Our story

From nine acres to sixty.

Racehorse Relief was founded in 2011 with little more than a small Cornish field, a handful of horses and a determination to do better by the thoroughbreds leaving the racing industry.

Today the charity operates from a purpose‑built 60‑acre site, accredited by Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) as the only rehoming centre of its kind in the south‑west of England.

Our approach has not changed. Every horse we take on is treated as an individual. Some need months in the field before anyone gets near them with a saddle. Some are ready to start work in days. The point is to listen first.

Aerial view of the Racehorse Relief farm in Cornwall — indoor arena, outdoor school, stables and surrounding fields

Who we are

The trustees.

A small team with deep, hands‑on experience across rehab, veterinary care, finance and operations.

Jo Massey

Founder & Chief Executive

Jo founded Racehorse Relief in 2011 and has spent over a decade working hands‑on with former racehorses. She leads the rehabilitation and retraining programme.

Paul Massey

Trustee

Paul brings a background in software and business operations, and oversees technology, fundraising platforms and the charity’s digital presence.

Emma Staton

Trustee · Chiropractor

Originally trained as a human chiropractor and now working with equines, Emma supports the assessment and rehabilitation of every horse that comes through the yard.

A thoroughbred and rider in the school at Racehorse Relief

Facilities

Built around the horses.

Our 60‑acre Cornish site has been developed specifically for the careful work of bringing thoroughbreds back to soundness and on into a second career.

  • 30 American‑barn style stables
  • 60m × 25m indoor arena
  • 60m × 40m outdoor school
  • 20‑jump cross‑country course
  • Generous turnout paddocks

The yard runs entirely on wind and solar power. It matters to us that the way we operate is as sustainable as the futures we’re trying to build for our horses.

Supporters

The organisations that stand with us.

We could not do this work without the partners, sponsors and product suppliers who back the yard year after year.

Retraining of Racehorses

The official charity of British Horseracing for the welfare of horses retiring from the sport. We are an RoR‑accredited rehoming centre.

Animal Rescue Foundation

A long‑standing supporter of the charity’s work with former racehorses.

Dengie

British feed specialists in fibre‑based forage. Their products fuel the horses on the yard.

Become part of the work.

Whether it’s a one‑off donation, a regular gift, or sponsoring a horse through their season, every contribution lands directly with the horses on the yard.

Donate Get in touch