Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses

Sometimes a horse just needs more time. Meet Harley, a retired racer that just did not like to stop. Brook Hill gave him the time and the retraining he needed, and this past summer he won these ribbons in show jumping at the United States Pony Club Championships in Tryon, NC.

Services: Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Adoption, Equine-Assisted

Location: Forest, VA

Founded: 2001

Website: brookhillfarm.org

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Brook Hill Farm, a non-profit organization, began its mission of providing rescue, rehabilitation, and retirement services for horses by working mostly with Thoroughbreds in their second or third career. Along the way, Brook Hill discovered the magic combination of horses and teens: how horses help teens – those who are at-risk, live in poverty, or are diagnosed with mental, physical, or learning disabilities – develop life skills to enable them to be successful in school.

Fully accredited by TAA and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, Brook Hill is guided by an experienced team of veterinarians who create individual rehabilitation programs for each horse that comes to the facility. The plan begins in an on-site lab where horses can receive physical therapy, radiographs, wound care, medications, farrier and chiropractic work, or whatever is necessary to aid in their recovery. The average stay for a Brook Hill horse is 12 months, during which time most of the horses are able to recover from their injuries and are then retrained for new careers.

As a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Premier Center, Brook Hill prides itself in retraining Thoroughbreds for equine therapy. All the Thoroughbreds learn to work with people with both physical and mental health disabilities. The horses help teach teens life skills and a work ethic that enables them to be successful in school. We have a 100% high school graduation rate of our at-risk youth!

Most of our Thoroughbreds have been cast aside, thinking they can never do a new job.  These horses just need time, patience, and retraining. With our team of at-risk youth with mental health disabilities, the horses are given the time to give them a new beginning. In turn, these horses give them a new beginning, letting them heal together. Brook Hill has rehabilitated and placed 528 horses since being founded 21 years ago.

Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses Success Stories

Sir Gus – The son of Tammany raced 43 times, winning six races, but now helps children to gain self-confidence and grow into caring, compassionate adults. Read more >>

Devil’s Passion – The son of Saucy Token was ready to slow down, but was accustomed to a regular routine and human interaction through his two careers spanning approximately 18 years at the track. Read more >>

Big Deuce – Thanks to Brook Hill, he found a new home and career as an older horse. Read more >>