APRDA awarded “Off The Track” Grant from Racing Queensland

Queensland Off the Track Therapy Grant

Arundel Park Riding for Disabled Inc was fortunate to receive further “off the Track” funding in 2023/24 from Racing Queensland to support retired thoroughbred and standard bred racehorses in our equine therapy program. This grant has provided much needed funds towards, feeding, veterinary care and farriery for our OTT horses. The horses benefiting this were Jimmy, Matti and Archie, all of whom took part in sessions at the centre during the past year. Specialised care included remedial farriery, physiotherapy, nutritional supplements and massage and have helped to keep the horses happy in their work. All 3 horses had an active racing life, all winners in their own right and have had a new career as therapy horses. We are very grateful to Racing Queensland and the QOTT initiative and hope to expand our herd with an additional OTT therapy horse in the future.

About Racing Queensland’s “Off The Track” Program

The Queensland Off-The-Track Program (QOTT Program) has been established to support a high-quality first transition for Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses, bred for the racing industry and domiciled in Queensland at the time of their retirement from racing or breeding activities. 

To maximise aftercare outcomes for Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds,

• the QOTT Program will support the placement of retired racehorses into second careers, promote life after racing options and identify retirement pathways.
• Queensland Off-The-Track will stimulate demand for the breeds and increase awareness of their adaptability and versatility of use;
• provide education and support for racing industry participants and the domestic horse community to optimise racehorse aftercare;
• and advocate for the lifelong traceability of retired racehorses beyond their first exit from the racing industry.

Other recipients of the grants include, Save A Horse Australia, Life with Horses Ltd; Help Enterprises Limited; Gemfields Riding for the Disabled Inc. and Valley Riding Develops Abilities.  Congratulations to all successful applicants.