Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has set out its ambitious new strategy, which aims to ensure that every horse bred to race is visible, valued and cared for beyond their career in racing.
The charity’s new five-year plan was unveiled yesterday (10 November) at a reception at the House of Commons, alongside the Horse Welfare Board’s (HWB) A Life Well Lived.
The RoR Strategy 2027–2031 outlines how the charity will work with British racing, horse owners and the wider equestrian and welfare sectors to strengthen lifelong aftercare.
“Every horse bred to race deserves a future in which they are visible, valued and cared for beyond racing,” said Rupert Arnold, RoR’s Interim Chief Executive. “That is the ambition at the heart of our new strategy.”
Lasting change for ex-racehorses
The strategy, endorsed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), sets out to improve visibility and traceability; strengthen welfare, education and lifelong support; increase participation and demand for former racehorses; and secure funding and organisational resilience needed to deliver lasting change.
“We have made significant progress in recent years, but there is more to do,” said Mr Arnold. “We need to strengthen our connections with former racehorses and their owners, make it easier to access trusted guidance and support, and do more to prevent welfare problems before they arise.
Once horses leave the regulated racing world, maintaining contact with them and their owners becomes more challenging. RoR intends to strengthen registration, data sharing and digital services so that more former racehorses remain visible and connected to support throughout their lives.
The strategy also recognises the importance of celebrating the versatility of former racehorses and creating greater demand for them, whether as leisure horses, companions or competitors.
RoR will continue to develop participation and education opportunities that demonstrate the many fulfilling lives horses can enjoy beyond racing.
A life beyond the track
Brant Dunshea, Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority said RoR’s new strategy alongside the Horse Welfare Board’s A Life Well Lived underlines the shared commitment across British racing to safeguarding the welfare of our horses throughout their lives.
“RoR plays a vital role within British racing’s welfare structure, helping former racehorses remain connected to support, guidance and opportunities after they leave training,” he said.
“This strategy sets out an ambitious and practical roadmap for strengthening that work, and the BHA is pleased to endorse it as the sport’s industry strategy for aftercare.
“Together, we can build on the progress already made and ensure former racehorses enjoy fulfilling lives beyond racing.”
Investing in their future
RoR aims to build progressively towards annual income of £4.5 million by 2031, with funding expected to come from both British racing and independent fundraising.
The strategy also commits the charity to strengthening its evidence and impact reporting, helping the charity and its partners demonstrate progress and ensure resources are directed where they can make the greatest difference.
“Aftercare is a shared responsibility, and the launch of our strategy alongside A Life Well Lived reflects the importance of working together across British racing and the wider equestrian and welfare sectors,” added Mr Arnold.
“This is about building a sustainable system of aftercare that gives every former racehorse the best possible opportunity for a good life beyond racing.”
Parade of stars
The launch of the new strategy will also be marked by a parade of former racehorses at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday (14 November), during its November Meeting.
The parade will showcase the versatility of the thoroughbred, highlighting the positive futures former racehorses can enjoy and the importance of supporting them throughout their lives.
Horses taking part in the parade include Coneygree, Dashel Drasher, Duc Des Genievres, Elegant Escape, Falloway Dubreau, Frodon, Melon, Native River and Regal Encore.
The RoR Strategy 2027–2031 and the RoR Strategy 2027-2031 At a glance are available to view at ror.org.uk/strategy
Lead image by Shutterstock
