NEW research led by Hartpury University has revealed the key factors which can give retired racehorses the best chance of enjoying successful second careers after leaving the track.

Thousands of Thoroughbreds leave British racing each year, but for many horses retirement from the sport is not the end of their working lives.

Instead, they can go through a lengthy process of retraining before beginning completely different careers, ranging from eventing and dressage to leisure riding.

Now researchers at Hartpury have examined what makes that transition successful, finding the process needs to be tailored to each individual horse rather than following a fixed timetable.

The peer-reviewed study, Transforming retraining: Supporting racehorses to have successful second careers, was published in scientific journal PLOS One on Wednesday, August 19.

Led by researchers from Hartpury University's Equine Department, alongside the Hong Kong Jockey Club, it consulted people with experience of retraining former racehorses around the world.

Researchers said approximately 7,000 horses leave racing each year in the UK alone, with around 40 per cent going into retraining for second careers.

Flat racehorses commonly retire or go to stud between the ages of three and five, while National Hunt horses generally leave racing later, at around eight to ten years old.

But moving from the racecourse to an entirely different way of life can require substantial physical and mental adjustment.

Racehorses are conditioned for the demands of racing, while disciplines such as dressage and eventing require different movements, posture and musculoskeletal loading.

Their routines, feeding, turnout and interaction with riders and handlers can also change dramatically.

The Hartpury-led study therefore set out to understand what experienced retrainers believe horses need during this crucial period.

An international online survey produced 100 complete responses from people involved in retraining racehorses, with 70 per cent based in the UK and a further 20 per cent in Australia and New Zealand.

Four major themes emerged from the initial survey as important to successful retraining: time, the people involved, the horse's previous history and the approach taken.

Crucially, researchers found there was no standard length of time in which a horse could be considered successfully retrained.

Some respondents believed a horse should initially have a period away from work after leaving racing.

Twenty-nine per cent favoured a six to eight-week "let down" period, when the horse is given time out of work or turned out in a paddock, while 17 per cent considered four weeks sufficient.

However, a quarter of those surveyed said they began retraining immediately after a horse left racing.

The overall transition could then last anything from several months to more than two years.

Researchers said the considerable variation demonstrated why individual circumstances should dictate how quickly a horse progresses.

A horse's previous injuries, physical condition, temperament and psychological readiness can all influence how it responds to life after racing.

Basic flatwork, hacking and pole work were among the activities commonly included by retrainers, while more advanced exercises could be introduced later depending on the horse.

Groundwork was typically introduced during the first week of retraining, with pole work after two weeks and basic flatwork and work over varied terrain after around four weeks.

Show jumping was introduced on average after eight weeks and cross-country obstacles and competition experience after around 12 weeks.

However, the ranges reported by participants varied considerably, with some activities introduced much sooner or later.

The researchers found that rather than following the calendar, successful retrainers continually assessed how each individual horse was responding.

Chronic lameness was identified by 86 per cent of respondents as a health issue from racing which could influence a horse's retraining and future career, while muscle problems and skeletal back pain were also highlighted.

Changes in musculature and posture are particularly important because a horse's body has adapted to the demands placed upon it during its racing career.

Retrainers commonly monitored gait, injuries, movement and body condition to judge progress.

Almost all respondents monitored horses' demeanour, anxiety, ability to cope mentally with work and behaviour reported by riders or handlers.

Happiness, attitude, trainability and reactions to unfamiliar situations were also widely used to determine whether a horse was progressing.

The horse should be happy and settled, willingly progressing in its work and capable of coping with the demands of whatever future career has been selected for it.

More than half of survey respondents said they needed more than eight weeks with a horse before they had enough information to identify potentially suitable second careers.

The new rider or owner was considered extremely important in deciding a horse's future, alongside its health, temperament and trainability.

Researchers found successful rehoming relied on matching the expectations and abilities of the new owner with what the horse could realistically offer.

Experienced retrainers described assessing potential owners, watching them interact with and ride horses and, in some circumstances, seeking references before agreeing to a rehoming.

The study found retrainers were also prepared to turn prospective owners down where they did not believe the partnership would work.

Of those surveyed, 69 per cent said they had never had a horse returned following retraining.

Researchers subsequently asked experienced professionals to reach agreement on which elements were essential to successful transition.

Seven factors ultimately achieved consensus: the skill of the rider, expertise of the handler, changes to feeding, the type of exercise undertaken, changes in the horse's shape and musculature, its posture and changes in turnout.

Veterinary surgeons, farriers, musculoskeletal therapists, saddle fitters and coaches can all have roles in assessing a horse and identifying problems as it adapts.

Researchers proposed a multidisciplinary "transition triage" model which would place the individual horse at the centre of decisions.

This could bring together information about its racing and health history, an initial assessment, continued monitoring and guidance for future owners.

Researchers acknowledged that giving horses additional time can create financial pressures for retrainers, particularly where animals require lengthy periods before being ready for suitable homes.

Greater financial support for retrainers, improved owner education and better access to professional expertise were among areas identified as potentially improving outcomes.

Knowing about a horse's previous injuries, training and management allows those responsible for its next chapter to make better-informed decisions about rest, exercise and suitability for different activities.

The researchers said racehorse aftercare was increasingly recognised as a responsibility shared across the racing industry.

While formal retraining and rehoming organisations exist, many horses move directly from trainers or private sellers to new owners, meaning people with significantly different levels of experience can become responsible for their transition.

The Hartpury study concluded that evidence-informed and multidisciplinary approaches could help produce more sustainable outcomes for horses beyond racing.

The researchers said the evidence instead supported a flexible approach which considers the animal's history, physical condition, behaviour and personality before deciding what comes next.

For a horse accustomed to a highly structured life centred around racing, adapting to retirement can be a major change.

Hartpury's research suggests the key to giving those horses the best possible future is recognising that every horse is an individual.