Off The Track Horses

Off The Track Horses features stories of thoroughbreds enjoying their journey in life after racing. Whether they are top show or performance horses, companions or trail mounts, many thoroughbreds are making the transition successfully and having a positive impact on people's lives.

Off The Track Horses features stories of thoroughbreds enjoying their journey in life after racing. Whether they are top show or performance horses, companions or trail mounts, many thoroughbreds are making the transition successfully and having a positive impact on people’s lives.

Off The Track Horses is the brainchild of award-winning racing and equestrian journalist, Jo McKinnon. A respected horse woman herself, she has rehomed Thoroughbreds most of her life.

Jo is passionate about the breed and its many virtues, and genuinely focused on raising awareness of what they can offer in a life after racing with the right level of management and care.

Off The Track Horses features stories of thoroughbreds enjoying their journey in life after racing. Whether they are top show or performance horses, companions or trail mounts, many thoroughbreds are making the transition successfully and having a positive impact on people's lives.
what we do

About Off The Track Horses

Off The Track Horses features stories of thoroughbreds enjoying their journey in life after racing. Whether they are top show or performance horses, companions or trail mounts, many thoroughbreds are making the transition successfully and having a positive impact on people’s lives. Off The Track Horses is the brainchild of award-winning racing and equestrian journalist, Jo McKinnon. A respected horse woman herself, she has rehomed Thoroughbreds most of her life. Jo is passionate about the breed and its many virtues, and genuinely focused on raising awareness of what they can offer in a life after racing with the right level of management and care.The only site of its kind in the world, Off The Track Horses also offers insights and tips on how to get the best out of a retired thoroughbred from accredited and highly respected horse men and women who are currently working in the rehoming space. Off The Track Horses features an online marketplace promoting available horses, and with so many off the track events now being staged throughout Australia, there’s an up-to-date calendar of events and dedicated coverage.


why we do it

Our Mission

Off The Track Horses aims to spread awareness about the range of possibilities these beautiful animals can bring into the right person’s life. We feature stories of thoroughbreds enjoying their journey in life after racing. Whether they are top show or performance horses, companions, therapy horses or trail mounts, many thoroughbreds are making the transition successfully and having a positive impact on people’s lives.

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breeding

When do mares and stallions retire from breeding?

From fading fertility to second careers as nannies, this piece lifts the curtain on what really happens when breeding days are over, and why retirement isn’t always the end.

When are Thoroughbred foals weaned? And is it stressful?

Weaning is a carefully timed and managed process that supports a foal’s natural independence. When done well, it minimises stress and helps set the foundation for healthy growth and future success.

What is a twitch and does it hurt?

A nose twitch applies gentle pressure to a horse’s upper lip, triggering endorphin release. When used correctly and briefly, it calms horses during breeding and veterinary care without causing pain.
breeding

What equipment is used in Thoroughbred breeding?

Thoroughbred breeding can look confronting - but behind the scenes is a system built on precision, safety, and control. This piece breaks down the gear that keeps horses and handlers protected.
breeding

What are the risks involved during the foaling process? And how often do mares die?

Foaling can be high-stakes. While most mares deliver safely, complications like dystocia and hemorrhage do happen. Here’s what the risks look like, and how breeders work to manage them.
breeding

What are common foaling complications?

Most Thoroughbred foalings go smoothly, but when complications strike, like dystocia, red bag delivery, or retained placenta, rapid response is critical. Here’s what breeders and vets watch for during every stage.