Whats in It for Me Finds What He Needed Most
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Whats in It for Me Finds What He Needed Most Whats in It for Me Finds What He Needed Most By: Alexis Arbaugh July 25, 2025 Success Stories Tags:After the Races NY, Pleasure Riding, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Whats in It for Me, a 2017 gray gelding, had 9 starts and earned about $11,000 before retiring from racing in 2021. He arrived at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga in September of that year, but something wasn’t quite right. After sustaining a sesamoid fracture on the track, he had spent nearly a year on stall rest at the organization. “Erin Sisk, co-founder of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, asked me to come and look at Grey (Whats in It for Me) because he didn’t fit their program. He didn’t seem happy,” said Anna Hollander. When Anna first met him, she could see his loneliness clearly: “Grey seemed depressed and sad.” Despite everything he had overcome physically, he was still struggling emotionally. “I felt drawn to help him to a happier life,” Anna remembered. Over time, Grey, now called William Grey, began to blossom. “William Grey has transformed into a gorgeous horse, [he has been] ridden on trails and training regularly.” He became a sound and lovable horse who thrived on attention from all. “He is happy, sound, and super affectionate. A gentle giant,” stated Anna. With consistent training and time on the trails, Will had become a different horse. Looking ahead, Anna shared that she plans “to ride and train him more, send him out on a couple of beautiful trail and hunter paces this fall.” “The transformation took about a year, he knickers now. My other horses helped as well, they started playing with Will and showed him what fun life can be,” Anna recalled. In the end, “It makes my day every day turning these gorgeous horses in to happy Champions and watch them enjoy life,” Anna answered. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Accredited Aftercare at Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton Sales
All Items Press Releases In the News Newsletter Archive Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Accredited Aftercare at Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton Sales Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Accredited Aftercare at Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton Sales FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2025 News Tags:Community Booth, Fasig-Tipton Sales, New York Racing Association, NYRA, Saratoga, Saratoga Race Course, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Whitney Stakes LEXINGTON, KY – Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will return to Saratoga during the first week of August to highlight accredited aftercare through a variety of initiatives at both Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton. The organization will participate in events during Whitney weekend, which includes the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes, and will remain active through the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling Sale the following week. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will feature Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as its Community Partner during Whitney weekend. The 98th running of the Whitney Stakes will take place Saturday, Aug. 2, at Saratoga Race Course. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at NYRA’s Community Outreach Booth on Saturday and Sunday, where fans can learn more about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for donations, including a limited-edition Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance t-shirt. Donna Barton Brothers, author of Inside Track: Insider’s Guide to Horse Racing, will appear at the booth on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. Signed copies of her book will be available for $10 each, while supplies last. NYRA will also recognize Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the undercard on both Saturday and Sunday. Following each race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, who will receive a branded blanket and gift bag. “NYRA is pleased to continue this important partnership with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during Whitney weekend at Saratoga,” said Tony Allevato, NYRA Chief Revenue Officer and President of NYRA Bets. “Saratoga provides the ideal stage for highlighting the importance of supporting accredited aftercare, and we thank TAA for their commitment to the sport.” The weekend will also include hosting the winners of the VIP experience auctioned earlier this year through the “Off to the Races” campaign supporting accredited aftercare. This experience was generously donated by NYRA, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and Anne’s Washington Inn. The winners will enjoy a horseman’s box for five, paddock and winner’s circle access, a private tour with Tom Durkin, a family museum membership, and more. Fasig-Tipton, a supporting partner of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, will host The Saratoga Sale of selected yearlings Aug. 4–5. Representatives will be on-site to meet with supporters, consigners, and buyers to promote accredited aftercare. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also distribute New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund co-branded gifts to consigners participating in the New York Bred Yearlings Sale, scheduled for Aug. 10–11. While in Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also conduct inspections at accredited aftercare facilities as part of its ongoing accreditation process. In addition, staff will meet with trainers, owners, and supporters throughout the week and convene for the organization’s annual board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7. About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $36.04 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 83 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance859-224-2756info@thoroughbredaftercare.org Fundraising & EventsEmily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Media ContactSamantha Smith Share This Release
Ken Freirich’s $100k Match Kicks Off Annual Day of Giving
Big Personality, Bigger Heart: Pep Talking’s Second Career
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Big Personality, Bigger Heart: Pep Talking’s Second Career Big Personality, Bigger Heart: Pep Talking’s Second Career By: Alexis Arbaugh June 13, 2025 Success Stories Tags:New Vocations, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Western Photo Credit: Katie Mills When Al Gillen set out to adopt another horse from MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in 2022, he had a clear vision: something smaller, older, and ready to settle into a quieter life alongside his senior horse, Stardust. What he found instead was Pep Talking: a big-bodied, six-year-old Thoroughbred with a bold personality and plenty to say. Al had known Beverly Strauss of MidAtlantic Horse Rescue for nearly 20 years and trusted the process completely. “I knew the adoption experience would be smooth and that we’d get full disclosure on everything,” Al said. During his first ride on Pep Talking, Al encountered a horse who was eager to please but full of energy. “He was jumpy and especially strong on forward motion,” Al recalled. But a ride around the rescue’s property sealed the deal. “I asked him to nose into heavy brush or walk up to farm equipment. None of that fazed him in the least, which was very encouraging to me for what his new job would be.” After trying several horses, Pep just stood out. “He felt like the best fit,” noted Al. Photo Credit: Katie Mills Pep Talking, a 2016 gelding, earned over $67,000 in 26 starts before arriving at MidAtlantic in July 2021. “This is actually the second horse I’ve adopted from MidAtlantic,” Al shared. “I got Stardust back in 2006, With Stardust now a senior, I wanted a younger horse to be ready to fill his shoes, so to speak, when the time came to dial down his activities. That has not happened yet, so I now have two active horses.” Pep proved to be a handful during his retraining, so Al partnered with a dressage trainer. “The goal was never to make Pep a competitive dressage horse. We’re just using the training as a foundation for his real job — my main trail mount.” At first, Pep’s responses were often a little explosive. “He’s never been malicious in any way, just full of strength and speed, which was his answer to anything challenging,” Al explained. But with patience and consistent work, Pep began to settle and thrive. “He’s got a strong work ethic and a big personality,” Al said. “And in the barn, he’s definitely risen to the top of the herd—keeping the older boys on the move.” “[He’s] become a fun ride that is safe, sane, and brave on the trails. Today I feel 100% comfortable taking either Stardust or Pep out for whatever ride I have in mind.” Now more than two years into his retraining, Pep is thriving. He and Al ride two to three times a week, exploring trails, participating in hunter paces, and tackling judged trail rides and obstacle courses. Photo Credit: Katie Mills Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
Breeders’ Cup Announces Expanded Charities Program
The Big Kahuna’s Second Act
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post The Big Kahuna’s Second Act The Big Kahuna’s Second Act By: Alexis Arbaugh June 13, 2025 Success Stories Tags:dressage, Second Stride, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance With only four career starts, The Big Kahuna retired from racing in early 2022 with $77,870 in earnings. Foaled in March 2017, the flashy bay gelding arrived at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in April of that year, ready for his next chapter. New Vocations is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization that is dedicated to rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Loran Schubarg first discovered The Big Kahuna, now known as Maverick, online while browsing adoptable horses on the New Vocations website. “The adoption experience couldn’t have been easier, the trainers at the location were so helpful,” remembered Loran when she went to visit Maverick for the first time. The deal was sealed as soon as Loran saw Maverick in person. “I adopted Maverick because of his beautiful gaits and his flashy head,” said Loran. Since Loran brought Maverick home, she has been hands-on in his training and development. “I have been riding him on my own every day mostly. We hack in the woods and then work on the flat,” Loran stated. Their hard work paid off last summer when they tackled their first combined test together; “We have started jumping last summer and have successfully competed at a ‘tadpole’ combined test, placing second.” With some success under their belts, Loran is looking ahead to an exciting future. “I would like to compete in T.I.P Combined Tests and qualify for next year’s Championship. Eventually I would like to event him,” Loran admitted. At home, Maverick’s personality shines through to each person and animal he has encountered. “He is the boss of my other horse and is very attached to him. We tell people he has an emotional support horse,” said Loran. Loran is grateful for the opportunity to have been partnered with such a promising and expressive Thoroughbred. Loran added, “I love my OTTB!” With Maverick’s presence, talent, and a devoted rider by his side, he is proving there’s nothing the pair can’t accomplish. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
Finding Home: She’s So Fly and Chloe
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Finding Home: She’s So Fly and Chloe Finding Home: She’s So Fly and Chloe By: Alexis Arbaugh July 2, 2025 Success Stories Tags:MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding She’s So Fly, now affectionately known as Sophie, was born in March 2020. After only racing once, Sophie was retired by her breeder in 2022. Sophie arrived at After the Races in December 2023, where she waited patiently for her perfect match to come along. Chloe Ras, a former assistant manager at After the Races, stayed connected to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization and often browsed their website and Facebook page for potential horses. “I found Sophie (She’s So Fly) specifically through a blog post that was done to highlight some of the horses that were being overlooked,” Chloe remembered. As she was familiar with the adoption process, Chloe acted quickly. “I just submitted an application, was approved, and set up shipping within the week! It was interesting to be on the other side.” Sophie’s gentle nature and potential won Chloe over immediately. “Something about her just struck a chord in me. She had such a sweet eye in the couple videos of her being ridden in the round pen. She seemed to have a very easygoing way about her. She was described as sweet and personable, and she was a great size,” said Chloe. Despite Sophie’s amazing qualities, she had been overlooked simply for being a chestnut mare, a small detail that didn’t faze Chloe at all. “I have owned two chestnut mares previously, and was not scared off by the stigma, so I jumped on the opportunity. This was the second time I had bought/adopted a horse sight unseen, but I trust After the Races in their honesty when matching horses with people.” Since bringing Sophie home, Chloe has prioritized patience because Sophie was still young, so they wanted to take it slow. “We have kept things very low key for Sophie as she is still growing and maturing. We focus a lot on groundwork and she regularly gets time off to relax and be with her friends. We trail ride on my property, and she has been truly amazing at taking everything in stride when we go explore,” Chloe stated. Sophie turned out to be a very confident horse which helped the pair tremendously in and out of the saddle. “She often leads on rides, since her stride is longer than most of my other horses’, but she is just as content to follow and I am able to keep a few loose fingers on the reins,” said Chloe. Chloe explained her long-term goals for Sophie to be her primary trail horse and possibly endurance later down the road. “I’m not much of a competitive person anymore, and my horses enjoy a slower pace of life on my farm. Since she’s only 4, I know we have quite a bit of time and a few more growth spurts to get through and I’m happy to be patient as she matures.” Sophie’s affectionate personality made her a favorite on the farm. “She absolutely loves being scratched on her chest, to the point where when she comes up in the field, she will often present her chest to me instead of her head and ask me to scratch her chest. On the hot days when I shower them in the field, she is always the first to come up and the last to leave and will even put her head in the water stream to play with the water over the other horses’ backs,” Chloe confessed. With Chloe, Sophie has gone from overlooked to cherished. Their bond has proved that all it takes is one person to see a horse’s hidden potential. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
Honoring Thoroughbreds: NYRA Celebrates the Fifth Annual New York Aftercare Day at Saratoga
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Honoring Thoroughbreds: NYRA Celebrates the Fifth Annual New York Aftercare Day at Saratoga Honoring Thoroughbreds: NYRA Celebrates the Fifth Annual New York Aftercare Day at Saratoga By: Jay Privman June 30, 2025 Supporter Feature Tags:Industry Stakeholder, New York Racing Association, NYRA, supporter, Supporter Feature, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Supporter One of the highest-profile aftercare events of the year, and the biggest one of the summer in Saratoga, will take place July 17 with the fifth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, whose highlight will be the naming of the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award. The Down Broadway Award is named for the first horse to retire through the New York-based TAKE THE LEAD Program, whose founder, the late trainer Rick Violette, has a stakes race named for him on that card. Many organizations collaborate to make New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day such a meaningful and successful event, including the New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and New York Thoroughbred Breeders. Four aftercare organizations – New Vocations, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Second Chance Thoroughbreds, and ReRun – all accredited and supported by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, are the homes of the four horses who are the finalists for the Down Broadway Award. “In 2021, NYRA, NYTHA and the NYTB launched Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga to celebrate and highlight the work of New York State’s aftercare community,” said Tony Allevato, the chief revenue officer and president of NYRA Bets. “Saratoga is the ideal location to reach both seasoned racing fans and newcomers to the sport, which provides us with myriad opportunities to communicate with fans about our work supporting aftercare initiatives and organizations. “In addition to the on-track demonstrations, we use the reach of Saratoga Live and FOX Sports to speak with viewers not just on-track or in New York but across the country. NYTHA and NYTB have been central to the growth of Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, and we are excited to host the fifth edition on July 17.” TAKE THE LEAD, which is a retirement program, and its sister organization, TAKE2, which re-trains horses for second careers, both were started by Violette, who was the longtime head of NYTHA. He died in 2018. “TAKE THE LEAD and TAKE2 are a credit to the legacy of Rick Violette, who was so dedicated to creating second careers and retirement programs for Thoroughbreds in New York,” Allevato said. “We take great pride in supporting these groups, and that is reflected not only on Aftercare Day at Saratoga but throughout the year. Tony Allevato “New York is a national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in a variety of aftercare efforts. At NYRA, we believe the athletes who give so much to the sport deserve to retire with dignity when their racing days are done,” Allevato added. “Our commitment to these efforts is matched by our partners across New York’s racing community, and our collective dedication to supporting Thoroughbred aftercare continues to expand year after year. That is reflected in the investments we see from NYRA, NYTHA, NYTB and so many groups and individuals who work to re-home and re-train these athletes.” Allevato’s personal commitment to the cause resulted in him being named to the board of directors of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the start of 2025. “Horse racing is special because it is a community of people who care deeply for these wonderful animals, and we all contribute in different ways to its success.” Tony Allevato chief revenue officer and president of NYRA Bets “Everything I have in my life I owe to a career in horse racing,” said Allevato, whose previous stops included Hollywood Park and TVG, now FanDuel TV. “This was an opportunity to join a visionary leadership group at the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance who effect change and make a lasting impact far beyond the gates of the tracks where so much of the public’s attention is focused. “Horse racing is special because it is a community of people who care deeply for these wonderful animals, and we all contribute in different ways to its success. I thank the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for having me, and I am looking forward to amplifying the work we do this summer on Saratoga Live with the help of FOX Sports.” Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s supporters: Industry Stakeholders Share This Article
The Long Awaited Guest: A Thoroughbred Worth Waiting For
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post The Long Awaited Guest: A Thoroughbred Worth Waiting For The Long Awaited Guest: A Thoroughbred Worth Waiting For By: Alexis Arbaugh June 27, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes, Trail Riding After 15 years of leasing horses, Jenna Stockinger knew exactly what she was looking for in a horse of her own. She wanted a horse that was a kind, capable partner, and one that her sister could enjoy riding and showing, too. The search was slow and thoughtful, but none of the horses quite felt like the one. That changed the moment she reached out to Racehorse Reimagined, a program under the care of This Old Horse. A friend had adopted through them, and Jenna figured it was worth seeing which horses were available. She wasn’t expecting her perfect match to be waiting for her—but there he was. An eight-year-old bay gelding named Long Awaited Guest, known around the barn as Zephyr, had only made four starts during his short racing career in 2016, earning just $660. It became clear early on that racing wasn’t his future, but this handsome Thoroughbred still had so much more to give. “When I saw the photo of him, his eyes just stopped me,” Jenna said. “There was something about how soft and kind they looked. And when I saw him move, that was it. I knew I had found my horse.” The adoption experience with Racehorse Reimagined was smooth and supportive—everything Jenna had hoped for. As soon as she met Zephyr in person, there was no doubt in her mind: he was coming home. Despite a relatively quiet start in the sport horse world, Zephyr had already been exposed to jumping at a previous barn, which gave Jenna a great foundation to build on. Now, the two are exploring a variety of disciplines together, from pleasure and gaming classes to ranch riding—with dreams of one day trying their hand at cattle work. “He really tries his hardest to get the right answer,” Jenna said. “He has the most willing attitude, and retraining him has been going amazingly. He just wants to please.” Zephyr has not only lived up to his name: Long Awaited Guest. He has become the long-awaited guest that Jenna always hoped would one day walk into her life. And with each ride, each show, and every new challenge, the bond between them grows stronger. From forgotten racehorse to all-around show partner, Long Awaited Guest is proving that sometimes, the best things really are worth waiting for. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission
A Second Chance: Noni’s Journey to Love and Safety
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post A Second Chance: Noni’s Journey to Love and Safety A Second Chance: Noni’s Journey to Love and Safety By: Alexis Arbaugh June 20, 2025 Success Stories Tags:dressage, New Vocations, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance When Leslie and Anthony Arcuri lost their beloved horse Ghazi in October, the grief was intense. Ghazi had been part of their family for 30 years and had been through life’s highest highs and lowest lows with the couple. Gucci, a 30-year-old Thoroughbred that the Arcuris adopted in 2004 from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) in Montpelier, Virginia, was grieving too. Ghazi had been Gucci’s best friend for two decades. It quickly became clear that Gucci needed a new friend. Gucci was TRF’s first successful adoption from their Montpelier location. Sally Hamlin, then President of the Virginia Thoroughbred Project (VTP), learned of Ghazi’s passing and soon contacted the Arcuris. She was also aware of a Virginia-bred mare recently rescued from a vulnerable situation and needed a safe and permanent home. The mare was being quarantined and evaluated before she was allowed to transfer to Montpelier, and Sally thought it might be the perfect fit for the couple. The mare’s name was Gonandunit, nicknamed “Noni,” and she came with quite the backstory. She was part of a large group of broodmares caught in the middle of a bitter estate dispute. When the owner passed away, a legal battle between the family and a business partner led to the horses being put into a dispersal sale. Thankfully, a network of kindhearted people, including Virginia Thoroughbred Project, sprang into action to secure safe homes for every mare. Noni had a short, unsuccessful racing career and later served as a broodmare in Canada. She raced 25 times between 2011-2014 and earned just over $12,000; she only won one race. On January 14th, as soon as Noni was released from quarantine and sent to Montpelier, Leslie and Anthony made the drive to meet her. “She didn’t seem to care we were there,” Leslie recalled. Noni was content to continue grazing with her pasture mate until farm manager Crystal teased them over with a little grain. A few pats and treats later, the Arcuris had made up their minds. The very next day, they brought Noni home. The introduction with Gucci could not have gone better. “She aloofly swaggered toward him,” Leslie laughed. But any hesitation was gone in moments and within five minutes of being turned out together, Gucci and Noni were eating from the same feed bucket. Over the winter, Noni became more than just a companion. She was easy to blanket, blossomed under the Arcuris’ care, and quickly revealed a love for attention. “If you put your hand on her flank, she stops walking and waits for more scratches,” Leslie said. “She’s just that sweet.” Noni’s gentle spirit became even more apparent when Leslie and Anthony’s daughter came to visit with her five-year-old twin boys. One of the boys fell and began to cry and “Noni stopped eating, listened to the cry and went straight over to them to console the cry[ing child],” remembered Leslie. “This big bay mare is a sweet, gentle giant,” Leslie said. “Just this morning I was combing her mane and she bent her neck to look at me and we nuzzled face to face.” Thanks to a well-timed call, Noni found her forever family. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission