As the thrill of the race fades, a new chapter begins for retired thoroughbreds in Jamaica. The Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ) has been at the forefront of ensuring these magnificent creatures receive the care and respect they deserve.

Heidi Lalor, vice-president of the EFJ, emphasises the organisation’s long-standing commitment to after-care.

“The EFJ has always been involved in after-care as racing thoroughbreds often transition into equestrian stables for recreational riding and Olympic discipline sport training and competition,” said Lalor, who is a former president of EFJ.

The EFJ’s involvement in after-care was inspired by pioneers like Eileen Cliggott, a renowned race horse trainer. Cliggott’s dedication to selecting suitable retired race horses and donating them to equestrian stables paved the way for the EFJ’s current after-care programme.

“Eileen Cliggott was instrumental in selecting suitable retired race horses and donating them to our sport, many had hugely successful careers and the federation has a perpetual award in her honour since 2006,” Lalor noted.

“Currently services and support are directly managed independently by the riding clubs. However, there is a global initiative called ‘Retraining of Racehorses program’ offered by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body of equestrian sport. We hope to bring this programme to Jamaica in the future and offer coaches, riders, and stable managers further training and education.

“The programme will include how to select OTTBs (off the track thoroughbreds) from the racetrack, their rest/downtime and their transition back into retraining with methods such as lunging and slowly and correctly building their confidence for their new role as a multidisciplined sport horse,” Lalor further explained to the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.

Lalor highlights the importance of careful selection when it comes to retraining retired race horses.

“Before the OTTB can begin their retraining programme, we want to be strategic here so that time and effort is put into the right horses for our sporting needs.”

Personally, Lalor looks for three key attributes when selecting retired race horses: temperament, soundness, and trainability.

“Temperament is crucial,” she stressed. “They must have a calm mind and not be overly hot. These days, safety of both horse and rider are at the forefront, and the thoroughbred’s temperament plays a role in selection, especially if they are going to be around young riders and amateur adults.”

Soundness is also non-negotiable, Lalor noted. “They must have clean legs and be sound. Unsound horses cannot compete in our sport nor should they be used in recreational riding due to welfare being the main priority. The horse must be put first. A horse in pain cannot and should not be asked by equestrians to work in any capacity.”

Trainability, Lalor explained, is essential for horses to adapt to new training methods and disciplines. “The horses’ work ethic is important. While thoroughbreds have the tendency to be sensitive, quick, and agile, we want to select horses who enjoy working and the challenges of figuring out jumping grids with the partnership of their rider.”

To ensure the long-term welfare and safety of retired race horses, the EFJ relies on consistent management, an established welfare committee, and active measures like horse inspections at events.

“For the national federation (NF) to implement long-term plans such as this, they will need consistent management and have an established welfare committee to oversee the best choices are being made for the horse.

“Currently at horse shows, we have horse inspections which are carried out by a qualified vet. This is an example of an active measure taking place at events, however, as for rehoming much of this responsibility will fall on the owner of the horse,” Lalor noted.

While rehoming responsibilities primarily fall on horse owners, Lalor said the EFJ offers guidance and support to prioritise the horse’s best interests.

“Coaches, club centre heads, and the federation can advise accordingly in the best interest of the horse. This is certainly a topic for more discussion and is at the centre of the sport discussions at every level,” Lalor explained.

Lalor applauded the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) and Welfare Committee for their rehoming initiatives, which have raised awareness about the after-care of retired racehorses in Jamaica.

“I want to congratulate the JRC and the Welfare Committee for their rehoming initiatives and bringing awareness not only to the equestrian community but the public about the after-care of race horses and all that is being done in Jamaica to ensure their needs are put first and they can enjoy a second life ‘beyond the finish line’,” Lalor ended.