After the Homestretch

Volunteer Emily Johnson, with Teddy the Bear. After the Homestretch horses are retrained for both English and Western riding disciplines.

Services: Rehabilitation, Adoption

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Founded: 2011

Website: afterthehomestretchaz.org

Social:

Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 24

After The Homestretch-Arizona was founded in 2011 to fulfill a critical need for Thoroughbred aftercare.

Turf Paradise, the local racetrack in Phoenix, draws horses from all over North America, and with a seven-month racing season and as many as 2,100 horses stabled there at any given time, it’s inevitable that many of these runners will be in need of a new home by meet’s end. Some horses will sustain recoverable injuries while others won’t be fast enough to compete, yet they all still have the rest of their lives ahead of them.

Since these horses were bred for athleticism, heart, and intelligence, they are very athletic and can excel in other disciplines. They just need a chance to find that second career and a new home “after the homestretch.”

This is where After The Homestretch steps in. Its mission is protecting the legacy of former racehorses through education, reconditioning, retraining, and re-homing. As an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization, it relies upon the generous support of donors, grant partners like the TAA, and a team of dedicated volunteers to help carry out its mission. Governance is overseen by an active volunteer board of directors and supported by an advisory board of industry professionals.

Horses at the facility have included stakes winners, a granddaughter of Secretariat, and a track record-setting winner of $200,000. They have ranged in age from 2 to 24 and have been available as companions, riding, or for showing.

In the past nine years, the organization has taken in 82 horses and adopted out 61 into permanent homes. Upon arrival, every horse is vet checked and analyzed to be placed in a program for rehabilitation.

Once the horses have rested and rehabilitated, they are evaluated to determine what discipline and training is most suitable. When a horse is ready for adoption, compliance with the Arizona Department of Racing guidelines are followed to fully screen applicants who wish to adopt the horse. Safety for the horse and rider is always the No. 1 goal, so it is imperative to make the best possible match.

After The Homestretch Success Stories

Jackhammer – The son of Stormy Jack found his place with ATH volunteer Kirsten Ghaster who, in the face of loss, chose to gain a new friendship. Read more >>