The Queensland Off-The-Track Program has allocated more than $100,000 to not-for-profit organisations and charities that provide a lifelong safety net for retired racehorses.
Having launched the QOTT Grants Program last month, seven organisations were successful across three categories, which maximise aftercare outcomes for retired thoroughbred and standardbred horses.
Earlier today, Racing Minister Grace Grace announced the successful applicants were:
Grants have been awarded to not-for-profit organisations and charities that provide equine rehabilitation services for retired racehorses that have previously transitioned from the racing industry into the domestic horse community, but have become vulnerable or at risk at later stages of their lives, and require veterinary treatment and/or professional retraining services to assist with their placement into suitable, long-term homes.
Grants were also awarded to not-for-profit organisations and charities that utilise retired racehorses as therapy aids to provide professional therapy or rehabilitation programs to community groups or individual persons.
This includes people with disabilities, disadvantaged children, youth and adults, aged care, war veterans or other community support services.
Racing Minister Grace Grace said the QOTT Grants Program was another important step to help expand aftercare initiatives available to retired racehorses at all stages of their lives.
“Grass roots community organisations with an interest in the welfare of retired racehorses have benefited from these grants and they have been supported to continue their retired racehorse welfare initiatives,” Minister Grace said.
Grants were allocated across the state including Atherton in Far North Queensland; Gemfields near Emerald; and Tallebudgera Valley, which is located at the southern end of the Gold Coast.
Racing Queensland Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the opening round of applicants for the QOTT Grants Program had been well supported.
“We are delighted to support organisations who act as an important safety net for retired racehorses, well beyond their racing years are over,” Ms Duffy said.
“We are also excited to support equine-assisted therapy organisations as not all former thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses are suited to the equestrian world.
“This opens the door to increase the breadth of retirement pathways for non-competitive former racehorses.
“This program also provides us with the opportunity to work with organisations who establish positive partnerships between retired racehorses and our Queensland communities.”
The QOTT Grants Program complements the various aftercare initiatives the QOTT Program has introduced over the past 12 months, including the Subsidised Lessons Program, Acknowledged Retrainers Program and Event Sponsorship Program to help improve the long-term wellbeing of retired racehorses in Queensland.
Click here for more information on the QOTT Program and initiatives.