Homme, now known as Mak, is carrying a team of West Australian athletes through their performances at the National Vaulting Championships held in Sydney this week.

The sturdy bay has had an unusual life in the 20 years since he was born into the care of Wally and his trainer brother George, who launched his racing career.

"We had him from a foal. He was a big, strong horse and his family have been stalwarts of the Daly stables for years – and they still are," Wally said.

After several years in city racing, he moved from Ascot out to Bullsbrook to join trainer Kristy Casey and prepare for regional races.

"He got away from us one day. He was tied up in the stalls at Ascot Racecourse but he got free and went back to George's, where he stood at the gate until they opened it and let him in," Kristy said.

"We refreshed him for the country environment and he won at a few country meetings with us. He was a very sound, happy horse."

When Homme retired from racing after several wins and $171,910 in prize money, Kristy rehomed him to relaxed farm lifestyle before his career took a new twist.

Homme came to the attention of Riding for the Disabled vaulting coach Kay Fowler, who was looking for a suitable horse for her new Ripplebrook Equestrian Vaulting Academy.

"I heard about thoroughbred who would be OK so I went to have a look and found he had a beautiful canter and was a real gentleman," Kay said.

"Over time, he's developed so he can hold a canter in a circle and just keep going. He's solid, flexible, well balanced and athletic.

"He would never take off or buck, he protects his riders and vaulters."

Equestrian vaulting is known as gymnastics on horseback and Mak carries up to three vaulters at a time through their routines, which are set to music.

The team includes athletes of all abilities and of various ages competing at a range of levels from preliminary to advanced.

"Usually horse sports are one horse to one rider but vaulting is a genuine team sport," Kay said.

"Vaulting seems crazy at first. Who wants to go backwards on a horse or upside down? But once people start, they just want to do more and more. It brings people out of their shell.

"The horse is a key member of the team and the catalyst for it all.

"Mak is the reason why everyone has done so well. He's a favourite and has given many riders and vaulters a solid start to reach national level."

Off the Track WA is sponsoring Mak and the team at the championships, held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre, 3-6 October 2022.

It will be Mak's last major event before returning home to a quiet life in his second retirement.

For Kristy, Homme/Mak, is one of many horses she has been glad to follow through their life stages.

"We have 40 acres and, when our horses retire from racing, we school them and they stay here until we find a suitable home – or they stay here forever," she said.