Successful retraining of former racehorses should focus on the individual horse rather than following a fixed timetable, according to new research which has identified seven factors considered essential for a successful transition into a second career.
The peer-reviewed study, led by researchers at Hartpury University and published in PLOS ONE on 19 August, explored the experiences of people involved in retraining Thoroughbreds following their retirement from racing.
Around 7,000 horses leave racing in the UK each year, with approximately 40% entering retraining for a second career. However, the researchers say there is currently limited evidence describing how retraining programmes should be structured or which elements are most important for long-term success.
Seven factors identified as essential
The expert consultation reached consensus on seven areas considered essential during a horse’s transition from racing:
- the skill and influence of the rider
- the expertise of the handler
- changes to feeding, including forage and concentrates
- the type of exercise undertaken
- changes in the horse’s shape and musculature
- changes in posture and how the horse carries itself
- changes in turnout.
Researchers say the findings highlight just how significant the transition from racing can be, involving physical, behavioural and psychological adaptation rather than simply teaching a horse to perform a different type of ridden work.
No single timetable for retraining
One of the clearest findings was the considerable variation in how long horses may need to make the transition.
Among survey respondents, 29% believed horses should have a six to eight-week ‘let-down’ period after leaving racing before beginning retraining, while 25% started retraining immediately. Others favoured considerably longer periods away from work.
The overall transition period also varied substantially. Around 31% said it typically took six to 12 months, while 27% believed transition could continue for more than two years.
The researchers concluded that there is no single linear pathway that will suit every former racehorse. Instead, the horse’s previous racing career, health, injury history, temperament and ability to adapt should all influence how quickly retraining progresses.
Physical and mental wellbeing both matter
Health was another important consideration. Chronic lameness was identified by 86% of respondents as something that could influence retraining and future career success, while muscle problems and skeletal back pain were also frequently highlighted.
Retrainers were also closely watching horses’ behaviour. Demeanour, anxiety, ability to cope mentally with work, attitude, trainability and apparent happiness were among the behavioural measures commonly used to judge progress.
Experts agreed that basic flatwork, hacking in company and work over varied terrain were valuable elements of transition, while regular assessment of soundness and previous injuries was considered particularly important.
Finding the right horse and rider combination
Importantly, the study suggests that successful retraining should not simply be judged by how quickly a horse progresses or the level at which it ultimately performs.
Instead, success was associated with a horse being settled, able to cope with its new environment and work, and being appropriately matched with its future owner and intended career.
The researchers found former racehorses were being prepared for a wide range of roles, including eventing, dressage and leisure riding, demonstrating the versatility of the Thoroughbred beyond racing.
However, matching the expectations and experience of a new owner with the capabilities of an individual horse was considered crucial to achieving a sustainable long-term outcome.
The authors conclude that better owner education, access to professional expertise and improved sharing of information when horses leave racing could help support successful second careers and long-term welfare.
The study, “Transforming retraining: Supporting racehorses to have successful second careers”, was led by Jane Williams and Gillian Tabor alongside colleagues at Hartpury University and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. It was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation.
