みんなの乗馬TOP ＞ The Retired Horse Association: giving retired horses a second chance at life

The Retired Horse Association: giving retired horses a second chance at life

日本語 / English

Currently, there are approximately 7000 horses born in Japan every year.

The horses are bred in the racing or performance industries, with life is not guaranteed beyond retirement.

We are an organisation that wishes the health and happiness for all horses.

The Retired Horse Association (RHA)

The Retired Horse Association (RHA) is a Japanese incorporated non-profit organisation active in supporting the rehabilitation and rehoming of retired racehorses. The RHA’s initiatives are supported by efforts of its members through horse sponsorship and donations.

In the past, there was little information published about the lives of horses post career. Racing transformed from a gambling sport into form of leisure, and later with the internet, their welfare was brought to the attention by fans and the wider community.

These voices of concern grew louder, and The Retired Horse Association, formerly the ‘Egret Equine Foster-Parent Association’ was established in 1997.

In 2005, “The Retired Horse Network” commenced activities to support the care of retired horses.

The Non-Profit Organisation ‘The Retired Horse Association’ was established to support horses affected by the Great Eastern Japan earthquake in 2011. Their wide range of volunteer activities include supporting ex-racehorses into new careers and educating others about the industry and the lives of ex-racehorses in Japan.

In 2014, The Retired Horse Association became a Japanese incorporated Non-Profit Organisation to support its activities and donations through the tax exemption scheme.

【The horses enjoying their days in retirement】

All for one, and one for all

Initially, people join to support not just one horse, but the many horses at RHA.

However, the people don’t simply look after the foster horses in their care, the connection between them inspires feelings happiness in both mind and body. This is the real effect of horse therapy.

In other words, people give to the horses and the horses give back to the people. It’s a mutual relationship built on support and trust.

Even old horses with no place to go and little chance of survival can carry out a happy life, and that happiness is transferred to the people.

It’s really something to behold.

The costs of retraining are immense and proves difficult for just one person, but with the support from many people we can give these horses a new life.

Anyone can become a member of the Retired Horses Association. A small donation of 1000 yen (9 USD) is valuable to support the organisation's operations.

Alone we are weak, but together we can save the lives of many horses.

For more information on becoming a member of the Retired Horse Association →http://rha.or.jp/membership/

The RHA Retraining Program

At RHA, the Retraining Program supports the futures of ex-racehorses as they are rehabilitated into general riding horses.

Through the program, the horses learn the fundamental commands and how to carry themselves correctly under saddle. We hope to find them a new home suitable for each horses personality and ability.

It is a program that retrains and rehomes the younger horses who have plenty left to give into places like riding clubs.

Horses who have completed their retraining are free, so if there is anyone or any riding clubs looking for horses, please come have a look.

You can also support RHA by purchasing their products

The RHA have a wide selection of products for sale depicting their happy retired horses. 100% of the money received from purchases goes towards supporting the activities at RHA.