Equine Assisted Therapy with Retired Racehorses at Healing Arenas
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Equine Assisted Therapy with Retired Racehorses at Healing Arenas Equine Assisted Therapy with Retired Racehorses at Healing Arenas By: Healing Arenas June 16, 2025 Equine-Assisted Learning Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, Equine Therapy, Equine-Assisted Learning, equine-assisted therapy, Healing Arenas, Therapy, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Through our Equine-Assisted Learning series, we aim to showcase the incredible work of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations that use retired racehorses in therapeutic programs. Each of these programs offers a unique approach to healing and supporting participants in physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This series will explore how Thoroughbred ex-racehorses are now partners in therapy, providing a safe, supportive environment where individuals can experience growth and recovery. At Healing Arenas, our dual-purpose mission has been helping both horses and humans for 10 years. We provide retraining and rehoming of retired racehorses, who are utilized for equine assisted therapies for multiple populations in northern Nevada. Equine assisted therapies have many models. Hippotherapy, for example, provides physical therapy through adaptive riding for individuals with physical disabilities, occupational and even speech therapy. The model through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) are now including emotional therapy as well. Equine assisted learning (EAL) and equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) differ in that psychotherapy involves a licensed clinical professional who works with the team to meet psychotherapeutical goals. Equine assisted learning takes many forms that include teaching abstract concepts such as boundaries, teamwork, communication, life-skills, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and much more. Populations for all therapies are many, some examples are veterans, at-risk youth, disabled persons, corporate teams, to mention just a few. There are a multitude of certification agencies, each with their own goal. There is no federal certifying agency, so when choosing an organization in which to be trained (i.e., EAL, EAP, etc.) the goal of which population to serve should be met. Therefore, when providing EAP, there should be certification for licensed mental health providers. Examples are EAGALA (eagala.org), ARCH (arenasforchange.com), PATH (pathintl.org), Natural Lifemanship (naturallifemanship.com), and many more. The retired racehorses are part of the facilitating team at Healing Arenas. The horse is an inherent being and as prey animals, are highly intuitive and responsive to nonverbal cues. Their natural, unbiased feedback can surface underlying beliefs, emotions, and unresolved trauma in a way that feels both calm and safe. Horses mirror the human’s emotional state, and due to their size can be an undeniable metaphor of a client’s struggles, as well as be the avenue of practicing different solutions to those struggles. We feel the Thoroughbred, and especially the ex-racehorse, has a heightened state of awareness compared to other breeds, and react in real-time to different scenarios – and always the right way, at the right time. This provides immediate feedback to humans, allowing for unforgettable sessions – unlike traditional talk therapy. We’ve also seen this type of therapy be a huge success as an adjunct to traditional talk therapy, for clients who may need something different to reach the goals of their treatment plan. At Healing Arenas, we’ve been certified to provide both psychotherapy as well as equine assisted learning. Our clients currently are Stable Vets, a veteran re-adjustment group; Corporate Team Building experiences, first responder group, human trafficking victims, PTSD group, Grief and Loss group, and individuals. The goals of each group differ, and activities with the horses align with the goals of each group. Almost all of our groups are facilitated on the ground, which means there is no riding of the horses, and no horse experience necessary. Most any population can benefit from these services. From old to young (as young as 6), people find the horses approachable, non-judgmental, unbiased and give the ability to practice new tools to deal with life. “Horses don’t care what your ethnicity is, how successful you are, or even if you haven’t showered,” said one client. People connect with these animals and build rapport much sooner than any other kind of therapy. Here in Nevada, we’re focusing on adults, as there are multiple organizations that are dealing with youth in our area. With that in mind, we hope to continue helping the community, and will provide adult groups from local behavioral health with the services they need when the need arises. These include amputees, addictions, and victims of crime. Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s accredited organizations: Accredited Equine-Assisted Learning Organizations Share This Article
Home at Last: Galerio’s Fourteen Hundred Mile Journey to a New Life
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Home at Last: Galerio’s Fourteen Hundred Mile Journey to a New Life Home at Last: Galerio’s Fourteen Hundred Mile Journey to a New Life By: Alexis Arbaugh June 13, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Companion Horse, Equine Retirement, Remember Me Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance “Galerio is a very special horse to me,” Ashley Nelson said. “I galloped and groomed him as a coming 2-year-old.” Ashley groomed and rode him until he was claimed during a race in November of 2019. She had had a special bond with the horse and one day hoped to retire him. Though Galerio changed hands, Ashley never lost track of him. She followed his career as he moved through Maryland trainers. When she couldn’t make it to the races in person, she watched him on FanDuel. Ashley was able to visit Galerio a couple of times during his racing career, but those precious moments were few and far between. In 47 starts from 2019 – 2024, Galerio earned over $687,000. He placed in 40 of those starts and won 14 times. His career highlight came in 2021, when he took the John B. Campbell Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland for trainer John Salzman and owners Bird Moberly and Grady Griffin. That day, Galerio earned an impressive 116 speed figure. As time went on, Galerio started to have problems with his knees. Fortunately for Galerio, he was with a trainer who gave him the knee surgery he needed. After the knee surgery, Galerio trained and was brought back to his top form. At a claiming race, Galerio was claimed by another trainer who gave Galerio the other knee surgery he really needed. The knee surgery and time off paid off because Galerio came back better than ever to win his final two starts. As time went on and Galerio exchanged hands, Ashley knew that Galerio was getting ready to retire soon and was fortunate enough to find his name in the Delta Downs program book. She immediately reached out to every contact she had on the racing circuit but couldn’t get ahold of anyone at Delta Downs. Thankfully, she wasn’t alone in her concern for Galerio. Bird Moberly and Grady Griffin saw Galerio’s entry too and were able to claim him to give him the retirement he deserved. A month passed with no updates on Galerio, and Ashley grew anxious. She reached out to Galerio’s breeder to ask if he knew where the gelding had gone. He confirmed Bird and Grady’s intentions to retire him, but he didn’t know Galerio’s location. Then came a Facebook post that changed everything. “Only a couple days after that conversation, I saw a listing on Facebook from Remember Me Rescue of Galerio,” Ashley recalled. “Within minutes of me seeing this ad, I sent a message to the page.” Ashley sent photos of Galerio as a young horse to the organization and explained their strong connection. Donna Keen, founder of Remember Me Rescue, responded almost immediately. “Donna sent me her number right away. I called her and we spoke on the phone. Within a week, I had the paperwork submitted and had secured a farm to keep Galerio at—all I had to do was find a ride for him back to Maryland,” said Ashley. Shipping companies were either booked or unavailable within Ashley’s timeframe, so she and her boyfriend, Brandon Arias, hooked up their trailer and drove 1,443 miles to Burleson, Texas. “If you ever look at a map and say to yourself, ‘The United States isn’t really that big,’ boy would you be wrong. The drive took us about 28 hours,” admitted Ashley. They left at 3:30 a.m. EST on December 31 and arrived at a truck stop just minutes from the rescue at 7:30 a.m. CST on New Year’s Day. “When we did a once-around of our truck and trailer, we found that not only did one of our wheels come off of the trailer, but the entire brake system came off with it,” Ashley recalled. The couple started making frantic phone calls to local repair shops. Ashley called Donna to explain the situation, and Donna and her husband Dallas offered Ashley and Brandon a place to stay and helped connect them with a repair company. “One of our wheel bearings got so hot, it welded to itself. The business owner told us that in his 35 years of doing that kind of work, he had never seen a wheel bearing weld to itself. It was a miracle we made it to Texas,” explained Ashley. The repair team also discovered another wheel bearing was about to snap in half. After the trailer was fixed, Ashley and Brandon were on their way to pick up Galerio. “Donna and Dallas never asked for anything from us even when I insisted,” Ashley remembered. “They were more concerned for our safety and to make sure Galerio would get home safely too.” While they stayed at the organization, Ashley and Brandon got to know the Keens and learn about Remember Me Rescue’s mission. “Their facility is beautiful and has the perfect setup. Donna has a great program for these horses and really knows what she is doing,” recalled Ashley. On January 3, it was finally time to head home. Donna offered some final travel tips and wished them well. Galerio loaded like a pro and they hit the road. “It was a grueling ride home, but once we got there, it was like Galerio knew he was home,” Ashley said. “He has settled in nicely and is loving life outside of the racetrack.” Since then, Ashley, Donna, Bird, and Grady have all stayed in touch to check on Galerio and his retirement. “We are forever grateful for Donna and Dallas Keen for all their help, as well as Bird Moberly, and Grady Griffin. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to get
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fifth Annual Calendar Photo Contest
All Items Press Releases In the News Newsletter Archive Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fifth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fifth Annual Calendar Photo Contest FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2025 News Tags:Accredited Organizations, Calendar Contest, Photo contest, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Aftercare Organizations LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announces the opening of its fifth annual Calendar Photo Contest. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is seeking photos of Thoroughbreds to feature in the 2026 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar. Submissions will be accepted starting June 2, 2025. “We are so excited to launch our 5th annual Calendar Photo Contest, which gives us the opportunity each year to showcase the incredible versatility of the off-track Thoroughbreds who have found new careers and new homes through a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited non-profit organization,” said Catherine Flowers, Data Director and Office Manager, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “Whether it’s competing athletically with an adopter, connecting with a person in need, or enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation in a paddock, these photos remind us year after year what aftercare is all about – giving back to the Thoroughbreds who have given so much to so many on the racetrack and beyond.” Examples of photos include: a Thoroughbred showcased in a specific season (spring, summer, fall, winter), a Thoroughbred in training for a second career, an adopter and their Thoroughbred, a Thoroughbred used in equine-assisted therapy, and so on. All photographs must be relevant to the mission of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and adhere to the criteria specified in the official contest rules. Photos will be judged on clarity, artistry, and photographic quality. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will select twelve winners, with one photo featured for each month. Each winner will receive Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded merchandise and a free copy of the 2026 calendar. Additionally, one of the twelve winners will be chosen for the cover and will receive a Tipperary helmet of their choice as the grand prize, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian. Honorable mentions will also be awarded with a free copy of the 2026 calendar. Photo entries should feature a registered Thoroughbred that is either currently residing at or was rehomed by a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. High-resolution color photos taken within the past year are preferred. Resolution must have a minimum effective ppi of 300 ppi at 11.25 x 8.75 inches (w x h). Photographs should be submitted by the photographer or with explicit permission of the photographer. Watermarked or purchased professional photography will not be considered. Entry to the contest is free and open to residents of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The contest is open to participants 18+ or with parent/guardian permission for those under the age of 18. Online submissions will be accepted until July 28, 2025. For more information, the official rules, and the contest submission form, visit: thoroughbredaftercare.org/calendar-contest 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 Operations ConsultantStacie Clark Rogers859-230-5881sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Media ContactSamantha Smith Share This Release
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course
All Items Press Releases In the News Newsletter Archive Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 2025 News Tags:Belmont Stakes, New York Racing Association, NYRA, Saratoga, Saratoga Race Course, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY – Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at Saratoga Race Course for Belmont Stakes weekend. The 157th running of the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025. To highlight accredited aftercare, the New York Racing Association, Inc (NYRA) will honor Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the undercard on Friday, June 6. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, including a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded blanket and gift bag. “NYRA is proud to continue its partnership with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival,” said Tony Allevato, President of NYRA Bets and NYRA Chief Revenue Officer. “Supporting accredited aftercare is a vital part of our sport’s future, and we’re pleased to recognize Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of our equine athletes. This weekend provides the perfect stage to celebrate the importance of aftercare with fans, horsemen, and the entire racing community.” Representatives from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host the winners of the VIP experience that was auctioned off earlier in the year in the “Off to the Races” Campaign to support accredited aftercare. The winners of this experience will enjoy a table for four and a day of racing on Friday and Saturday, admission into the paddock on Friday, and much more. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by NYRA. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to be back at Belmont at Saratoga to witness the final leg of the Triple Crown,” said Emily Dresen, Director of Fundraising and Events. “We are grateful to NYRA for providing us with this opportunity to showcase our mission, host our winners of the Belmont VIP Experience, and see so many supporters and racing fans. We wish all the contenders and connections the best of luck and a fantastic day of racing!” 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
The 10th Annual ABR Pre-Preakness Party: A Night of Fun and Philanthropy
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] The 10th Annual ABR Pre-Preakness Party: A Night of Fun and Philanthropy The 10th Annual ABR Pre-Preakness Party: A Night of Fun and Philanthropy By: Jay Privman May 7, 2025 Tags: Years before he got into racing professionally, back when he was a college-aged fan, Dan Tordjman attended an event prior to the Belmont Stakes at which jockeys and trainers mingled with the patrons. He was awestruck. “I walked up to John Velazquez – I was trembling – and he was so cool,” Tordjman recalled. “That planted the seed. It left an impression. It had an impact. If fans of the sport can meet jockeys and trainers and have an interaction, it could take the fan on a trajectory to anything.” That trajectory will lead to the Mt. Washington Tavern, just north of Baltimore and only minutes from Pimlico Race Course, on Wednesday night, May 14, when America’s Best Racing (ABR) puts on its 10th Pre-Preakness Party, three days before the historic 150th running of the Preakness at Pimlico. Tordjman, who has worked for ABR for more than a decade and is now the Vice President of The Jockey Club Media Ventures, parent company of ABR, helped launch the Pre-Preakness Party, hoping to repeat for others the experience he had as a fan all those years before. “It’s a party meant for everyone,” Tordjman said. “It’s accessible, affordable, and a lot of fun.” It also helps raise funds and awareness for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, as well as the The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, and the Ed Brown Society – which highlights the extensive history of African-Americans in racing and helps to increase opportunities for young people of color in the sport. There will be a silent auction, for people in attendance as well as those bidding remotely. “There will be a lot of memorabilia, halters, farm visits, a lot of cool stuff,” Tordjman said. “Not everyone who supports Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance can attend, but they can support the event by gifting tickets, donating to the silent auction, or bidding on items. Those in attendance can get jockeys to sign autographs. It’s a party for the fans. It’s Maryland-themed, and Preakness-centric.” Load More End of Content. Tickets cost $35 in advance, or $50 at the door, and include one drink ticket and a buffet of some of Mt. Washington Tavern’s top food items, like their famous crab cakes. The first of these events was held in 2014, and it has been held annually except for Covid-related interruptions in 2020 and 2021. Over the years, Tordjman said the event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “It’s still our signature event, and in addition it raises awareness for aftercare,” he said. “It helps raise awareness of the incredible work Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does. A lot of fans of the sport are passionate about what happens to horses when their racing careers are over. Those fans are doing what they can to make sure horses have a soft landing.” The Maryland Jockey Club, which owns Pimlico, is the title sponsor of the event. Ambassador Earle Mack, a long-time horse owner, is the supporting sponsor. Tickets can be purchased on-line at bit.ly/ABRPartyTickets To register for the auction and be able to bid, go to thoroughbredaftercare.org/abr-pre-preakness-party Share This Article Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s supporters: Industry Stakeholders
Repole Stable Celebrates Kentucky Derby with Matching Donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
All Items Press Releases In the News Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Repole Stable Celebrates Kentucky Derby with Matching Donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Repole Stable Celebrates Kentucky Derby with Matching Donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2025 News Tags:Industry Stakeholder, Kentucky Derby, Match Sponsor, Mike Repole, Repole, Repole Stable, Supporters, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY – Mike Repole has generously pledged support to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance through a matching campaign throughout the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby. In honor of Repole Stables’ Derby entrant, Grande, Repole will match donations up to $50,000, presenting a unique opportunity for the racing community and charitable donors to make a meaningful impact for retired racehorses. The matching initiative begins on April 28 and extends through May 4. “Every Thoroughbred athlete deserves an enjoyable and quality retirement. I am honored to support Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and their mission of accredited aftercare,” said Mike Repole, Owner of Repole Stable. “I encourage others to join me in making a charitable donation during one of the most anticipated weeks of the racing year. Let us all raise awareness and do our part in ensuring these athletes receive the best, well-deserved protection as they transition beyond the finish line. It is our responsibility, and we all owe it to these amazing loving Thoroughbred athletes.” Repole expressed his hope that the matching campaign would act as a catalyst, inspiring additional contributions throughout the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby. By doubling the impact of donations, Repole aims to encourage others to support accredited aftercare, underscoring the importance of providing retired Thoroughbred racehorses with the highest level of quality care and second-chance opportunities. In a fun effort to spread awareness of this week-long initiative, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Repole Stable invite fans and supporters to cheer on their favorite Kentucky Derby contender by donating to help support future placement and retirement of racehorses. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is deeply grateful for Mike Repole’s extraordinary $50,000 pledge. His commitment sets the tone for all of us to rally together and make an even greater impact. Join us in honoring his generosity by contributing to support our retired Thoroughbred racehorses,” said Emily Dresen, Director of Funding and Events, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of individuals, such as Repole, to ensuring the welfare and appropriate retirement of these equine athletes after racing. Contributions can be made by check, text, or online donation. To donate online visit: org/donation_now To donate by text message: text DONATE to 855-800-4975 To donate by check: mail with attention to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at 821 Corporate Drive, Lexington, KY 40503 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, Co-Owner of Sandman and Philanthropist Donates $100,000 to Thoroughbred Racehorse Retirement Charities
Louisville, KY — To celebrate Sandman being in the 151st Kentucky Derby and to highlight the importance of taking care of Thoroughbreds after their racing careers, Ken Freirich wanted to do something big for the heart and soul of the sport: the horses. On Thursday, May 1, the 8th race at Churchill Downs is the “The Run for the Retired Racehorses”. After the race, four Thoroughbred aftercare organizations will be honored in the Winner’s Circle for the work they do in support of retired equine athletes: New Vocations, Second Stride, Inc., Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and Thoroughbred Charities of America. Freirich will present a Derby-sized check to all four organizations in the amount of $100,000 to be split equally among them.
A New Chapter for Arrogate Ocean
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post A New Chapter for Arrogate Ocean A New Chapter for Arrogate Ocean By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:New Vocations, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Born on January 30, 2020, Arrogate Ocean was bred to be a racehorse. However, after it became clear that life on the track wasn’t the right fit for him, he found his way to New Vocations, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization dedicated to retraining and rehoming retired racehorses. Katie Wallach had been casually considering the idea of owning a horse again but hadn’t begun actively searching. That all changed when her best friend, who worked with an equine dentist, happened to be at New Vocations on the day of Arrogate Ocean’s very first ride. She watched him under saddle and immediately knew this was the horse Katie needed. Arrogate Ocean, later known as Sailor, had just arrived at the facility and hadn’t even been listed for adoption yet. But without hesitation, Katie’s friend called and urged her to inquire about him. “Boy, did she have an eye,” Katie said. “I met him a few days later and instantly fell in love.” From the start, Sailor stood out. “His conformation was impeccable, his blaze was the most intricate design — it was mesmerizing,” Katie recalled. “He was an absolute puppy. All he wanted was snuggles. The true definition of an in-your-pocket, derpy gelding.” As Sailor progressed in his retraining, he proved to be a willing and capable partner. “Retraining Sailor was a dream,” Katie shared. “He was so eager to learn and please.” They focused on building a solid foundation on the flat and gradually introduced him to jumping and poles. “The more he grew and matured, the bigger and more beautiful his movement became,” she said. Beyond his athletic potential, Sailor gave Katie a renewed sense of confidence and peace of mind. She had been away from the show world since high school, but with Sailor, she felt ready to return to the Hunter and Equitation classes she once loved. Sailor wasn’t just a talented athlete—he was also a sweetheart with a few quirky favorites. “Sailor’s favorite things were giving pony rides, free jumping, kids, and dogs licking his nose!” Katie said. His playful and affectionate personality made him a barn favorite, and it was clear that Katie had found her perfect match. From off-the-track prospect to beloved partner, Sailor’s journey is one of luck, love, and perfect timing. And for his adopter, it’s proof that sometimes, the right horse finds you exactly when you need them most. 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
Headlights On, Future Bright
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Headlights On, Future Bright Headlights On, Future Bright By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, dressage, Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, hunter jumper, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes, United States Pony Clubs, USPC Headlights On, a chestnut gelding born in April 2019, never raced but found a new purpose through the Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, where he arrived in September 2022. Bridgett Nicole and her family had been browsing the Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation website for several months when her youngest daughter, Aspyn, expressed a serious interest in adopting a horse of her own. Aspyn’s older sister, Erin, already owned an off-the-track Thoroughbred, so Aspyn knew she wanted a Thoroughbred as well. Erin had adopted Red Road Okie, now known as Dexxter, from Thoroughbred Athletes in 2013. Both Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation and Thoroughbred Athletes are accredited through Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Their missions are centered on rehabilitating and retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds in the hope of successful rehoming. Aspyn led the search herself, browsing available horses until she felt ready to take the next step. One name stood out to everyone: Headlights On. While color wasn’t a dealbreaker, his chestnut coat was a definite bonus in her eyes. After narrowing down the options, Bridgett sent Aspyn’s list to Nelda Kettles, executive director of Horse and Hound. Fortunately, Nelda felt Headlights On would be a perfect fit. When the family met him in person, Aspyn fell instantly in love. Now affectionately called Arashi, the Japanese word for “storm”, the gelding has adjusted to his new life with ease. After his arrival at Horse and Hound in 2022, he was restarted under saddle by Jamie Jennings of Fly Over Farm, who helped prepare him for a second career. “Arashi’s personality is very much ‘supervisor-like.’ He’s got to be involved in everything,” Bridgett said. Arashi is extremely intelligent, and stubborn, according to Aspyn. “He’s not fond of Dressage—it’s all intro level at this point. Circles are boring to him. But put a cross rail in front of him, and he’s happy.” Currently, Aspyn and Arashi are training for the hunter ring with Sam Powell of Paradigm Farm. They also practice lower-level Dressage on their own. “He takes care of Aspyn, and Aspyn takes care of him,” Bridgett shared. Aspyn recently founded a brand-new Pony Club team in Norman, Oklahoma. With her own horse and her own team, she now dreams of competing at the Pony Club Championships in Kentucky and hopes to attend a few rated shows. 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
Supporter Feature: Aftercare Partner IFAR Brings Global Conversation to Lexington
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Supporter Feature: Aftercare Partner IFAR Brings Global Conversation to Lexington Supporter Feature: Aftercare Partner IFAR Brings Global Conversation to Lexington By: Jay Privman April 16, 2025 Supporter Feature Tags:Aftercare Partner, IFAR, Industry Stakeholder, International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses, supporter, Supporter Feature, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Supporter The growing realization of the need for sustained Thoroughbred aftercare has become of worldwide importance in recent years, and this year the biggest event in the space, the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR), is coming to the United States, to Lexington, Ky., April 24-26. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a significant presence at IFAR, whose opening-day panels will be held at Spy Coast Farm’s Equine Education Center on Newtown Pike, north of downtown Lexington, adjacent to the Kentucky Horse Park. The event will overlap with the prestigious Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, held the same weekend in Lexington. “This is a great opportunity for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to have a presence, to demonstrate that Thoroughbreds are versatile, adaptable, and sought-after, to highlight their successes, and raise awareness that they are great options for sport horses,” said Kristin Werner, the deputy general counsel and director of industry initiatives for The Jockey Club — one of the founders of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance — and the chair of the conference committee for IFAR. “During the three-day event, Thoroughbreds will be highlighted for their top-level versatility. It’s a cool opportunity to see Thoroughbreds doing something other than racing — see them going over jumps, see them doing dressage, see why it’s so important to recognize what they can do as sport horses,” Werner said. Four-time Olympian Boyd Martin will be the keynote speaker on opening day at the event, which in subsequent days will include on-site visits at accredited aftercare facilities in the area, and a social gathering during the cross-country portion of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Jen Roytz, co-owner of Brownstead Farm and active Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance supporter, will serve as moderator for the conference. Stacie Clark-Rogers, operations consultant for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, is among the panelists on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-sponsored panel “Connections Through Thoroughbreds,” which will focus on sourcing and preparing horses for therapeutic services. Martin pictured with Thoroughbred Blackfoot Mystery at a past Kentucky Three-Day Event. PC: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Erin Halliwell, executive director of the Thoroughbred Charities of America, and John Nicholson, president and chief executive officer of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited Old Friends, are on a panel focusing on “Sustainable Business Practices in Aftercare” for non-profits, including succession planning and preparedness for emergencies. Dr. Bryan Waldridge, a veterinarian for Old Friends, and Ashley Watts, owner of Liftoff Equestrian, which houses and trains horses for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited Canter Kentucky, are on the panel “Challenges in Aftercare: On-Track to Second Career,” which will address challenges horses face transitioning from racing to second careers. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s Dr. Jeff Berk, and Anna Ford, Thoroughbred Program director of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, will opine on “Post-Racing Veterinary Evaluations,” focusing on best practices in post-racing assessments to identify horses suited for second careers, including those with less visible vulnerabilities. Kirsten Green, executive director of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-sponsored Retired Racehorse Project, is on the panel “Raising Awareness Through Events,” which will discuss leveraging horse shows and other events to raise funds and awareness for Thoroughbred aftercare globally. “This year the focus will be on two objectives — sharing best practices for aftercare, and promoting the versatility of Thoroughbreds.” Kristin Werner Deputy General Counsel and Director of Industry Initiatives for The Jockey Club IFAR is an independent forum that recognizes geographical and industry differences among racing countries and is designed to enhance Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. It has previously conducted forums in conjunction with the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo, Japan in August 2024; the 39th ARC in Melbourne, Australia in February 2023; the 38th ARC in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2020; the European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation’s General Assembly in Oslo, Norway, in May 2019; the 37th ARC in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2018; and the Pan American Conference in Washington, D.C., in May 2017. Virtual conferences were held in 2021 and 2022 owing to the pandemic. “This year,” Werner said, “the focus will be on two objectives — sharing best practices for aftercare, and promoting the versatility of Thoroughbreds.” The overlap with Defender presents additional opportunities for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to engage with an even wider audience. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is going to have a major presence at Defender, because it’s the largest concentration of horse shopping opportunities you can find,” Werner said. PC: Suzie Picou-Oldham Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s supporters: Industry Stakeholders Share This Article