Once I first began Horse Coach Listing a few years in the past, probably the most fascinating elements of UK horse coach web sites was their blogs. It appeared that trainers, each outstanding and lesser-known, took the time to share their ideas on varied subjects associated to horse racing—notably updates on their horses and upcoming entries. To be honest, these blogs usually provided nuggets of knowledge and occasional glimpses of “inside info.” The trainers’ ardour for each horse coaching and writing shone via of their prose, and I particularly loved studying posts from smaller trainers, who usually supplied deeply insightful accounts.
Nonetheless, in right this moment’s more and more busy world, plainly many horse trainers not have the time to weblog. That is totally comprehensible—in any case, spending an hour writing can really feel like unpaid work. But, you by no means know who is likely to be studying. It might be a rich proprietor or somebody with deep pockets who thinks, “I like their model!”
One in all my favourite bloggers was John Berry. The Newmarket coach had a outstanding manner with phrases, persistently discovering the time to put in writing about his horses, their possibilities of success, and the numerous connections he had solid with homeowners, breeders, and others within the racing world.
I’m certain lots of our readers additionally loved Steady Life, John Berry’s weblog. He used the Blogspot platform, very like we do with Horse Coach Listing (albeit with our personal area), and it served him—and us—nicely.
It was a tragic day when, on July 28, 2021, John revealed his remaining weblog submit underneath the title Dis. His departure from running a blog marked the top of an period for his readers. Nonetheless, we perceive that point is restricted, and there are solely so many hours in a day. I am happy to say Emma Berry updates the Information and Weblog on his web site however I do miss the impartial weblog with its prolonged phrase depend.
Presently, we’re updating Horse Coach Listing, which has been uncared for for a lot too lengthy. As I refresh the Flat Horse Coach Web site Hyperlinks (nonetheless ongoing), I paused to replicate on how a lot has modified through the years. Many trainers have retired, some have gone out of enterprise, others have pursued totally different careers, and sadly, a quantity have handed away. This realization highlights the demanding nature of a horse coach’s life. It’s a difficult and sometimes unpredictable enterprise the place the assist of a rich proprietor can decide whether or not a secure thrives or struggles to outlive. For the lucky few, success is considerable, however for others, the highway might be fraught with problem and decline.
I look ahead to updating the Flat Horse Coach Blogs over the approaching weeks. It will likely be fascinating to see if any of our outdated favorites have discovered inspiration to put in writing once more, or if new trainers have found a ardour for running a blog.
Better of luck to all of them.
