The Queensland Off-The-Track Grants Program is a direct result of our commitment to maximise aftercare outcomes for thoroughbred and standardbred horses and complements established initiatives, including the Subsidised Lessons Program, the Acknowledged Retrainers Program, and the Event Sponsorship Program.
The grants aim to help vulnerable horses through assisting not-for-profit organisations and charities who provide a safety net for retired racehorses, as well as equine-assisted therapy organisations using retrained OTT horses as part of their programs.
The initial round of grants has allocated more than $100,000 across three categories and were awarded to seven organisations across Queensland, ranging from Atherton in FNQ to Tullebudgera in the southern end of the Gold Coast.
These grants, not only financially support these groups, but are also an acknowledgement of the wonderful work they do for these horses as well as the local community groups and individuals who rely on equine-assisted therapy.
This initiative is also an important adjunct to the Queensland Off-The-Track Program’s priority to increase demand of OTT horses by opening the door to more retirement pathway options as many equine-assisted services do not require horses to be ridden.
The three categories of these grants are the Veterinary Expenses Grant, the Retraining Expenses Grant and the Therapy Grant. The seven successful applicants were:
Save A Horse Australia;
FNQ Foster Farms;
Life With Horses Ltd;
Help Enterprises Limited;
Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled Inc;
Gemfields Riding for the Disabled Inc; and
Valley Riding Develops Abilities.
Queensland Off-The-Track is delighted to have the opportunity to work with orgainisations who act as a safety net for retired racehorses and those who establish positive partnerships between retired racehorses and our Queensland communities.
To find out more about the good work QOTT are doing to please visit our website and follow us on Facebook.