해외 사례 비교를 통한 국내 퇴역경주마 사후관리 정책의 한계와 개선방향

초록

This study examines post-retirement aftercare systems for racehorses, emphasizing that racehorse welfare extends beyond management during racing careers to encompass the quality of life after retirement. Through a comparative policy analysis of aftercare systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, this study identifies how different countries institutionalize responsibility for retired racehorses and address welfare risks arising after racing careers end. The analysis reveals that each country targets distinct welfare risks through different policy mechanisms, including certification-based quality management of aftercare organizations (United States), tracking and lifetime traceability of individual horses (United Kingdom), institutionalized separation of pathways based on transition potential (France), and public authority–led transition management (Japan). These systems operate not through single policy instruments, but through combinations of regulatory, organizational, and financial mechanisms designed to minimize welfare gaps throughout post-racing life. In contrast, South Korea’s current policies have achieved measurable outcomes by focusing on riding and leisure conversion programs but remain limited in addressing long-term welfare monitoring and protection for horses that are difficult to retrain or rehome. Based on the comparative analysis, this study proposes policy directions for Korea, including a shift toward aftercare organization–centered governance, establishment of post-retirement monitoring systems, institutionalization of safety nets for non-convertible horses, and phased development of an integrated aftercare governance framework. These recommendations aim to expand existing policies toward a comprehensive, welfare-oriented aftercare system that ensures responsibility for all retired racehorses regardless of post-racing outcomes.

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