Former racehorses are set to gain an even stronger voice within the wider equestrian community after Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) became an associate member of British Equestrian, strengthening collaboration on welfare, education and opportunities for Thoroughbreds after racing.
For thousands of Thoroughbreds, retirement from racing is not the end of their story. Many go on to excel in dressage, eventing, showjumping, showing and a host of other equestrian pursuits, proving time and again just how versatile the breed can be. From 1 August 2026, those horses will have an even stronger voice as Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) officially joins British Equestrian as an associate member.
The new membership brings RoR into the national federation alongside British Equestrian’s member bodies, creating closer collaboration on horse welfare, education and participation while helping to strengthen pathways for former racehorses throughout their second careers.
British Equestrian represents the national governing bodies and leading organisations that shape equestrian sport and horse welfare across Great Britain. By becoming an associate member, RoR will help ensure the interests of former racehorses are represented as the sector continues to develop.
Around 2,300 Thoroughbreds retire from racing each year in Great Britain under a non-racing agreement. Many transition successfully into new homes, where they become competitive sport horses or much-loved leisure partners, highlighting the adaptability and willingness that have made the breed so popular beyond the racecourse.
David Catlow, Managing Director of Retraining of Racehorses, said:
“Joining British Equestrian is a hugely important step for Retraining of Racehorses and for the future of former racehorses in Great Britain.
“This membership gives us the opportunity to work alongside organisations across the equestrian sector to champion the Thoroughbred, share our expertise and ensure former racehorses have a strong voice where important decisions about welfare, participation and education are made.
“It also demonstrates British racing’s ongoing commitment to responsible aftercare. We are proud to represent the interests of former racehorses beyond racing and look forward to building even stronger relationships that will benefit horses, owners and the wider equestrian community.
“We’re grateful to British Equestrian and its members for the positive way they welcomed RoR’s application, and we look forward to making a valuable contribution as we work together in the years ahead.”
The partnership reflects the increasing recognition of the Thoroughbred’s place across the wider equestrian world, where former racehorses continue to enjoy successful second careers while benefiting from the shared expertise of organisations committed to lifelong horse welfare.
