20/08/2025
I take my hat off to our re trainers.
Its not an easy job rehoming a Tb and there needs to be more support in this process at the retainer and when these horses get to their new home.
๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ข๐๐ฃ๐ & ๐๐๐ฉ๐ง๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ง๐ฉ
We want to talk openly about whatโs happening behind the scenes with thoroughbreds leaving racing in New Zealand โ and why the current system isnโt working.
Every week we see more horses come in, and the reality is tough:
โข A number of horses arrive with issues that need time and careful management.
โข Itโs almost impossible to rehome horses under 3 years or over 7 years, yet these ages are sent to us.
โข We struggle with transparency from owners and trainers, which makes planning for each horse harder.
โข Behavioural or physical issues which deem them unsuitable for rehoming.
The truth is, most thoroughbreds need:
โข At least 3 months of spell/let-down after racing.
โข Then 3 months of retraining before they are ready for new homes.
โข Honesty around horses not suitable for rehoming.
But there is no financial support to keep them this long. At present, weโre only funded a small $300 arrival fee which covers for a week intake โ and that doesnโt even scratch the surface of what they actually need.
We do receive a $200 fee for traceability once the horse is โRehomedโ - after paperwork is done. I pay someone to do my office work as im busy with the farm and horses.
The Bigger Picture
โข The market value of a retrained thoroughbred is next to nothing in New Zealand, despite the huge time and costs involved.
โข There are very few homes available, and even fewer riders who have the skillset to take on a thoroughbred straight out of racing.
โข Once rehomed, there is almost no support for new owners, and many struggle with behavioural or soundness issues months later. Sadly, we canโt keep taking horses back โ we are already overwhelmed.
โข On top of that, we have to put safety first for our team. These are sensitive animals, and without proper resourcing itโs increasingly hard to find staff willing (or able) to do this work.
Why We Still Do It
Because we love the horses. ๐
We know they deserve a future beyond racing. We are trying our best to help, and to push for meaningful change in the way thoroughbreds are transitioned in New Zealand.
But we canโt do it alone. We need a system that values quality retraining, transparency, welfare, and long-term support โ not just quick turnover.
Weโre sharing this not to discourage, but to raise awareness. These horses deserve better, and with the right change, we believe they can get it.
We are open to suggestions on how to improved.
