Former world No.1 event rider, William Fox-Pitt, will lead a brand new Masterclass celebrating the versatility of the retrained racehorse at London International Horse Show on Sunday 20 December.
The Masterclass will bring together racehorses and riders from different backgrounds to showcase the many opportunities available to horses after racing. It is sure to be an enlightening, informative and educational session in which William will provide those taking part, and the audience, with insightful training tips, ideas and advice.
To help William demonstrate, TV presenter and former model Rosie Turner will join the Masterclass on an ex-racehorse specially sourced by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). Also participating in the Masterclass are Emily Ware and Robyn Gray who have both achieved considerable success with former racehorses.
William Fox-Pitt said: “I am passionate about ensuring former racehorses have opportunities to succeed and live full lives once they retire from the track. Thoroughbreds are so versatile and trainable and they love learning. Events like this are so important to show people the potential of ex-racehorses and find what strengths individual horses have. I’m looking forward to working with Rosie, Emily and Robyn and seeing how their horses perform.”
Emily and her ex-racehorse, the 15-year-old bay mare Dream Big, were crowned RoR Elite Eventing Champion at the 2025 RoR Elite Awards after they triumphed in the open intermediate under 21 class at Farley Hall.
Robyn Gray and Hundred Percent, a seven-year-old gelding, have also competed successfully on the British Eventing circuit, winning the open novice RoR class at Osberton in May.
Rosie, Emily and Robyn, and their respective former racehorses, will enjoy expert coaching from William, who will no doubt draw on his many years at the top of his sport with former racehorses such as his 5* ride Stunning, in this exciting Masterclass which is guaranteed to enthral the crowds in the Thomas Family London Arena.
Rosie Turner said: “I am really excited to be taking part in this Masterclass and having the opportunity to learn from one of Eventing’s greats. I’m not sure who I will be riding which is making me slightly nervous, but I’m sure we will have fun as we showcase some amazing former racehorses.”
Simon Brooks-Ward, Event Director, London International Horse Show said: “William is such an experienced rider and trainer and his knowledge is second to none. We’re so pleased that he has agreed to come and lead this Masterclass and I know everyone taking part and watching will get so much from it and hopefully it leads to even more of these wonderful ex-racehorses being given a new lease of life.”
Other Masterclasses include Richard Davison’s Dressage on Thursday 17 December, Dickie Waygood’s Eventing with Ros Canter and Gemma Stevens on Friday 18 December, Dog Agility with Anthony Clarke on Sunday 20 December and Pippa’s Pony Club Rally with Pippa Funnell on Monday 21 December, with others still to be announced.
Retraining of Racehorses will be exhibiting at London International Horse Show this year and looks forward to welcoming visitors to the stand (no C395) throughout the week.
London International Horse Show takes place at Excel London from 17-21 December 2026, bringing together international Show Jumping, Dressage and Driving alongside Royal Kennel Club Dog Agility, shopping, festive entertainment and family attractions.