Feeding the retired racehorse
Think Thoroughbred, Think Nourish Support Care!
Like any professional athlete, the diet of a racehorse in training is high in energy and has to be carefully planned and managed in order to perform at the highest level. However, once their workload and energy requirements change, so will their feed requirements.
Click here to download our booklet on Feeding the Retired Racehorse
Good feeding practices when feeding the ex-racehorse
- Feed each horse as an individual. Consider height, weight, life stage, metabolism, temperament and workload
- Make all changes to the diet gradually over 7-10 days to minimise the risk of digestive disturbances
- Forage is the most important part of your horses diet! Provide forage ad-lib where possible
- Feed little and often, split your hard feed into 2 or 3 meals daily
- Weigh your feed scoop! Feed by weight not volume
- Assess body condition regularly, use a Body Condition Score (BCS) system
- Have your vet or dentist check your horse’s teeth and make sure you worm appropriately
- Watch for signs of ulcers and, if found, take measures treat as recommended by your vet
- Provide fresh clean water at all times
- Keep to a routine to help your horse adjust to its new career
TREO EILE does an excellent job of showcasing the athletic ability and versatility of the Thoroughbred breed. Established in 2020, the organisation has gone from strength to strength. It is a not-for-profit initiative that provides assistance to racehorse trainers and owners who wish to rehome and retrain horses once their racetrack careers are complete. It also supports Thoroughbreds that have not raced.
Initiatives like TREO EILE play an important role in safeguarding the future of equestrian sport. There is lots of information on their website about how to care for an ex-racer and what to keep in mind when retraining them for a new equestrian sporting career. Throughout the year, the organisation sponsors Thoroughbred showing, jumping, and eventing competitions, and hosts learning seminars on retraining, care, and, along with our help, Thoroughbred nutrition to support them in their new performance careers.
Connolly’s RED MILLS is proud to announce a new partnership with Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) to support an exciting programme of eventing initiatives for the 2026 season, celebrating the success of former racehorses competing within British Eventing.
