Ex-racehorse charity founder
Horse & Hound|October 07, 2021
Grace Muir is the founder of the charity HEROS, which rehomes ex-racehorses and provides training courses for children
Kate Johnson
Ex-racehorse charity founder

I started rehoming horses in 1990, when I was the manager of my father’s stud farm, which had up to five stallions and 120 foals a year. I always knew there was a massive need for them to be riding horses after they finished racing. It was never a revelation to me; I knew they could do any job; they’re bright and versatile. So many people think they can’t ride thoroughbreds, but they can.

We were featured in a three page spread in Horse & Hound on retraining racehorses –I’ve still got it. The day after, the phone didn’t stop ringing, everyone wanted them. There weren’t enough horses for people.

In 2006, a dear friend convinced me to start a charity which became HEROS (Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme). We’re at my family’s North Farm Stud in Oxfordshire, with 200 acres of grazing and about 100 horses.

This story is from the October 07, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 07, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HORSE & HOUNDView All
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Horse & Hound

'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'

Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
New pair pull off a win
Horse & Hound

New pair pull off a win

A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Lording it over the rest
Horse & Hound

Lording it over the rest

Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Smith hits flying form
Horse & Hound

Smith hits flying form

A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Horse & Hound

Jankorado hits the jackpot

Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps

time-read
4 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Peanut
Horse & Hound

Peanut

From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024
She's a corker
Horse & Hound

She's a corker

Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers

time-read
8 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
Horse & Hound

Access all areas Cavalier Centre

The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit

time-read
7 mins  |
November 07, 2024
'Use it or lose it'
Horse & Hound

'Use it or lose it'

Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity

time-read
6 mins  |
November 07, 2024
A new way forward
Horse & Hound

A new way forward

Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change

time-read
3 mins  |
November 07, 2024