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| Sumita Pawar |
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In this fast-paced industry, where speed and agility are paramount, there's a quieter but equally important side to the sport. It's the world of retired racehorses, where the focus shifts from competition to care and retraining. Debbie Armaly, a passionate advocate for these majestic animals, shares her journey from a horse racing syndicate member to a leading figure in the UAE's equine community.
Traditionally dominated by men, racing is witnessing a refreshing shift as women like Debbie Armaly carve their own paths and challenge the status quo. Debbie's story is not just about her unwavering dedication to the well-being of retired racehorses; it's a testament to women's power in a historically male-driven industry. Through her organization, Life After Racing UAE, Debbie has not only secured brighter futures for countless horses but also inspired others to follow suit, proving that passion and perseverance can pave the way for positive change.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I've been in the UAE for just over 31 years and have been running Life After Racing, UAE, with Sophie Dyball; for the last three years.
How did you get passionate about the cause, Life After Racing for UAE Horses?
12 years ago, I started finding loving homes for retired racehorses after having owned horses in the UK for years. Gradually, trainers began contacting me, and now I help many horses find happy homes after their racing careers.
From your experience, what are the biggest challenges faced by racehorses transitioning to a second career or even retirement?
The primary obstacle is finding a suitable owner for a horse straight out of racing, the horses will need time to adjust to a new lifestyle into a less structural routine. Additionally, addressing any mental or behavioral adjustments is essential for a successful transition.
What resources or programs are most needed to help retired racehorses thrive?
We need a rehabilitation facility where horses can rest, recover, and be retrained. Then, we can have an adoption service for people to find suitable horses. Education initiatives could help new horse owner’s care for their horses during rehabilitation. Funding should come from a percentage of racing winnings or entry fees to support aftercare. Racehorse Owners should have a retirement plan for their horses.
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What are some common misconceptions about the lives of racehorses that have been retired from racing that you'd like to dispel?
One misconception is that they are all difficult to handle; in reality, with the right training and understanding, retired racehorses can develop positive behaviors, going on to compete in High-level, Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing.
What inspired you to create the event/ show "Life After Racing"?
After rehoming many horses over the years, I started to see them out-completing in local shows, so following the successful ROR in the UK, I decided to start our own league in the UAE. As there are so many ex-endurance horses here also, we made the league for Thoroughbreds and Arabians.
Please tell us more about the LAR League.
The league runs from October to April, and participants must become members by paying a yearly fee. They can compete in showjumping, dressage, showing and eventing and submit their results to Sophie Dyball. Points are then awarded, and updated leaderboards are posted on Instagram and Facebook every couple of weeks. The categories are split into Thoroughbreds and Arabians, and the leaderboard shows the points earned by each horse and rider combo. At the end of each season, we hold a prize giving evening, where all the riders come to receive their awards.
How do your LAR show help raise awareness and advocate for retired racehorses?
We organize six shows each season, where people can witness ex-racehorses' versatility. The racing community is kindly sponsoring our upcoming show on 17th March where we can offer prize money for the first time. The response from interested participants has been overwhelming. We hope that showcasing the skills of these horses and the prize money on offer will motivate more people to adopt and retrain Thoroughbreds and Arabians from local sources rather than importing from overseas.
Can you share any success stories from the event?
One of my favourite success stories is about Kiltrock, a racehorse I was involved with. He had a seven-year successful racing career, winning many races in Dubai. Later, he was rehomed to Cassy Dickson, who competed with him in show jumping and dressage events in Dubai, winning several competitions. Kiltrock then moved back to the UK and competed at Hickstead. Now 17YO, he looks great and enjoys his new life still with Cassy.
Where do you see the biggest challenges for women in the racing industry?
I believe gaining respect from peers in the industry is crucial. Although there are many suitable candidates, there needs to be more female trainers and women in the racing sector. The women who are a part of this community should be given more recognition and reverence. As a woman in the minority, I have noticed that women are in the majority regarding retraining horses, taking care of them after racing, and participating in dressage and show jumping. The post-racing world involves more women than the male-dominated racing world.
From the women in racing today, who inspires you and why?
HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a remarkable example of success. She has made a significant impact by taking over Shadwell from her late father Sheikh Hamdan and supports racing internationally by attending race meetings locally in Dubai at Meydan and Jebel Ali to Royal Ascot in the UK. It is impressive to witness her deep knowledge of all her horses and evident pride in them. Seeing her actively involved in the racing scene is inspiring and heartening.
What's the biggest takeaway you've found regarding women in the racing industry and the racing industry in general?
The racing community is a wonderful gathering of people with diverse backgrounds who come together at race meetings. They become like a family, and it's heartening to see them support each other's horses. When someone wins, everyone celebrates together. It is a tremendous and brilliant community.
By defying stereotypes and forging her path, she has secured a brighter future for retired racehorses and inspired countless women to pursue their dreams, regardless of the traditional gender norms associated with their chosen field. As Debbie continues her relentless pursuit of creating a better life for retired racehorses, her legacy of inspiration and empowerment will undoubtedly continue to resonate with aspiring female leaders across various fields.