While the sun has been shining over the past few months, the country’s winter jump horses have been enjoying their well-earned summer breaks; resting their limbs, filling their tummies with lush grass and enjoying time out in the field with their stablemates.
With August fast-approaching, these horses are now making a return to training in anticipation of National Hunt racing returning properly in October, and it is time to get back into exercise and get back into full fitness. The journey for the 2019/2020 jump season starts here, and we can’t wait...
Tom George
We haven’t stopped smiling at this video from the Tom George yard, showing an enthusiastic “11-years-young” God’s Own acting more like a three-year-old in the pen — someone is certainly happy to be back. Sit tight!
God’s Own’s everyday rider @DerrickSherrie and assistant trainer, John having a first sit on Basil who clearly hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for his job during the summer break! Age 11 now but still a 3 year old in his mind!? pic.twitter.com/RW9KGeHw7N
— Tom George Racing (@TomGeorgeRacing) July 9, 2019
Gordon Elliott
The horses at the top Irish trainer’s Cullentra House Stables in County Meath are back in their barns, and with plenty of overgrown manes and tails, someone will be looking forward to a few days of trimming.
Great to have the first load of winter horses back ? pic.twitter.com/UK695hvUmr
— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) July 23, 2019
Philip Hobbs
The National Hunt horses at the trainer’s Somerset yard lined up to go through various checks, including going on the weighbridge to have their weight and microchip numbers registered. Looks like the farrier will have his work cut out with that long line of horses.
Neil Mulholland
The horses at Neil’s base near Bath are enjoying some road work through the woods on their return from the field, before the serious fitness work begins.
Some of the horses doing road work that have just enjoyed the spring grass. They look well and are enjoying being back in. They love going through the woods. pic.twitter.com/YjlbqDk8t2
— Neil Mulholland (@Neil_Mulholland) July 9, 2019
Paul Nicholls
First ride back in the school for Grade One Ryanair Chase winner Frodon as the winter horses start coming back in at the champion trainer’s Ditcheat yard.
Frodon the lion heart is back and he is already making people smile. Here he is having his first ride back in the hands of Lorcan. #legend pic.twitter.com/sN9qiZGlAg
— Harry Derham (@Harry05Derham) July 16, 2019
Nicky Henderson
The popular chaser Might Bite heads back to Nicky’s Seven Barrows yard in Lambourn, and looks well following his summer break.
It’s been a busy change over week at the farm with some old friends returning to their trainers. We are over the moon with this boy who has thrived during his holiday & is on great terms with himself. The very best of luck to his owners & @sevenbarrows for the season #?staysafe pic.twitter.com/b2snjczpEv
— Tracy Vigors (@wickhamwicks) July 18, 2019
Dan Skelton
The team at Dan Skelton’s Warwickshire base are working hard with all their winter horses now back in training — no doubt with this week’s hot weather, they are now basking in glorious sunshine!
It's a quiet day for us with no runners today but the hard work continues at home. Most of our winter horses are back in work and staff are in high spirits despite the unfavourable weather! #TeamSkelton pic.twitter.com/syknvCVVUN
— Dan Skelton Racing (@DSkeltonRacing) July 19, 2019
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