A report released by Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP) is the first nationwide study of how Thoroughbred ex-racehorses are transitioned into second careers. It is based on a survey conducted in late 2013 titled Exploring the Bridge To Second Careers in which owners of 4,200 ex-racehorses from 47 states and Canada responded to 23 questions.
“The public believes that racing owners dump their retiring horses into auctions and that a lucky few get rescued and adopted,” said RRTP president Steuart Pittman.
“Our survey tells a different story. Most of these horses were not rescued. They were sold or donated through networks of people both inside and outside of racing who work very hard to transition these animals.”
• 34% percent of these horses were acquired directly from racing owners.
• 31% were acquired from non-racing private owners.
• 13.5% were acquired from non-profit placement or rescue organizations, although that share increased from 11% to 19% over the last ten years.
• 9% were acquired from professional training or sales businesses.
• 2.3% of horses came through auctions.
The survey also revealed that prices for horses increased with training, but are still far below what it costs to transition racehorses to new careers.
• The average adoption fee at nonprofit placement organizations was $1001 (22% were free). These organizations were most likely to have horse protection terms in contracts.
• Horses acquired through racing owners were purchased for an average price of $1,265 (30% were given away).
• Horses sold through private non-racing owners had an average price of $2,618 not including the 19% that were free.
• Horses sold through professional training or sales businesses had an average sale price of $4,646, not including the 4% given away.
• The average price at public auction was $839.
The survey respondents identified the sport of eventing as their primary riding discipline most often (37%). Hunter/jumper was second at 27%, dressage third at 13%, and then trails and recreation (English) at 9%.
The following conclusions are taken from the full survey report.
• Racehorses are placed in second careers with long-term owners through a marketplace that lacks networks and forums through which the sellers, trainers, and buyers can find one another.
• Prices and adoption fees are depressed to a level that makes subsidies for those providing transition services essential until demand rises significantly.
• The financial incentive to retire horses sound from racing does not exist until increased demand raises prices for retiring horses.
Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP) will respond to the results of this study with a major expansion of its work in 2014, including:
• A second Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium at Pimlico Racecourse on October 4 and 5 that will include more horses, more trainers, and more racing stables;
• Contracts for professional services that will re-launch its heavily trafficked web site, develop partnerships with racing and riding institutions, explore the feasibility of a publishing venture; and
• Compile, print, and distribute the first state-by-state resource directory for Thoroughbred placement.
A full copy of Exploring the Bridge to Second Careers is available through RRTP and can be read online at www.retiredracehorsetraining.org. Retired Racehorse Training Project, Ltd. is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that works to increase demand for Thoroughbred ex-racehorses while serving the farms, individuals, and organizations who transition them from racing to second careers. Go to www.retiredracehorsetraining.org for information.
The Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization working to increase demand for retired Thoroughbred race horses as pleasure and sport horses through public events, clinics, training publications, videos and internet tools. Our mission is to facilitate the placement of retired Thoroughbred racehorses in second careers by educating the public about the history, distinctive characteristics, versatility of use, and appropriate care and training of the iconic American Thoroughbred. More information may be found at www.retiredracehorsetraining.org .
At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.
We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!
As we gear up for the summer, the competition season isn’t slowing down and it’s time for one of the staple events on the international calendar in the U.S., the Tryon International Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, North Carolina). This event hosts one of five CCI4*-L events on the U.S. calendar, and this year there are 13 competitors in the field. Continue reading below for more interesting facts pertaining to the event that kicks off this Thursday, May 8.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the continued partnership with #WeRideTogether as an Official Educational Partner of the USEA. #WeRideTogether is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing safety and well-being in sports through safeguarding education and abuse prevention efforts.