Largest horse rescue and rehoming charity in Britain announces collaboration with Retraining of Racehorses
World Horse Welfare and British Horseracing’s official charity, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), have agreed to collaborate on a pilot scheme.
Posted on 14/11/2014
Share
World Horse Welfare and British Horseracing’s official charity, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), have agreed to collaborate on a pilot scheme that would see the international charity retrain ‘vulnerable’ former racehorses at its Norfolk Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Hall Farm.
The aim is for World Horse Welfare, who are independent welfare advisers to the British Horseracing Authority and the International Equestrian Federation, to use its expertise in preparing horses for new lives in loving homes and rehome them through its rehoming scheme – the largest of its kind in the UK. The pilot is being completely funded by RoR and this service is in addition to World Horse Welfare’s existing UK rescue and rehoming operations.
“Racehorses are generally extremely well cared-for, but after they leave racing they can be as susceptible as any other horse to the vagaries of the market or uncertain futures if they cannot find good homes. World Horse Welfare is adept at helping vulnerable horses make the transition to new environments, so it was natural to want to apply this expertise to help former racehorses. We can provide them with the retraining they need, and find them new homes – but as World Horse Welfare will retain ownership of the horses (as we do with all of our horses), they will have a safe and secure future with us. We see this as an excellent way to expand the offering of our rehoming scheme – rehome a Thoroughbred to ride and some companion Shetlands at the same time. It is also a demonstration of our support for the responsible use of horses in sport – and we really hope it is a success.”
Roly Owers, World Horse Welfare Chief Executive
The charity says that if the pilot is successful it is very possible that the scheme could extend to its four Rescue and Rehoming Centres across the UK. The idea is to increase the geographical spread so that former racehorses can be available to more of the charity’s experienced re-homers.
“In recent years we have seen a notable increase in the value of and demand for former racehorses as more and more people have become aware of their versatility and the activities available to them across a range of disciplines from dressage to polo. At RoR we have always sought to ensure there is a safety net in place to catch any vulnerable or unwanted horses in time to help find them a safe and secure home. So, in addition to the centres that already receive RoR funding, we are delighted to be working with World Horse Welfare and to be able use their extensive experience and expertise. The goals of both charities are the same in terms of wanting to ensure that those animals which provide so much pleasure on the racecourse are suitably catered for when their racing career is over.
“What RoR was lacking was an even geographical spread of locations equipped and resourced to deal with former racehorses and we hope this pilot scheme will in time open the door for RoR to work with all of World Horse Welfare’s Rescue and Rehoming Centres.”
Di Arbuthnot, RoR Chief Executive
Share
Topics
Related News
Foal found in freezing winter set to be star of the show for sculpture trails
After being found in a freezing field at just ten months old, Lucas is now the star of the World Horse Trail.
World Horse Welfare RoR pilot scheme sees first horse rehomed
World Horse Welfare’s pilot scheme with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has reached a milestone as Wold’s Agent (Ollie), the first horse to join the scheme, has found a new home.
Recommended Blog Posts
The senior horse: nutrition in sickness and in health
Find out more about the key considerations when caring for older horses, whether in work or retired and whatever their health status.
Can you cut the costs of horse ownership without compromising on their care?
Chief Field Officer Claire Gordon looks at ways to cut costs without compromising on care.
The Trafficked 20 – life in our care
Our Hall Farm Manager fills us in on how the horses rescued from illegal smuggling have settled into our care and continue to recover.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Join over 55,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now
