Sitting in his lounge room a week after the racing horse scandal cast a shadow over Australia's racing industry, Bega farrier Allen Wheatley is flicking through old photo albums.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Shots of elegant showjumping horses line each page along with corresponding first, second and third place certificates.
"Sure Tender - he was a lovely horse; Charm Affair - he was a bit of a dog but he was alright; Soldier Boy - he was good horse..."
The farrier's running commentary comes to stand still as he finds the exact photo he's looking for.
"There he is...look at that jump it's pretty high. But look at him...perfect. Best bloody horse we ever had," he says pointing to a large black and white photo of his old favourite horse Lots To Do.
Like the majority of their horses, the Wheatleys purchased Lots To Do "off the track".
His racing days had come to an end. Allen's dad who had "a good eye" saw potential and it turns out he was right.
Back in his heyday the ex-racehorse won everywhere from Bourke to Canberra to Sydney.
"He was one of the best horses in Australia, never unplaced," says Allen.
"The good horses on the race track are usually the best off the track."
With a lifetime of experience rearing champion showjumpers off the track, Allen has come up with a similar plan he believes will benefit horses, especially now with the dark clouds hanging over the industry.
His plan involves rehoming horses through auctions, but only after they've been checked thoroughly and recommended by industry experts.
"You have people going around getting the horses for the doggers [abattoirs], why not have people employed to go round and source the horses that are finished racing and take them to a purposed rehabilitation place?
"People [experts] could try them out and decide on where they go depending on character, temperament and ability.
"[For example] this one's a good showjumper, this one would suit an old lady, this one's good for a kid, this one's a real hack, dead quiet," he says.
Allen believes the asking price of ex-racehorses is part of the problem.
"Off track horses aren't worth anything. They're asking around $4000, people just aren't prepared to pay that much - it's a risk. What if they are no good when they get them. So they end up at the dog house.
"Wouldn't it be better if someone was buying them who knew the breeds and was able to sort the good ones from the bad ones?"
He believes if entry fees at the races were raised slightly the added fee could be put aside to fund the program. And through his experience he also knows there would be plenty of demand.
"When I am shoeing, I get asked almost every day if I know of a good horse for different purposes. People wanting them to jump, canter, for kids.
"I see plenty of potential for people wanting a good horse," he says.
"But you have to have a good eye."
Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Click here to get in touch
Or have your say by sending us a letter tot he editor using the form below
