For champion jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva, the transition from the thunderous applause of the racetrack to the quiet of retirement presented an unexpected challenge. The man who had spent decades in a high-speed, high-stakes profession found himself grappling with a profound sense of loss and searching for a new purpose. His healing journey, remarkably, began in the calm presence of retired racehorses.
From the Winner's Circle to the Pasture
After hanging up his silks, da Silva, a celebrated figure in Canadian horse racing, felt a void where the adrenaline and structure of his career once resided. He turned to the very creatures he had spent his life working alongside: horses. However, this time, the interaction was not about speed or competition. He found solace at the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society in Hillsburgh, Ontario, an organization dedicated to providing a peaceful afterlife for racehorses. There, he participated in Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL), a therapeutic modality that uses guided interactions with horses to promote human emotional and mental well-being.
The non-verbal communication, patience, and mindfulness required to connect with a horse became a form of therapy for the retired jockey. "The horses taught me to be present," da Silva has reflected. "On the track, everything is about the next race, the next win. Here, it's about this moment, this breath, this connection." The process helped him process his career transition, manage stress, and rediscover a sense of inner peace.
Paying It Forward: A New Mission
Transformed by his own experience, Eurico Rosa da Silva felt compelled to share this powerful form of healing with others. He has since become a passionate advocate for equine-assisted therapy, particularly for first responders, veterans, and individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, or significant life changes. He frequently volunteers his time at LongRun, helping to facilitate sessions and sharing his personal story to encourage others to open up to the experience.
Alexandra Rose, a FEEL practitioner at LongRun, highlighted the unique dynamic. "Eurico's journey is a powerful testament to the horse's ability to heal," she stated in a recent interview. "He came as a client seeking peace, and now he helps us guide others. The horses don't see a champion jockey; they see a person seeking connection, and they respond to that authenticity."
The Healing Power of a Second Chance
The story at LongRun is one of mutual rescue. The thoroughbreds, often high-strung athletes themselves, are given a dignified retirement. In turn, they offer their quiet strength and intuitive nature to humans in need of emotional support. This symbiotic relationship is at the heart of the FEEL program. Sessions involve activities like grooming, leading, and simply being in the presence of the horses, all designed to foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and trust.
Da Silva's advocacy has brought renewed attention to the work of organizations like LongRun and the broader field of equine therapy in Canada. His story bridges the worlds of elite sports and therapeutic wellness, showing that the lessons learned in partnership with animals can have a deep and lasting impact long after the final race is run. For da Silva, the winner's circle has been redefined—it's no longer about a trophy, but about the profound moment of connection between a human and a horse, each helping the other heal.
