Racing Victoria (RV) and Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDAV) are pleased to announce the extension of their partnership that will continue to help create new opportunities for retired Victorian thoroughbred racehorses and provide RDAV centres with additional horses to use in therapeutic equestrian activities.
As part of the new agreement, RV will commit a further $50,000 over the next 12-months (on top of its $50,000 contribution last year) to allow RDAV to deliver and expand its personally enriching riding programs and to accommodate additional horses at its 35 centres across Victoria.
In addition to the financial support, RV will conduct a series of five training sessions to encourage and showcase the use of off-the-track horses in RDAV activity, as well as provide sponsorship and prizes at RDAV competitions and events.
RV will also continue its tailored retraining as part of its RESET Program for those retried racehorses identified as suitable for RDAV – such as former galloper Go For Glory, better known as Tessie, who was a valued member of the RDAV team before recently retiring.
This specialised retraining is supported by a select group of RV Acknowledged Retrainers who provide a different pathway for those retired racehorses not suitable for equestrian pursuits – helping drive demand for Victorian thoroughbreds where previously not considered.
The partnership between RV and RDAV is made possible by the Victorian racing industry’s equine welfare fund.
Attributable Quotes:
RV General Manager - Equine Welfare, Jen Hughes:
“It is great to once again align with the RDAV to help support the important work they do in the community, while also expanding the opportunities afforded retired racehorses.
“The partnership as part of a RV’s wide-ranging post-racing options is a great pathway for retired racehorses suitable for RDAV activity.
“This was highlighted through RV’s RESET Program last year, when former racehorse Tessie, who had struggled to find her perfect second career, underwent specialist training and qualified to join RDAV.
“With a lot of lost opportunities in the past 12-months due to COVID, we hope with the re-emergence of events and competitions, and our series of training sessions, we can raise the profile of the thoroughbred within the RDAV community as a purposeful breed for centres and riders alike.
“At the heart of this partnership is growing the opportunities afforded retiring racehorses and making sure the right pathway is available, regardless of their situation.”
RDAV President – Tanya Twaits:
“RDAV is a volunteer-run organisation that survives on grants, donations and participant contributions. RV’s financial commitment is the largest we have as an organisation.
“Together with the in-kind support from RV and the broader thoroughbred racing industry, this is critical to RDAV delivering a quality experience for our participants and volunteers.”