HERO (Harness Education & Rehoming Opportunities) was launched in July 2015 by Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).

HERO is the flagship component of HRV’s animal welfare framework and creates positive retirement pathways for standardbreds exiting the racing environment.

Catering for horses whose racing careers have ended – and it makes no difference whether the horse has been successful or unsuccessful on the racetrack – and also for horses who do not make the racetrack, HERO works directly with the industry, its breeders, owners, trainers, and drivers.

The program’s focus is on facilitating opportunities for standardbreds to transition from racing, race training or breeding for racing to appropriate long-term retirement homes, primarily as ridden or pleasure harness horses.

Since HERO’s inception the support from all sectors of the harness racing community has been extraordinary, not only those involved with the hands-on care and training of horses, but also sponsors, administrators and kindred bodies.

As a result, more Victorian standardbreds than ever are being placed into loving life-after-racing homes.