News RoR launches review to boost opportunities for former racehorses in sports

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing, is thrilled to announce the initiation of a comprehensive review focusing on enhancing sporting opportunities for former racehorses competing in a wide range of disciplines.

Collaborating with national governing bodies, RoR aims to explore and expand opportunities in 2024 and future years alongside strengthening its hosted events. Building on the success of the RoR National Championships at Aintree, this year promises an extraordinary thoroughbred extravaganza.

RoR is actively reinforcing its alliances with key organisations such as the British Horse Society, the Pony Club, as well as those involved in showing, hunting, polo, British Riding Clubs, Endurance GB, and Riding for the Disabled. The main objective is to highlight the compelling stories of retired racehorses engaged in diverse equestrian activities during their second careers. This not only provides RoR riders with an extended competition platform but also offers the racing industry valuable insights into the post-racing pursuits of these former racehorses.

The ongoing review, initiated in early January, has already pinpointed potential opportunities for implementation this year. Dressage riders, who were previously excluded from lower levels, now have the opportunity to compete once again. This is made possible by the introduction of two sections – open and restricted – which will be utilised during the RoR Regional and National Dressage Championships. This not only doubles the number of champions we will witness, with two winners at each level, addressing a long-standing desire among members. Choices are no longer limited, as participants from prelim upwards now have the chance to take part. To safeguard true grassroots riders, there is still provision for them to compete in their designated 'restricted' section.

For those passionate about combined training, a significant development awaits – a highest placed RoR rosette will be awarded at each level during all qualifiers until March, and subsequently at the Championship in April. This marks a noteworthy initiative to recognise and reward former racehorses participating in dressage and showjumping under the British Dressage banner.

Leading the review, Julie Frizzell commented: “The RoR team deserves significant credit for what RoR currently offers. We will build on that great foundation to review the sporting opportunities, from pleasure to professional, for all former racehorses. The versatility of the thoroughbred never fails to leave me in awe and it’s our aim to create rewarding opportunities for all to participate in.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors
For more information, please contact Toni Levey, Communications & Media Executive at RoR, tlevey@ror.org.uk or telephone 07881 286441.

About Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)
Founded in 2000, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing's official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. We believe every former racehorse deserves a life well lived throughout every stage of their life. For more information visit www.ror.org.uk