During the mid-1990s, Thoroughbred owner and breeder Ruth Plenty watched the injured, older, or   unsuccessful racehorses, especially those without a second career option, loaded onto trailers and sent to auction. It didn’t seem right; it wasn’t right.

Plenty and her husband began rescuing horses whenever they could, absorbing the cost for several years out of pocket to care for the discarded Thoroughbreds. In 2005 Harmony and Hope Horse Haven became the official sanctuary for ex-racehorses.

“This is the best job I’ve ever had,” said Ruth Plenty.  “All of the horses are success stories. Many came off the track unwanted, with no place to go – but did not end up abandoned or at a feedlot auction. Instead, they spend their days eating, sleeping, and just being horses. They know they have a home – they know contentment.”

At any given time, some 45 horses live in permanent retirement on Plenty’s property, located 2 1/2 hours outside of Tucson, AZ. About 90 percent of Harmony and Hope’s lifetime residents earned less than $25,000 after racing for years. The current herd ranges in age from 10 to 30, and raced in New York, Kentucky, Florida, Washington, Arizona, California, and Canada. Regardless of medical issues, or personalities, the horses are provided a lifetime home at Harmony and Hope.

Harmony and Hope Horse Haven, Inc is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization totally dependent upon grants and donations.  Harmony and Hope has been accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2014 and has also been recognized by Thoroughbred Charities of America, CARMA, After the Finish Line, and private foundations.