Equine Welfare a priority for miRunners

The welfare of each and every miRunners horses begins immediately when they enter the miRunners system and finishes well after their racing career is complete. 

This value is paramount to the miRunners model as we believe our horses are more than just talented athletes. Our horses are a founding representation of the community we have built that love more than just racing but also the thoroughbred animal. 

In the wider racing community, Racing New South Wales and Racing Victoria have developed comprehensive programs that capture the commitment the industry has to go to ensuring the care of these animals.

Team Thoroughbred NSW (TTNSW) is the ‘heart’ of commitment to all thoroughbred horses in all stages of their life. Since inception in 2011 as the NSW Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Trust, it has continued to progress from strength to strength with three properties now located around the state called Princes Farm, Bandanora and The Grange.

Pony Club Association NSW riders have been helping Team Thoroughbred NSW to retrain retired racehorses.

In collaboration with Team Thoroughbred, Corrective Services NSW and RSL LifeCare have come onboard to assist in retraining retired racehorses. ‘Equine therapy’ showcases one of the many talents of the horse as those enrolled in the program form a bond with the thoroughbred. 

The success of these programs was highlighted by the recent five-day trek on horseback through the Kosciuszko National Park undertaken by Spur program participants (TTNSW and RSL LifeCare). 

The Spur program trail ride in the Kosciuszko National Park.

Funding is guaranteed for the Equine Welfare Fund as 1% of all prizemoney from races run in NSW goes directly to ensuring the care of thoroughbreds. With miRunners horses Saganaki, Not A Royal Doubt, Gaelic Puzzle and Zoushack having all raced in NSW it is reassuring to know that their small prize money contribution has helped to support horses moving into the next phase of their life. 

Saganaki was the first horse in the miRunners community to take the jump into the next phase of his career. Retired after seven starts Bluey as he is affectionately known moved into the retraining program of Team Thoroughbred NSW and has progressed by leaps and bounds in his life as a racehorse retiree. 

Retirement agrees with Saganaki as he enjoys life in the Team Thoroughbred NSW program.

Racing Victoria announced on the 28th of October that their 2019 Equine Welfare Strategic Plan would be a $25 million commitment to achieving their vision of ‘setting the standard in equine welfare’. 

With prize money contributions increased from 1% to 2%, the six pillar plan seeks to develop industry leading governance, population dynamics, racing and post-racing outcomes as well as an educative industry culture and reputation.

Victoria’s Off The Track Program provides retired racehorses the chance to tranisistion into their second career by promoting the network of Acknowledged Retrainers across the state. For the purpose of pleasure and performance, education for the community and versatility of the thoroughbred breed, the program actively supports each horse.

Located 22kms outside of the Melbourne city centre is the charitable organisation, Living Legends. Known as ‘The International Home of Rest For Champion Horses’, Apache Cat, Brew, Chief De Beers, Might and Power and Rogan Josh are just some of the legends that reside at the Woodlands Homestead.

The Story of Living Legends.

From this star-studded lineup of ambassadors it is clear to see the enjoyment that thoroughbreds provide to the whole community. 

As it is for Racing NSW and Racing Victoria, miRunners will always endeavour to ensure that equine welfare is paramount for all horses in our system. From the time that they enter the miRunners model to well after they have finished their racing career, the care of our horses will always be the priority.

 

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