Refuge is showing huge potential at dressage with Hazel

Ex- Mick and David Easterby racehorses excelling after racing



Ex- Mick and David Easterby racehorses excelling after racing


Posted: 08.58 • 21 Apr 2026 • Rehoming


The springtime is here and many of our former racehorses are heading out on the show circuit.

Adaay With Michael was bred by Mrs Elizabeth Grundy and joined us in 2021 from Tattersalls December Foal Sale. In August 2023 Michael made his debut at Hamilton for the 100 Club and he also raced at Catterick, Nottingham and Carlisle but he didn't have the speed to be a winner.

Retired from racing in 2024, Michael was made available for rehoming. Shortly after we announced he'd race no more Michael's breeder contacted us as she was keen to return him to the place where he was born to be retrained for dressage.

Michael has never looked back and he's now loving life after racing.









"I just wanted you to know Michael has finally won!" said new owner Marie. "I like to think he knew he was finally a winner! I took him to a very buzzy local show as a practice for Herts County next month, the ground was like concrete and there were kids falling off and loose horses everywhere."

"We had to hang around for two hours as they were running late but he just took it all in his stride. It was a brilliant education for him and I know he will mature into a lovely show horse. The judge loved him."

You can watch Michael on the video above.
Seven-time winner Refuge has adjusted well to a slower pace of life.


Also busy learning a new trade is seven-time winner Refuge, now known as Rafa, who lives in North Yorkshire with Hazel. Hazel is retraining Rafa for dressage and he is showing huge potential.

Refuge was a lightning fast sprinter who saved his best for Hamilton Park where he won four times in the colours of the Laura Mason Syndicate. He's adapted superbly to a slower pace of life and now can ply his trade closer to home.

"I'm really proud of Rafa," says Hazel. "Yesterday we did two nice tests and it was his first time outdoors. We are only just getting going, there's a long way to go but he seems happy with his new life. Onwards and upwards, what a legend he is."
Refuge in his racing days






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