A meaningful retirement for horses

TV star: Former HDR horse The Dominator recently featured on 7 Horse Racing’s coverage of Racing Hearts’ work, having been rehomed to the charity in recent weeks. Image: SUPPLIED

MINERS Rest horse trainer Henry Dwyer has partnered with equine therapy and rehabilitation charity Racing Hearts for the 2021 to 2022 racing season.

Henry Dwyer Racing will donate 10 per cent of their trainers’ prizemoney to the organisation over the coming months, as well as the proceeds of winnings from weekly charity bets.

Most importantly, HDR will give Racing Hearts access to their retiring horses, and their training team will be encouraged to financially support the animals as they transition to their new home at Racing Hearts on the Mornington Peninsula.

Mr Dwyer said the charity not only benefits their horses, but community members who need support.

“The welfare of our horses is paramount, and just because they finish their racing career doesn’t mean they haven’t got a purposeful life ahead of them. They can bring people joy,” he said.

“Our horse, The Dominator, retired recently. He’s down with them now. He’s a beautiful old Clyde horse, they love him, and he serves a purpose with the kids. Even the horses that aren’t part of equine therapy, Racing Hearts find loving homes for them.

“They do such a good job; it gives us and our owners peace of mind that they’re looking after the horse for the entire journey.”

Racing Hearts’ Lisa Coffey said HDR’s funding support will boost free, subsidised mental health services offered within the assisted therapy programs where clients work with retired racehorses.

In the 2020 to 2021 season, Henry Dwyer Racing donated more than $15,000 to Victorian not-for-profits.