Every year the lives of thousands of horses end in Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses. Many of these are racehorses, who for one reason or another, did not make it on the track. Some are completely sound and healthy, their only flaw being too slow to race competitively. Others bear injuries, occupational hazards of racing. The majority of these horses are fresh off the track and have only been trained to race. They lack skills necessary to be directly re-homed as pleasure or performance mounts. 

Once a horse is no longer performing on the track, some trainers simply want to ensure their horses find a good, non-racing home. They then look to organizations like ours for assistance. Others feel pressured to unload their horses quickly to avoid any further associated costs. The result is often a trip to the local auction or a phone call to the area dealer. Once at the auction, the majority end up being purchased by the pound. They are then hauled over the border to be slaughtered, packaged and shipped overseas for human consumption.

Why MNRRP?

MNRRP offers an alternative . Through our rehabilitation and placement program we are able to give these horses a second chance. They are allowed to rest, relax and recover from any injuries. Depending on their length of stay, they are re-started under saddle and given a new vocation in hopes of finding a suitable, non-racing home.  Placement homes are carefully screened, and ownership of the horse is retained by MNRRP for a period of six months.  Our contract prohibits the horses from being raced, sold at auction or sent to slaughter for the duration of it’s life.

Our Trainer Listing program offers a number of free services to trainers and owners interested in selling their horses. MNRRP will provide professional photography and marketing in an effort to maximize exposure and promote expeditious sales. We also will act as a liaison between seller and buyer, saving trainers and owners valuable time. 

MNRRP plans to offer clinics and attend trade shows to promote versatility of and generate interest in horses off the track.  MNRRP is a registered non-profit organization and comprised solely of volunteers. We are in the process of obtaining our 501( c)(3 ) status and we expect great things in 2010.  Look for our booth at the 2010 Minnesota Horse Expo April 23-25.

After the track

Many retired racehorses go on to have successful careers after the track. From dressage to jumping to recreational trail riding— with the proper re-training, there is no limit to what these horses can do.  There are ex-racehorses suitable for all ages and experience levels.  Horses that have been placed through our program  are already excelling in cross country, barrel racing, dressage, and recreational riding.

Success!  Since our inception in August 2009 MNRRP has directly placed or assisted in the sale of over 25 retired race horses.  

We would like to highlight that we work with quite a few trainers who care very much for their horses and want the best home possible for them once their racing careers are over. These horses are not, and should not be considered rescues. Most are in excellent condition and will be easily transitioned into their new careers. Some do bear injuries which require rehabilitation. Occasionally, we do come across horses such as Scotty (below). Cases such as these are just as important to us and they do need to be highlighted to raise awareness.  It is important to remember this does not only happen with race horses - it is widespread throughout the equine industry.  Our program is not designed to be a "rescue" however we do open our hearts to these incredible athletes who have fallen through the cracks.  Thanks for understanding.