More Space, More Success

Australian-breds are raised in expansive paddocks with low stocking rates – in some cases, as few as one horse per ten acres – creating the perfect environment to raise tough, strong athletes that love to run.

Australia – an island so big it is considered a continent – is home to the second largest population of thoroughbreds in the world. With low stocking rates, it gives our horses access to roaming pastures, ensuring they are well prepared for their future career.

Peter O’Brien, originally from Ireland, has managed stud farms in both Hemispheres, spending time in both the US and Ireland. He is now based in the Hunter Valley, as the general manager of Segenhoe Stud.

Segenhoe Stud boasts access to some of the region’s finest land. Formerly a vineyard, the yearling farm benefits from high-quality soil, ensuring the optimal environment for raising future champions.

Drawing on his international experience, Peter notes how the birthweights in Australia tend to be “bigger and stronger than most other jurisdictions”. This strength is mirrored in their limbs, which ensures we raise tough athletes that can race on.

“Anyone who comes to Australia, first thing they notice if they go to a yearling sale, is the bone and the feet on the horses. And that is indicative of having a natural upbringing,” he explains.

By allowing our horses behave as they would in the wild, in large herds – or mobs in Australian vernacular– this creates an “inherent toughness”. Braving the many elements of the seasons of Australia – “hail, rain or shine” – ensures our horses build up resilience to ensure future success on the track, according to O’Brien.

Managing the herd, rather than focusing solely on individual weanlings, is crucial at Segenhoe Stud. During weaning, horses are assessed based on their physical characteristics rather than their age, allowing them to develop alongside their peers. Peter believes it’s important to monitor the herd closely; if some individuals appear shy or are being overly pressured, they will be moved to a smaller group to ensure they can grow and thrive properly.

Another benefit to the wide-open spaces that our youngstock have access to includes the positive effect on their mental health. According to O’Brien, Australian thoroughbreds are more relaxed and not as “nervy” as other countries, one reason why they are so sought after in jurisdictions like Hong Kong. This upbringing assists the durability of Australian horses, allowing them to race on into their later years.

O’Brien says: “You know, the number of horses that race from sort of five to eight in Australia is extraordinary compared to other jurisdictions, and that’s a testament to the grounding they get from when they’re born and even when they’re in utero.”

Another important aspect of a thoroughbred’s life in Australia is the importance of undulations and hills when it comes to rearing young stock, assisting with their balance and preparing them for their “future athletic prowess”. Giving them access to wide open spaces and ensuring they are allowed to exercise as they please leads to a better prepared animal when compared to their international counterparts as they progress into their yearling preparation.

“They come in like a furnished athlete, and you’re just trying to tone them. They basically come in ready-made, and it’s just tweaking really. Here, they just come in with natural muscle” O’Brien explains.