The Oaks Stud strongly supports thoroughbreds having a life off the track when their racing days are over.    This week's NZ Thoroughbred Breeders 'Where Are They Now' profiles the Roc de Cambes mare Taiao Psychedelia:

TAIAO PSYCHEDELIA AKA SKY

2016 Grey Mare - Brands: Acorn | 44 over 6
Breeding: by Roc De Cambes out of Psychedelic
Breeder: The Oaks Stud
Nominated by: Emma Simons
Race Record: Unraced
Current Role: Talented eventing prospect

Emma has known Sky since she was 6 months old as she works at The Oaks Stud where Sky was born and raised. She remembers she liked her after she got broken in and Emma did a bit of lunging and pre fitness work with her and some other two-year-olds before they went into training. 

Emmas jokingly said to The Oaks Stud's Rick Williams one day, if she doesn't make it, could she have first dibs.

A month later Sky came back and Rick called Emma into the office and said "So I see you have a horse now."

Emma has taken her very slowly and thinks Sky's honesty and bravery comes from her and friend Clodagh dragging all sorts from around the farm for her to jump over during the first COVID lockdown. Obstacles included gates, bushes, tyres and feed pots.

Sky is now showing talent in eventing - she came third in her second event at Rotorua in April 2022, and will also compete in dressage.

Emma and Sky have a wonderful partnership and Emma feels so lucky to have her. She loves a cuddle but is also very sassy in a fun way. She has Emma laughing on a daily basis.

Emma is thankful to Rick Williams for his role in her having Sky and keeps Gaye, the owner of her dam Psychedelic, up-to-date on Sky's progress too.

Though she will compete in showjumping and dressage, Emma's main goal is to work through the grades in eventing with Sky.

-NZTBA