Thorough Care SA's sponsored 16-year-old finds success in NSW

Thorough Care SA sponsored 16-year-old Sasha Smith and her 15-year-old off the track Thoroughbred Veneficus, helping them travel and achieve success at the Thoroughbred Sports Horse Association National Titles held at Stonewall Equestrian in New South Wales in November.

Sasha and her mount Veneficus were selected to represent the “Make An Offer” racing team in the 120cm Showjumping Challenge and won the seven team category.

“To say I was excited is an understatement, and a little nervous because it was my first big trip away,” said Sasha.

“The experience was amazing and I will never forget this event. Stonewall Equestrian is a credit to Krissy Harris, a world class facility and as I drove into the grounds, I was blown away with the wide open arenas covered with lush grass. Then the horse trucks and floats left me speechless.

“Riders travelled from all parts of Australia for the Thoroughbred Sports Horse National Titles and it’s great to see there is a future after racing for these off the track thoroughbreds.

“I can’t thank Linda Huddy of Peachester Lodge enough for trusting me and having me in her team along with Lorna Clifford, Kedell Sykes and Holly Penfold. I got to meet a great bunch of people and had a ball over the few days of competition,” she said.

Sasha has just finished year 10 at Urrbrae Agricultural High School and has owned Veneficus (aka Harry) since June this year.

After winning $17,000 in prizemoney as a racehorse, Harry retired from racing as a five-year-old with a mild suspensory ligament injury.

His then owner Tanya Johnston gave Harry a couple of years in the paddock with very light work and the old racing injury hasn’t been a problem since.

Tanya initially started eventing Harry but he didn’t enjoy dressage and she switched his focus to pure showjumping when he was 13 years old.

“Harry is my first OTT and as a team we have accomplished so much in such little time,” said Sasha.

“He is full of life and never disappoints, honest and enjoys his job always putting in 110%. He’s a little bit quirky and that sometimes makes him a challenge to ride. He also LOVES liquorice !

“Veneficus was the runner up OTT in the Wistow Indoor Winter series. At Kapunda Ag show, he won the Junior Fosters Cup round at 115cm along with the open 105cm showjumping round. We’ve had several wins together including the Junior Indoor Champion and the Junior Indoor Speed Champion at Mallala in September.

“I consider myself very lucky to have been offered this amazing horse and being part of Harry’s life.

“I love Harry more than words can express. I love walking down to his paddock and feeding him carrots while he runs around and does his crazy stuff,” she said.

Harry’s mother Silent Annie was from the final crop of the stallion Without Fear who was a top stallion in South Australia in the 70’s and 80’s and renowned for producing stunning horses who were good jumpers.

He’s now having a well-deserved spell but he and Sasha will be back on the showjumping circuit next year

Sasha plans to compete in the next lot of interschool competitions and is hoping to convince her dad Keith to travel to more interstate competitions with Veneficus.

“I’m so grateful for the very generous support from Thorough Care SA and Racing SA, and also for their support of the South Australian Show Jumpers with rounds and prizes.

“My biggest supporters are my coaches Ashleigh Westcott and Jeff Evans – and of course my parents for supporting my dream,” said Sasha.