Thoroughbred horses are bred and trained for racing, but their careers are often short-lived. Racehorses usually retire when they are between 7 and 10 years old. This article delves into what happens when a racehorse is retired and explores the various paths they can follow.
Depending on their success, age,
health, and owner’s decision, they may face different fates after they retire
from the track. Some of them may become sires or dams for future generations of
racehorses, some may find new careers in other equestrian disciplines, some may
be euthanized or sent to slaughter, and some may be rescued or adopted by
caring people.
Transition
from Racing: Retirement for a racehorse typically begins with the decision to
cease competitive racing. The owner and trainer assess the horse's performance,
health, and age to determine the right time to retire. While some horses may
retire due to age, others may do so because of injuries or declining
performance.
Rehabilitation and Recovery: For horses that have sustained injuries during their racing careers, retirement often involves a period of rehabilitation and recovery. This may include medical treatments, physical therapy, and time to heal. Owners and trainers work diligently to ensure the horse's well-being during this transitional phase.
Finding a New Home: Once a racehorse is deemed fit for retirement, the search for a suitable home begins. Many retired racehorses are rehomed in various ways:
Rehoming and Adoption: Many retired racehorses find new homes through
adoption programs and rehoming initiatives. These programs aim to find suitable
homes for retired racehorses, often with individuals who are interested in
recreational riding, show jumping, or other equestrian disciplines.
Thoroughbred aftercare organizations work to ensure that retired racehorses are
placed in safe and caring environments.
Second Career: Some retired racehorses are retrained for second careers. They can excel in disciplines such as show jumping, or even therapeutic riding programs. Many retired racehorses are young and healthy enough to adapt to a different type of training and riding, and some of them may excel in their new fields. For example, the famous racehorse Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973, went on to sire several successful show jumpers and eventers.
Breeding: One of the most lucrative options for retired racehorses is to
become breeding stock. This is especially true for stallions that have
won prestigious races or have proven their speed and stamina on the track.
Owners
can charge high fees for each offspring of a successful sire, and some of the
top stallions can breed up to 200 mares in one year. Mares that have performed
well or have produced quality foals can also be valuable as broodmares.
Equestrian Schools: Some retired racehorses find a home in
equestrian schools where they can teach riders the ropes of horseback riding.
Retired racehorses can also make
great companions for recreational riders or people who need emotional support
from animals. However, finding a new career for a retired racehorse may require
time, money, and expertise, as some of them may have behavioral or physical
issues that need to be addressed.
Horse Sanctuaries and Rescues: In cases where the horse cannot be rehomed for
any reason, they may find refuge in horse sanctuaries and rescues, where they
can live out their retirement in a peaceful and caring environment.
Euthanasia or Slaughter: Unfortunately, some retired racehorses may face
a grim fate of being euthanized or slaughtered. This may happen for various
reasons, such as injury, illness, old age, poor performance, or lack of demand.
According to the Equine Injury Database, the average rate of fatal injury in
Thoroughbred races in 2017 was 1.46 per 1000 starts.
Some of these injuries may be so
severe that the horse has to be euthanized on the spot or shortly after. Other
injuries may be less obvious but still debilitating, such as joint problems,
ligament tears, or muscle strains. Some owners may choose to euthanize their
horses rather than pay for expensive treatments or rehabilitation.
Alternatively, some owners may
sell their horses to slaughterhouses or auctions, where they may end up being
killed for human consumption or animal feed. In 2018, over 10,000 horses were
slaughtered in Canada, and many of them were likely former racehorses
Rescue or Adoption: Thankfully, there are also some organizations
and individuals who are dedicated to rescuing and adopting retired racehorses.
These groups may work with racetracks, owners, trainers, or veterinarians to
identify horses that are at risk of being euthanized or slaughtered and offer
them a safe and caring environment.
Some of these groups may also
provide training and rehabilitation for the horses, and help them find suitable
homes or careers. For example, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits
and funds over 70 organizations that provide aftercare services for retired
racehorses in North America. Some of these organizations may also host events
or programs to showcase the versatility and potential of retired racehorses,
such as the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, which features
over 500 horses competing in 10 different disciplines.
There are a number of things that you can do to
help retired racehorses:
- Donate
to or volunteer for a racehorse retirement organization. These
organizations provide care and retraining for retired racehorses, and they
help to find them suitable new homes.
- Consider
adopting a retired racehorse. If you have the experience and resources to
care for a retired racehorse, adopting one can be a rewarding experience.
- Educate
yourself and others about the challenges of retiring racehorses. The more
people who are aware of these challenges, the more likely it is that
retired racehorses will be able to find good homes and live happy and
healthy lives after their racing careers are over.
Conclusion:
When
a racehorse is retired, it embarks on a new journey that can be just as
fulfilling as its racing career. These magnificent animals, known for their
strength and speed, often find love and care in their retirement, whether they
transition into new equestrian careers, become breeding horses, or simply enjoy
peaceful retirement in a sanctuary. The transition from the track to a new life
is a testament to the deep bond that exists between humans and horses,
demonstrating our commitment to ensuring their well-being long after they've
crossed the finish line for the last time.
They may have different outcomes after they leave the racing industry, depending on various factors. Some of them may continue to contribute to the sport through breeding, some may find new careers in other equestrian disciplines, some may be euthanized or slaughtered, and some may be rescued or adopted. As horse lovers, we can help these horses by supporting the organizations that provide aftercare services, by educating ourselves and others about the issues they face, and by giving them a chance to thrive in their second careers or lives.
Related Reads:
- The Galloping Evolution of Horse Racing: From Ancient Times to the Modern Day
- Horse Racing Industry Gallops into the Future with New Technologies, Betting Options, and Sustainability Initiatives
- Horse Racing’s Biggest Upsets and Underdogs
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