PinOaks Transition Assessment
Unsure whether your Thoroughbred needs rehabilitation, a new home, further veterinary investigation or simply a clearer plan? We assess your horse with veterinary input and give you an independent written recommendation for what to do next.
$300 + GST · Veterinary examination included · Travel extra
Bring your horse to Rangiora Vet Centre to avoid our travel charge.
You don't Have To Know The Answer Yet.
Maybe your Thoroughbred isn’t the horse you expected them to be.
Maybe circumstances have changed and you can no longer keep them.
Maybe you’re worried about their behaviour, soundness or future.
Or maybe you simply don’t know what the responsible next step is.
That’s exactly what the Transition Assessment is for. You don’t need to decide whether your horse should be sold, rehabilitated, retired or rehomed before contacting us. Our job is to help you work that out.
What is assessed?
- Horse history and current circumstances
- Welfare and body condition
- Veterinary examination and recommendations
- Behaviour and temperament
- Handling and suitability for different riders or homes
- Current level of education and future potential
Why is it important?
A professional assessment helps identify your horse’s strengths, any areas requiring further attention and the pathway most likely to result in a successful long-term outcome.
By understanding your horse before making decisions, we can help reduce the risk of unsuitable placements, improve welfare outcomes and provide owners with an independent recommendation they can trust.
Who is it designed for?
- Racing owners preparing a horse for retirement
- Trainers retiring horses from racing
- Owners needing to sell or rehome a Thoroughbred
- Owners seeking guidance on their horse's future
- Welfare organisations and industry partners requiring an independent assessment
What will I receive?
- Executive Summary
- Veterinary observations and recommendations
- Welfare assessment
- Behaviour and suitability assessment
- Behaviour and suitability assessment
- Practical next steps tailored to the individual horse
What is a PinOaks Transition Assessment?
A Transition Assessment brings together your horse’s history, a veterinary examination and a practical review of their behaviour, handling and current situation. We use that information to recommend the most appropriate pathway and give you a clear plan for what happens next.
What you’ll receive
Veterinary findings and recommendations
Behaviour and handling assessment
A recommended transition pathway
Practical next steps for your horse
A written Transition Report within 48 hours of the assessment
Whether your horse is retiring from racing, needs to be sold, rehomed, rehabilitated, or you simply aren’t sure what the next step should be, the Transition Assessment provides the clarity and confidence needed to make informed decisions.
What is assessed?
- Horse history and current circumstances
- Welfare and body condition
- Veterinary examination and recommendations
- Behaviour and temperament
- Handling and suitability for different riders or homes
- Current level of education and future potential
Why is it important?
A professional assessment helps identify your horse’s strengths, any areas requiring further attention and the pathway most likely to result in a successful long-term outcome.
By understanding your horse before making decisions, we can help reduce the risk of unsuitable placements, improve welfare outcomes and provide owners with an independent recommendation they can trust.
Who is it designed for?
- Racing owners preparing a horse for retirement
- Trainers retiring horses from racing
- Owners needing to sell or rehome a Thoroughbred
- Owners seeking guidance on their horse's future
- Welfare organisations and industry partners requiring an independent assessment
What will I receive?
- Executive Summary
- Veterinary observations and recommendations
- Welfare assessment
- Behaviour and suitability assessment
- Behaviour and suitability assessment
- Practical next steps tailored to the individual horse
Real Horse Real Pathway
Saul Special: from further diagnostics to a new home
Saul’s Transition Assessment identified left hind lameness, so his first recommendation was Pathway D: Further Diagnostics. X-rays and follow-up care gave us the information needed to reassess him. He moved to Pathway A: Ready for Rehoming and has since gone to his new home.
The assessment didn’t assume the answer at the start. It gave Saul and his owner a clear, responsible next step, and a happy ending for all involved.
Why Every Horse Starts Here
Independent Assessment
Every horse is assessed on its own merits with no assumptions or preconceived outcomes.
Welfare Focused
Every recommendation is guided by the horse's long-term welfare and future quality of life.
Individual Recommendations
No two Thoroughbreds are the same. Every pathway is tailored to the individual horse.
Professional Guidance
Receive practical, independent advice to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Clear Next Steps
Know exactly what happens next with a structured plan and recommended pathway.
Better Long-Term Outcomes
A well-informed decision today helps create a more successful future for both horse and owner.
Why Every Horse Starts Here
01
Independent Assessment
Every horse is assessed on its own merits with no assumptions or preconceived outcomes.
02
Welfare Focused
Every recommendation is guided by the horse's long term welfare and future quality of life.
03
Individual Recommendations
No two Thoroughbreds are the same. Every pathway is tailored to the individual horse.
04
Professional Guidance
Receive practical, independent advice to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
05
Clear Next Steps
Know exactly what happens next with a structured plan and recommended pathway.
06
Better Long Term Outcomes
A well informed decision today helps create a more successful future for both horse and owner.
What's Included
Horse History Review
Understanding your horse's background, racing history and current circumstances helps build the complete picture.
Veterinary Examination
An independent veterinary examination provides professional clinical input into your horse's current health and future management.
Welfare Assessment
Assessment of body condition, management, overall welfare and any factors influencing the horse's future pathway.
Behaviour & Suitability Assessment
Evaluation of temperament, handling, behaviour and suitability for different riders, homes and disciplines.
Transition Report
Receive a comprehensive written report summarising the assessment findings and professional recommendations.
Recommended Pathway
A clear, tailored recommendation outlining the most appropriate next steps for your Thoroughbred.
What Drives Us
Application
Assessment Booked
Veterinary Examination
PinOaks Assessment
Transition Report
Recommended Pathway
YOUR POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
The Five Transition Pathways
Every Thoroughbred is different. Following your Transition Assessment, we’ll recommend the pathway best suited to your horse’s welfare, future potential and long term success. The assessment recommends a pathway; any additional diagnostics, rehabilitation or rehoming service is discussed separately.
A
PATHWAY A
Ready for Rehoming
Suitable to begin the rehoming process.
- Ready for marketplace
- Managed rehoming
B
PATHWAY B
Rehabilitation
Requires rehabilitation before progressing to the next stage.
- Structured rehab programme
- Veterinary management
- Ongoing monitoring
- Return to rehoming pathway
C
PATHWAY C
Companion Placement
Best suited to a non ridden companion home.
- Companion assessment
- Suitable home guidance
- Welfare support
D
PATHWAY D
Further Diagnostics
Additional veterinary assessment is required before a pathway can be determined.
- Diagnostics and testing
- Specialist referral
- Reassessment
- Pathway review
E
PATHWAY E
Welfare Decision
Where long term welfare and quality of life indicate that compassionate end of life care is the kindest outcome.
- Independent welfare assessment
- Compassionate guidance
- Veterinary support
- Welfare first decision
Independent. Professional. Welfare Focused.
Our recommendations are always made with your horse's best interests at heart. We're here to guide you with honesty, experience and deep care.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Assessment Take
Can I bring my horse to the veterinary clinic
Do you travel throughout New Zealand
What happens if my horse isn’t suitable for rehoming
Let's Plan Your Thoroughbred's Next Chapter.
The best transitions begin before retirement, not after it.
Start the process today and give your Thoroughbred the greatest opportunity to thrive beyond racing.