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.”

Every Standardbred deserves a quality life both during and after its racing career.

Harness Racing New Zealand is committed to supporting responsible retirement, retraining and rehoming opportunities for Standardbreds throughout New Zealand.

Standardbreds continue to excel in a wide range of disciplines including showing, dressage, jumping, trekking, endurance, competitive trail riding, cowboy challenge and as valued pleasure horses.

Find a Rehomer

Harness Racing New Zealand works with a network of experienced rehomers dedicated to retraining and finding suitable homes for retired Standardbreds.

View Approved Rehomers

Support for Rehomers

HRNZ recognises the important role rehomers play in providing successful second careers for retired racehorses.

Financial assistance may be available through the Life After Racing Grants Scheme.

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/

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/

 

Standardbred Showing & Awards

Standardbreds are becoming increasingly recognised in show rings throughout New Zealand for their versatility, trainability and temperament.

To celebrate these achievements, HRNZ proudly supports annual Standardbred Showing Awards recognising horses and riders competing across the country.

Ridden Award

Sponsored by HERO & Harness Racing New Zealand

1st  - Michelangelo — ridden by Taylah Dolan

2nd - Royal Runabout (raced as Swift And Smart) — ridden by Edie Van Der Vis

3rd - Willow Bay — ridden by Sarah Kirk

In-Hand Award

Sponsored by the NZ Standardbred Breeders' Assn

1st  - Macklemore (raced as King Chevron) — handler Davinia MacDonald

2nd - Outstanding Lad (raced as Washington Whisper) — handler Angie Stringer

3rd - Does It On His Ear — handler Chanelle Dickie

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