Helpline: 01488 648998

news “Aftercare landscape not accurately reflected” - RoR statement following Panorama broadcast

20th July 2021

Further to the broadcast of last night’s Panorama, Di Arbuthnot, Chief Executive of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) said:

“It should be emphasised that the aftercare landscape for former racehorses in Great Britain has changed significantly for the better in recent years and RoR has played an integral role in this by helping generate a demand for former racehorses among the wider equestrian market. It is a shame that this side of the story was not reflected in the programme.

“Indeed, RoR provided the producers with figures that illustrate this growth, showing how thousands more former racehorses every year are enjoying long and fulfilling careers after racing. In addition to the 9,010 active horses registered on our database, among the figures we provided was that in the fifteen years since RoR started staging classes and series exclusively for former racehorses, annual participation in RoR showing events has risen from 270 horses to 3,467; in dressage from 0 to 4,148; and in eventing from 0 to 2912 (2019 figures).

“The programme did raise some concerning issues that obviously warrant further investigation by the relevant authorities. As a welfare charity ourselves, we passionately believe every domesticated animal deserves to be treated humanely and with dignity throughout their lives."

Latest news RoR is always interested to hear of other success stories so please email us and send a photograph of your own story.

Read
Published 24th June, 2025

Tattersalls RoR Showing Series Finals celebrate former racehorse talent at the Royal Highland Show and Hickstead

Last week, the crème de la crème of former racehorses took centre stage in the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Tattersall...

Read
Published 16th June, 2025

Entries now open for The Jockey Club RoR National Championships 2025

Entries are now open for The Jockey Club RoR National Championships, taking place at Aintree International Equestrian Ce...

Read
Published 13th June, 2025

The Gemma Potts Glamour Stakes: Fashion, fun, and a cause that matters

The 2025 Jockey Club RoR National Championships at Aintree Equestrian Centre will see the return of a much-loved class w...

Read
Published 13th June, 2025

Learning with RoR: How our educational events are supporting former racehorses and their owners

At Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), we believe that every former racehorse deserves the chance to thrive in a new life af...