From Horse Trainer to Reporter
Iona Craig, once Britain's youngest horse trainer, made a drastic career change that took her from mucking out stables to reporting from the world's most dangerous countries. Her decision to leave behind the equestrian world and take on the challenges of warzone reporting and confronting Donald Trump may seem like a mystery, but Craig's harrowing experiences shed light on her extraordinary journey.
A Near-Death Experience
In 2013, while reporting in the Middle East, Craig found herself in the crosshairs of danger. During an attempt on her life, she narrowly escaped a barrage of bullets by taking cover in the footwell of a taxi. Her quick-thinking taxi driver saved her life, unaware that he had unknowingly picked up a journalist in the midst of danger.
From Horse Racing to Reporting
Craig's career in horse racing began in 1994, a time when the industry was far behind the times. She faced challenges in a male-dominated climate but eventually found success as a trainer, even recording her first win as a trainer in her mid-20s. However, she felt that racing was not her true calling and decided to embark on a different path after her father's death.
A Life in the Middle East
In 2010, Craig moved to Yemen, seeking a new way of life. Little did she know that she would face an assassination attempt in 2013, leading her to become a reporter for The Times the following year. However, her time in Yemen was not without challenges, as she and other Western reporters were harassed and forced to leave due to escalating conflict.
Dangerous Reporting and a Breakthrough Story
For years, Craig risked her life as she navigated the dangers of warzone reporting. In 2017, she landed her biggest story, covering the botched US Navy SEAL raid in Yemen authorized by President Trump. Her coverage shed light on the devastating consequences of the raid, which resulted in the deaths of 25 civilians.
A Drastic Career Change
Craig's life as a warzone reporter is a stark contrast to her early days in the horse racing industry. She now lives a life filled with danger, constantly aware of the need to cover her tracks and watch her every move. Despite the challenges, her awards and recognition prove that her decision to become a reporter was the right one.
The Remarkable Journey Continues
Over a decade into her life as a reporter, Iona Craig's journey is far from over. From horse trainer to warzone reporter, she has embraced a completely different way of life. Her courage and dedication to shedding light on important stories make her a true trailblazer in the world of journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a special shoe required for racehorses?
Racehorses typically wear specialized shoes called racing plates, which are lighter and thinner than regular horseshoes. These plates provide the necessary traction on the racetrack while minimizing weight. A professional farrier with experience in working on racehorses carefully selects and fits these shoes according to the hoof structure of each horse and the type of racing surface that they will run on.
How do I train a racing horse?
Racehorse conditioning is a gradual, multi-faceted process. It involves both longer, slower distance work, which builds stamina, as well shorter, quicker workouts, which develop speed. It is important to strengthen the horse’s cardiovascular system, muscles, and skeletal structures over time by following a regiment that mimics racing conditions without causing injury.
How critical is the horse’s pedigree in racing success?
While pedigree can be an indicator of potential, it is not the sole determinant of a racehorse’s success. Although a horse’s lineage can indicate an inherited aptitude for endurance or speed, other factors, such as health and temperament, are also important. Good training will maximize a horses natural abilities and may even enable it to outperform those with more impressive bloodlines.
Can you train your racehorse anywhere?
While initial training can occur on a variety of tracks, specific race training often requires facilities that simulate the conditions the horse will face in competition. It is important to use tracks that are the same size as the actual track the horse will be racing on. This helps to condition horses and allows them to become familiar with that specific racing environment.
What are the different methods of race training for different horse breeds and types?
Race training methods can indeed vary for different horse breeds, as breed characteristics and racing distances differ. Thoroughbreds that are usually associated with long-distance racing on flat surfaces receive different training from Quarter Horses. Each breed is unique and requires a different approach to match their physical characteristics and behaviors.
What’s the first step when training a racehorse?
During the first phase of racing a horse, there is a critical “breaking” stage where the horses become accustomed with a saddle, bridle or the weight from a rider. During these sessions, patience is key to ensuring the horse feels comfortable around humans and with the equipment they will use throughout their racing career.
Statistics
- Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
- Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
- The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.
- The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
- Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
- An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
External Links
bloodhorse.com
racingpost.com
horseracing.com
britishhorseracing.com
thoroughbredracing.com
paulickreport.com
How To
How To Reduce Injury During Racehorse Racing Training
To minimize the risk of injury to your horse, you should implement a progressive program that corresponds with his fitness level. By combining intense workouts and adequate recovery, you can avoid overtraining. Make sure that all surfaces, including the track and training ground, are properly maintained to prevent accidents. Make sure you use the proper fitting tack, and that you check it regularly for wear. Cross-train your muscles with low-impact activities like swimming.
