27th July 2010

Horseland Supports Racehorse Outplacement

Horseland, Australia's leading saddlery retailer, with 57 stores around the country has become the latest sponsor of the Cyberhorse Racehorse Outplacement Program.

Horseland is the initial contributor to the ROP Support Package, which is effectively a starter kit for the new owner of horses graduating from the Program.

Horseland will supply products and vouchers to the value of $400 as its contribution to the ROP Support Package.

Adam Bucknell, Horseland CEO, described the sponsorship as the perfect way for Horseland to "give back" to the horse industry.

"Off the track thoroughbreds were the main competition horse for our clients when we first started 32 years ago", he said.

"Generations of equestrians have started their riding career on a thoroughbred."

"Now they are not so fashionable and its time for the horse industry to address the major wastage of this wonderful resource."

Bill Saunders, Managing Director of Cyberhorse, welcomed the support of Horseland, saying:

"We are pleased to have Horseland on board."

"With Racing Victoria becoming a major sponsor and now support from the major saddlery retailer, the Racehorse Outplacement Program is building serious momentum."

"Our ambition is to build up the ROP Support Package value to well over $1000, which will not only provide the new horse owner with many products and services they will need, but will also go a long way to supporting a value for the horse which will make it an investment instead of a throwaway item."

Saunders went on to explain that the reason why so many ex-racehorses suffered an uncertain future was the industry practice of giving them away or selling them very cheaply just to get rid of them.

"Far too many ex-racehorses end up owned by people with no money, who can't look after them properly", he said.

"Or on the other hand, because the new owners have not spent very much on them, they may not regard them as an investment to be treasured."

"Either way the horse suffers."

Saunders believes that the kindest thing you can do for a horse is to sell it for a good price.

"That guarantees that the new owner has got some resources and is more likely to look after the horse properly", he said.