HIGHLY accomplished equestrian Sophia Hill, a Mansfield resident when not competing on the world stage, is the Mansfield District Racing Club’s newest ambassador – promoting equine welfare and the Off the Track initiative for retired racehorses.

Sophia knows first-hand that there is a long and happy life after racing for many thoroughbred horses.

She recently travelled to the Paris Olympics with her two ex racehorses as reserve rider for the Australian Three Day Eventing team, and later went on to achieve considerable success at the gruelling Burleigh Horse trials in the UK.

“Retired racehorses, when retrained and assigned to the right home, are suitable for a wide range of equestrian disciplines, from high level competition through to enjoying a trail ride, and they continue to be an affordable option,” she said.

Sophia’s love of riding and personal connection with retired racehorses began on her grandparents’ property at Walkerville in southwest Gippsland.

Pony Club with a well-mannered thoroughbred was the next progression and it wasn’t long before she decided that she would pursue a career as an equestrian after boarding school.

Sophia began as an accredited Off the Track re-trainer in Tooradin and later moved her business to Euroa, all the while climbing the ladder of Eventing success and looking out for an athletic and even-tempered horse who could take her to the top in the sport.

That unicorn was Humble Glory, stable name ‘Hughie’, who when part of the Gai Waterhouse stable, raced as Camon Houdini.

Sophia and her mount have combined since moving to Mansfield five years ago to become a formidable combination at the highest level of national and international eventing.

“I discovered shortly after he stepped off the truck, having retired from racing, that Hughie is an amazingly trainable horse,” Sophia said.

He is a brave cross-country performer, reliable show jumper and we have a bond of trust.”

Future plans for Sophia and Hughie include making the Australian team for the World Championships in Aachen Germany in 2026 and the LA Olympics in 2028.

Sophia has great praise for Picnic Racing and is grateful that the Mansfield District Racing Club supports the Of the Track program and equine welfare initiatives.

“My first experience with Country and Picnic Racing was yearly visits to Stoney Creek races,” she said.

“It has always struck me that the trainers, jockeys and owners in the Picnic Racing industry have a genuine love for their horses and want them to have a long and happy life, while racing and after retirement.”

Living and training in Mansfield has been a positive move for Sophia, her family and her horses.

She believes the climate and hilly terrain assist with equine fitness and wellbeing and she has great praise for the community and its horse enthusiasts.