LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society – The sweet next chapter for retired thoroughbred racehorses

LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society

The sweet next chapter for retired thoroughbred racehorses 

By Lorie Steiner

They win trophies, they win ribbons, but most of all they win hearts. Thoroughbred racehorses are strong, beautiful animals that love to compete on the track, but what happens when their racing days have galloped off into the past? For horses, like people, life doesn’t end with retirement. In fact, it’s often the beginning of a wonderful new story… and just imagine sharing it with them!

Maybe you’re searching for the ideal horse to ride, or to show, or maybe just to be your dear companion. Whatever the scenario, adopting a retired thoroughbred racehorse can be a rewarding option for you and the horse as they embark on a new life path in a caring home. The dedicated team at LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society will take their time walking you through the adoption process and making sure all your questions are answered, as they find your perfect match. 

What to expect from an ex-racehorse

Describing the thoroughbred as “a beautiful, versatile and athletic breed, which can proudly trace its bloodlines back many centuries,” LongRun believes “it is a privilege to be a part of their lives and custodians of their welfare. They race for our pleasure – it’s only right we provide them with a happy retirement after their racing days are over. With time and patience, almost all thoroughbreds can become the gentlest of companions and, with retraining, most of our graduates have gone on to second careers as riding horses, some with show potential!”

Mission possible

LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society is a non-profit organization committed to the welfare of thoroughbred racehorses when they are no longer able to compete. The LongRun mission is to find these horses loving homes and, oftentimes, alternative careers. Awareness is key, so they take every opportunity to educate owners, trainers, breeders and the general public about the merits of adoption – the very humane alternative.

Since it began in 1999, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society has placed more than 1,000 thoroughbreds in new homes. It is the first industry-funded adoption program in Canada and works directly with owners and trainers stabled at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and Fort Erie Racetrack in the Niagara region to offer a responsible retirement option for their horses.

Through fundraising, volunteer work and assistance from the Ontario thoroughbred industry, LongRun evaluates retired racehorses, provides necessary care and strives to find them permanent, loving homes. But while they are well supported by Ontario’s racing community, LongRun still needs donations. Funds raised are used to cover expenses, such as: feed, shipping and blacksmith services, basic retraining, medical costs and other expenses such as blankets and halters. It’s easy to DONATE online at longrunretirement.com 

With you for the long run

When you adopt a retired thoroughbred racehorse through LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, you’re getting more than a horse. You’re getting an organization committed to your success in building a great relationship with your animal. They connect with you regularly in the first year and are always available with advice about care, retraining, anything that crops up when it comes to bonding with your new addition. 

The LongRun team cares for close to 60 horses on their Hillsburgh farm, some who are looking to be adopted and others who, because of age or physicality, are offered lifetime sanctuary if need be. Sanctuary horses are available for individual sponsorship. LongRun also offers equine assisted therapy and learning courses and has welcomed groups like The Haven, which assists first responders, Albion Boys and Girls Club, and Girls Inc., a charity which seeks to empower young girls. They look forward to having groups up to the farm from Big Brothers and Sisters and chapters from Probus as well.  

*Meet ‘Pink Lloyd’ – a racing legend

Among LongRun’s equine family are “Stable Stars”, horses who were outstanding performers during their careers and are permanent residents, financially sponsored by their racetrack connections and visited by an adoring public. One of them, Pink Lloyd, is the most decorated horse in Canadian racing – he was a seven-time Canadian champion and 2017 Canadian Horse of the Year!