#GivingTuesday is celebrated each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and, let’s be honest, after a weekend of indulgence. The day encourages us to donate to causes and organizations spreading good around the world, around the country, or even in your community. Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a worldwide movement that has raised critical funds for nonprofits across the globe.
Horse Country is proud to recognize our four nonprofit members who provide care, facilitate retraining, and find lifelong homes for the horses in their barns. We encourage you to learn more about each of these organizations below, and if you feel so inclined, to support these organizations on this #GivingTuesday.
Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is the largest all-breed equine rescue in Kentucky, serving horses from a variety of breeds, ages and backgrounds. The Center rehabilitates and rehomes horses, ranging from trail horses and companion animals to high level dressage competitors, with a goal of finding the perfect adopter for each horse. Learn more about the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here.
From our friends at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, “2023 has been a difficult year for KYEAC. With grants that we did not win, special events that did not meet expectations, and expenses that exceeded our budget, we find ourselves in need of your support as we close out a challenging year. During this season of giving, we’re inviting each of you to please donate to help us do what we do best – help, heal, and home Kentucky’s most at-risk equines.”
Donate to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here.
New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program
New Vocations is the nation’s largest racehorse adoption program, and focuses on rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming retired Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses. New Vocations has nine facilities across the country to retrain and rehome horses, with their main base located here in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more about New Vocations here.
All Giving Tuesday donations will be generously matched by Churchill Downs, Incorporated up to $20,000. New Vocations will also be having fun “Giving Challenges” throughout the day, which can be found by clicking here.
Second Stride
Second Stride is a leading Thoroughbred adoption program that serves retired racehorses as well as non-racing Thoroughbreds such as broodmares and unable-to-race bloodstock. Their program helps horses transition from the track to second (or third!) careers as riding or companion horses. Learn more about Second Stride here.
Since its inception in 2005, Second Stride has rehomed over 1,500 retired racehorses, including 137 thus far in 2023.
Secretariat Center
The Secretariat Center provides education for former racehorses as a stepping stone to new careers after racing. The Secretariat Center typically has 10-20 Thoroughbreds in its training program, which can go on to a variety of careers including hunter/jumpers, dressage, trail riding, therapeutic riding and more. Learn more about the Secretariat Center here.
Donations to the Secretariat Center assist in the care and training of nearly 50 retired racehorses per year.
Donate to the Secretariat Center here.
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation provides support for nearly 450 rescued and retired Thoroughbred racehorses in their care at TRF locations throughout the country, including the herd of 11 horses at TRF at Chestnut Hall in Prospect.
This Giving Tuesday, TRF is fundraising to support the TRF Farrier Fund, which supports hoof care for their horses. ‘The hoof makes the horse’ is a well-known saying in equine circles, and donations to the Farrier Fund assist in providing quality hoof care to retired racehorses around the country.
Donate to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Farrier Fund here.