Off to the Breakers

Romsey based breaker, Ray Matthews has been trusted to break in horses for Kavanagh Racing for over a decade and has recently broken in a couple of very talented yearlings.  

We visited Matthews property to check in on the horses and get an update of their progress.

“The Charm Spirit x New Age Rocka colt was a complete gentleman to break-in. He was not a problem to handle and had a great attitude to his work”, said Matthews.

“He was not over colty, walked confidently through the barriers and adjusted easily to new experiences and surroundings. He was relaxed in a stable environment and ate well throughout the process.”

“The Dundeel x Rajasi filly was beautifully laid back, not one to get over keen, pull or rev up. She had a balanced can do attitude, typical of classic and staying types. This temperament in a young filly is a big plus as they are able to handle changes in environments and conditions. She will take it all in her stride, added Matthews”

“She ate well through her education, maintained weight while building muscle and condition. She has an excellent natural action, was no hassle to handle and stood up to the workload exceptionally well.”

“I have had a long relationship with Mark and it’s great to see these quality yearlings here in my stables. Let’s hope they are the next generation of Kavanagh superstars.”

Ray Matthews has mastered the art of developing a young horse into an athlete through a lifetime of experience.

“They are only babies when they first start their training, so it is important that you read their behaviour and any changes in personality as the horse is progressing. We have a basic plan that we follow, but through communication and experience, we treat each as an individual.”

Matthews’ training facility has been purpose-built from the ground up with round yards, a sand track, barriers, and a bush trail experience.

“The youngsters gain the ‘race’ experience that they need, happily working in pairs as they trot and canter on our sand track. They learn to be balanced and calm with a rider, and ‘walk’ confidently through our barriers.”

“Additionally they also get a chance to enjoy the bush and navigate the natural environment, which is great for the babies mentally.  They are amongst the trees, trusting their rider, while relaxed and going forward. The horses love it, they see kangaroos, and hear different noises and sounds,” Matthews said.

Towards at the end of their breaking-in, they head into Kavanagh’s Flemington yard to experience life in a busy stable.

“It’s very different for them when they get into the city environment, new boxes, new feed, new handlers, new noises, new tracks...and new horses around them.”

“As a young horse they are still growing both mentally and physically, so by exposing them to both environments, it gives them a well-rounded breaking in experience.”

There are still ownership opportunities in the Charm Spirit colt, click here to find out more.