It’s a career turnaround of epic proportions.
A pacer beaten by a collective 420 metres at his only two starts has become the darling of off-the-track showjumping and dressage competitions.
Standardbred Tisadvanced has thrived under Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Acknowledged Retrainer Amanda Chant to win and place in his new career in dressage and showjumping events.
He has become a personal favourite of Amanda, who helps rehome standardbreds as one of 15 QOTT Acknowledged Retrainers.
By Tisaknockout from Vanston Maid, Tisadvanced’s only two racing career starts were at Albion Park.
He ran last in a field of eight on debut, and last in a field of seven, beaten by 201 metres and 219 metres respectively.
Yet under the saddle the 10-year-old has proven more than competent in Queensland and interstate.
He competed at the Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association NSW State Show last year where he was “reasonably successful” on his first away trip, Amanda said.
Together, they took out Champion Rider class at the Standardbred Association of Queensland’s State Hack Show for 2021 and were Reserve Champion at one of Redlands and Southern Districts Equestrian Group’s (RASDEG) first off-the-track competitions in 2020.
“Tisadvanced is the only one competing (of mine) and has won numerous events, and placed in many dressage competitions,” Amanda said.
“He was the only standardbred (at RASDEG) amongst all thoroughbreds for the category.
Besides Tisadvanced, Ms Chant’s other rehomed standardbreds include Sabrage (Mach Three – Motoring Clare), who trialed but never raced, and RockwithSam (Rock N Roll Heaven USA – Mardys Victree).
More recently, Ifoundthebeach (Somebeachsomewhere USA – Sheez Not Perfect), who did not place in three starts, is being retrained.
The joy of retraining and rehoming standardbreds has been the driving force behind Amanda becoming a QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer.
“I enjoy it because they are such a giving horse,” she said.
“When you see the progress from the harness to riding and the mental and physical transformation it’s very rewarding.
“I want to showcase the breed’s versatility. I just love retraining them.
“You build such a connection with them. I also love their quirkiness.”
Amanda said even though Tisadvanced is one of the many success stories of rehomed standardbreds and thoroughbreds, it’s not just eventing, dressage and showjumping that they excel at.
“As a teenager, Mum bought me a standardbred because they were known for being quiet,” she explained.
“I used to do lots of trail riding, and they are perfect for that.”
Beyond retraining, there is also the art of matching a horse with its new owner and watching them succeed, which brings Amanda a lot of satisfaction.
“I also enjoy changing the perceptions of what people think standardbreds can do in their new careers,” she said.
“Time and patience are the most important things.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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