RV extends key partnership

Racing Victoria has used Thursday’s horses’ birthday to announce it has extended its partnership with the Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria.

RV said the $50,000 partnership would help RDAV deliver a range of programs to people who live with a disability in Victoria.

The programs aim to help people forge a strong bond with horses, including ex-racehorses.

RV said the program also helps create additional pathways for retired racehorses.

The partnership began in 2021 with RV providing $200,000 in funding to support RDAV.

“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,” RV’s General Manager – Equine Welfare, Melissa Ware said.

“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 said her not-for-profit organisation ‘is focused on horse welfare and is proud to provide second homes for off-the-track thoroughbreds, giving them a lifelong purpose’.

“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.

“These horses are so used to the buzz of a racetrack that they can make great horses for our program.”