AIRO seeks new fund for retired racehorses

THE Association of Irish Racehorse Owners is extremely aware of the responsibilities of owners in respect of welfare and the after-racing care of horses.

We are currently working on a proposal for a funding mechanism to help owners with rehoming and retraining of horses and are developing our website to include a section on aftercare to further assist them.

We circulate a monthly newsletter to all our members in which we have published articles informing owners of the great work being done by Treo EIle and a monthly section highlighting successful retraining stories.

Our advice to owners who don’t have facilities to retire horses would be to chat to their trainers. Nobody is as acutely aware of each horse’s strengths and weaknesses as the trainer.

Your trainer can give you solid advice on which direction they feel would best suit your animal. AIRO welcomes calls from owners who may need assistance in this regard.

Among the many avenues open to retired racehorses are:

Breeding: If your racemare is suitable, you could breed from her or enter her for a breeding stock sale.

Equestrian sport: This is an ever-growing avenue for former racehorses and there are many disciplines to choose from. Treo Eile and Equi-Ed are just two of the organisations who can help you find a new career for your thoroughbred.

Polo: Smaller racehorses can make excellent polo ponies. This is a growing pastime and a fabulous way for suitable thoroughbreds to extend their competitive career.

Therapeutic animals: Racehorses with the correct temperament can be a very welcome addition to any facility catering for special needs.