Horses' birthday celebrations enhanced by renewal of key partnership
To coincide with today’s annual horses’ birthday celebrations, Racing Victoria (RV) is delighted to announce an extension of its valued partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDAV).
The $50,000 partnership supports RDAV to deliver its range of programs to people of all ages living with a disability in Victoria, helping them forge a close bond with horses, including retired racehorses.
Through the partnership with RDAV, RV is able to create additional pathways for non-competitive retired racehorses, providing them with fulfilling second careers and opportunities to thrive in supportive environments.
RV’s financial commitment will also extend to supporting webinars and educational workshops for RDAV staff and see the cross-promotion of RV’s Off The Track (OTT) Program through various events.
The partnership also provides RDAV centres with greater access to RV’s Acknowledged Retrainer program, allowing for collaborative decisions on which horses are best suited for RDAV programs.
With retired racehorses currently enjoying second careers in RDAV centres across Victoria, RV will continue to work with the registered charity to showcase the versatility of these thoroughbreds as they adapt to life after racing.
The announcement of the extension of the partnership, which began in 2021, comes as the Australian racing industry celebrates the birthday of all thoroughbred horses born in the southern hemisphere.
Since the partnership began RV has provided $200,000 in funding support to RDAV, aiding in the expansion of its enriching riding programs and accommodating more horses at its 33 centres throughout Victoria.
Attributable Quotes
RV’s General Manager – Equine Welfare, Melissa Ware:
“It gives us great pleasure to extend our partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria, whose work makes a huge difference both to the lives of people with disabilities and to their retired racehorses as they transition from the racetrack.
“Thoroughbreds are highly intelligent animals who are very sensitive to the needs of the people they work with, which can make them a great fit for RDAV’s programs.
“We hope that through these educational programs, more retired racehorses will be able to join the RDAV and help enrich the lives of the people who need it most.”
RDAV President, Tanya Twaits:
“RDAV is a grassroots not-for-profit that could only provide life-changing programs for 500 riders in Victoria with the support of our 1,000 vital volunteers, 200 coaches and generous partnerships from donors and partners like Racing Victoria.
“Ultimately, we want anyone living with a disability to experience the unique and powerful horse-human connection that our programs offer. With the help of long-term partners like Racing Victoria, we can extend this connection to more individuals through increased volunteers, reduced waiting lists, increased number of days we can run programs, and investment in infrastructure like electric hoists and arena shelters.
“RDAV is focused on horse welfare and is proud to provide second homes for off-the-track thoroughbreds, giving them a lifelong purpose. These horses are so used to the buzz of a racetrack that they can make great horses for our program.”
