The World Horse Welfare charity is to run a pilot scheme, retraining ‘vulnerable’ former racehorses.
Uncertain future
The news was announced by chief executive Roly Ower at the charity’s annual conference at the Royal Geographical Society in London (13 November).
“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,” he said.
“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.
RoR collaboration
The pilot scheme, which will be initially held atHall Farmrescue and rehoming centre inNorfolk, is being run in collaboration with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). The venture follows the charity’s recent independentreview of its plans and policies.
One of the recommendations was to ‘improve the geographical spread of approved centres’ by enlisting the help of suitable establishments, which can care for former racehorses.
“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,” saidRoR chief executive Di Arbuthnot.
Experience and expertise
World Horse Welfare will retrain the horses for a new career and thenfind them new homes. The charity will retain ownership, however, as it does will all of its rescue horses.
“We are delighted to be working with World Horse Welfare and to be able use their extensive experience and expertise,” said Di.
Other recommendations include RoRsetting up an online sales facility for its racehorses and holding a public auction. In addition, a newrole of welfare consultant has been created, which has been taken up by former president of BEVA and chief executive of the Horse Trust, Paul Jepson.