn of 2024, we began our schooling journey taking William to regular pole clinics and completing our first walk and trot dressage test, scoring an impressive 62%. Unfortunately, William never found another friend like Dash, so the only thing that we could do, was to contact the Sanctuary once more, to find William a friend. Luckily, I have a 19-year-old daughter who had also fallen in love with William and was ready to take on her own ex-racehorse.

Fast forward to spring 2025, we have bought home the beloved Charlie, also known as Catalyze.

So what is planned for this year? William is now ready for RoR County in-hand as well as starting the local RoR ridden classes.

The last thing to add to this is that this is a perfect love story, till death do us part.