Just as humans don't all excel at one thing, nor do horses. And Cynthia Bourke is helping a selection of Central West horses finally find their niche.
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Ms Bourke was appointed to be a retrainer in the Central West for the newly-established NSW Harness Racing Standardbred Re-Homing Company.
Ms Bourke and her family are also involved in harness racing and re-training retired standardbreds and finding them a new home is something she feels passionately about.
"We did it all the time with family horses that have raced when my sister and I were kids," she said.
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"We'd ride them and put them through pony club, we were the kids on standardbreds at pony club before it was a thing.
"I just think they're an extraordinary animal and when they've done what they've done and had the exposure, on top of the fact that they have an already broke temperament, you put those two together and they're just fantastic horses."
While the Re-Homing Company is looking to expand, in its early stages Ms Bourke is busy taking care of multiple retired standardbreds from Bathurst and surrounding areas. She has already sold one on and has six in training.
"As far as I'm aware it's just me around here at the moment," she said.
"Not long after they announced that they were going ahead we got a little filly and she was here for six weeks before she sold. She's in a really nice home now with a lady that's actually local here.
"She never raced, she trialed and she had a little accident but they were also a bit disappointed because she never grew and she didn't really show enough [to race] but she transitioned to riding really, really easily."
No two horses are the same and Ms Bourke accommodates for that. She said some take longer than others to transition into a ridden career but as long as they put it all together in their own time that's all that matters.
"It's different with every horse," she said.
"I have a bit of a process that I go off for all horses, I want to see them tick those boxes but in the time that it takes them to tick those boxes. They're all individuals.
"When they're racing and training you see how good they are on the track and how they want to please.
"I think the least we can do is pay them back and get them a good home and a kick start in their riding career."
The re-homing company's executive officer Amiee Cupitt said the company had been overwhelmed by the support it has received from the harness racing community.
"They've really embraced the initiative and Cynthia is part of that success," she said.
"Cynthia has been an incredibly valuable asset to us, her knowledge of the breed and their unique qualities is incredible.
"All our re-trainers truly are the heart and soul of this company."
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