Britain's RoR Heart Awards Celebrate Retrained Racehorses

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is British Horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses who have retired from racing. RoR raises funds from within the Racing Industry to help support retraining of former racehorses, provides facilities for the care, retraining and rehoming of former racehorses, promotes the adaptability of racehorses to other equestrian activities and runs a well established programme of competition sponsorship, and clinics to educate and improve riders handling former racehorses.  The ultimate goal is to achieve a balance between the number of horses leaving racing and the number of enthusiastic, and suitable, new homes.

To help promote RoR, they are now running the Inaugural Heart Awards, which will celebrate success stories of racehorses who are living happy and purposeful lives after retiring from racing.

RoR, supported by Baileys Horse Feeds, is looking to find the stars of 2011 in their first ever RoR Heart Awards and they want to hear inspiring stories or why you think your ex-racehorse deserves to win!

The competition is open to all owners of RoR registered ex-racehorses (so not open to Australian ex-racehorses). The four categories are:

• RoR Biggest Heart Award (best temperament)

To recognise a horse that has shown unrivalled loyalty, affection and that is just great to know and love!

• RoR Heart Throb (the best looking horse)

You work hard to get your horse looking good or maybe he’s a natural beauty!

• RoR Heart Stopper (overcoming adversity)

To recognise a horse that has demonstrated great bravery and courage, against all the odds.

• RoR Healthy Heart (the best all rounder)

Given to the horse that has shown great fitness and ability to adapt to many equine disciplines and challenges.

Judges for the competition will include legendary author Jilly Cooper (what horse person hasn't read Riders and Polo?)

Stay tuned to Horsezone for news of similar rehabilitation programmes for ex-racehorses here in Australia.

Quick Links

• Find out more about the Heart Awards at the RoR website
• Read Horse & Hound's report on the Heart Awards