The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) has launched a new initiative to strengthen equestrian education, professional training and the aftercare of retired racehorses, marking a further step in the Kingdom’s efforts to develop its horseracing and equestrian sectors.
The JCSA Academy will bring together education, practical training and community engagement, with dedicated facilities designed to support equestrian activities throughout the year. The development will include 60 stables, an international indoor arena for training and events, and a specialised riding school.
A key part of the initiative will be to provide retired racehorses with opportunities beyond their competitive careers. Through structured retraining programmes, horses will be prepared for other equestrian disciplines, including show jumping and dressage, allowing them to remain active and contribute to the wider equestrian community.
JCSA Academy Places Racehorse Aftercare at the Centre
The academy will also work with schools and local communities to expand access to equestrian education. Programmes will focus on developing practical skills and knowledge related to horses, riding and horseracing, with lessons using retrained racehorses forming part of the offering.
Veterinary training will be another important component, with practical learning opportunities planned in cooperation with King Faisal University. The initiative will also provide specialised workshops covering horseshoeing, equine nutrition, saddle fitting and equestrian equipment, helping participants build expertise across several areas of horse care and management.
Beyond formal instruction, the programme will include horse-assisted therapy, riding trips, dressage competitions and show-jumping activities. These offerings are intended to broaden participation in equestrian sport while creating further opportunities for education, recreation and professional development.
His Highness Prince Salman bin Abdullah bin Salman bin Mohammed, CEO of the JCSA, welcomed the initiative, describing the development of the Kingdom’s horseracing and equestrian sectors as an extension of its vision to strengthen its position internationally.
He said the academy would help establish a sustainable system for developing national talent, while creating wider opportunities for people seeking to build careers or specialise in the sector.
JCSA Academy Aims to Raise Professional Standards
Dr Francesca Compostella, Chief Integrity and Development Officer at the JCSA, emphasised the importance of combining specialist knowledge, responsible horse welfare and high professional standards throughout a horse’s life.
She explained that the academy would bring these priorities together through classroom education and hands-on training, helping strengthen professional practices across both horseracing and equestrian activities.
The initiative’s approach to aftercare will also be supported by established international guidance and specialist collaboration. The academy’s membership in the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) reflects its commitment to the responsible transition of racehorses into new roles after retirement.
Its programme will draw on the good practices guide for racehorse aftercare issued by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), alongside cooperation with a specialist organisation focused on retraining and rehoming retired racehorses.
By combining education, practical experience and structured aftercare, the JCSA Academy aims to create a pathway for both people and horses to remain involved in equestrian activities beyond the racetrack. The initiative places particular emphasis on developing local expertise while promoting responsible care for horses at every stage of their lives.
For Saudi Arabia’s equestrian sector, the academy represents an opportunity to connect professional development with wider community participation, while giving retired racehorses a clearer route into new disciplines.
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