RETIRED RACE HORSES

"Riding an ex race horse is like getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari. It needs very careful handling and you have to know what you’re doing." says Carrie Humble

Carrie has spent many years working with thoroughbred horses who are too old to race any more.

Carrie runs an equestrian rehabilitation centre in a tiny Lancashire village near Preston.

She and the team work closely with the animals, trying to prepare them for a life away from the race track.

After they were famous

Inside Out finds out how some more well known stars of the equine world have eased themselves off the race track and into a relaxing retirement.

Red Rum

Three times Grand National winner, Red Rum retired in 1978. He moved seamlessly into a new career as a celebrity, opening betting shops, supermarkets and leading the parade for the Grand National.

Desert Orchid

Winning 34 of his 70 starts, Desert Orchid retired in 1991. And like all good celebrities, since his retirement, has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Shergar

Shergar's glittering career was tragically cut short after the horse was kidnapped in 1983. The IRA were blamed, but without the discovery of his remains, his disappearance and death still remain shrouded in mystery.

Arkle

Winning 27 of his 35 races, Arkle never fell on the racecourse. After an injury in 1966 thousands of "get well" cards were sent, many just addressed to Arkle, Ireland. He retired in 1968 making the odd celebrity appearance.

Aldaniti

Aldaniti and regular partner Bob Champion both overcame serious illness to win the Grand National 1981. Retiring the following year, Aldaniti campaigned for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

From a gallop to a trot

The first problem Carrie and her team face are injuries. A life often spent at a gallop takes its toll eventually.

A physiotherapist treats long term injuries

A sports physiotherapist is employed to massage joints, back and neck - three areas where horses have long term injuries.

Then there’s the mental problems. How do you explain to horses born to run that they’re too old to do it any more?

Re-homing

4000 horses retire from racing every year. Some end up with good owners who understand what an ex-race horse needs.

A racehorse has very specific needs

Some are less fortunate and are left abandoned in fields by an owner who can’t deal with such a highly strung animal.

Carrie Humble has re-housed 100 horses and is critical of the racing industry, saying a six billion pound business should be putting more cash into looking after former thoroughbreds.

Racing organisations say £300,000 pounds a year is spent on rehabilitation and a charity has been set up.

There are only three centres like Carrie’s in the UK and she believes if it wasn’t for places like hers many of these animals would end up being put down.