Retraining of Racehorses joins British Equestrian as former racehorses gain a stronger voice

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), the official charity for the welfare of horses that have left racing, has become an associate member of British Equestrian, the national federation for equestrian sport in Great Britain. The membership formalises a relationship RoR has built with many of the federation's member bodies over the years, giving the charity a direct seat at the table where decisions on welfare, participation and education are made.

Around 2,300 Thoroughbreds retire from racing in Great Britain each year under a non-racing agreement, and many go on to second careers across a wide range of equestrian disciplines or become leisure horses. RoR's managing director David Catlow said the membership would let the charity "champion the Thoroughbred, share our expertise and ensure former racehorses have a strong voice" within the wider industry, and described it as a further sign of British racing's commitment to responsible aftercare.

For breeders and owners involved in Thoroughbred aftercare, the move gives former racehorses a more formal route into mainstream equestrian welfare, education and safeguarding structures, rather than relying on informal links between racing and the wider horse world. British Equestrian chief executive Jim Eyre said RoR's knowledge and focus "will benefit everyone in the industry" as the two organisations work more closely together.