Racehorse Retirement
in New Zealand
Racehorse retirement at PinOaks Park gives trainers, owners and racing connections throughout New Zealand a clear, welfare led process for planning a Thoroughbred’s future beyond racing
Racehorse Retirement Starts Before the Last Race
Retirement should never be an afterthought.
Planning ahead allows time to properly assess the horse, identify any rehabilitation needs, explore suitable pathways and ensure the best possible outcome beyond racing.
By starting the transition process early, owners and trainers can make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure, giving every Thoroughbred the greatest opportunity to succeed in its next career. Our Transition Assessment helps determine whether a horse is ready for rehoming, needs rehabilitation or requires another welfare led pathway.
Possible Transition Paths
Immediate Rehoming
Suitable for horses ready to begin their next career.
Rehabilitation
For horses requiring additional time, care or conditioning before moving forward.
Retraining
Education and preparation for a new discipline.
Companion Placement
For horses better suited to a non ridden lifestyle.
Return Home
Where owners choose to retain their horse with management recommendations.
Further Veterinary Investigation
Where additional diagnostics or treatment are recommended before determining the next pathway.
Retirement Application
Every Racing Retirement application begins with a short online application form.
Once we receive your application, we’ll review the information provided to ensure your horse is suitable for the PinOaks Park retirement programme. If we require any additional information, we’ll contact you before proceeding.
Within 24 hours of arrival, every horse undergoes a comprehensive veterinary assessment and admission check. This allows us to identify any immediate health or welfare concerns and confirm the most appropriate plan moving forward.
If the horse is assessed as suitable to enter the PinOaks Park programme, ownership will then transfer to PinOaks Park. From this point, we’ll begin developing the horse’s individual transition plan, including rehabilitation, retraining and finding the most suitable long term home.
Every horse is managed as an individual, with welfare remaining the priority throughout the entire process.
PinOaks Park is an NZTR Acknowledged Retrainer. Any NZTR assistance is subject to the programme, eligibility criteria and funding available at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact PinOaks?
Ideally, before your Thoroughbred retires from racing.
Planning ahead allows time to assess your horse, identify any rehabilitation or veterinary requirements, and develop the most appropriate transition pathway before retirement becomes urgent. Early planning often leads to better welfare outcomes and more successful long term placements.
Does My Horse Need To Have Officially Retired?
No. Owners and trainers can begin the application and retirement-planning process before the horse’s final race. However, the horse should be officially retired and out of active work before its assessment is completed. An SR24 must be lodged when the horse retires.
Can You Assess Horses That Are Still In Work?
We can begin planning while a horse is still in work, but the assessment itself is best completed once the horse has retired and had an appropriate period away from active training. Contact us so we can advise the most suitable timing.
What Happens If My Horse Requires Rehabilitation First?
Who Pays For The Transition Assessment?
Private Transition Assessments are $300 + GST plus travel and are payable before booking. If a horse may qualify for NZTR welfare assistance, eligibility must be confirmed before the assessment. The separate PinOaks Park Racing Retirement contribution is explained during the application process.
Can NZTR Assist With Funding?
NZTR welfare assistance (1% Welfare Levy) may be available for eligible vulnerable horses under the programme in place at the time. Assistance is assessed case by case and should not be assumed. We can help owners and trainers understand the current process before proceeding.
What Happens After The Assessment?
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a comprehensive Transition Report summarising the veterinary findings, behavioural observations, welfare assessment and recommended pathway.
From there, the next steps will depend entirely on your horse. This may include:
- Ready for Rehoming
- Rehabilitation
- Companion Placement
- Further Diagnostics
- Welfare Support
Our goal is to provide clear, independent guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
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.