The Queensland Off-The-Track Program has today announced new support for not-for-profit organisations and charities that provide a lifelong safety net for retired racehorses across the state.
With the launch of the QOTT Grants Program, up to $250,000 will be offered across three different grant initiatives.
QOTT Grants will be available to support not-for-profit organisations and charities that provide equine rehabilitation services for retired racehorses that have previously transitioned from the racing industry into the domestic horse community
The grants support retired racehorses that have become vulnerable or at risk at later stages of their lives, and require veterinary treatment and/or professional retraining services to assist with their placement into suitable, long-term homes.
The QOTT Program will also support not-for-profit organisations and charities that utilise retired racehorses as therapy aids to provide professional therapy or rehabilitation programs to community groups or individual persons.
This includes people with disabilities, disadvantaged children, youth and adults, aged care, war veterans or other community support services.
Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy said the QOTT Grants Program is another important milestone for the aftercare of Queensland’s thoroughbred and standardbred horses.
“I’m really excited to see the QOTT Grants Program open today,” she said.
“There are many welfare organisations, rescue groups and sanctuaries operating in Queensland who act as a safety net by taking on retired racehorses who become vulnerable or at risk well beyond their racing years and we want to support these organisations and acknowledge the wonderful work that they do.
“It is another important step to help expand our aftercare initiatives available to retired racehorses, at all stages of their lives.
“We are also excited to support equine-assisted therapy organisations, as we know that like any breed of horse, not all former thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses are suited to the equestrian world.
“This opens the door to increase the breadth of retirement pathways for non-competitive former racehorses.
“This program also provides us with the opportunity to work with organisations who establish positive partnerships between retired racehorses and our Queensland communities.”
The QOTT Grants Program will complement the various aftercare initiatives the QOTT Program has introduced over the past 12 months, including the Subsidised Lessons Program, Acknowledged Retrainers Program and Event Sponsorship Program to help improve the long-term wellbeing of retired racehorses in Queensland.
Applications from eligible organisations are now open, and close at 2pm Friday, June 17 2022.
Click here for more information on the QOTT Grants Program, including guidelines and application criteria.