Vote for Community Impact Award

Samantha Ivy Barton and her former racehorse, Up For An Oscar (stable name Ozzy), epitomise the transformative potential of equine aftercare and the profound impact of a dedicated partnership. Earlier this year, Samantha endured the devastating challenges of homelessness and loss. However, she found renewed purpose in her work with Ozzy, a horse once labelled dangerous and at risk of being put to sleep. Through her patience, commitment, and passion, Samantha transformed Ozzy into a cherished and dependable partner.

Their journey is more than a personal triumph; it is a story of resilience and giving back. As farm manager at Redberth Croft CIC, Samantha draws upon her bond with Ozzy to inspire and mentor young people from the local community. Once troubled, Ozzy is now a calm and reliable horse, playing a vital role in helping novices build confidence and develop horsemanship skills. He is also central to Redberth Croft’s mission, which provides therapeutic experiences for individuals who have faced adversity. Together, they create a safe, supportive environment where people can reconnect with nature and animals.

Samantha and Ozzy’s partnership underscores the critical importance of aftercare for former racehorses, showing how, with the right support, these horses can thrive in new and meaningful roles. Their work not only supports community engagement and equine-assisted therapy but also highlights the transformative impact former racehorses can have on the lives of individuals and their communities.

Louise Robson has been riding racehorses most of her life. Lou created Thoroughbred Dressage in 2012 to work with former racehorses at all stages of their retraining, to help horses and owners that are struggling, and to compete at all levels of dressage on retrained Thoroughbreds. In addition to this, Lou is passionate about creating better education and understanding of Thoroughbreds both inside and outside the racing world.

This passion sees her regularly host demonstration and education evenings at the Thoroughbred Dressage yard to discuss nutrition, farriery, veterinary care, and training. These events are open to owners of all types of horses, helping to spread a positive message to the wider equestrian community and create interest and demand for rehoming. Lou runs numerous online webinars, supports RoR, and has a podcast, All Aboard the Racehorse, to reach even more people.

Lou works with Godolphin Lifetime Care, supporting charity events and open days, and plays a big part in National Racehorse Week every year—taking horses into schools and to trainer open days to help promote life after racing to as many people as possible. Lou is one of racing’s unsung heroes, never seeking praise but always looking for new ways to help people and connect Thoroughbreds to the British public. She is an absolute force of nature, and racing is lucky to have someone so dedicated, passionate, and proactive championing the Thoroughbred far and wide.

During NRW, Louise and Forth Bridge (aka William) met hundreds of children. The careers co-ordinator at Denbigh School in Coventry said:

"Thank you to all of those that came – we have all fallen in love with William, who was an absolute star! So gentle and patient with the kids. Lou was amazing at building the confidence of the more reticent ones, and they were all really good at answering the students’ questions and talking to them. It was such a great visit – please do let me know if you run this event in the future as we’d love to have you again. I do have one Year 11 student who is very interested in a career in the equine industry. She hadn’t thought of the racehorse area before, but she is now."

Since the early 1990s, Grace has been rehoming and retraining retired racehorses, maintaining a keen interest in their welfare and future. After many years of this work alongside her role as Stud Manager at North Farm Stud, Grace founded HEROS (Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme) in 2006. HEROS is supported by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), the official British charity for the welfare of retired racehorses.

Every year, thousands of racehorses leave racing due to injury, old age, or lack of ability. However, retirement from racing does not signal the end for these horses, as Thoroughbreds have talents in many disciplines. HEROS ensures that retired racehorses can transition into fulfilling second careers, such as eventing, dressage, polo, show-jumping, hacking, or as companion animals. The charity works tirelessly to match each horse with the right owner and provides ongoing support if circumstances change.

HEROS, based in Oxfordshire, is a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence for rehoming, retraining, and rehabilitation. It takes on horses from across the UK, Ireland, and recently Dubai, showcasing a growing international impact. Since its inception, HEROS has rehomed more than 700 racehorses. While straightforward cases may take two to six months to rehome, horses with behavioural or physical challenges may take eight months or more.

For horses embarking on specialised second careers, such as dressage or show jumping, HEROS develops bespoke individual programmes. Older horses or those with long-term injuries often enjoy a happy retirement at HEROS or North Farm Stud. The charity dedicates countless hours to ensure each horse receives a chance for a fulfilling life beyond racing, whether through rest, rehabilitation, or retraining. HEROS’ approach to aftercare has set a benchmark for the industry and continues to pave the way for brighter futures for ex-racehorses.

Education

In 2015, HEROS launched its education arm, offering courses in equine, animal care, and forestry as alternative provision for 11-16-year-olds who struggle in mainstream education. At HEROS, students learn horse care, functional skills in maths and English, and essential life skills such as budgeting, healthy eating, teamwork, mindfulness, and conflict resolution.

In 2024, HEROS introduced its EMS veterinary programme, which, starting in 2025, will allow Royal Veterinary College students to complete rotations at the facility. This programme provides hands-on experience, aiding students in gaining knowledge while giving the horses access to veterinary care, diagnostics, and treatment.

Impact

Grace and HEROS have received numerous awards, including the Pride of Racing Award in 2008 for Grace’s outstanding devotion to caring for ex-racehorses and rehabilitating injured ones. In 2015, Grace won the British Horse Society Welfare Award and was named Sportsmail’s Grassroots Unsung Hero for her work transforming young lives.

Grace’s impact extends beyond horses to young people and those in the racing industry. She champions opportunities for individuals with no prior experience, believing in their potential to learn. Half of her team has additional personal, social, or mental health needs, and Grace provides tailored support. For example, one team member has been with HEROS for 16 years, excelling in machinery operation despite literacy challenges. Grace’s philosophy is rooted in recognising individual strengths and fostering a supportive environment where people can thrive.

HEROS, under Grace’s guidance, is an invaluable asset to both the racing and educational industries. Grace’s leadership inspires a committed, passionate, and motivated team who wholeheartedly support HEROS’ mission. The organisation’s dedication to aftercare, education, and inclusion is unparalleled, setting a standard for others to follow. Recognising Grace and HEROS’ contributions would highlight the transformative impact they have on horses, people, and the wider industry.