Media Release – "Mission Accomplished: Stable to Stirrup’s Legacy in Rehoming Standardbreds"

Standardbred re-homers Stable to Stirrup has proudly concluded its rehoming mission following six successful years.

The registered charity, based in Swannanoa in North Canterbury, has been responsible for re-educating retired standardbreds to saddle and then re-homing them for their Life After Racing.

"Initially there wasn't much support for re-homers so we set out to provide funding for them and then that evolved into us doing the re-training and re-homing ourselves," says Stable to Stirrup Trustee Rob Campbell.

Over six years, Stable to Stirrup worked with more than 200 standardbreds, including elite racers, while setting a gold standard in equine aftercare. But since starting out the rehoming landscape has changed markedly.

"Harness Racing New Zealand took notice and started a fund to support the rehoming community with grants and other contributions. This has led to an increase in quality re-homers and better outcomes," says Campbell.

"With the rehoming landscape now more robust and well-supported by the industry, Stable to Stirrup believes its pioneering role has been successfully fulfilled."

HRNZ who has financially supported the Trust over the last three years, says the organization should be commended for what they have achieved.

"Animal welfare is one of our key pillars and Stable to Stirrup have done some great work in helping many horses when their racing careers have finished," says HRNZ's Education and Animal Care Manager Natalie Gameson.

HRNZ Chair Grant Jarrold on behalf of the industry would like to thank the Trustees for their valued contribution to the industry.

"The focus on horse welfare is a major one for us. It will continue and be up front in our strategy moving forward,” says Jarrold.

"While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, we are proud to have helped pioneer a new era of rehoming," says Campbell.

The Trust would like to thank everyone who has supported them and to the staff, volunteers and others who have been so giving with their time and dedication over the past six years.

HRNZ runs its own re-homing programme HERO (Harness Education and Re-Homing Programme) and there are many other individual re-homers it supports and co-ordinates through the Routine Care Grants Scheme. These are dotted right around the country.

If you have a horse to be rehomed please visit: https://www.hrnz.co.nz/industry-information/health-and-animal-welfare/life-after-racing/