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| Staff Writer |
For many racehorses in the UAE, crossing the finish line for the last time doesn't mean the end of their story. Thanks to passionate advocates like Debbie Armaly, founder of Life After Racing UAE, these magnificent athletes are finding meaningful second careers and loving homes after their racing days are over.
Having spent over three decades in the UAE, Armaly has become a pivotal figure in transforming the lives of retired racehorses. What began twelve years ago as a personal mission to find homes for former racehorses has evolved into a structured organisation that is changing perceptions and creating opportunities for these horses to thrive in their post-racing lives.
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"The transition from track to retirement isn't always smooth," Armaly explains. "The biggest challenge is finding suitable owners who understand these horses need time to adjust to a less structured routine." This adjustment period is crucial, as retired racehorses must adapt mentally and behaviourally to their new lifestyle away from the high-energy racing environment.
Contrary to common misconceptions, retired racehorses aren't the difficult-to-handle animals some might expect. "With the right training and understanding, these horses can develop into exceptional performers," Armaly emphasises. Her words are backed by numerous success stories of former racehorses excelling in disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, and eventing at high levels.
One such success story involves Kiltrock, a horse with whom Armaly was personally involved. After a successful seven-year racing career in Dubai, Kiltrock found a new purpose under the guidance of Cassy Dickson. The horse went on to compete successfully in show jumping and dressage events in Dubai before moving to the UK to compete at the prestigious Hickstead. Now, at 17 years old, Kiltrock continues to thrive in his second career, serving as a testament to the potential these horses possess.
Armaly and her colleague Sophie Dyball established the LAR League, a competitive circuit specifically designed for ex-racehorses to showcase these possibilities and create more opportunities for retired racehorses. Running from October to April, the league enables former racehorses and their new riders to compete in various disciplines, including showjumping, dressage, showing, and eventing.
However, Armaly believes more can be done to support these horses in their transition. She advocates for the establishment of a dedicated rehabilitation facility where horses can rest, recover, and undergo retraining before moving to their new homes. Such a facility would be complemented by an adoption service to match horses with suitable owners and educational initiatives to help new owners navigate the rehabilitation process.
To ensure sustainable support for retired racehorses, Armaly suggests implementing a system to allocate a percentage of racing winnings or entry fees to aftercare programmes. She also emphasises the importance of racehorse owners having retirement plans for their horses from the outset.
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The impact of Life After Racing UAE extends beyond just finding new homes for retired racehorses. The organisation is actively working to change the narrative around these athletes, demonstrating that their value doesn't end when their racing career does. Their shows and events encourage more people to consider adopting and retraining local Thoroughbreds and Arabians rather than importing horses from overseas.
Interestingly, while racing remains largely male-dominated, the post-racing world tells a different story. "Women are in the majority when it comes to retraining horses, taking care of them after racing, and participating in dressage and show jumping," Armaly notes. This shift in gender dynamics highlights how the industry is evolving and becoming more inclusive.
The success of Life After Racing UAE also underscores the strong sense of community within the racing world. As Armaly describes, "The racing community is a wonderful gathering of people with diverse backgrounds who come together at race meetings. They become like a family, supporting each other's horses and celebrating each other's victories."
Looking ahead, the future appears promising for retired racehorses in the UAE. With increasing awareness, growing support from the racing community, and dedicated organisations like Life After Racing UAE, these horses have more opportunities than ever to transition successfully into new careers.
The key to this success lies in understanding that each horse needs individualised attention and time to adapt to their new life. Whether they go on to compete in high-level equestrian events or simply enjoy a peaceful retirement, these horses deserve the chance to write their next chapter themselves.
Through the continued efforts of advocates like Debbie Armaly and the growing support of the broader equestrian community, retired racehorses in the UAE are increasingly finding their way to meaningful second careers and loving homes. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that with proper support and understanding, these athletes can continue to inspire and achieve long after their racing days are over.