HEROS, the UK-based charity dedicated to the retraining and rehoming former racehorses, has announced a new collaboration with Saudi Arabia's recently established Retraining and Riding Academy.
The programme has been set up by The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA), under the guidance of Dr Francesca Compostella in her role as Executive Director of Veterinary and Welfare within the JCSA and Saudi Equestrian Authority. The partnership is designed to help establish global standards of equine welfare, with a focus on the responsible transition of racehorses into new careers and environments.
As Saudi Arabia progresses in building its aftercare infrastructure and sharing their own context specific insight, HEROS will offer lessons drawn from two decades of practical experience in equine rehabilitation, education and rehoming.
Areas of bilateral shared learning will include:
- Effective, practical methods for retraining retired racehorses.
- Horse-centred rehabilitation practices.
- Robust welfare assessment protocols.
- Education and community engagement programmes.
- Management structures that support sustainable aftercare systems.
- Staff training to enable the best outcomes for the horses.
Grace Muir MBE, CEO of HEROS, said, “HEROS has always believed that the aftercare community must work together to raise global welfare standards. Our partnership with the new Retraining and Riding Academy of Saudi Arabia is rooted purely in the supply and exchange of knowledge and experience. There is no monetary benefit to HEROS – only the shared goal of improving outcomes for these incredible horses who give us, as human beings, so much.”
Compostella added, “Equine welfare in Saudi Arabia relies on best standards, coordination, capability building and long-term stewardship. Collectively, we make sure that aftercare isn't left to goodwill alone, but supported by a coherent, durable system that safeguards our athletes and earns public trust.”
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