Aftercare – Visit Horse Country

Celebrate National Adopt a Horse Month

Posted on May 22, 2024 - 3:16 pm by Horse Country

Did you know that May is the National Adopt a Horse Month? That’s right, not only can you adopt furry friends such as cats and dogs, but also horses of all breeds, ponies, and mules! Here at Horse Country, we have five member locations that serve as aftercare facilities for horses looking for their forever home.

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

Located just outside of Lexington, the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center sits on 72 acres of green pastures and rolling hills, home to equines of all kinds. Here, you can find horses, mules, miniature ponies, and even donkeys! The Kentucky Equine Adoption provides a haven for horses while they explore new careers and find their forever home. They operate with the same goal in mind as they did during their conception in 2006, that every horse gets adopted.

Currently, there are 35 horses residing at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, waiting to find their forever home! Whether you are looking for a companion for your four-legged friend in their pasture, or an athlete ready to compete, the adoption center has a horse for you.

This month, KYEAC is featuring two of their adoptable mares, Cashew and Snickers. Cashew comes from Eastern Kentucky, where she once lived along the strip mines. Now, she is learning to be saddled, and is excited for adventures with a new best friend. Snickers is a Bay/White Pinto mare. At the age of 23, she has spent her life as a pet and is gaining confidence with her training here at KYEAC. Snickers is looking for an experienced trainer to continue learning with or could serve as a non-ridable companion for your friends at home!

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center offers tours seven days a week, with public and private tours available for groups to choose from! Learn more and book your visit here.

New Vocations

Come visit New Vocations, the nation’s largest racehorse adoption program. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, New Vocations has expanded across the country to rehabilitate, retrain, and find new homes for both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds with loving adopters. Founded by Dot Morgan in 1992, New Vocations is still operated under her vision and now with the help of her two daughters. Since ’92, they have found new homes for over 9,000 retired horses from the track.

New Vocations is currently working with 12 off-the-track-Thoroughbreds at their Lexington farm, providing rehabilitation and retraining, so they can succeed in their second career. One adoptable horse, Largent, is sired by Into Mischief, who you can visit at Spendthrift Farm with Horse Country! At New Vocations, there is a horse for everyone, whether you are looking for your next trail-ride champion, companion in the fields, or a new competitor in your hunter-jumper barn.

You can visit New Vocations throughout the year on a public tour, hosted on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1pm, or on a private visit, hosted six days a week at various times. Learn more and book your tour here.

Second Stride

Since 2005, over 1600 retired racehorses have found their new homes through Second Stride. Located just outside of Louisville, half an hour from the infamous Churchill Downs, Second Stride provides professional rehabilitation and retraining of retired thoroughbreds to find new homes following their career on the track. In addition to racehorses, they also work to rehome broodmares and bloodstock.

Second Stride offers horses for every discipline, whether you’re looking for a young filly to train and begin showing, or an older thoroughbred gelding to be a well-mannered trail-riding companion. Each Thoroughbred listed on their site is ready to be adopted, and you can learn all about their unique personalities and individual training by reading their profiles.

Second Stride opens their doors to guests Monday through Saturday throughout the year, where you can meet their adoptable retired racehorses and learn more about how aftercare and the Thoroughbred industry go hand in hand. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet your new best friend!

Secretariat Center

The Secretariat Center has dedicated themselves to retraining and rehoming Thoroughbreds after their time on the track since 2004. Offering an unparalleled rehabilitation program, the Secretariat Center teaches off-the-track Thoroughbreds a wide variety of skills and training that can be used for many disciplines in the equestrian world. In addition, they are exposed to diverse experiences to become accustomed to life post-racetrack, such as what to expect at a horse show, or what they may encounter on a trail ride! This unique process prepares each horse for their next career and evaluates both their strengths and personality to place them with the perfect forever home.

The Secretariat Center sits on 20 acres of land located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. At any time, you can find ten to twenty horses participating in the retraining program, all of whom are up for adoption! While the Secretariat Center is not offering tours at the moment, we look forward to re-opening their gates to visitors soon.

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall

Over the past 40 years, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has established themselves as the oldest and largest Thoroughbred rescue in the United States. When a Thoroughbred can no longer race on the track, TRF takes them in with the promise of a lifelong and peaceful retirement, safe from possible neglect, abuse, or slaughter. Their mission is one-of-a-kind, providing a sanctuary for those who cannot be retrained, and rehabilitating those who are ready to begin their second career. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation currently provides haven for 425 horses, across 15 farms, spanning through 8 states, including our very own Bluegrass State!

Nestled in the rolling hills of Prospect, Kentucky lies TRF Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall, home to 10 retired racehorses on a beautiful 25 acres. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation established this sanctuary farm in 2021, where the horses serve as ambassadors to our sport’s aftercare beyond the track. At the sanctuary, the horses live out the rest of their lives in a safe place while educating visitors about the Thoroughbred. TRF welcomes visitors each day to visit their beautiful land and retired horses. Click here to learn more and book your tour.

Meet the December Adoptable Horse of the Month

Posted on December 20, 2023 - 3:35 pm by Horse Country

Welcome to our newest feature, Horse Country’s Adoptable Horse of the Month! Each month we will highlight an adoptable horse from one of our non-profit members, so make sure to tune in to find your perfect fit right here in Horse Country.

Let’s get to know Sponger, an adoptable Thoroughbred at Second Stride in Prospect, Kentucky!

Are you looking for your next Retired Racehorse Project partner? Look no further! Meet Sponger, a spirited 4-year-old filly currently residing at Second Stride. She eagerly awaits her future forever home and is eligible for the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover!

Sponger retired from the track in July due to a right hind fetlock; however, after rehabilitation, her X-rays look great, and she is ready to return to work! She is a highly athletic filly who will need an advanced and patient rider. While she prefers an arena-type setting rather than outdoors, with the right person and training, she has the drive to navigate that challenge. She will need to stay in regular work, but she is sound for any discipline.

Sponger’s adoption fee is $850; however, Second Stride is hosting a Home for the Holidays event, where the adoption fee will be half-off until December 31st. If you bring a trailer to the pick-up appointment, you will receive an additional $100 off! Make sure to check out their website to learn more.

If you are not in the position to adopt a horse, you can still learn about the mission and work of Second Stride on a tour of their facility. Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m.

Visit Second Stride

Horse Country is proud to partner with multiple 501(c)3 non-profit members whose mission is to support equines through adoption or sanctuary. Your ticket purchase to any of these members (Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Secretariat Center, Second Stride, TRF at Chestnut Hall) supports the mission of the organization.

Giving Tuesday

Posted on November 28, 2023 - 9:11 am by Horse Country

#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.

Donate to New Vocations 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.

Donate to Second Stride here.

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.

Meet the October Adoptable Horse of the Month

Posted on October 23, 2023 - 9:23 am by Horse Country

Let’s get to know Cover Me Up, an adoptable Thoroughbred at New Vocations in Lexington, Kentucky!

Cover Me Up, whose barn name is ‘Player’, is a 2019 Thoroughbred gelding best suited for an intermediate/advanced rider, as he is working hard to develop better balance and self-carriage. While he may still have youngster moments, Player has a sweet soul and is polite when being led or in the crossties.

Despite worrying people at the farm, Player’s favorite activity is playing flat in the field. He also enjoys spending time with his pasture buddy. He has healed from a previous soft tissue injury and is excited to excel in a new low to mid-level career! The gelding is eligible for the 2024 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

If you’re not currently in the position to adopt a horse, you can still learn about the mission and work of the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center – and meet some of their residents – on a tour of the facility. Tours are offered through October on Fridays and Saturdays at 1:30pm.

His adoption fee is on sale for $2,000. If you are interested, make sure to check out the New Vocations website for more information on how to inquire about adopting!

If you’re not currently in the position to adopt a horse, you can still learn about the mission and work of New Vocations – and meet some of their residents – on a tour of the facility. Tours are offered year-round, with public tours currently available at 1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and private tours available to request at various times Monday through Friday.

Visit the New Vocations

Meet the September Adoptable Horse of the Month

Posted on September 27, 2023 - 10:48 am by Horse Country

Let’s get to know Teelfa, an adoptable resident of the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Lexington, Kentucky!

Teelfa is looking for her new forever home! She is a 12 year old Thoroughbred mare who made 26 starts on the track and earned $151,307! After her racing career, she retired as a broodmare, which makes her eligible for the broodmare division for the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover.

Teelfa is forward and would need a more experienced rider; however, she is eager to please! She has excelled in the walk and trot and would be most successful in a flat-only home.

Her adoption fee is $1,500. If you are interested, make sure to check out the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center website for more information on how to inquire about adopting.

Supporters can also make a donation to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center or learn more about volunteering on their website.

Visit the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

Find Your Perfect Fit with our Adoptable Horse of the Month

Posted on August 16, 2023 - 4:21 pm by Horse Country

Let’s get to know Good Dreams, an adoptable resident of the Secretariat Center in Lexington.

Good Dreams, or Bueno, is looking for his new forever home! Good Dreams is a son of Quality Road out of the New Zealand-bred mare Darci’s Dream, who never made a start at the racetrack. Bueno is a 2019 Thoroughbred gelding that is best suited for a lowkey home, as his favorite activities include light flat work, trail rides, and sometimes little jumps! However, Bueno has recently discovered his love of being ridden western and has even been working on neck reining.

Bueno has a brave personality; however, he is still green and would need a confident rider. He is the boss of his field and enjoys having pasture buddies that will play with him, but he is also great outside by himself.

His adoption fee is $3,500. If you are interested, make sure to check out the Secretariat Center website for more information on how to inquire about adopting.

If you’re interested in learning more about how the Secretariat Center retrains and rehomes retired Thoroughbred racehorse, but maybe not in the position to adopt a horse, we highly recommend visiting on a Horse Country tour.

Spotlight on Sport Horse, Adoption, and Aftercare Facilities

Posted on July 10, 2023 - 4:00 pm by Horse Country

Kentucky is sort of the Disney World of the horse industry, after all we aren’t called the Horse Capital of the World for nothing. From the Kentucky Derby to the Land Rover Three Day Event to the World Equestrian Games, some of the biggest equestrian events come to Kentucky, and with that, people come from all over the world to see these events. To put it into perspective, around 150,000 people attended the Kentucky Derby in 2023, around 25,000 people attended the 2023 Land Rover Three Day Event, and in 2010 the Kentucky Horse Park hosted 520,000 spectators for the World Equestrian Games.

Sport Horses

One frequently asked question is once a horse is done competing in top level show jumping, eventing, dressage or racing, what do they do? Here in Horse Country, you can learn all about what top level equestrian athletes do after they are finished with one career and transition to another. One tour that teaches you the many facets of the sport horse breeding and competition industry is Spy Coast Farm. During the tour, you will get to see their whole operation in Lexington, Kentucky, including the Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, Young Horse Development Training Center, Stallion Barn, and Mare and Foal Center. They differ from the Thoroughbred breeding industry in various ways, two standouts are in the breeding shed and training center. Sport horses use artificial insemination (abbreviated as AI) and embryo transfer because a handful of the stallions and mares that Spy Coast have the breeding rights to are still competing. Isn’t that incredible? While training these incredible athletes, many sport horse trainers wait until they are around 3 or 4 years old to put them into work, since warmbloods grow a bit slower than Thoroughbreds, which typically begin racing as two year old’s. Did you know the career of a sport horse can last into their late twenties? Pretty astounding! Spy Coast Grand Tour Public Tours offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:30am

Spy Coast Farm in Lexington, KY is one of the leading sport horse breeding and training facilities in the country.

Aftercare + Adoption

The thoroughbred industry has become more accessible to people all over the world due to aftercare and adoption centers. They provide a temporary home for horses who are not successful on the racetrack, were injured, or abandoned. All of our members share the same goal, which is to provide a safe place for horses.

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is a nonprofit who takes in retired racehorses from the track who could not be breeding stallions or broodmares. At their barns around the nation, they rehab, retrain, and rehome standardbreds and thoroughbreds. For their property in Lexington, Kentucky, they house mostly thoroughbreds. They do extensive research on the potential new owner and require a vet and two personal references to ensure horses are placed in the best possible homes. Definitely an incredible tour for those interested in the life of racehorses after the track.

New Vocations: Public Tours offered Wednesday and Friday at 1pm

Second Stride also strives to provide a new career for retired racehorses, broodmares, or thoroughbreds that are injured and need rehabilitation. This nonprofit organization will teach you about the process of retraining and preparing them to be riding or companion horses. They have three Thoroughbred Racing ambassadors on the farm Triple Crown contestant General A Rod, million dollar earner Hawaakom, and Churchill Downs Racing Club’s star runner Warrior’s Club. You will get to meet them and the horses up for adoption on the tour!

Second Stride: Public Tours offered Monday through Friday at 1pm and Saturday at 11am.

The Secretariat Center is another off-the-track thoroughbred rehoming operation in Lexington, Kentucky whose mission is to advocate for the thoroughbred and give them the best chance to start a new career after their racing careers have ended. They have miniature horse ambassadors on the farm who you will fall in love with! Located right in the heart of Horse Country at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Secretariat Center: Public Tours offered on Thursday and Friday at 11am.

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is a temporary safe haven for horses of all ages, disciplines, and breeds. This tour will take you through the process of adopting a horse, the care these horses need after coming from various situations, and making sure they go to a good home once they are ready to be adopted. Come learn about their stories and maybe become a part of it! Located in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center: Public Tours offered Friday and Saturday at 1:30pm.

New Vocations, a facility that focuses on rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming retired racehorses in Lexington, KY.

Horse Country’s newest member, Second Stride, focuses on providing training for retired racehorses, broodmares and Thoroughbreds who didn’t make it to the track, located in Prospect, KY.

Located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the Secretariat Center retrains and rehomes Thoroughbreds into a variety of second careers.

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville is Kentucky’s only all breed equine adoption center, providing training and care to a variety of horses.

Aftercare Sanctuary

A lot of the horses who are injured and need rehabilitation or looking for a new career can be paired with a new home, but some just need to be horses. At our aftercare sanctuary, they provide the care and love for their horses where they will have a permanent home for the rest of their lives. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at Chestnut Hall is an oasis for thoroughbreds to live out the rest of their days just to be horses. They have around a dozen horses on their farm that you can pet and learn about their stories. This is also home to the historical farmhouse on sight with gorgeous views of the farm and horses. Located in Prospect, Kentucky, a 30 minute drive from Downtown Louisville.

TRF at Chestnut Hall: Public Tours offered Monday through Sunday at 10am.

TRF at Chestnut Hall, a sanctuary farm for retired Thoroughbred racehorses located in Prospect, KY.

Second Stride joins Horse Country, Inc. Tour Program

Posted on July 7, 2023 - 4:01 pm by Horse Country

Horse Country has announced a new partnership with Second Stride. The Thoroughbred aftercare organization will begin offering tours through Horse Country in July.

“We’re thrilled to have Second Stride join Horse Country and begin offering tours this month,” said Hallie Hardy, Executive Director of Horse Country. “Our member farms and supporting businesses, like Second Stride, are dedicated to connecting people to the horse, land and people of Kentucky’s Horse Country. Through Horse Country’s Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited partners, our industry can show firsthand the care that is given to horses retiring from the racetrack as they learn new skills and find new homes. It’s an incredibly important piece of our industry’s story, and we’re proud at Horse Country to connect people to these important non-profit organizations.”

“Second Stride is excited to partner with Horse Country to expand our educational reach to the community and beyond” said Kim Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Second Stride. “The Chorleywood location is dedicated to partnership involvement and outreach as well as transitioning the state icon, the Thoroughbred, safely into fresh starts. We look forward to sharing our success stories and program thanks to Horse Country to an even broader audience beyond the current work our volunteers and partnerships are accomplishing.”

“What Second Stride offers is a fresh start — no matter the age or capacity of a thoroughbred, we give them what they need to to begin their next great phase. Rolling in a lush grass field, radiographs to assess readiness to train, summer baths by volunteers, jumping that first crossrail, resting their muzzle on the shoulder of a child during a tour — all stages along the way of a racehorse succeeding in a new career and life.”

Tours of Second Stride will be offered six days a week, with both public and private tour options available, beginning on July 10. Guests will learn about the retraining and rehoming process and meet current trainees, as well as interact with the Thoroughbred ambassadors that reside at the farm, including Kentucky Derby contender General A Rod, graded stakes winner Warrior’s Club and million dollar winner Hawaakom. Tours can be booked online at visithorsecountry.com/second-stride or by calling Horse Country at 859-963-1004.

Second Stride joins the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, New Vocations, Secretariat Center and TRF at Chestnut Hall as non-profit members of Horse Country. These members serve Thoroughbreds and other equine breeds through retraining, rehoming or providing lifetime sanctuary.

A kickoff event is scheduled for July 17th at the Prospect, Kentucky farm, and those interested in attending may reach out to info@visithorsecountry.com for more information.

About Horse Country: Since 2015, Horse Country connects guests to tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look into Kentucky’s equine industry. The not-for-profit, collaborative membership organization comprises leading stallion farms, nursery farms, aftercare facilities, veterinary clinics, a racetrack and other equine attractions in Kentucky. Currently, 24 active touring members are a part of Horse Country. Tickets can be booked directly online at www.visithorsecountry.com.

About Second Stride: Second Stride is a leading national equine adoption program and a trusted partner within the thoroughbred racing industry. We serve the thoroughbreds and people who make the sport of horse racing possible: trainers, owners, partnership managers, handicappers, racing fans, and the adopters who provide forever homes for these horses after they retire. We also serve non-racing thoroughbreds in need including broodmares and unable-to-race bloodstock.

Celebrating National Adopt a Horse Month

Posted on May 30, 2023 - 3:24 pm by Horse Country

Here in Horse Country, we are proud to partner with non-profit organizations that retrain, rehabilitate and rehome horses who are in need of a new career, whether that career is competitive, as a trail horse or simply a pasture pet. In honor of Adopt a Horse Month, we are featuring these organizations, as well as some of the adoptable horses currently at each location.

If you are passionate about the mission of any of our non-profit members but are not in the position to adopt a horse, there are other ways to support them! Donations and volunteers are always welcome, and we recommend getting in touch with each location directly to find out how to get involved.

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is the only all-breed equine rescue in the state of Kentucky. The Adoption Center opened in 2008 to meet a growing need in Central Kentucky to take in equines who were no longer able to be cared for by their owners, regardless of the breed or type. The operation takes in horses, miniature horses, donkeys and mules and provides them with training and rehabilitation that assists in the rehoming process.

Since its inception 14 years ago, over 1,000 horses have been rescued and rehomed by the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. Along with its main operations, the Adoption Center has a number of programs that educate community members and potential adopters about equine care. The Adoption Center takes in all breeds of equines, and currently has over 35 horses in their care.

Featured Adoptable Horses

Dixieland Daisy (Yonaguska – Hurricane Jazz) – 16 year old Thoroughbred mare

Emmy Lu Slew (Evansville Slew – Ravine) – 13 year old Thoroughbred mare

Why Me (American Freedom – My Wish List) – 4 year old Thoroughbred mare

Visit the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption

New Vocations began in 1992 and has grown to be the largest retraining program in the United States, with locations in Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Florida. The organization provides horses coming off of the track with rehabilitation and training before pairing them up with well-matched adopters around the country.

While New Vocations retrains both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, their Lexington base at Mereworth Farm (which offers tours through Horse Country!) is a Thoroughbred-centric location. Since 1992, they have rehomed over 8,000 retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses.

Featured Adoptable Horses

Hard Choice (Hard Spun – Bode’s Choice) – 4 year old Thoroughbred mare

Send the Word (Payner – Duchess of Greeley) – 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding

Thatsnothername (Bob and John – J.B.’s Annie) – 8 year old Thoroughbred mare

Visit New Vocations

Secretariat Center

Located within the famed Kentucky Horse Park, the Secretariat Center retrains retired Thoroughbred racehorses to provide them with the best skills for a second career as a riding horse. Since 2004, the Secretariat Center has worked to place horses into situations where they can exceed, whether they are with upper level riders, as lesson or therapy horses, serving as mounted police horses, or one of many other careers.

Featured Adoptable Horses

Bane (Tourist – Canary Diamond) – 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding

First Class Dad (Dialed In – Belle Chaussee) – 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding

Good Dreams (Quality Road – Darci’s Dream (NZ)) – 4 year old Thoroughbred mare

Visit the Secretariat Center

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is a nationwide organization that provides the promise of a lifetime of sanctuary to each horse in their care. The TRF began in 1983 and has grown to be the largest sanctuary of its kind in the world, with 15 locations in 8 states. A majority of horses owned by the organization are not sound enough to go on to second careers, but still enjoy a well-deserved, dignified retirement at one of the many TRF facilities.

The Sanctuary Farm at Chestnut Hall provides a caring retirement to 11 Thoroughbreds, situated at a historic farm home.

Along with providing a quality life for horses at their sanctuary farms, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has adoption opportunities for those who would like to provide a forever home for a horse (or horses!) who are unable to be ridden. If you are interested in providing a lifelong home for one of the horses in the TRF herd, we recommend reaching out by submitting an adoption inquiry here.

Visit TRF at Chestnut Hall

Giving Tuesday

Posted on November 28, 2022 - 4:54 pm by Horse Country

Kentucky Equine Adoption Center

Monetary donations to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center can be made via the link below, and the Center is also seeking donations of winter blankets for their horses and the community.

Donate to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here.

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program

In honor of New Vocations 30th anniversary, Breeders’ Cup-winning Thoroughbred owners D.J. Stable, LLC is generously matching all donations made to New Vocations, up to $30,000!

Donate to New Vocations here.

Secretariat Center

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

This Giving Tuesday, TRF is fundraising to support the TRF Farrier Fund, which covers the cost of about three months of blacksmith visits for the horses in the TRF herd. Proper hoof care is vital to the wellbeing of horses, and this fund is incredibly important to the work that TRF does.

Donate to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Farrier Fund here.