The IHWT Thoroughbred Club aims to support owners, loaners and riders of ex-racehorses & thoroughbred horses generally and to promote the use of ex-racehorses in equestrianism.

The Thoroughbred Club has a membership for which currently there is no cost to join and it is open to owners, loaners and riders of ex-racehorses and Thoroughbred Horses generally. The Thoroughbred Club hosts various training clinics and events annually and also hosts a Summer Show Series for Retired Racehorses.

The IHWT runs Ireland’s only racehorse Retraining Programme.

Download our Thoroughbred Club Membership form and join us today. 

It takes a minimum of 6-9 months to re-train and re-school an ex-racehorse and this time can increase depending on the individual. Racehorses come out of a highly stressful career and it takes time for them to settle into a new type of work. Most horses adapt happily given the chance and can go on to do other disciplines such as Hacking, Dressage or Show jumping. They are however not suitable for novice riders and need a lot of care and attention.

All IHWT ex-racehorses are assessed during the first few weeks for any behavioral or other problems. They are visited by the dentist and chiropractor. The horses have to adjust to a new diet and routine (especially those coming straight out of racing). Individual diets are formulated using GAIN Feeds so that all the horses are happy and healthy. Only when all of the above is done can the re-schooling begin.

Re-training starts with weeks of long reining and some lunging before a rider is introduced.  Once ridden work commences horses are worked with 3 or 4 times weekly in a combination of short flatwork sessions and hacking out – in company first and then hacking alone.

IHWT horses get lots of daily handling and grooming and daily turnout in preparation for a new career living in a new home.

Many ex-racehorses that have come through the IHWT have gone on to have successful careers in showjumping and as leisure and riding club horses.

IHWT Retraining of Racehorses Ireland also offers support to people who have taken on ex-racehorses and may be experiencing difficulties.  Master Classes and training clinics are run and anyone who is interested in attending these events should email: events@ihwt.ie