AUSTRALIA’S first equine-assisted therapy program to use retired racehorses is celebrating the Melbourne Cup with a difference.
Racing Hearts, a charity that gives former racehorses a new lease on life through retraining and integration to therapy programs for humans, is inviting the community to be part of early cup celebrations and experience humans “helping horses helping humans”.
Founded in 2018, Racing Hearts operates from a 12-hectare property in Balnarring with a sand arena for riding lessons with a therapy focus.
The organisation has rehabilitated more than 100 retired racehorses, working with Racing Victoria with a large focus on their reset program that caters to horses with special needs.
The cup celebration morning on Friday at its Balnarring farm will offer visitors the chance to meet world famous three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey and Racing Hearts ambassador, Glen Boss, and have a photo taken with the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup.
Visitors will be able to be part of Australian thoroughbred racing history and see first-hand how Racing Hearts cares for horses when they retire from racing.
There will also be riding displays and interactions with horses.
Entry is free and donations to Racing Hearts charity can be made on the day.
The celebrations are on Friday 20 October from 8.30am to10.30am, at 82 Bittern-Dromana Road, Balnarring.
Book tickets at trybooking.com/CMJOT
First published in the Western Port News – 18 October 2023
