HERO is a rehoming and re-educating programme designed to showcase the Standardbred breed to the wider equine industry.
Responsible re-homing of Standardbreds is a key priority for racing internationally. Harness Racing New Zealand is committed to ensuring that as many of our retiring horses as possible are retrained and re-homed for second careers as sport or pleasure horses.
Standardbreds throughout New Zealand have successful careers after racing in many equestrian disciplines including showing, trekking, show jumping, endurance, competitive trail riding, cowboy challenge and eventing. Their kind and willing disposition makes them the perfect pleasure mount, happy hacker or companion horse.
Life After Racing
One of the more notable graduates from the HERO programme is Bordeaux, the multiple Group winning and placed trotter of the Iggo family. Toby, as he is affectionately named, was a star on the track notching up 11 wins including winning the Group 3 Kaikoura Cup twice.
The HERO programme was privileged to be entrusted with this special horse for the next step in his journey. Toby completed his HERO education with Chanelle and has been successfully rehomed to his new forever home. We enjoy regular updates of Toby and his adventures out hacking.
HERO’s Newest Ambassador
A very special and familiar HERO graduate is Thefixer, or Tosti as he is affectionately known.
Tosti needs no introducing- he was the winner of the 2018 Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup, the 2019 Ballarat Cup, and 2nd in the 2019 Miracle Mile to name just a few of his achievements.
He had 47 starts for 12 wins, 10 seconds and 6 thirds with lifetime earnings over $1million.
Tosti entered the HERO programme in 2022 and was educated by Tarryn Jones. Upon completion of his education Tosti was brought by an experienced Southland horsewoman, Shannon Armour, who has done a quality job continuing Tosti’s schooling.
Tosti has since competed with great success in the show ring, winning multiple Champions inhand and ridden. He is also the clerk of the course at the Southland races and is a crowd favourite at every race meeting.
Tosti is the perfect example of how versatile and successful Standardbreds can be and we are extremely proud to having him flying the HERO banner as an Ambassador.
The HERO team is dedicated to matching HERO graduates to their suitable forever homes. We are committed to providing ongoing support to our HERO owners and we love hearing about what our HERO horses are achieving in their life after racing.
Harness Education & Rehoming Opportunities is a HRNZ initiative promoting life after racing opportunities for retired Standardbreds