Frequently Asked Questions
Acknowledged Retrainers are selected based on their experience and track record in successfully assessing and placing horses into new homes and careers post-racing. They are located throughout both Islands and come from a variety of sport horse and racing backgrounds. To find a list of our Acknowledged Retrainers, click HERE.
Yes, rule 417 requires that a SR24 form must be submitted for every horse by their accountable person (trainer or owner) upon retirement. When consigning a horse to an Acknowledged Retrainer, state the retirement location as being with that Retrainer. When the horse is subsequently rehomed, the Retrainer provides further traceability information directly to NZTR
Acknowledged Retrainers have all been selected based on their ability and experience in dealing with Thoroughbreds. However, unless by prior agreement, and with full disclosure of any potentially problematic or dangerous behaviour, Acknowledged Retrainers should not be expected to provide the service of a horse breaker, pre-trainer, rehabilitation facility, or behavioural specialist. A horse that requires any of these services, should be sent to the relevant professional in the first instance.
It is NZTR’s expectation that the horses owners/ racing connections will cover the cost of transport to the Retrainer’s property. Acknowledged Retrainers operate on extremely tight profit margins and each cost incurred is significant. The financial support provided to each AR on the successful rehome of each horse does not cover the costs incurred by the AR during the retraining process. For AR’s to remain financially viable, horses need to arrive in condition ready to start work, good feet and teeth recently floated.
The sales market of retrained horses is a very tight market with little financial margin between costs and sale price. Whilst currently there is no cost to place a horse with a retrainer, a contribution to the costs of retraining by the horses owners/racing connections give’s the horse the best chance of having a successful retraining program and being placed in an appropriate and successful home.
Absolutely yes, providing the new owner of your horse is happy for this happen, most Retrainers will be more than happy to pass on contact details, allowing you to remain in touch with your horse and follow their progress in a new career.