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.
Get in touch
Email: hero@hrv.org.au
Phone: 0411 499 051
Events
December 18 – 19, 2021
HRV HERO will be in attendance to cheer on ambassadors Kylee Paull and Whiskey Business in the fantastic event which puts together 7 events including barrel racing, whip cracking, show jumping and many more.
January 8 – 9, 2022
HRV HERO is sponsoring the Standardbred classes at the VAS Saddle Horse Championships, be sure to check their page out to see all the fantastic classes on offer.
February 25, 2022
HRV HERO is excited to be holding its very own HERO night at Ballarat Trotting Club on the 25th of February 2022, varying HERO ambassadors and retrainers will be in attendance to highlight the versatility of the standardbred and showcase them in various disciplines. There will also be an equine market held on the night. So come on down and enjoy this fabulous display of the Standardbred.
November 10 – 13, 2022
HRV HERO will be attending Equitana for 2022 and has teamed up with SPPHAV, together they will be showcasing the fabulous standardbred breed in the Breed Village and highlighting their calm and willing attitude and versatility.
Visit Equitana
Retrainers
Are you interested in becoming a HERO Recognised Retrainer?
To start the application process, please email the below details to hero@hrv.org.auA member of our HERO team will then be in contact with you following your submission.
- Name
- Contact Number
- Location
- A brief overview explaining why you want to become a HERO Recognised Retrainer
