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Thoroughbreds are extremely athletic and versatile horses, which means they are suited to an array of disciplines and roles for their lives post racing. When the time comes for your horse to retire from racing it is extremely important that they find a home that is able to account for the horse’s individual needs.

Each horse has a unique nature, personality, and ability’s so you will need to work out a suitable option for your horse’s circumstances. In consultation with your horse’s Trainer or stable employees that played a large part in the horses training, consider the horse’s temperament, age, size, soundness and general health.

The suitability of horse to rider skill level is only one part of that horse’s future. Ensuring new owners are capable of providing the horse with suitable and sustainable nutrition, vet care, and education takes priority to ensure the horse does not end up in a poor welfare situation due to lack of suitability, or financial hardship.

Not every horse is suitable to be a 5* eventer, or a National Level Show Horse. It is important to be realistic and to prioritize what will be best for the horse.

If you do not believe your horse is suitable to be rehomed due to behavioral or physical soundness issues or concerns, please contact the Thorough Care SA team to discuss other options available.

Potential Second Careers for your retired racehorse:

  • Dressage
  • Eventing
  • Show Jumping
  • Showing
  • Polo
  • Polocrosse
  • Showing
  • Pony Club
  • Adult Riding Club
  • Western
  • Leisure and Trail Riding
  • Equine Assisted Therapy
  • Companion or Nanny
  • Vaulting
  • Interschool
  • Para Equestrian

The Rehoming Process

  • Assess your horse’s suitability and temperament. What type of career will be the best option for your horse?
  • Assess whether your horse needs an appropriate let down or spell once retired from racing. This may vary depending on the horse. Some horses may be able to transition to their new careers straight away, whilst others may require a longer spell.
  • Approach the racing stable employees as they may be interested in acquiring your horse themselves or perhaps, they will use their connections to help find your horse a suitable home.
  • If rehoming your horse yourself, photograph your horse. If possible, take some video of your horse moving. Make sure the photographs are of high quality and show the horse at its best.
  • Advertise your horse on sites such as Horse Deals, Horsezone or Aushorse Equestrian (My Aushorse). Advertising can be free if your horse is under a certain price bracket. You may also advertise your horse through other social media channels.
  • You may decide to approach a Thorough Care SA ‘Acknowledged Rehomer’ to assist with the retraining and rehoming process. The List of TCSA Acknowledged Rehomers can be found here.
  • Be honest in the information that you provide in any advertisement and include as much detail as possible. Consider filling out the Thorough Care SA Voluntary Declaration of Veterinary History Form which can be found at on the Thorough Care SA webpage under Rehoming and Pathways after Racing.
  • Be ready for prospective new owners to have a vet check. It is expected that your horse’s shoeing, worming, vaccination, and dental programs are up to date prior to rehoming to a QOTT Acknowledged Retrainer or private owner.
  • Once rehomed, continue to follow your horse in his/her new career.