When Sarah Simpson first met Tom And Jerry in 2009 at the yearling sales she would have laughed if you had told her he would become a placid riding horse for beginners.
Even more so if you told her he’d be part of a team to showcase New Zealand to celebrities. However their paths were destined to cross again in future in the most extraordinary way.
Simpson is the owner/operator of Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking, set at the stunning Balmoral Station nestled against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo, in the high country of the South Island.
Operating from October until the end of May each year, at their peak they cater for around 200 guests per week of which Simpson estimates 90 percent would be international tourists. They are so popular that in the busy season Simpson employs three full time staff, and two during the quieter times.
Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking is home to a large stable of 22 standardbred geldings, the majority of which are ex racehorses. But some have made their way there having never graced a race track.
“Luckily for us they were much more suited to the slower pace of trekking life,” laughed Simpson. “Several are race winners though and it is a testament to the breed that they have been able to adjust so quickly from the fast pace of racing life, to become the beautifully quiet and trustworthy trekking horses they now are.”
“They are far and away the best horse for the job up in the high country of Lake Tekapo. More often than not they are a kind, sensible, hardy breed with good feet and a fantastic work ethic. They all seem to really enjoy having a job to do.”
Simpson was working in yearling preparation in Canterbury for Ken and Anne Marie Spicer when she first came across former Nelson Cup winner Tom And Jerry, a son of Live Or Die and Time Again Franco.
“I remember he was a beautiful and spritely yearling who became a superb racehorse. I would have laughed if you had told me that eight years later he would be carting beginner tourists around the high country for me,” Simpson recalls. “But such is the versatility of these super horses. I believe it is the tremendous exposure to so much as racehorses, combined with excellent handling and horsemanship from day one, which helps make these horses so suited to my business.”
“They very much take things in their stride and are very unflappable.”
When asked how she finds these horses, Simpson states that they simply seem to find her.
“I am frequently approached by owners and associates from the harness racing industry, trying their best to find a good home for their much loved ex-racehorse. That was how Tom And Jerry came to join us too, I just love that I can give them a happy life after racing.”
Another standardbred team member is Hollywood DJ, or Woody as he’s known now.
“Woody is was a superbly bred Christian Cullen yearling who reportedly fetched $80,000 at the sales, however obviously never grew another centimetre since then as he now far more closely resembles a welsh pony than a racehorse,” Simpson joked. “Sadly for his owners the best he managed on the track was a 12th from 13, so a 'dud' whom I purchased for $300. But to me he is priceless and has brought tremendous joy to many. He has carried hundreds and hundreds of young children and beginner riders around the steep and winding trails of the Tekapo High Country and returned them safely every time.”
“Safe to say his life time earnings are well up there now, just not as a racehorse!”
When the trekking business was first established on the 10,000 hectare Merino, deer and cattle station Simpson initially had other ideas in terms of the type of riding horse she would require.
“I remember thinking perhaps it would be nice to get some 'properly bred' riding horses. How misguided I was! One seasons trekking with the Standardbreds and I was hooked! They will always be the back bone of my business and I am indebted to them, they are amazing pleasure horses often overlooked,” Simpson said.
Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking has attracted some high profile customers in recent years also, including Academy Award winning actress, Reese Witherspoon.
The team barely had time to get any nerves about hosting a Hollywood star as they had no idea she was coming.
“We took Reese Witherspoon on a trek last season whilst she was shooting the movie 'A Wrinkle In Time' in the area. We didn't realise she would be amongst the group that had booked until ten minutes prior to her trek when she sent her bodyguard to scope the place out,” exclaimed Simpson.
“We have taken one other Hollywood star Michael Fassbender (of Steve Jobs, 12 Years A Slave, Prometheus) on a trek a couple of seasons ago when they were shooting the movie 'Slow West' nearby.”
Sarah Simpson and Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking are just one example of the wonderful contribution the standardbred is making not only to the harness racing industry, but to promoting New Zealand in the most memorable of ways.
Their versatility and willing nature reflects the majesty of our sport, and the bond that comes between human and horse – be it by sulky or saddle.
HRNZ Marketing