Caring for Our Horses
Standardbred Racehorses Have Fulfilling Lives Long After Their Racing Careers Have Ended
The harness racing community is deeply committed to the health, safety and well-being of our standardbred horses, both during and after their racing careers.
After their racing careers have ended, standardbred horses have lives filled with purpose and possibility in areas such as equestrian events (dressage, eventing and horse shows), as well as equine therapy and recreational riding.
New Yorkers for Harness Racing proudly supports efforts that promote retraining opportunities for retired racehorses. These opportunities strengthen our community connections and expand our industry’s contributions to New York’s economy.
Careers After Racing
We support many dedicated programs and partnerships across the state that help retired racehorses get the care and love they deserve and that educate the equine community on the versatility and suitability of standardbreds for careers after racing.
Equestrian Events
- The USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program and Standardbred Incentive Program encourage standardbred owners to explore disciplines other than racing for their retired horses. These programs exhibit the talent and beauty of standardbred horses beyond the racetrack in areas like dressage, eventing and horse shows.
Equine Therapy
- The Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga supports second careers for retired racehorses through therapeutic programming that strengthens the community through the horse-human connection. Services such as equine-assisted psychotherapy and team building promote mental health, while also providing excellent care for retired horses.
Protecting and Nurturing Standardbreds in Retirement
We are also committed to setting accountability standards and supporting aftercare programs that protect and nurture our harness racing horses in retirement. We believe that every horse deserves a chance for a happy and fulfilling life after their racing career.
Rescue
- The United States Trotting Association funds $100,000 annually through the Support Our Standardbreds Program, which has helped rescue approximately 225 standardbreds from rescue agencies.*
- The Standardbred Transition Alliance has a robust program that accredits, inspects and awards grants to organizations that rehabilitate and re-home standardbreds.
Adoption
- Initiatives such as the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program and Sunshine Horses provide safe and trustworthy adoption services that allow for horses to find loving homes after their racing careers. These horses live successful and joy-filled lives in private family homes or through recreational riding opportunities.
* Statistics from the 2019 NYS Harness Horsemen testimony to the NYS Senate Committee on Racing & Wagering regarding health and safety of horses and aftercare.
