Friday, 31 July 2026
From 1 August 2026, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) will become an associate member of British Equestrian, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the charity's role as the voice for former racehorses across the wider equestrian sector.
The new membership will enable RoR to work alongside British Equestrian and other federation member bodies to promote lifelong welfare and create stronger pathways for former racehorses to thrive beyond their racing careers.
British Equestrian is the national federation for equestrian sport in Great Britain, bringing together the country's national governing bodies and leading equestrian organisations to shape the future of horse welfare, participation, education and governance.
Each year, around 2,300 Thoroughbreds retire from racing in Great Britain under a non-racing agreement. Many go on to enjoy successful second careers across a wide range of equestrian disciplines, while others become much-loved leisure horses.
By joining British Equestrian, RoR will strengthen its position as the recognised voice for former racehorses within the wider equestrian industry.
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."
“On behalf of the federation, I’m delighted to formally welcome Retraining of Racehorses and its community to British Equestrian. The work of the charity is exemplary and aligns perfectly with our own aims and that of our member bodies around welfare, education and providing a fulfilling life for all horses,” replied British Equestrian Chief Executive Jim Eyre.
“David and his team show such passion and dedication to the Thoroughbred, but their work extends far beyond one breed – they bring knowledge and focus that everyone in the industry will benefit from. RoR has been working alongside so many of our member bodies over the years, and this now formalises the relationship so that we can collectively work better in the interest of ‘the horse’.”