TRNT Off The Track

03/09/2026

🌟 Celebrate Champions of Care! Nominate for the TRNT Off The Track Aftercare Award! 🏇

Are you inspired by individuals who not only provide exceptional care for retired racehorses but also work tirelessly to promote the incredible potential of Thoroughbreds beyond the track?

It's time to honor their dedication by nominating them for the prestigious TRNT Off The Track Aftercare Award!

🏆 This award is a tribute to those who go above and beyond to ensure that retired racehorses lead fulfilling lives after their racing careers. But it's more than that – it's also about celebrating their efforts in showcasing the versatility and potential of Thoroughbreds in new and exciting roles.

🌱 Whether they're finding loving homes, facilitating rehabilitation and retraining, or creating awareness about the second careers of these majestic animals, these individuals are true champions of care and ambassadors of Thoroughbred excellence.

📢 Here's how you can join in this celebration of compassion and dedication:
1️⃣ Visit our nomination page at https://www.trnt.org.au/off-the-track-nt/aftercare-award-nomination-form and complete the straightforward form.
2️⃣ Share the nominee's remarkable journey: How have they transformed the lives of retired racehorses? How are they shining a light on the brilliance of Thoroughbreds post-racing?
3️⃣ Spread the word! Rally your friends, fellow horse enthusiasts, to nominate deserving candidates.

🌈 Your nomination isn't just a tribute – it's a testament to the power of community and the positive impact we can create together. By recognising these outstanding individuals, we amplify their influence and inspire others to follow suit.
Let's come together to applaud these exceptional champions who are rewriting the narratives of retired racehorses and Thoroughbreds. 🌟

Nominations will close September 25th 2026.

For any further information please contact [email protected]

21/02/2026

🌟 Club Sponsorship Opportunities for 2026! 🌟

Are you an Equestrian Club passionate about supporting Off The Track Thoroughbreds? 🐎✨

TRNT Off The Track is now accepting sponsorship applications for the 2026 season! Don’t miss the chance to elevate your club with support for events, activities, or programs that highlight the incredible journey of retired racehorses.

📲 Apply now: https://www.trnt.org.au/.../application-for-club-sponsorship
Or email: [email protected]

18/02/2026

💙 Please welcome TRNT Off The Track Educator- Karen Ruzsicska 💙

Karen brings more than 35 years of riding, competition, and coaching experience to the TRNT Off The Track program, with a strong background in show jumping and dressage.

She has served as President of the Darwin Show Jumping Club for over 15 years and has been an active committee member for approximately 25 years, contributing to the planning and delivery of club competitions and events.

Karen has extensive experience retraining Off The Track Thoroughbreds and supporting their transition into new careers. Her most recent retraining project progressed to Elementary level dressage and later became an established 2* eventer with a subsequent owner in New South Wales. Her coaching focuses on correct foundations, confidence building, and practical, progressive training outcomes for Thoroughbreds and their riders.

Karen is a fully accredited and insured EA Level 1 coach with Equestrian Australia, an accredited course designer and jumping judge, and holds FEI Level 2 judging accreditation with the Fédération Equestre Internationale. This accreditation is held by only a small number of officials in Australia.
She has also attended National Interschool Championships as both the Northern Territory team coach and team manager.

Karen offers private and group lessons, clinics and structured training sessions for Off The Track Thoroughbreds and their riders.

If you wish to contact Karen regarding her services, her details are below:
[email protected]
0417 848 545

If you own a retired racehorse, you may be eligible to receive a $250 Equine Education Grant through Karen Ruzsicska. Please contact TRNT Off The Track for more information- [email protected]

30/01/2026

Michael Duckenfield and Field Commander capped off 2025 in style, delivering outstanding results on the national stage at the Show Horse Nationals🏆🌟

Michael Duckenfield and his Off The Track Thoroughbred Field Commander, better known as Percy, recently took on the national stage at the Show Horse Nationals, held from 4–6 December at Werribee Park in Victoria.

After qualifying in Darwin at the Equestrian Northern Territory Horse of the Year Show, Michael and Percy earned their spot at one of Australia’s premier show horse events. From there, it was a long trip south to represent the Territory, with Michael and Percy proudly flying the flag as the only Northern Territory representatives at the event.

The Show Horse Nationals brings together the best combinations from each state, all qualifying through their respective Horse of the Year championships. For Percy, the challenge was stepped up even further, with the event marking his first-ever experience in an indoor arena.

Despite this, Percy rose to the occasion, producing a standout performance to finish 2nd in the Racing Victoria Off The Track Led Thoroughbred class. He also produced a strong showing in the ridden Off The Track Thoroughbred, just missing out on a placing — a fantastic effort given the scale of the event, the new environment, and the level of competition. In addition to the Off The Track classes, Michael and Percy also represented the Northern Territory in the Large Hack 16hh and over and Rider 26 years and over categories.

Field Commander is a six-year-old gelding with 18 race starts, one win and career earnings of $56,150, previously trained Clarke Racing Stables before retiring from racing. His performance at the Nationals is a real credit to his attitude, versatility and the work that has gone into his retraining.

Congratulations to Michael and Percy on a fantastic achievement💙

09/01/2026

So exciting to see Noir de Rue (Norm) heading off to his new home 😍

Wishing Norm and his new owner all the very best for this next chapter. A huge thank you to Jason Manning Racing and Norm's wonderful connections, and another big thanks to Lou Abey for the amazing work and care you’ve put into supporting Norm along the way. What a great outcome! 🐎✨

Bochelli’s legend (Ellie) and Noir de Rue (Norm) have headed off to their beautiful new home with Keira.
Lucky ponies! 🐎

Off The Track
TRNT Off The Track
Jason Manning Racing

09/12/2025

Noir de Rue (Norm) is looking incredible 🤩

He was so talented during his racing career, and it’s great to see him doing just as well off the track. Norm looks settled and ready for whatever comes next.

Big congratulations to his owners and trainer, Jason Manning Racing, for giving him such a great start to retirement. Wishing Norm all the best as he finds his new home and career 🐎✨

Norm's retraining has been supported through TRNT Off The Track’s Second Start Subsidy — designed to assist with the cost of retraining Thoroughbreds after racing.

05/12/2025

✨Reminder: Education Grant – Third Round Now Open! ✨

Great news, Thoroughbred owners – the TRNT Off The Track Education Grant has officially re-opened for a THIRD round! 🐎🙌

Already applied before? You can now reapply and claim another $250 to support your horse’s training and development. This is your chance to keep the momentum going and further your retraining journey!

💌 To apply, please email: [email protected] to organise your next Equine Education Grant.

The Equine Education Grant supports our retired racehorses by:
💙 Promoting responsible ownership – encouraging hands-on involvement in your horse’s post-racing life with the training and care they deserve.
💙 Enhancing future prospects – education and retraining improve each horse’s chance of finding a meaningful new career and loving home.
💙 Supporting the equine community – strengthening the connection between owners, trainers and Thoroughbreds during their transition to life after racing.

Don’t miss out – let’s continue giving our Thoroughbreds the bright future they deserve! 🌟
Apply today and keep the journey going!

Northern Territory Institute of Equestrian Sport Wave Equestrian Hillbillies Equestrian Centre Alice Springs Darwin Show Jumping Club Darwin Dressage Club NT Polocrosse Association Darwin Horse and Pony Club Litchfield Horse & Pony Club Alice Springs Pony Club Equestrian Northern Territory

02/12/2025

✨ Really Swish ✨

Really Swish has been kicking goals in his new life off the track! Under the care of his owner, Sara, Really Swish has just wrapped up his first season of show jumping.

During his racing career, Really Swish was trained by Chris Pollard. He had 53 starts with 3 wins and 14 placings, earning over $207,000 in prizemoney.

Really Swish started out at a jumping height of 40cm this year and has finished the season confidently jumping 80cm, even landing 2nd place on the DSJC - TRNT Off The Track leaderboard.

It’s always great to see our retired Thoroughbreds enjoying their next chapter and giving everything a go. Huge congratulations to Sara and Really Swish — can’t wait to see what you both achieve next! 💙🐎

📸 Show Horse Photos by Mandy