Retraining of Racehorses launches new Retrainer Approval Scheme
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) has launched its new Retrainer Approval Scheme (RAS), developed to help racing owners and trainers identify trusted, welfare-focused retrainers for former racehorses.
The scheme has been created to support responsible transitions from racing by ensuring that horses leaving the sport can be placed with retrainers who meet recognised standards of welfare, care and professional practice. It also provides reassurance to non-racing owners looking to source a former racehorse. Jointly funded by the Racing Foundation and John Pearce Foundation, the scheme represents a significant step forward in strengthening confidence and consistency across the retraining sector whilst helping RoR in our traceability efforts to ensure all former racehorses are visible when leaving the sport.
All retrainers accepted onto the scheme submit an application to RoR for review, and those meeting the initial criteria are then assessed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Stable Inspectorate. Drawing on the BHA’s expertise in inspection and compliance, the assessment examines key areas including equine management, facilities, rehoming procedures and other considerations, such as responsible employment practices, safeguarding, health and safety, and wider legislative compliance. This comprehensive approach helps ensure approved retrainers operate to high standards, with both horse welfare and responsible business practices at the heart of their work.
The partnership between RoR and the BHA brings together expertise from both the welfare and regulatory sides of British racing, helping to create a robust and transparent approval process. Approved retrainers receive ongoing review, ensuring standards continue to be maintained.
Philippa Gilmore, Head of Welfare Operations at RoR, said: "The transition from racing is one of the most important stages in a racehorse's retraining journey. By working closely with the BHA Stable Inspectorate, we have developed a scheme that provides racing owners and trainers with confidence that approved retrainers have been assessed against recognised standards and are committed to delivering excellent welfare outcomes.
“The Retrainer Approval Scheme helps racing owners and trainers make informed decisions when rehoming their horses, while promoting and recognising best practice across the retraining sector. It also gives prospective owners greater confidence that horses have been appropriately assessed and prepared for life beyond racing, whether hacking or in a competitive home.”
John Burgess, Director of Integrity at the BHA said: "The Retrainer Approval Scheme is an important example of racing's commitment to taking responsibility for our horses throughout their lives. Supporting positive outcomes beyond a horse's racing career is a key pillar of A Life Well Lived, British racing's welfare strategy.
“By combining RoR's expertise with assessments undertaken by the BHA Stable Inspectorate, the scheme will help owners, trainers and prospective purchasers identify retrainers who have demonstrated high standards of welfare, care and professional practice, building confidence in former racehorses and supporting successful transitions into their next homes and careers”.
To view the directory of approved retrainers click here