Save A Horse Australia Partnership

Since October 2023, Save A Horse Australia (SAHA) has been the Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT) Program’s official Safety Net Partner, providing a formal safety net for retired racehorses that become vulnerable after leaving the racing industry.

The partnership supports SAHA’s vital work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming retired racehorses in need, while also enabling the organisation to expand the number of horses it can support at its sanctuary in Beaudesert, Queensland. Now valued at $400,000 per annum, the partnership provides ongoing support for SAHA’s equine welfare programs and assists with identifying and supporting vulnerable and/or at-risk retired racehorses.

As part of the partnership, SAHA monitors agreed horse sales in Queensland for the purpose of identifying and purchasing vulnerable retired racehorses, with traceability information provided to Racing Queensland.

Established in 2001, SAHA is Australia’s largest equine charity and became a registered not-for-profit organisation with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) in 2009. The organisation’s purpose is to rescue and rehabilitate neglected, abused and surrendered horses before assessing them and facilitating placement into suitable homes through a lifelong lease agreement.

While SAHA supports horses of all breeds, more than 60% of horses in its care at any given time are retired racehorses. The organisation is led by President Laura Cheshire, a former Queensland jockey who has volunteered with SAHA since 2013 and has held the role of President since June 2021 in a voluntary capacity.

As a charity, SAHA relies entirely on fundraising, donations, grant funding and bequests to deliver its services. The QOTT Safety Net Partnership plays an important role in strengthening SAHA’s ability to continue providing care, rehabilitation and pathways for vulnerable retired racehorses.