Racing SA’s welfare arm Thorough Care SA is hosting a free clinic with master horseman Chris Lawrie on Sunday, April 30 at the Palm Equine Indoor Arena at Oakbank.
Racing SA Equine Welfare Officer Keely Rayson says the application process is open to thoroughbreds of all levels that have been bred to race.
“We really want to emphasise that this clinic is not only for Show Horse riders and their thoroughbreds, but also for those ex-racehorses which are learning basic skills such as working in a frame, while also getting exposure to new places, and everyone in between,” Rayson said.
“We want to provide opportunities for people at all levels, and this is a really nice entry way for those just starting their journey with an off the track thoroughbred.
“Lessons can be extremely expensive nowadays, so to be able to offer a free lesson with someone as masterful as Chris is extremely exciting, and a wonderful opportunity for owners who in some instances may not have this opportunity,” she said.
Rayson said the initial feedback about Lawrie’s involvement has been “amazing” and she knows first-hand how effective his coaching can be.
“The more people I speak to about it, the more I realise how many riders out there want the opportunity to work with Chris, and know the Chris Lawrie name.
“Chris has genuinely done it all in this space, as a competitor at the highest level and also as a teacher. He and his wife Vicki breed riding ponies, they educate them, break them in and produce them to be phenomenal show horses.
“Along with breeding the riding ponies they have also taken a number of thoroughbreds off the track and have done so for many years with great success, educating them, and then competing and winning at the highest level of showing,” Rayson said.
“When I started showing I couldn’t stay in the ring, my pony used to duck sideways and leave the arena and one day my friend's dad said 'you need to go see Chris Lawrie', so we did and we eventually even got that pony to Nationals.
“Every horse I’ve actually had under Chris’s guidance we’ve managed to take and place at Nationals, he just has a really good way of teaching people of all ages and all levels about how to get the best out of their horse,” she said.
There are twelve places available on the day which will be divided into six lessons. Applications must be submitted by April 12 for consideration.
