ex-racehorses

At no time has the issue of welfare within the horseracing industry been more of an important topic, and that includes what happens to horses beyond their racing careers. Encouragingly, there is much work being done around the world to ensure that retired racehorses are homed and utilised in a range of ways, from being companion horses through to competing at the highest level in other disciplines.  With a leaning towards the latter option, the Japan Racing Association (JRA) hosted a clinic with leading event rider Boyd Martin in the...

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) has awarded the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) $5,000 to be used for educational purposes. RRP's mission is to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in the equestrian marketplace and educating equestrians to provide the training that secures their future. The driving force behind everything RRP does is educating the public, especially equestrians and equine enthusiasts, about the potential and versatility of off-track Thoroughbreds as riding and competition horses. RRP does this through their popular Thoroughbred Makeover...

For many people, the recent Panorama documentary which focused on the desperate plight of a handful of former racehorses ending up at an abattoir was distressing viewing. For many of us who work with racehorses, it also brought about a feeling of utter frustration. Frustration that a 30-minute programme which showed just one side of a story could potentially undo so much of the good work that has been done in aftercare for ex-racehorses for years. Frustration that some people who do very well out of owning and training racehorses...

Treo Eile, an Irish non-profit assisting racehorse trainers and owners who wish to rehome and retrain their racehorses after racing, launched their website on Feb. 20. The programme aims to: connect racehorse owners with retrainers/new owners support ex-racehorses with a thoroughbred event program promote the versatility of the ex-racehorse The Treo Eile website is a matchmaking tool for the ex-racehorse and potential new owner, with retiring racehorses posted to Treo Eile's listings section. Owners may also contact retrainers through the directory. Incentives aimed at ex-racehorses will soon be established at...