Me ‘n’ Taz | Talented Taz and Coles

Bred by Phil Naylor in WA, Me ‘N’ Taz entered the world in August 2012. By Pitleco and out of Miss Ghataas, Me ‘N’ Taz began his racing career in late 2016. With 20 starts under Naylor, Me ‘N’ Taz was then transferred to Nathan Turvey for a further 15 starts, with several placings and wins. Following his successful time with Naylor and Turvey, Me ‘N’ Taz trained for his final four starts with Brian Rogers before retiring in mid-2021. Taz retired with a total of 39 starts, five wins and twelve placings to earn $94,460 in lifetime earnings.

In October 2021, Maddie Coles purchased a freshly retired Me ‘N’ Taz from owners, Naylor and Turvey. Having worked previously in both the thoroughbred and standardbred racing industry, Maddie had a special love for the personalities and athleticism of retired racehorses. Maddie had spent the last two years of Taz’s career track riding him for trainers, so was well acquainted with the handsome gelding.

“I thought I’d just work with him for a few months off the track and then rehome him, but he made the journey so interesting and unpredictable that by the time he was ready for a new home, I loved him too much to let him go,” commented Maddie.

Maddie described Taz as ‘quick to question, but inattentive’ at first. This required Maddie to take a slower approach to retraining the gelding, who struggled to find a place of relaxation and how to keep his mind occupied. Thanks to assistance from coaches such as ‘Jacinta Maurer’ and ‘Jess Fortescue’, Taz has become much more trainable. Additionally, Taz is described as an incredibly smart and observant horse who is always alert and ready.

Maddie and Taz had a successful start to their partnership, with the talented gelding proving to have scope for jumping and eventing. In their first year, Maddie and Taz claimed a total of eight Best Performed OTT awards, one overall OTT Champion and a reserve.

“We started small to build his confidence at crowded shows (and to teach him to slow down) and finished the year show jumping 80cm and eventing at 65cm.”

Maddie fondly recalled their greatest accomplishment as their open win at Serpentine Show Jumping series, where they claimed their first rug.

Having recently moved to Capel, Taz is now taking some time to provide Maddie with companionship while she completes her final year of medical training.

“Every moment with him after a bad day cheers me up.”

OTTWA wish Taz and Maddie all the best for their future together. Maddie hopes to return to jumping with Taz once she completes her training. We look forward to following along with their return.

Vickiphotos, Eric Lloyd Photography, Secret Women’s Business and My Focused Photography.

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