Life After Racing
Life After Racing: Celebrating the versatility of Standardbreds
Standardbreds are not only outstanding athletes on the racetrack — they are also intelligent, willing, and adaptable horses that go on to excel in a wide range of disciplines once their racing careers are over. From the show ring to the trail, endurance, and beyond, the Standardbred’s calm temperament and strong work ethic make them an ideal partner in life after racing.
Standardbred Showing New Zealand (SSNZ)
At the forefront of promoting post-racing opportunities for Standardbreds is Standardbred Showing New Zealand (SSNZ). Led by Julie DeFilippi, SSNZ has been instrumental in lifting the profile of ex-racehorses in the show ring and beyond. With a focus on education, structure, and promotion, the organisation has created a supportive platform for both new and experienced handlers to showcase the talent of retired racehorses.
Julie’s extensive experience — both in the racing and showing worlds — has helped bridge the gap between the two, and her leadership continues to inspire confidence and professionalism within the retraining and rehoming sector.
SSNZ provides a suite of resources to support owners of retired Standardbreds, including:
- Horse passports and identification
- Rules and classes for novice and open showing
- Access to a national show calendar
- Breed-specific awards and recognition pathways
- For more information, visit ssnz.co.nz
Horse of the Year (HOY)
There is a strong contingent of Standardbreds that compete annually at Horse of the Year. This is the crème de la crème of New Zealand’s premier equestrian competition, featuring a range of horse and rider combinations from multiple disciplines.
With over 1,600 riders and 1,800 horses competing for lucrative titles and prize money, the show is a feature on all equestrian calendars.
The quality of the Standardbred ring at HOY has continued to go from strength to strength and the breed is starting to get the attention of the eventing industry.
Competing at Horse of the Year can be a huge thrill but it can also be a little confusing with all the information and qualifications that are required.
If you have any questions, please contact Julie and she will assist you further.
Harness Education & Rehoming Opportunities (HERO)
Harness Racing New Zealand is currently in the process of launching an exciting new initiative; Harness Education & Rehoming Opportunities (HERO). HERO was initially launched in July 2015 as a joint initiative of Harness Racing Victoria and the State Government via the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and Harness Racing New Zealand are proud to be joining this venture. HERO promotes life after racing options for retired Standardbreds, with an emphasis on developing positive pathways for horses exiting the competitive environment and encouraging industry participants to factor retirement into their day to day welfare programmes.
Anything But Standard Challenge
The Anything But Standard Challenge is a life after racing venture launched in 2017. The vision for this Challenge is to promote the versatility and suitability of the Standardbred as a pleasure and sport horse once their racing career has finished which is beneficial for the racing industry.
The Anything But Standard Challenge is open to any branded Standardbred that is unbroken to saddle as of the 1st of February of the competition year with the Challenge being held in either November or December.
The Challenge consists of 5 individual Challenges; Inhand Showing, Ridden Showing, Dressage, Show Hunter, and Obstacle Course and points gained across each section are combined to name the Overall Challenge winner. Competitors may enter as many or as few sections as they like but only those entered in all sections are eligible for the Overall.
Stable to Stirrup
Every year over 100 retired standardbred racehorses are taken in for training and re-homing by a group of volunteers in Canterbury. Horses need hay, rugs, pasture, as well as a farrier and veterinary care during this time.
Stable to Stirrup is a charitable trust set up with the primary focus of helping rehomers of Standardbreds in the Canterbury region with the ongoing costs associated with the retraining, education and duty of care.
Stable to Stirrup also provides support for the horses as they come off the track and are retired from racing. Their program sees the horses transition from foster home to re-starter to a new home when they are ready.
Over the last 30 years more than 900 horses have been rehomed in Canterbury alone. We are hopeful that the Trust can help those working with the horses to continue their good work.