Charity of the Month: July ‘Retraining of Racehorses’

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses that have retired from racing and are our chosen charity for July. Toni Vaughan, Operations Executive at the charity gave us an insight to the great work that they do.

Can you please give us a brief overview of what your charity does and who it supports?

The charity promotes the versatility and adaptability of racehorses for other equestrian activities following their retirement from racing. It also protects horse welfare through a nationwide ‘safety net’ that is available to assist any former racehorse considered ‘vulnerable’. In such cases, the charity provides funding and expert care prior to suitable rehoming.

As the sport’s official charity, RoR raises funds from within the Racing Industry, providing information and education for owners and trainers in both the racing and equine Industries to assist with the rehoming and retraining of former racehorses.

Where are you based?

Our main office is in East Garston, Berkshire and we operate nationwide

Could you explain Lycetts involvement and support to RoR over the years and how many years ago it was that we started supporting the charity?
Our involvement with Lycetts started some 17 years ago and they share our vision in finding good homes for the retired horses and where possible providing them with another career.

How much have you been impacted by Covid-19?

Due to Covid-19 RoR was unable to stage our annual live events including the pinnacle of RoR’s showing calendar the RoR National Championships and the RoR Showcase. Adapting to the circumstances the charity hosted both events online. The RoR Virtual Showcase, Britain’s largest training and educational event dedicated to former racehorses, attracted a bumper audience of over 900 people registering to attend including viewers from France, Germany and the USA. The Showcase consists of four evening sessions with a range of expert panelists and aimed at anyone with an interest in retraining former racehorses or considering rehoming one, with advice and feedback that catered for all levels, from grassroots upwards.

The feedback was fantastic with viewers’ comments including: “Many thanks for arranging these super session, “Very interesting, the showcase has already helped me with my former racehorse.” “Thank you so much for these informative and helpful webinars. Subject to a successful vetting I will be the proud owner of an ex-racehorse in the very near future and found the advice given invaluable.”

What are your future hopes and aims for your charity?

The ultimate goal is to maintain a balance between the number of horses leaving racing and the number of enthusiastic and suitable new homes. To this end, RoR funds and runs a well-established programme of competitions and educational events across the country.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETRAINING OF RACEHORSES:

Head to: www.ror.org.uk

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetrainingofRacehorses/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rorlatest

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