There's news that Retraining of
Racehorses (ROR) and World Horse Welfare are launching a joint pilot
scheme to help vulnerable former racehorses. WHW will soon be
offering assessment, re-training and home-finding, specifically for
ex-racers, from its Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk.
WHW helps all kinds of horses, but it
is no stranger to the world of racing, being an independent adviser
to the British Horseracing Authority ( as well as to the
International Equestrian Federation.) The aim of the new project –
which will be fully funded by ROR – is to utilize the
long-established rehoming expertise of WHW, and it's national
networks, to help retrain ex-racehorses and then find them suitable
new homes.
WHW Chief Executive, Roly Ower, says:
“ Racehorses are generally extremely
well cared-for, but after they leave racing they can be as
susceptible as any other horse to the vagaries of the market or
uncertain futures if they cannot find good homes. World Horse Welfare
is adept at helping vulnerable horses make the transition to new
environments, so it was natural to want to apply this expertise to
help former racehorses. We can provide them with the retraining they
need , and find them new homes – but as World Horse Welfare will
retain ownership of the horses (as we do with all our horses) they
will have a safe and secure future with us. We see this as an
excellent way to expand the offering of our rehoming scheme - rehome
a Thoroughbred to ride and some companion Shetlands at the same time.
It is also a demonstration of our support for the responsible use of
horses in sport – and we really hope it is a success.”
So, this new project will operate much
the same as those offered by the existing main Thoroughbred rehoming
centres (apart from the offer of Shetlands as part of the package!)
But with over 3000 racehorses leaving training every year in the UK
alone, every bit of ethical and well-organised rehoming help must be
welcome.
If this pilot project is successful (
which it will be!) it is to be extended across the UK through WHW's
other four Rescue and Rehoming Centres, so as to harness all their
locally-based rehoming expertise.
ROR's Chief Executive, Di Arbuthnot,
explains:
“ What ROR was lacking was an even
geographical spread of locations equipped and resourced to deal with
former racehorses, and we hope this pilot scheme will in time open
the door for ROR to work with all of World Horse Welfare's Rescue and
Rehoming Centres.
We are delighted to be working with
World Horse Welfare and to be able to use their extensive experience
and expertise. The goals of both charities are the same in terms of
wanting to ensure that those animals which provide so much pleasure
on the racecourse are suitably catered for when their racing career
is over.”
It all sounds good to me.
And for anyone who loves ex-racehorses
and is looking for a dream job with them – this could be it!
WHW is advertising for a 'Specialst
Riding Groom' to join the new project. It's a full-time post, based
at the Norfolk Centre, and initially for 12 months ( though is likely
to become permanent if all goes well.) Obviously, WHW is looking for
someone who has extensive experience of working with TB's, and a real
understanding of ex-racers and their 'issues'. The ideal applicant
will also be a good and confident rider, and skilled at schooling
both on the ground and under saddle.
More details can be found on the WHW
website : www.worldhorsewelfare.org
Applicants need to send a CV and
covering letter to:
Gillian Larter, Human Resources
Officer, Anne Colvin House, Snetterton. Norfolk, NR16 2LR
or email: info@worldhorsewelfare.org
( Must be Word, PDF or RTF format)
Closing date for applications :
7th December 2014
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