Success stories From uncertainty to a bright future: One horse's journey with the protection of RoR’s Retraining Assessment Programme

For some racehorses, retirement raises more questions than answers. At RoR, our Retraining Assessment Programme (RAP), run in partnership with our aftercare partner, HEROS Charity, is dedicated to helping these horses, particularly those facing challenges in their transition out of racing due to temperament or veterinary concerns. Delivered by HEROS, this programme provides a comprehensive assessment followed by a tailored retraining plan for eligible horses.

In March 2024, a mare joined the programme after retiring from an unsuccessful racing career. While her trainer managed her temperament in a racing environment, they were uncertain how she would adapt to retraining. Committed to securing her future, her owners turned to RoR for support.

On arrival at HEROS, a full assessment identified bilateral forelimb lameness caused by sore knee and back issues. Rest and turnout were recommended before starting her retraining journey. Despite initial concerns, she proved to be willing, eager to learn and an excellent candidate for retraining. With the experienced support of HEROS and their team including vet, chiropractor and farrier, she progressed quickly from groundwork to ridden work. Before long, she was ready to find her forever home.

HEROS operates on a lifelong lease model, ensuring ongoing support to owners and preventing these horses from being passed on. In August 2024, Kirsty, a potential lessee, visited HEROS in search of her first horse. While she saw several horses who fitted her criteria, she formed an immediate connection with this mare. A riding assessment confirmed they were a perfect match.

To prepare for ownership, Kirsty attended an educational day at HEROS, covering essential topics like nutrition, first aid and safe handling of former racehorses. Following a home visit and multiple return visits, by September 2024, Kirsty and the filly were ready to start their journey together.

Now settled into her new home, the mare is thriving. Kirsty has focused on bonding through in-hand work, lunging, hacking and schooling and they have built a strong partnership. With a new saddle on the way, they are eager to start pole work and jumping, bringing new challenges and excitement to their journey. Their story is testament to the power of a careful transition out of racing where patience, training and getting the right match are key to success.

Where once this horse’s future looked uncertain, she now thrives in a supportive, loving home.

About the RAP

Launched in 2022, RoR's RAP supports eligible horses transitioning into life as leisure horses. It ensures they are assessed, retrained and safeguarded for their second careers, addressing any physical or temperamental challenges that may make them vulnerable if they are rehomed straight out of training.

The programme provides a crucial first step, offering professional assessment and structured retraining, whether the horse's future is as a hack, companion or in competitions. This gives racehorse owners peace of mind, ensuring their horses are given a safe and successful life beyond the track and for the future.

The RAP scheme forms part of the ‘Improving the Framework to Support Horses’ First Step Out of Training’ project which is generously funded by a grant from The Racing Foundation and the John Pearce Foundation for 2025.

Find out more in our recent video.