Why is The Racehorse Sanctuary & Rehoming Centre needed?
There are several centres across the country re-schooling and rehoming thoroughbred ex-racehorses, and all do an excellent and essential job under very difficult circumstances. Between 4000 to 5000 horses leave the racing industry every year. Most of them make the transition to becoming a riding horse with ease. However, it is the horses that find it difficult that need the facility The Racehorse Sanctuary & Rehoming Centre offers. We aim to cater for those that currently have no future.
When a trainer, owner or head of a syndicate is no longer able to keep a horse for various reasons, the Centre will step in and provide a lifeline for the horse.
What happens when the horse arrives?
The horse will be thoroughly assessed by Nigel who will then decide on the course of treatment and care to return the horse to good health if this is an issue.
We check the horses’ previous history with the owner and their vet if further information is required. We only ask our vet for an assessment if we have a cause for concern.
During the horses’ period of rest and recuperation, we will gradually change their diet and assess their attitude. Then subject to soundness, they will be put into light work starting with lunging and following on to light ridden work such as hacking and schooling.
Horses with long-term injuries will be given the treatment and time to make a full recovery and if they are still unsuitable for ridden work, we will seek to find them a home as a companion. Those who do have a future as riding horses will be found suitable homes as hacks or, if capable, competition horses.
When a horse has completed its recuperation and re-schooling process, applicants who are looking for a particular type of horse are invited to come to the Centre to be assessed for their suitability and match. If it is decided that they are the right person for a horse, then a home inspection is carried out and subject to passing this the horse is placed on permanent loan to the successful applicant.
Aftercare and support from the Centre continues in the form of welfare visits and advising on any problems that may occur. Should the keeper’s situation change affecting the standard of care being offered to the horse then it will be immediately reclaimed and bought back to the Centre. Many problems encountered by ex-racehorses are not necessarily due to health but to physiological reasons and these cannot be cured overnight. They take time, patience, and expertise. Equally, having done the groundwork and found the root of the problem, and in most cases cured it, all this work can so easily be undone in the wrong hands. This is why we are so meticulous when choosing a new keeper to take on one of the Centre’s horses.
How is the Charity funded?
The Racehorse Sanctuary & Rehoming Centre is completely self-funded and relies on the generosity of people who, like us, believe that these wonderful creatures deserve the chance to live out their lives in comfort.
Supporters like you can be confident in the knowledge that every penny given to the Centre goes to support the horses in our care.
How can I get involved or help?
There are many ways you can get involved with the Racehorse Sanctuary & Rehoming Centre and all help is gratefully received. One of the best ways is by joining our very active supporters group. Members make a monthly direct debit payment and in return receive newsletters updating them on the progress of the horses at the Centre, as well as invitations to fundraising events and outings.
Find out more on the support and donate pages to see other ways you can help us. Any contribution, however big or small, goes towards giving the horses in our care a secure future.
