A former Buckinghamshire racehorse acquired by King Charles III will take part in the RoR National Dressage Horse Elementary Open Championship in Aintree.

The four-time race winner retired from racing in 2020 and is now happily enjoying a second career in dressage under the care and guidance of Louise Robson at her Buckinghamshire-based retraining centre, Thoroughbred Dressage.  

The Jockey Club RoR National Championships is Great Britain’s largest event exclusively for former racehorses, with six days of competition across various levels, including classes in dressage, arena eventing, showjumping, and showing.

A remarkable 306 former racehorses are entered to compete, with legends of the sport now competing on a level playing field in a second career with those less successful on the racecourse. 

Forth Bridge, whose non-racing name is William, has been based at Thoroughbred Dressage since November 2021, and is one of three former racehorses owned by HM The King based at the Buckinghamshire yard.

He was foaled at the Royal Stud and was owned by HM The Queen throughout his career, who would frequently request updates and visits from Forth Bridge and the other horses Louise kept for her.  

Louise Robson said: “William is so lovely and such a gentleman, it’s a privilege to be trusted with his retraining journey.

“Thoroughbreds have such big hearts and love trying new disciplines after their racing careers, and I take great joy in helping them through that process.”  

Rupert Arnold, Executive Consultant, RoR, said: “The Jockey Club RoR National Championships truly showcases the versatility of the Thoroughbred and demonstrates the incredible lives they lead after retiring from racing.

“The show continues to grow each year, epitomising the exceptional commitment and passion shown by those responsible for every horses’ wellbeing in aftercare.”  

Louise, who set up the retraining centre in 2015, was trusted with her first royal horse at just 15-years-old, when a stroke of luck led to the mother of a friend meeting the Head of Royal Mews.

This, opportunistically, put him in touch with Louise when Queen Elizabeth II was looking for a post-racing home for Mister Glum.

Over a decade later and Thoroughbred Dressage now has 20 horses, including three owned by HM The King, in a stable dedicated to the retraining of racehorses with a dressage focus.  

Louise is opening the doors to Thoroughbred Dressage as part of National Racehorse Week in September, enabling the public to see first-hand the love, care and attention that former racehorses receive 365 days a year.

To learn more visit www.nationalracehorseweek.uk.  

In regards to Aintree, that will take place on August 23.