As horses age or leave competitive careers, ensuring their welfare through retirement requires planning, resources, and often difficult end-of-life decisions. This is a significant but often underdiscussed welfare challenge.
Horse retirement presents profound welfare challenges rooted in the long lifespan of the species and the costs of their care. An ex-racehorse or competition horse requires the same quality of feed, farriery, dental care and veterinary attention in retirement as in its working life — but generates no economic return. When owners cannot afford this care, horses may be under-nourished, left without appropriate hoof or dental care, or sold into situations where welfare further declines. A horse in chronic unmanaged pain who cannot be afforded appropriate care is in a poor welfare state for which euthanasia is often the kindest outcome. Cultural resistance to equine euthanasia — viewing it as abandonment rather than a welfare decision — can result in prolonged suffering. Responsible ownership requires planning for end-of-life care from the moment a horse enters a person's care.