Off The Track WA Retraining Program FAQs
How is OTTWA funded?
The Off the Track WA Estate and OTTWA Retraining Program are funded by Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), through profits of the WA TAB and income generated by the WA Racing Bets Levy and part proceeds of the Point of Consumption Tax paid by wagering operators.
How many horses can be accomodated?
The OTTWA Retraining Program has the capacity for 12 horses to be re-educated at a time. The OTTWA Estate will accommodate additional horses ready to start retraining as soon as a position is available. There is also sufficient space for emergency cases, should they arise.
What horses are eligible to be accepted into the program?
The program accepts both thoroughbred and standardbred horses which have been bred for the purposes of racing. Trainers and owners are encouraged to continue to access established rehoming pathways. Acceptance of horses will be based on a range of criteria including factors such as spelling period, location, soundness and condition, in addition to a veterinary assessment. The full criteria and terms and conditions can be found here.
Who owns the horse once it is accepted into the program?
Horses must be released from current ownership when accepted into the OTTWA Retraining Program, with custody granted to RWWA for assessment and retraining or rehoming.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR USING THE OTTWA RETRAINING PROGRAM?
Horses are taken into the program for free. However, the application process requires a vet check and a rebate of up to $200 is available to cover this expense. A transport rebate may also be claimed for horses located more than 50km from the estate. OTTWA covers all retraining and rehoming expenses of horses in their care.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS ONCE A HORSE IS ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM AND ARRIVES AT THE ESTATE?
Once accepted, an initial assessment is done by the facility manager to develop a profile for the horse. Further evaluation is carried out to ensure it is in a condition to start retraining and education, followed by allocation to an Official Retrainer. The process takes around 10 weeks, with the horse available for sale at any stage throughout its training, depending on the experience and requirements of the potential buyer. Sale of the horses is assisted through OTTWA marketing avenues.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY HORSE DOESN’T MEET THE CRITERIA, ISN’T ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM, OR THE WAITLIST IS TOO LONG?
There are various approaches for rehoming behaviourally and medically sound horses. They can be sold or given away direct from racing through a variety of advertising avenues, including the OTTWA sales page, which is free. Another pathway is to arrange retraining prior to sale, in which case see RWWA’s Independent Retrainers page. The OTTWA Retraining and Rehoming Coordinator will assist where possible to responsibly rehome horses. Contact 9445 5333 or email offthetrackwa@rwwa.com.au.
HOW DO PEOPLE BUY A HORSE THROUGH THE PROGRAM?
Potential buyers submit an expression of interest form, which is assessed by the OTTWA Retraining and Rehoming Coordinator and the Official Retrainers to match the experience and requirements of horses with those of new owners. If no suitable horses are available at the time of interest, the application is kept on file for future horses coming through the program.
New owners are given ongoing support and advice, including access to OTTWA educational material and events.
Horses will be advertised for sale when they are ready to be viewed by prospective buyers. If there is a suitable expression of interest on file, the horse may be viewed by the applicant prior to being advertised.
