On the home stretch

IF tack-shop chatter is anything to go by, it seems horses and ponies – along with puppies and Netflix subscriptions – have been top sellers in 2020. For conscientious trainers and rehoming specialists, there has always been a steady market for former racehorses seeking a new life, but with horse prices hot and economic uncertainty increasing, I’m betting it may now grow.

For those with the experience and patience, this can be a brilliant route to a super, low-cost riding horse. But which trainers are particularly good at rehoming and what is the process and potential pitfalls?

Generally, jump and smaller Flat trainers lead the way, with fewer horses going to stud. Some trainers share details of relevant horses via their web or Facebook page, but there’s nothing to stop you enquiring at a yard direct.

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