Schooling
Situated next to the Pond House gallops are some of the most comprehensive schooling facilities in the country. Here the horses are given their final practice before visiting the racecourse We have a line of 5 hurdles starting with a couple of smaller obstacles which gradually gain in size the further you go - installing the horse with confidence in it's jumping ability. A horse switching from the flat to hurdles will be schooled extensively, usually jumping between 30 and 40 hurdles before being allowed to compete. |
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 We have an additional line of three artificial hurdles which are made from plastic. These are easy to move around and require less maintenance than the original birch hurdles. They make less noise if the horse brushes through them so are useful when schooling youngsters. Horses can also get away from them a lot quicker as they are fixed and don’t fall down or flick back. These are similar to the hurdles that were used at Limerick for the first time on the 13th November 2007. |
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In this way we are sure that the horses know what is required of them, and this hopefully provides them with an immediate advantage in the jumping department, thus maximising their chances in a race.
As with the hurdles, the fences are very inviting and encourage the horses to tackle them enthusiastically. Of course, not only are we equipped with the finest facilities, but the schooling jockeys are also among the best in the country. With the likes of Tom Scudamore, Conor O'Farrell, and Gerry Supple continually educating the horses, it is hardly surprising that a Pipe runner always knows it’s job at the first time of asking.
