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About the Racehorse Retraining Federation |
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| Encouraging and Endorsing ReTrainers |
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The Federation will encourage
and endorse retrainers where ex racehorses are being trained and will endeavour
to raise funds to support these centres. Only those individuals meeting the
necessary criteria will be approved by the Federation. It is vital to establish
and maintain our credibility and therefore any trainer wishing to become a
Federation endorsed retrainer must be able to demonstrate that they have the
required facilities and that they understand what is involved in retraining the
thoroughbred racehorse. In many cases this will be plainly obvious as many have
been doing this succesfully for many years, but as a Federation, we cannot let
ourselves be used by unscrupulous or dishonest individuals. |
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A Real
Alternative
The Federation will work
closely with trainers and owners to persuade them to send their
"failed" racehorses to a Federation approved centre. |
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| In its simplest
form, what will happen is that the Federation will publicise a national
telephone HOTLINE number which an owner or trainer can call. They will then be
put in touch with their nearest or most appropriate retrainer. As more trainers
and owners are made aware of our services the number of horses retrained will
steadily grow. There will be a close liaison with the sales rings and other
related bodies to ensure that we are seen as a helpful addition to this problem
and not as "anti-racing" which we most certainly are not. By offering
an approved list of retrainers, it is hoped that waiting lists can be avoided
so that more horses are given a chance of being re-educated. |
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Once a horse has been retrained
it can expect to have many years of useful and enjoyable life as an eventer,
showjumper, riding club horse, hunter, dressage horse or hack. These horses are
beautifully bred, have natural athletic ability and deserve a second chance to
find a new lease of life. It is very important that members of the Federation
talk to their own contacts within the racing industry to gain support for these
aims.
To encourage the re education
of ex racehorses, South Essex Insurance brokers in conjunction with QBE, have
launched a competition open to all ex-racehorses that have come out of
training. Run on a points system, horses can compete in any affiliated or
unaffiliated discipline and trophies will be awarded in six categories at the
Supporters of British Breeding Awards 2003. Details and entry forms can be
found at www.seib.co.uk |
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| Persuading the Racehorse Industry |
There are quite literally
millions of pounds both spent and invested in the horse racing industry every
year. The Federation will invite and encourage all those companies and
individuals involved with the sport to sponsor in some way, the retraining
programme. As a Federation we will have more of a voice within the industry and
will then be able to reach the people who make decisions and can influence the
way that racing can support our aims. Personal contacts of members will be just
one route for us to pursue in gaining sponsorship or donations for Federation
members. |
