Responsible Rehoming Guide

Every Thoroughbred deserves a well-planned transition from racing and breeding.

A successful transition requires planning, preparation and a shared commitment from owners, trainers, NZTR and the wider Thoroughbred community. By understanding our respective responsibilities and planning early, we can give every Thoroughbred the best opportunity for a safe and sustainable future beyond racing.

OWNER - PLAN • PREPARE • PROVIDE
Plan ahead: Consider the horse's likely pathway before retirement and avoid waiting until a new home is urgently needed. Where breeding is not an appropriate pathway, consider options suited to the horse's physical and mental capabilities.

Retire: Complete all required retirement paperwork in accordance with the NZTR Rules of Racing, including submitting an SR-24 within 30 days of the decision to retire the horse.

Assess the horse: Understand the horse's temperament, soundness, veterinary history, behaviour and suitability for another career. The Beyond the Track Transition Assessment can help identify the most appropriate next steps and level of support required.

Be transparent: Disclose all known injuries, behaviours, limitations and veterinary concerns to anyone involved in the horse's transition. Providing complete and accurate information allows prospective owners and providers to make informed decisions and supports the goal of finding a suitable, long-term home.

Prepare appropriately: Ensure the horse is in appropriate body condition and that hoof care, dental care and any necessary veterinary treatment are addressed before rehoming. Good preparation gives the horse the best chance of a successful transition and helps reduce the time and cost required to prepare it for its next home or career.

Budget for aftercare: Rehoming, rehabilitation and retraining take time and come with costs. Owners should be prepared to fund the care, assessment, treatment and training their horse requires during its transition, which may extend over several months.

Make responsible decisions: Not every horse will be suitable for rehoming or a ridden career. Where rehoming is not appropriate, long-term retirement or humane end-of-life are responsible and legitimate welfare pathways.

NZTR - SUPPORT • EDUCATE • ENABLE

Education and guidance: Provide practical information, tools and resources to help owners, trainers and new Thoroughbred owners make informed decisions throughout a horse's transition.

Acknowledged Provider network: Support and promote a national network of Acknowledged Providers with expertise across rehoming, retraining, rehabilitation and retirement.

Targeted funding and programmes: Invest in aftercare and welfare programmes through the 1% Welfare Levy, with support targeted towards eligible horses and circumstances where it can make the greatest welfare impact.

Welfare support: Provide guidance where a horse is vulnerable, additional support is required, or the most appropriate future pathway is unclear.

Community and connection: Strengthen connections between the racing and equestrian communities and promote opportunities for Thoroughbreds to thrive beyond racing.

NZTR ACKNOWLEDGED PROVIDERS - ASSESS • SUPPORT • CONNECT

Rehoming: Professional assessment, marketing, screening of prospective homes and matching horses with suitable new owners.

Retraining: Professional assessment and education to prepare horses for appropriate second careers.

Rehabilitation: Specialist care and rehabilitation for horses requiring additional time, treatment or recovery before their future pathway can be determined.

Retirement: Appropriate long-term care for horses that are not suitable for ridden rehoming but can maintain a good quality of life.

Traceability: Support accurate record-keeping throughout the horse's transition, including changes of ownership and rehoming outcomes, helping maintain visibility of Thoroughbreds beyond racing.

THE PRINCIPLE IS SIMPLE:

Owners remain responsible for planning, preparing and providing for their horse's transition. NZTR provides the framework, education and targeted support. Acknowledged Providers provide the specialist expertise to help horses reach appropriate outcomes.

Together, this creates a more sustainable aftercare system and gives Thoroughbreds the best opportunity to thrive beyond racing.