THE PRE-TRAINING PROCESS

YEARLING PROGRESS

by Frances de Haan

Since the Yearling Parades in October, our yearlings have been progressing through the breaking-in process at their respective pre-training establishments. Their early education follows a series of carefully structured steps designed to lay the foundation for a successful racing career. Initial stages involve long reining, during which the horses are lunged on a long rein without a rider to develop balance and responsiveness to voice commands.

Sioux Nation colt striding out beautifully on the long rein

Mehmas x Wannacry filly moving well on the long rein

Blackbeard filly behaving well during the backing process

Stunning Kameko filly being shwon in hand

Blackbeard filly receiving plenty of praise and reassurance during pre-training

Persian Force filly ridden away in the string

Sioux Nation colt ridden away

Tack is then introduced, allowing each horse time to become familiar with the feel of the saddle and bridle before a rider is added. Once confident and settled, the yearlings are ‘backed’, beginning with the rider lying across their back to gently introduce weight before progressing to a full seat in the saddle. They are then ridden away and taken through their paces—walking, trotting, and ultimately cantering—while gaining confidence both under tack and in the company of other horses.

Sioux Nation colt enjoying some attention with Frances

James Pindard with the Minzaal colt

The Blackbeard filly enjoying some cuddles from Katharine Whitaker

Vivienne Shelton with the Mehmas x Wannacry filly

These early stages are vital, forming the basis of the confidence, discipline, and responsiveness required throughout their racing careers. It’s a particularly enjoyable time for owners, as it offers a first glimpse into their horses’ development and early personalities. Visits are also followed by a delicious hearty meal which provides an opportunity to meet fellow owners in the same syndicate and those involved with other horses too!

Owners enjoying a delicious lunch during a Yearling visit

We are delighted with the progress our yearlings have made. All have now been backed and ridden away, and several have already arrived at their trainers’ yards to begin early exercise on the gallops. Feedback from both pre-trainers and trainers has been extremely positive. All have received glowing reports but notably, the Sioux Nation colt with James Ferguson and the Minzaal colt with Richard Hannon look particularly precocious at this stage.

It has been such a thrill to see our Class of 2026 cruising through this stage of their education with such professionalism, the dream is very much alive for all our yearlings. We look forward to keeping you updated as they continue to develop over the coming weeks.