'Retraining my retired racehorse saved my life'

A woman has said retraining a racehorse helped her to "overcome the difficult times" of mental health challenges, with the "best friends" forging a bond that had saved her life.

Claire Howie, 39, bought 12-year-old Skeaping in 2021 after he retired from a racing career which saw him gain five wins in 53 events.

She retrained him in a number of equestrian disciplines, including dressage, and the duo have competed in events ever since.

In recognition of their achievement, Howie, from Stoke-on-Trent, and Skeaping have been named as finalists in charity Retraining of Racehorses' (RoR) horse of the year award.

She told BBC Radio Stoke that while she helped to give Skeaping a new life, he also saved her life in return as she was in a "very dark place" and struggling with her mental health.

"Going up to him every day and being able to ride him just gave me my life back," she said.

"He really helped me to overcome the difficult times in my life. Without him, I wouldn't be the person I am today."

Howie works as a lorry driver at nights and as a horse trainer in Leek, Staffordshire, four mornings per week.

She helped Skeaping to become the RoR Dressage Intro champion in 2022 and they also qualified for the Bramham British Eventing 80 Championship in 2024.

The pair had a quieter year in 2025 while Howie recovered from back surgery, though they attended the British Riding Club Arena Eventing National Championships.

"Skeaping is my best friend and has helped me, as I have had a lot of battles to deal with this year," Howie added. "Our partnership and bond is closer than ever."

She said the nomination meant the world to her and Skeaping deserved it because he had been "nothing but versatile".

Howie and Skeaping are up against two other pairs in the horse of the year category, which is open for public voting, on the RoR website, until 17:00 GMT on Friday.

Howie said: "If we won, it would be the pinnacle for us and we could look back with great pride at what we have achieved on our own."

The winner will be announced during the RoR Awards ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse on 24 January.

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