New research led by Hartpury University has identified key factors that can help retired racehorses make a successful transition into second careers, providing valuable insight for the racing and wider equine industries.
Thousands of Thoroughbreds leave British racing each year, with many going on to new careers ranging from eventing and dressage to leisure riding.
Researchers at Hartpury University have explored what horses need during this important period of transition, with the findings highlighting the importance of tailoring retraining to the individual horse rather than following a fixed timetable.
The peer-reviewed study, Transforming retraining: Supporting racehorses to have successful second careers, was published in scientific journal PLOS One on 19 August.
Conducted by Hartpury University alongside the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the research brought together the views and experiences of people involved in retraining former racehorses around the world.
The study forms part of Hartpury’s ongoing commitment to applied, industry-focused research that addresses real-world challenges and helps translate scientific evidence into improvements in equine practice and welfare.
Racehorses can face significant physical and mental adjustments when they leave racing. While they have been conditioned for the specific demands of the racecourse, disciplines such as dressage and eventing require different movements, posture and musculoskeletal loading.
Their routines, feeding, turnout and interactions with riders and handlers can also change considerably as they adapt to life beyond racing.
An international online survey carried out as part of the research received 100 complete responses from people involved in racehorse retraining. Of these, 70% were based in the UK, with a further 20% in Australia and New Zealand.
Four major themes emerged as important to successful retraining: time, the people involved, the horse’s previous history and the approach taken.
Crucially, the researchers found there was no standard length of time in which a former racehorse could be considered successfully retrained.
The research identified considerable variation in how retrainers approach the initial period after a horse leaves racing.
Twenty-nine per cent of respondents favoured a six-to-eight-week ‘let down’ period, giving the horse time away from work or turned out in a paddock, while 17% considered four weeks sufficient. A quarter of respondents said they began retraining immediately after a horse left racing.
The overall transition into a second career could take anywhere from several months to more than two years, demonstrating why the circumstances and needs of each individual horse should determine the pace of its retraining.
A horse’s previous injuries, physical condition, temperament and psychological readiness can all influence how it responds to life after racing.
Basic flatwork, hacking and pole work were among the activities commonly incorporated by retrainers, with more advanced exercises introduced later depending on the individual horse.
The study found that groundwork was typically introduced during the first week of retraining, followed by pole work after two weeks and basic flatwork and work over varied terrain after around four weeks.
On average, show jumping was introduced after eight weeks, with cross-country obstacles and competition experience introduced after around 12 weeks.
Approximately 7,000 horses leave racing each year in the UK, according to figures cited in the research, with around 40% going into retraining for second careers.
Flat racehorses commonly retire or go to stud between three and five years old, while National Hunt horses generally leave racing later, at around eight to ten years old.
The findings provide further insight into the complexity of successfully transitioning horses from racing into new disciplines and reinforce the importance of an individual, evidence-informed approach to retraining.
The study also demonstrates the role of Hartpury’s specialist equine researchers in working collaboratively with industry to generate knowledge that can have a practical impact on horses and the people who work with them.
Hartpury University has an active programme of equine research spanning areas including horse health and welfare, performance, rehabilitation, and rider health.. Through collaboration with industry partners and organisations in the UK and internationally, its researchers are helping to build the evidence base that informs professional practice across the equine sector. Students are also actively encouraged to assist with data collection and research projects.
