Subsidised Lessons

Subsidised Lessons Program

The Subsidised Lessons Program is an initiative to support retired racehorses as they transition from the racing industry into the community.

Approved applicants are eligible for ten (10) individual lessons of up to 60 minutes in duration with a Tasracing Approved Coach.

The program will enable new owners of retired racehorses to receive tailored support across a range of areas including horse care and husbandry, nutrition, behaviour, groundwork and ridden components.

The program operates through a voucher system, with approved applicants issued vouchers to cover the cost of lessons.

Application Process

1. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions to ascertain whether the program is suitable for you and your horse
2. Complete the online Application Form below
3. Tasracing review completed applications;
   3.1 If approved Tasracing will issue the lesson vouchers via email
   3.2 If rejected Tasracing will issue a formal letter to the applicant detailing the reason via email
4. Upon receipt of the vouchers you are responsible for contacting your nominated coach to arrange lessons

Please allow 14 days for your application to be processed.

For more information please contact us at: offthetrack@tasracing.com.au or phone 03 6212 9333.

Eligibility Criteria

The Subsidised Lessons Program is for:

• Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds
• Horses bred for racing in Tasmania, irrespective of whether they made it to the track or training
• Horses that were bred in alternate states but raced and retired in Tasmania
• Horses that meet the above criteria and have been retired from racing or breeding for less than 12 months
• Participants aged 17 years and older

Tasracing will assess on a case-by-case basis:

• Applications for horses that have been retired for longer than 12 months
• Applications from participants aged 16 years and under

Tasracing Approved Coaches

Approved coaches as of 1st November 2025:

Sue McDermott
Location: Sandford
Telephone: 0421 954 472
Email: smcdermott257@gmail.com
EA Accreditation: Coach Educator
Dressage Level 2

Philippa ‘Pip’ Godfrey
Location: Sandford
Telephone: 0418 853 954
Email: pipduggan@gmail.com
EA Accreditation: General Riding Coach Level 1

Amanda Cameron
Location: Whitmore
Telephone: 0408 771 377
Email: Laamandacameron@gmail.com
EA Accreditation: Coach Level 2

Camille Velnaar
Location: Glaziers Bay
Telephone: 0417 324 389
Email: camillevelnaar@gmail.com
EA Accreditation: Coach Level 1

Jo McFarlane
Location: Hagley
Telephone: 0417 328 616
Email: jo.j.mcfarlane@icloud.com
EA Accreditation: Coach Level 2

Lee Davis
Location: North Motton
Telephone: 0419 829 777
Email: ldhorsemanship@gmail.com
 Horse Safety Australia Accreditation: Senior Instructor and Trail Guide 

Liz Elliott
Location: Kingston
Telephone: 0429 007 602
Email: monique_1@bigpond.com
EA Accreditation: Coach Level 1

Charley Freeman
Location: Westbury
Telephone: 0409 994 865
Email: odyssey.horses@gmail.com
EA Accreditation: Coach Level 1

Valor Park
Kristy Brownrigg & Tara Howard
Location: Thirlstane
Telephone: 0419 531 840
Email: valorpark@outlook.com
Horse Safety Australia: General Instruction

Terms and Conditions

View the Subsidised Lessons Program Terms and Conditions here.

View the Subsidised Lessons Program Terms and Conditions PDF here.