Racing Retirement
Supporting trainers, owners and racing connections with professional, welfare led Thoroughbred transition services beyond racing.
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.
Who This Service Is For
Trainers
Planning retirement before a horse leaves racing.
Owners
Seeking independent advice for their Thoroughbred's future.
Racing Syndicators
Supporting responsible retirement planning for their horses.
Industry Partners
Veterinarians, welfare organisations and racing connections requiring independent transition assessments.
How It Works
Application Submitted
Assessment Booked
Veterinary Examination
Transition Assessment
Transition Report
Recommended Pathway
Why Plan Early?
Better Welfare Outcomes
Early planning allows time to prepare the horse physically and mentally for retirement.
Reduced Pressure
Decisions can be made thoughtfully rather than under time constraints.
Clear Recommendations
Professional guidance provides confidence in choosing the most appropriate pathway.
Improved Presentation
Where appropriate, horses can receive rehabilitation or further education before entering the next stage.
Better Long-Term Matches
Well-prepared horses are more likely to achieve successful, lasting placements.
Responsible Aftercare
Demonstrates a commitment to the horse's welfare beyond racing.
Why PinOaks
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.
Why PinOaks
Possible Transition Pathways
Ready For Marketplace
Suitable for horses ready to begin their next career through independent sale or the PinOaks Marketplace.
Managed Rehoming
For owners wanting PinOaks to professionally market and manage the rehoming process.
Rehabilitation
Where additional rehabilitation is recommended before progressing to rehoming or another pathway.
Companion Placement
For horses better suited to a non ridden companion home.
Further Diagnostics
Where additional veterinary investigation is recommended before determining the most appropriate pathway.
Welfare Support
Where welfare concerns indicate that quality of life and humane decision making should become the primary focus.
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.
If your application is accepted, you’ll receive an invoice for the $500 + GST Retirement Contribution. Once payment has been received in full, we’ll arrange a suitable date for your horse to arrive at PinOaks Park.
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 approved member of the NZTR Retrainer Network. Funding arrangements may vary depending on NZTR policies in place at the time of application
FAQ
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.
We encourage owners and trainers to begin the transition process before the horse officially retires. Assessments can be organised while retirement is being planned, helping ensure a smooth and well prepared transition beyond racing. An SR24 will need to be completed upon retirement and the horse officially retiring.
Can You Assess Horses That Are Still In Work?
No, it is best to assess the horse as they are retired.
What Happens If My Horse Requires Rehabilitation First?
Who Pays For The Transition Assessment?
Funding depends on your circumstances.
During the current NZTR transition period in the 26/27 season, eligible horses may continue to receive Transition Assessments funded through the existing NZTR Retrainer Network, subject to NZTR programme eligibility and funding criteria.
For owners or trainers who are not eligible for NZTR funding, private Transition Assessments are available. We’ll discuss the most appropriate option for your horse before booking, so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re unsure whether your horse qualifies for funding, simply get in touch we’re happy to guide you through the current process.
Can NZTR Assist With Funding?
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.