Prodigal's Return, aka Roy, is an Off The Track RESET program graduate. Image: Helen Clark.

Roy the 21-year-old OTT proves age is just a number

By Equestrian Life

In the November 2023 issue of Equestrian Life magazine, we met a retired racehorse named Roy (Prodigal’s Return) who found his forever home at age 20 with 69-year-old HRCAV competitor and Thoroughbred enthusiast Helen Clark.

Surrendered to the RSPCA in very poor condition, he then went for rehab with Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer Fiona McIntyre via  Racing Victoria’s emergency care program. RV’s Thoroughbred Welfare Officer, Sam Davison, felt that despite Roy’s advancing age – he was 19 when he first arrived at Fiona’s – he’d be a suitable candidate for their RESET Program, a pathway for Victorian Thoroughbreds that have struggled to find the right home following the conclusion of their racing career.

After 12 months with Fiona, he was ready to find his forever home – and that home was with Helen Clark. Helen and Roy have been together just over a year, attending clinics and the odd competition.

Roy has found success in the dressage arena despite his age. Image: Helen Clark.

Now aged 21, Roy was recently named Jackpot Champion at Portland & District Adult Riding Club’s Crater, Caves & Coast Dressage Series with Helen in the saddle. The pair were named Best Presented Horse & Rider, won both their dressage tests, and Roy was named Best Performed Off The Track Horse.

Roy's haul of prizes from the recent Crater, Caves & Coast Dressage Series. Image: Helen Clark.

Age was never a deterrent for Helen, who’s had many older horses in the past. “We just kept them fit and healthy,” she says. “I have nothing but praise for the old horses. They’ve just got a little bit more knowledge and they’re not worried about everything like young horses. I think people looking for a horse that has been there and done that, they’re great.

"I'm so happy I got Roy. I'm very appreciative of all the help I’ve been given by Racing Victoria and Fiona McIntyre.... if other people could see that just because they are an older horse that shouldn’t matter. They still have so much to give."

You can read Helen and Roy’s story in the November 2023 issue of Equestrian Life here.

Published 23 April 2024.

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