Retraining of Racehorses strengthens welfare focus at its competitions and events, with support from Agria
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR), in partnership with Agria, provider of the UK’s only lifetime equine insurance, has today launched a refreshed welfare framework across its competitions and events. This underlines the charity’s commitment to keeping horse welfare at the heart of all its activity.
The new approach introduces updated welfare rules, clearer guidance on raising concerns, and a formalised partnership with the Welfare Stewarding Team – all designed to support responsible ownership and celebrate good horsemanship. The initiative is made possible thanks to generous support from Agria, which has committed to a three-year partnership to help RoR to deliver welfare-first practices across its programmes.
David Catlow, Managing Director of RoR, said: “The welfare of the horse underpins everything we do at RoR. With more ex-racehorses than ever taking part in our competitions and events, it’s essential that their welfare remains paramount. These new rules and resources are designed to support owners in delivering the highest standards of care, while reinforcing a culture of compassion, responsibility and continuous learning.”
Vicki Wentworth, CEO of Agria UK, and herself the owner of an ex-racehorse, added: “Supporting RoR in these objectives could not feel more natural to Agria - finding ways to support horse welfare, and helping horses and riders to enjoy their happiest lives together is very much in our DNA. We commend the new initiatives being launched by RoR and know they will bring widespread benefits.”
The new welfare rules set out clear expectations for all RoR activity, including competitions and mounted events, and are available to download on the RoR website. Printed copies will also be available at major events including The Jockey Club RoR National Championship 19-24 August 2025. Alongside the rules, RoR has developed new guidance to help individuals raise welfare concerns in a constructive and compassionate way.
At the same time, the Welfare Stewarding Team will now have a consistent presence at major RoR competitions, following successful trials in recent months. The team will offer advice, signpost support, and award competitors who demonstrate outstanding care or horsemanship. Stewards will be easily identifiable in co-branded RoR and Agria tabards.
A programme of regular educational content will follow, covering common welfare topics such as horse/rider weight ratio, horse care in extreme temperatures, nutrition, and foot care – all tailored to the specific needs of former racehorses and their owners.
To explore RoR’s new welfare resources, download the rules or find out more about the Welfare Stewarding Team, visit www.ror.org.uk/welfare-at-our-training-and-competitions.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information, please contact Vicky Vine, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communication, [email protected].
Retraining of Racehorses
Established in 2000, Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all former racehorses through various preventative measures, including:
- Setting industry standards for retraining former racehorses.
- Providing training and education to owners to build lifelong partnerships with their retired racehorses.
- Promoting the versatility of these horses in various equestrian activities and facilitating their participation in competitions.
- Maintaining a robust tracking system for former racehorses through RoR membership.
RoR also extends support to former racehorses in times of need through its welfare work.
Find out more about our work, please visit www.ror.org.uk
Agria
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal and equine insurance. Founded in Sweden in 1890, Agria started underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.
Agria’s lifetime equine insurance is the UK’s only lifetime policy for horses. Their policies also have no upper age limit, supporting owners with care for their horses and ponies for life.
Agria works with over 60,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for horses, cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
In 2024 Agria was awarded 'the best pet insurance overall' from the Telegraph, Which? Best Buy for Dog & Cat Insurance for their Lifetime Premium insurance products. Agria was also accredited as a Ethical Business by the GOOD Shopping Guide in 2025.
Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring who is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulatory Authority and Financial Conduct Authority.
For more information see www.agriapet.co.uk