Greenall – Guerriero Racing

Greenall – Guerriero Media Release

3 November 2026

Former Racehorses are Making a Difference to Local People’s Lives in Cheshire Trainers Yard

A racehorse’s ability to make a difference in someone’s life does not end at the finishing post. In a first in the UK, Cheshire based trainers, Greenall Guerriero Racing and Gul Outdoor Therapy are working together to open a new chapter for former racehorses, bringing Greenall Guerriero’s care and understanding of its horses together with Gul’s expertise in helping people through Equine Assisted Services.

Founded in 2003, Gul has spent more than two decades helping people find confidence and a way forward through horses and the outdoors. For people struggling with anxiety, isolation or education, the starting point might be as simple as spending time in the company of a horse. With skilled support, that shared activity can become an opportunity to build trust, communication and experience a sense of achievement.

Progressive thinking trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero recognised that their retired racehorse could go on to help people of all ages. Together, Gul and Greenall Guerriero aim to give suitable former racehorses the time and support to find a new role, while creating opportunities for people to discover what they, too, can achieve.

Over the summer, Heroique de Maulde, who ran 20 times as a jumps and flat racing horse, earned almost £50,000 in prize money, has been being retrained to chill out, just be and interact with people in a totally new way. Anna Collins, who has been working with Heroique said “he is a delight to be with and enjoys his new role. Simple tasks such as standing still, being groomed slowly and being led through obstacles on the ground can be difficult for a thoroughbred when they have been bred, trained and rewarded to do everything at speed. Making sure that the horses are engaged and comfortable is an important part of the role as their welfare is crucial.”

Behind these moments is a team whose experience spans therapeutic practice, education and horsemanship. Gul works with each person and those supporting them to shape meaningful goals, recognise progress and adapt the approach as their confidence grows. Dr Celia Grummitt, CEO of Gul Outdoor Therapy said “we know that human and equine interaction has demonstrable benefits for many people. As a GP and clinician, I can see how the thoroughbred is receptive, non-judgmental and the added dimension of being a former racehorse gives people confidence and a sense of pride and achievement when they interact with them.”

Oliver Greenall added “we are really excited to be starting this journey as it’s a great opportunity for our horses to help young people and adults and give something back after racing if they are not going to be re-trained as riding horses. It’s great to be spearheading this program of activity and as a trainer, it’s very rewarding to see the horses in a new role.”

Oliver has offered Homme Public to the program who recently retired after racing 39 times over jumps and winning an impressive £91,757. His retraining has already begun, and he is very responsive and quick to learn new skills.

The programmes are delivered by qualified practitioners and are tailored to agreed outcomes for each participant.

Sessions are entirely ground-based (no riding) and typically last 1 to 2 hours. Provision can be delivered on a one-to-one basis or in small groups and is suitable for SEND support, Alternative Provision, pastoral interventions and wider wellbeing programmes.

The sessions are taking place at the satellite stable yard of Greenall Guerriero Racing in Malpas. Greenall Guerriero are the first race trainers in the UK to offer this service as part of their horse retraining and aftercare program.

Activities may include horse observation, grooming, leading, equine care, problem-solving exercises and practical teamwork, all designed to build confidence, emotional regulation, communication, resilience and engagement with learning. Progress is monitored against agreed objectives, with regular reviews and achievement certificates or rosettes available to celebrate success.

Watch a short video about the program here

We accept referrals individuals, schools, local authorities, NHS services and would be delighted to discuss how our programmes could meet people’s needs.

If you would like to meet the team and learn more about the programme,

contact  office@guloutdoortherapy.org.uk.