How are the horses looked after?
The horses at The Trots are professional athletes, and looking after them is part of every stage of racing.
That care starts well before they head onto the track and continues after the race is over, with trainers, stable staff and veterinary teams all playing a part.
BEFORE THE RACE
Horses arrive at the track well before they race, giving them time to settle into their stalls and get ready.
Their trainers and stable staff keep a close eye on them, checking how they’re feeling and making sure everything is right before they head onto the track.
VETS AND THE HORSE AMBULANCE
Veterinary care is available on course throughout every meeting.
If there’s any concern about a horse before, during or after a race, the on-course vet can assess it and make sure it gets the care it needs.
Every meeting also has a dedicated Horse Ambulance on course. If a horse needs further treatment, it can be transported safely to a veterinary clinic or specialist facility.
HRNZ helps fund the Horse Ambulance service as part of our wider commitment to horse welfare.
AFTER THE RACE
Once the race is over, the care continues.
Horses are cooled down, offered water and given time to recover after their effort. Some are also given water with a little molasses added, a bit like a post-workout drink, with some extra energy after racing.
Trainers and stable staff keep an eye on how they’ve pulled up and make sure they’re comfortable before heading home.
LIFE AFTER RACING
A horse’s life doesn’t end when its racing career does.
Through the HERO programme, retired standardbreds are supported into life after racing and matched with new homes and opportunities away from the track.
Many go on to new careers and activities with their new owners, so racing becomes just one chapter of their lives.
The bits worth remembering
Looking after horses isn’t something that only happens when there’s a problem. It’s part of the whole raceday.
From settling in and preparing before a race, to veterinary support, recovery afterwards and planning for life beyond racing, there are people responsible for their care at every stage.
The horse is at the centre of the sport, so looking after them comes with it.
See it in action
See some of the care and preparation that goes into looking after the horses before, during and after raceday.