Written by Jessica Owers
Cover image courtesy of Jo McKinnon
With the aftercare subject so important in contemporary racing these days, it was widely welcomed on Thursday when Australia’s first independent website for Off-The-Track-Thoroughbreds, www.offthetrackhorses.com.au, was launched.
The website is the brainchild of well-known racing identity Jo McKinnon, whose career has included broadcast, print and digital journalism. The subject of racehorse rehoming has long been a passion for McKinnon, who has competed thoroughbreds in equestrian circles for much of her life.
Offthetrackhorses.com.au is an online platform featuring stories of rehomed racehorses experiencing life in their new careers, be it as show horses, eventers, show jumpers or recreational hacks. It will also offers tips, tricks and insights into getting the most out of off-track racehorse ownership.
Jo McKinnon | Image courtesy of Off The Track Horses
Still in its fledgling phase, eventually the website hopes to be a dedicated marketplace for buying and selling retired racehorses.
Also, McKinnon’s ambitions are that it will dedicate continual coverage to showcase Off-The-Track events around Australia, whether in the show discipline or otherwise.
“The aim of offtrackhorses.com.au is to become a go-to hub for all things off-the-track, which the equestrian community and horse racing industry has been needing for a long time,” McKinnon said. “Everything is centralised and, importantly, with a national focus.”
“The aim of offtrackhorses.com.au is to become a go-to hub for all things off-the-track, which the equestrian community and horse racing industry has been needing for a long time.” - Jo McKinnon
McKinnon has plenty of experience in the business of rehoming racehorses. It’s something she has demonstrated continuously in her public roles within the industry. She wants to highlight the good work being done across all states on this important matter.
“The site will serve to promote and enhance all the great work that is being done by the state racing authorities in the welfare and off-the-track space,” she said.
An Off-The-Track Thoroughbred | Image courtesy of Off The Track Horses
As such, McKinnon has plans to feature expert trainers, veterinarians and respected and accredited people across many facets of the rehoming business. The website will host written and visual content, as well as a podcast series.
“There are so many wonderful stories to be told about what retired racehorses are doing, whether it be as companion horses, trail mounts, elite performers in the show ring, show jumpers or therapy horses,” she said.
“And there are some incredibly passionate people working and living with these horses that are only too happy to share their experience and insights to help more thoroughbreds successfully make the transition to a happy and meaningful life after racing.”
