Sports · Other Sports · 3 hrs ago
Companion ponies help calm racehorses at Flemington
Three-year-old gelding Doubt Time is set to race in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
Before the race, stablehand Montanna Gawith-Hutson expects him to be relaxed because his companion pony Sancho will be with him.
The ponies accompany racehorses trained by Nick Ryan to the track.
They help horses cope with unfamiliar noises and smells, which can cause anxiety.
The aim is to keep the horses calm and give them a good experience at the races.
Another pony, Cowboy, is also part of the stable family.
Companion ponies accompany some racehorses trained by Nick Ryan to help keep them calm at the track.
The ponies are intended to ease anxiety caused by unfamiliar noises and smells.
Doubt Time, a three-year-old gelding, is due to race in Saturday’s Coolmore Stud Stakes with Sancho as his companion.
Stablehand Montanna Gawith-Hutson said the goal is for the horses to feel settled and have a good experience at the races.
Cowboy, a smaller chestnut-coloured pony, is also part of the stable family.
- Who
- Racehorses trained by Nick Ryan and their companion ponies, including Doubt Time and Sancho.
- What
- Companion ponies accompany the horses to help keep them calm before racing.
- When
- Saturday, when Doubt Time is due to line up for the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
- Where
- Flemington racecourse.
- Why
- The ponies help ease anxiety caused by unfamiliar noises and smells.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Trainer
- Nick Ryan
- Racehorse
- Doubt Time, a three-year-old gelding
- Race
- Coolmore Stud Stakes
- Companion pony
- Sancho
- Other pony
- Cowboy, a smaller chestnut-coloured pony
What people are saying
We just have that companion pony just to keep them settled...we want them to have a good experience at the races