The document discusses the Standardbreds Unharnessed program, which aims to ensure former race horses have opportunities after their racing careers and to promote the Standardbred breed. Key aspects of the program include funding welfare initiatives for off-track Standardbreds, developing pathways into careers such as police horses and therapy horses, supporting owners and trainers in rehoming horses, and partnering with organizations to promote the breed through events and programs.

1. Standardbreds
Unharnessed

2. Standardbreds Unharnessed
• Part of the HRA Horse Welfare Policy
• Funding
• To ensure that there is a clear pathway for off the track race horses
• Working with owners and trainers on horse de-registrations
• To support State Standardbred Associations
• To promote the Standardbred as a horse for all occasions
• To build long term sustainable partnerships

3. Standardbreds Unharnessed - Horse Welfare
• Harness Racing Australia is committed to:
• Upholding the welfare of horses, as a primary consideration in
all activities.
• http://www.harness.org.au/hra/hra-horse-welfare.pdf
• Welfare extends to activities post racing and we are
committed to ensuring that all horses are given this
opportunity post racing, or that horses that do not “make it” to
the track are able to have a fulfilling off track career.

4. Standardbreds Unharnessed - Funding
• A portion of the HRA administered import fee is available for
Standardbred Unharnessed Activities
• This is administered on a national basis
• Funds used to support off the track events where Standardbreds are
involved
• For key partnership initiatives (RDA, EA)
• Donations where Standardbred Welfare is at issue (SA Bushfires)
• Website, Social Media, Horse Deals, Equitana and other promotions.

5. Standardbreds Unharnessed - Pathways
• Be developing a demand and awareness for Standardbreds these
are now opening: -
• Police horses in Victoria, NSW and WA
• RDA horses in all states
• Showing (eg James in the Garryowen)
• Ready Set Trot Program (EA)

6. Standardbreds Unharnessed – Owners and
Trainers
• Promotion of trainers who have clear after racing policies in place
and who actively support re-homing
• Deregistration of horses under rule 96A
• (1) The Controlling Body may on application made by the
owner of a horse withdraw the registration certificate of the
horse.
• (2) A horse which has its registration certificate withdrawn
shall not be issued with another registration certificate without
the written consent of the owner who applied for the
withdrawal of the original registration certificate.

7. Standardbreds Unharnessed – State
Standardbred Associations
• The SPPHA in each state are a key plank
• Been in place for a long period of time
• Promotion and enjoyment of Standardbreds for long period
• Standardbreds Unharnessed offer support by:
• Payment of National Insurance – covers all members at
organised events
• Some show support and sponsorship

8. Standardbreds Unharnessed - Promotion
• Getting the breed “out there”
• Removing and dispelling the “bias” of the breed
• Supporting numbers at Ag Shows
• Having a presence at Equitana and other events
• Preaching to converted at Race Meetings – although there is still
feedback about horses leading out fields on race days (past heroes
in new careers)
• Having targeted articles in Horse Deals and other publications,
including on line

9. Standardbreds Unharnessed - Partnerships
• Working with State Controlling Bodies
• Working with Riding Develops Abilities (RDA)
• Promoting the suitability of the Standardbred through Equestrian
Australia and their affiliates (Pony Club, Adult Riding Clubs) through
the Ready Set Trot program
• Partnering with State Mounted Police Forces
• Having clear follow up strategies in place to ensure effectiveness
• Look at best practice from other countries

10. THANK YOU