Support for vulnerable horses requiring extended rehabilitation and retraining
Programme Overview
The NZTR Futures Programme provides financial support to NZTR Acknowledged Retrainers and Rehabilitation Farm Providers caring for vulnerable Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTs) that require extended rehabilitation, retraining, behavioural intervention, or welfare support before they can be successfully rehomed.
The Programme recognises that while many retired Thoroughbreds transition successfully into new homes within a relatively short period, some horses require significantly more time, professional input, and structured management to overcome physical, behavioural, or welfare-related challenges.
These horses are typically assessed as Category B or Category C under the NZTR Thoroughbred Assessment Guidelines and require support beyond standard rehoming timeframes to achieve a positive long-term welfare outcome.
The Programme aims to provide these horses with every reasonable opportunity to become suitable for rehoming while supporting evidence-based decision-making where rehabilitation is unlikely to result in an acceptable welfare outcome.
The Programme may also support horses transitioning from the NZTR Recovery Programme where further rehabilitation, retraining or rehoming assistance is required.
Programme Objectives
- Support vulnerable Thoroughbreds requiring extended rehabilitation, retraining or behavioural support.
- Improve welfare outcomes for horses with physical, behavioural or management complexities.
- Assist NZTR Acknowledged Providers to achieve safe, suitable and sustainable rehoming outcomes.
- Reduce the risk of vulnerable horses falling through gaps in the Thoroughbred aftercare system.
- Support evidence-based decisions about rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming or humane euthanasia.
- Promote consistent welfare standards across New Zealand’s recognised Thoroughbred aftercare network.
Eligible Horses
To be eligible for the Programme, a horse must:
- Be an NZTR-recognised Thoroughbred and have raced or trialled in New Zealand.
- Be formally retired from racing through the SR24 process no more than six (6) months prior to the date of application, unless otherwise approved by NZTR in exceptional circumstances.
- Be individually identifiable through its registered name, microchip, brand or another NZTR-approved identifier.
- Be in the care of an NZTR Acknowledged Retrainer or Rehabilitation Farm Provider.
- Have been assessed as a Category B or Category C horse under the NZTR Thoroughbred Assessment Guidelines.
- Require support beyond standard aftercare timeframes.
- Have a documented rehabilitation or retraining plan developed in consultation with the assessing veterinarian and approved by NZTR.
- Have a veterinary assessment supporting a reasonable likelihood of successful rehoming within the maximum Programme duration.
- Not have a known pre-existing condition that would make humane euthanasia the most appropriate welfare outcome at the time of application.
Entry Pathways
| Pathway | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Owner-Funded Pathway | At least four weeks of owner-funded rehabilitation, retraining or rehoming with an NZTR Acknowledged Provider; appropriate routine husbandry; and joint provider and veterinary assessment that additional time and support are required. |
| Recovery Programme Pathway | Current or previous participation in the NZTR Recovery Programme, with provider and veterinary assessment supporting continued rehabilitation, retraining or rehoming through Futures. |
| Exceptional Circumstances Pathway | NZTR may approve entry where exceptional welfare, veterinary, behavioural or other circumstances justify support outside the standard requirements. |
Programme Stages
| Stage | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Initial Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 1-4) | Implement the approved rehabilitation or retraining plan, maintain high welfare standards and assess the horse’s progress and pathway towards rehoming. Required reports and updates must be submitted to support consideration of continued funding. |
| Continued Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 5–12) | Continued participation and funding is subject to satisfactory progress, ongoing eligibility and compliance with Programme requirements. Providers must continue the approved plan, actively prepare the horse for rehoming where appropriate and submit all required progress reports and assessments. |
| Continued Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 5–12) | Continued participation and funding is subject to satisfactory progress, ongoing eligibility and compliance with Programme requirements. Providers must continue the approved plan, actively prepare the horse for rehoming where appropriate and submit all required progress reports and assessments. |
| Extension Phase (Weeks 13-24) | Available only following approval of an Extension Application submitted by Week 10. The application must include evidence of progress, an updated rehabilitation or retraining plan, a current veterinary report, evidence of rehoming efforts (if applicable) and a defined pathway towards a sustainable long-term outcome. |
Reporting and Veterinary Review
- A Monthly Progress Report must be submitted for each funded horse.
- Reports must cover progress, current health and welfare, significant physical or behavioural developments, rehoming activity and next-month objectives.
- Where rehabilitation relates to a physical or behavioural condition, veterinary assessments should generally be completed at least every four weeks.
- NZTR may request additional veterinary reports or an independent assessment at any time.
Rehoming Requirements
- Actively seek an appropriate, safe and sustainable long-term home.
- Assess suitability for the intended future use.
- Confirm the proposed home is appropriate for the horse’s temperament, needs and capabilities.
- Complete all required NZTR documentation and notify NZTR of the intended placement.
- Do not sell a horse that has completed the Programme for less than $1,500 unless NZTR has approved otherwise.
- Disclose the final sale price to NZTR in the Futures Programme Transition Report, or confirm if the horse was gifted or transferred without payment.
- Submit a Futures Programme Transition Report after rehoming or another exit outcome.
Circumstances Where Funding May Cease
- The horse no longer meets eligibility requirements.
- Required reports are not provided.
- Satisfactory progress is not being demonstrated.
- The horse is rehomed, sold, transferred, euthanised or otherwise exits the provider’s care.
- The provider no longer meets NZTR acknowledgement requirements.
- Welfare concerns are identified.
- False, misleading or incomplete information has been provided.
Programme Administration
- The NZTR Futures Programme is administered by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. NZTR may review any participating horse, approve or decline applications and extensions, suspend or cease funding, and amend Programme criteria, funding levels or operational requirements from time to time.
Record Keeping and Audit
Providers must retain Programme records, including veterinary reports, progress reports and supporting documentation, for a minimum of two (2) years.
NZTR may request records, undertake audits or inspect facilities to verify compliance and maintain Programme integrity.