It is extremely important to us that when the time comes for a racehorse to be retired, they are found the most perfect of homes doing something they enjoy. Wherever possible, we also like to keep in contact with their new owner and follow their progress. And the success of retired racehorse Imperial Ruby really is a lovely story to follow.
Imperial Ruby was with Heart of the South for 2 years, and although bred to be an exciting prospect (out of a Dam who had only produced winners and a half brother to 11 time winner South Cape) racing simply wasn’t for him. In October 2012 his owners decided it was time for retirement. Luckily one of his syndicate owners, Sar, was able to give Imperial Ruby (now named Impy) the most amazing life long home and the turnaround in this horse’s success is incredible.
2015 saw Impy compete in the ROR (retraining of racehorses) Showing and Challenge classes and he finished 4th & 9th in novice and prelim in the dressage Championships. He also qualified for ROR Hickstead and Royal Windsor and picked up his first show jumping trophy – along with 73 rosettes!
In April 2016, Impy continued to improve and added another Championship qualifier to his total with the Side Saddle Association Open Equitation and Classical Class qualifiers. This was the horses first attempt at side saddle so was a brilliant result! He also finished 2nd in the ROR championship class at Roayl Windsor Horse Show behind Her Majesty’s Barbers Shop. Later in the year, the horse was arena eventing too. This was his first time around a 100cm track and he knocked just one pole down!
For 2017 Imperial Ruby put the icing on the cake by being crowned CHAMPION in the ROR Championship finals at Hickstead in June!
It is hard to believe this now strong and stocky boy was once a very weak and backward flat horse with no real love for life (although he has always been a big softy with a massive heart!) Sar and her team have put some much work (and money) into getting him where he is today and we cannot thank her enough.
Related Links
- Our next runners – current entries
- Retired racehorses – their progress
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