Fields Nominations Results

Life After Racing

“Every Standardbred horse should be treated with respect, compassion and understanding and shall receive a standard of care which allows them to enjoy a good quality of life while in the racing industry and on retirement.”

Responsible re-homing of Standardbreds is an important issue for racing internationally.  Harness Racing New Zealand is committed to ensuring that as many of our retiring horses as possible are retrained and re-homed for second careers as sport or pleasure horses.

Standardbreds throughout New Zealand have successful careers after racing in many equestrian disciplines including showing, trekking, show jumping, endurance, competitive trail riding, cowboy challenge and eventing.

Harness Education & Rehoming Opportunities (HERO)

For more information on Harness Racing New Zealand's own life after racing rehoming programme see the links below;

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/industry-information/hero/

https://harnesshero.nz/

 

Assistance to rehomers

Outside of the HERO scheme, Harness Racing New Zealand works alongside other rehomers to support the retraining and rehoming of standardbreds when they retire from racing.

Click Here for a list of Rehomers HRNZ works with.

 

Standardbred rehomers

Do you rehome standardbreds?

Did you know that Harness Racing NZ can offer you several different funding options?

Harness Racing NZ is hugely appreciative of the equestrian community for the work that you do educating and finding retired Standardbreds new homes. We do understand that this comes at a cost for most of you and we would like to offer you some support.

If you would like to find out more please contact Meagan at meagan@hrnz.co.nz or find more information here https://www.hrnz.co.nz/industry-information/health-and-animal-welfare/life-after-racing-grants/

Standardbred Showing

Standardbreds are fast becoming a well known breed in the show ring throughout New Zealand.  They are admired for their ease of training, loyal nature and beauty.

Please click here to assist you with valuable information about showing your Standardbred – whether you are new to the show circuit or a seasoned competitor. We will be bringing you the latest information to help you and your horse on your journey.

Horse of the Year

There is a strong contingent of Standardbreds that compete annually at Horse of the Year. This is the crème de le crème of New Zealand’s premier equestrian competition, featuring a range of horse and rider combinations from multiple disciplines. With over 1,600 riders and 1,800 horses competing for lucrative titles and prize money, the show is a feature on all equestrian calendars.

2025 Inhand Standardbred of the Year

Hawk - Connor Davis

Runner up
 Does It On His Ear - Simon Higgs

2025 Ridden Standardbred of the Year
Major Ouch - Claire Downey

Runner up
Michaelangelo- Taylah Dolan

Life after racing articles

New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Association

Harness Racing New Zealand will:

  1. Develop and launch the HERO programme
  2. Amend the Rules of Racing to create a duty of care on rehoming Standardbreds after they retire from racing or breeding
  3. Provide support for initiatives that showcase the versatility of Standardbreds
  4. Support objective research that identifies why horses do not start racing, or leave racing and breeding
  5. Support objective research that identifies the activities that retrained horses participate in
Industry Information