Post-racing transition and retraining: Ensuring effective aftercare for retired horses

Purpose

This policy aims to provide guidance for the transition of horses from racing to optimise both the horse’s welfare and human health and safety. This policy can be used by trainers, owners, racing authorities and veterinarians to help ensure a safe, long-term and welfare-centric transition to a post-racing career.

Policy

1. A whole of life approach to the welfare of all Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses is essential to enhance the likelihood of productive careers in recreational activities, breeding or as companion animals after racing.
2. Every industry participant, racing authority, owner, breeder and veterinarian must recognise and embrace their responsibility towards ensuring that the aftercare of racehorses is transparent and accountable.
3. Industry requires an overarching horse welfare organisation to develop and implement nationally consistent standards for horse welfare, promote rider safety, and distribute money available for aftercare.
4. Husbandry and management practices for retired racehorses should ensure their safety and welfare in accordance with the Five Domains Model of animal welfare.
5. Prior to retirement, a veterinary assessment should be performed and findings disclosed to potential new owners, to assist in planning for retirement options and the timing of appropriate retraining program.
6. The death or euthanasia of retired registered racehorses should be reported, recorded, and monitored by racing authorities to ensure transparent and appropriate end-of-life management.
7. Where a horse is considered unsuitable for rehoming due to behavioural or health issues, euthanasia may be the most humane option for these animals. 

Background

1.       Overview

Australian racing is a major and economically important industry encompassing the breeding, training and racing of large numbers of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses (Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative 2021; Thomson et al 2014). The outcome of horses once they leave their racing career is an important issue for the welfare of horses and affects the industry’s social licence to operate (Hampton et al 2020).

Racing Australia annual figures state there were a total of 36,009 Thoroughbred racehorses competing in 19,199 races in 2023/2024 (Racing Australia fact book 2024). Studies have found approximately 17% of Thoroughbreds retired from racing annually, at a median age of 5-years old (Shrestha et al 2021).

Over the past two decades there has been a trend for increased retention of older horses in racing (Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative 2021). Most horses retire due to poor performance and owner reasons rather than injury (Shrestha et al 2021; Thompson et al 2014; Flash et al 2020). The athleticism, sensitivity and versatility of the Thoroughbred makes them ideal horses for both pleasure and professional riders in many disciplines (Stallones 2023). Thoroughbreds are transitioned to breeding as well as companion and therapy homes (Flash et al 2020). Retired Thoroughbreds in equestrian activities are most frequently reported to enter pleasure horse activities, followed by show jumping, eventing and pony club (Shrestha et al 2021). Of the 27% of Thoroughbreds retired due to injury, nearly half were reported to be participating in ridden pursuits such as equestrian or pleasure horse activities in their post racing careers (Shrestha et al 2021). Owners of off-the-track Thoroughbreds in the UK reported that these horses were more likely to have health or behaviour issues at the time of acquisition. The most common issues were musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal in origin (Reed et al 2019). Known issues at the time of acquisition were as likely to resolve in the off-the-track Thoroughbred as the non-Thoroughbred control group and 97% of off-the-track Thoroughbred owners would consider owning one again (Reed et al 2019).

Harness racing Australia reports that 9,819 horses competed in 14,720 races in 2024. In 2022, 2,845 horses retired and 71% were rehomed to equestrian, breeding and companion homes. The placid nature of the Standardbred has also encouraged rehoming to riding for the disabled as well as mounted police programs (https://www.thereisnofinishline.com.au).

In the United Kingdom horse welfare is overseen by the Horse Welfare Board, an independently chaired representative body that produces a strategy to drive improvement in racehorse welfare (britishhorseracing.com). In Australia, the state-based Principal Racing Clubs have very varied welfare strategies. These should be harmonised. The overarching organisation for Thoroughbred racing, Racing Australia, has developed several rules of racing to improve welfare, but there is insufficient coordination of activity between jurisdictions to manage and oversee post racing horse welfare. As horses commonly are sold interstate at the end of their racing careers, it is important that industry addresses how the distribution of the prize money levy for equine welfare is managed to ensure this aligns with interstate horse movement. There is currently variability in post-racing welfare programs across jurisdictions. Successful programs have excellent veterinary input, are properly funded, well established with effective programs to ethically manage end of career and end of life.        

It is encouraging that there has been much invested in incentive schemes in competitions for off the track race horses by both Racing Australia and Harness Racing Australia and this should continue. More funding is needed for support for training of riders and particularly first-time owners of a recently retired horse. 

2.       Breeding

Careful selection of breeding individuals is essential to prioritise those with the greatest likelihood of maintaining both physical and temperamental health throughout their racing and post-racing careers. There is evidence that career longevity and racing frequency are heritable traits (Velie et al 2016).

3.       Handling and Training.

Training

Horses should be well-handled and well-trained at all stages of their life, which must include good foundation training as young horses to assist them to transition to alternate equestrian pursuits after racing.

Some horses transitioned from racing have behavioural problems. The cause of undesirable ridden and in-hand behaviour can be complex and multifactorial and if poorly managed during a horse’s training can become learned behaviours (Romness et at 2020).  Behavioural problems in the horse are directly associated with rider and handler safety and horse welfare (Romness et al 2020). As such, Australian racing and breeding authorities should support the creation, evolution and implementation of training, welfare and handling modules for all industry participants. This will improve horse safety and behaviour, increasing the likelihood of a smooth transition and successful post-racing career.

In-hand behavioural predictors have been investigated and have been found to be associated with increased reported prevalence of dangerous behaviour under saddle. If these behaviours are identified in hand and remedied prior to commencement of ridden work, they may allow riders to avoid injury (Romness et al 2020).

Health and injury minimisation

The provision of a proactive health management programme throughout the horse’s life focused on prevention, early detection and timely intervention is important. Horses in training, transitioning from racing, or once rehomed must receive a minimum standard of welfare, including proper housing, nutrition, companionship with other horses, veterinary care, and animal husbandry, which encompasses dental and farrier care.

Musculoskeletal injury is a significant risk to racehorses. Injury minimisation in racing positively impacts the second career prospects of racehorses. A proportion of racehorses retire due to injury. Exiting the racing industry with an injury may limit post racing opportunities and or reduced owner satisfaction. Racing authorities should support the evolution and implementation of programs to reduce the frequency and severity of acute and chronic injuries to enhance post racing opportunities.

Spelling of horses in training when required, reduces the severity of injuries and enables recovery. Appropriate veterinary treatment and rest improves both racing career longevity and enhances the quality of life after retirement.

4.       Transition 

Preparation for transition

Planning for transition must be instigated by owners and trainers before retirement from racing occurs and the ultimate responsibility for rehoming racehorses lies with the owners at the time of transition (Martin Enquiry, 2020). Rehoming of racehorses must be supported by all industry participants (owners, trainers and breeders) and racing authorities to ensure the horse’s welfare and that safety of future riders are protected.

Timing of retirement is important and should be considered when horses are no longer competitive or at risk of developing chronic health issues. Once a decision is made to retire the horse a veterinary assessment and consultation with experienced re-trainers should be undertaken to determine suitability for retraining to a post-racing career (Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative 2021). It is recommended that any relevant behavioural history, veterinary and steward’s reports that would affect the horse’s retirement, is transferred to the new owners of the horse. It is recommended new owners have a pre-purchase examination done by an independent veterinarian.

Transition

The needs of individual horses leaving the industry varies greatly. Rehoming and retraining programs for racehorses are important and there is an increasing network of options and programs available for horses not transitioning to breeding (Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative 2021). International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) aftercare toolkit has provided a valuable strategy and structured process to assist racing bodies with planning this transition (international racehorse aftercare.com).

Many horses can transition directly to their new career and are easily rehomed. Others require more input of time, and some are not suitable for rehoming due to behaviour or significant injury. Horses may require a period of spell, the duration of which should be tailored to the individual horse’s needs (Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative 2021).

Racing Thoroughbreds are ridden with the jockey high on their backs and thus are trained to respond to changes in pressure from the reins, rather than the aids of seat and legs for other disciplines (Stallones et al 2023). Standardbred horses are worked in harness and must be trained to saddle after retirement. A commitment of time from an experienced rider is necessary to allow a smooth transition to the change in riding.

Traceability

An independent national traceability register for all horses would allow uniform decision making and allow better accountability for horse welfare. Both Racing Australia and Harness Racing Australia have traceability rules that can track horses while in the care of industry participants, but they are unable to follow horses once they leave the industry. Incentive schemes with quality assurance classification that is required for horses entering races or sales could encourage more to participate in traceability reporting.

Funding

The owners of the retired horse must make attempts to rehome the horse by private sale or transition to breeding or other avenues including companion or therapy animals. There are funded programs for rehoming horses which vary in effectiveness between principal racing authorities and are funded in part by levies on prize money. When horses are retired interstate, the levies earnt through prize money do not follow that individual. A national body is recommended such as the scheme proposed by Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative (2021).

5.       Euthanasia

Where a horse is deemed unable to be rehomed due to medical or behavioural issues that impact human safety and/or horse welfare, euthanasia may be the most appropriate course of action (Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative 2021; https://int.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/general-advice/responsible-rehoming.)  Delayed death was highlighted as one of 4 key horse welfare issues in the United Kingdom (Horseman et al 2016). Poor welfare conditions were found in horses who were neglected for economic reasons or because they were unrideable or unmanageable.  There is a need for improved end of life guidelines and decision-making models (Cameron et al 2022).

Recommendations

• An independently audited quality assurance (QA) scheme is necessary to provide assurance to the community that Thoroughbred and Standardbred care and aftercare is of a high standard. It is recommended that any QA auditing scheme should be based on the Five Domains model of animal welfare assessment, which aims to achieve positive experiences in 4 functional domains and an overall positive mental state (5^th domain). Entry to sales and races should be dependent on compliance.
• The training methods used with young horses influences their behaviour both on the track and careers after racing. Developing and monitoring standards for foundation training and training when racing is required.
• Horses should have adequate time to spell and rest before transitioning to an alternative career after racing.
• Off-the-track incentive schemes for all retired racehorses in other disciplines should be continued as they provide focus and encouragement for horses to be retrained.
• Support for new owners and assistance with training should be made available and should include advice from experienced re-trainers.
• Euthanasia may be necessary in some cases. Industry guidelines, consistent with veterinary ethical obligations, need to be provided for those making end-of-life decisions to protect horse welfare.

References

Cameron, A., Pollock, K., Wilson, E., Burford, J., England, G., & Freeman, S. (2022). Scoping review of end-of-life decision-making models used in dogs, cats and equids. Veterinary Record, 191(4), e1730. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1730

Flash, M. L., Crabb, H. K., Hitchens, P. L., Firestone, S. M., Stevenson, M. A., & Gilkerson, J. R. (2022). Factors associated with racing performance and career duration for Victorian-born Thoroughbreds. Australian Veterinary Journal, 100, 48-55.

Hampton, J. O., Jones, B., & McGreevy, P. D. (2020). Social licence and animal welfare: Developments from the past decade in Australia. Animals, 10(12), Article 2237. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122437

Horseman, S., Whay, B., Mullan, S., Knowles, T., Barr, A., & Buller, H. (2016). Horses in our hands. World Horse Welfare. https://storage.googleapis.com/worldhorsewelfare-cloud/2019/09/14b98a4b-horses-in-our-hands_august-2016.pdf (Accessed April 23, 2024).

World Horse Welfare. (n.d.). Responsible rehoming. https://int.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/general-advice/responsible-rehoming (Accessed April 23, 2024).

British Horseracing Authority. (n.d.). Horse welfare board. https://www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/horse-welfare-board/ (Accessed March 5, 2025).

International Racehorse Aftercare. (2022). Aftercare toolkit (1.1). https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Aftercare-Toolkit-1-1_ENG.pdf (Accessed October 12, 2024).

Mellor, D. J., Beausoleil, N. J., Littlewood, K. E., McLean, A. N., McGreevy, P. D., Jones, B., & Wilkins, C. (2020). The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including human-animal interactions in assessments of animal welfare. Animals, 10(10), 1870. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101870

Racing Australia. (2024). Racing Australia fact book 2024. https://publishingservices.racingaustralia.horse/newsletters/2024_Racing_Australia_Fact_Book/10/ (Accessed March 5, 2025).

Reed, S. K., Vander Ley, B. B., Bell, R. P., Wilson, D. A., Wilborn, E., & Keegan, K. G. (2020). Survey on Thoroughbred use, health, and owner satisfaction following retirement from racing. Equine Veterinary Education, 32, 82-87. https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.13185

Romness, N., Fenner, K., McKenzie, J., Anzulewicz, A., Burattini, B., Wilson, B., & McGreevy, P. (2020). Associations between owners’ reports of unwanted ridden behaviour and in-hand behaviour in horses. Animals, 10(12), 2431. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122431

Shrestha, K., Gilkerson, J. R., Stevenson, M. A., & Flash, M. L. (2021). Drivers of exit and outcomes for Thoroughbred racehorses participating in the 2017–2018 Australian racing season. PLOS ONE, 16(9), e0257581. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257581

Stallones, L., McManus, P., & McGreevy, P. (2023). Sustainability and the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industries: An enhanced One Welfare perspective. Animals, 12(3), 490. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030490

The Martin Inquiry. (2020). Racehorse retired inquiry. Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity-welfare/welfare-ethics/racehorse-retired-inquiry (Accessed October 12, 2024).

Thomson, P. C., Hayek, A. R., Jones, B., Evans, D. L., & McGreevy, P. D. (2014). Number, causes and destinations of horses leaving the Australian Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries. Australian Veterinary Journal, 92, 303-311. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.12204

Thoroughbred Welfare Initiative. (2021). The most important participant: A framework for Thoroughbred welfare. Report of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group.

Velie, B. D., Hamilton, N. A., & Wade, C. M. (2016). Heritability of racing durability traits in the Australian and Hong Kong Thoroughbred racing populations. Equine Veterinary Journal, 48(3), 275-279. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12426

Related policies

https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/euthanasia/euthanasia/

Animal Welfare Policy (in draft)