Founded in September 2011, Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to being the voice for Off-Track-Thoroughbreds (OTTB) on Florida’s Space Coast. Nestled on seven serene acres between a national wildlife refuge on its western border and a recreational area to its south, Hidden Acres provides a place where retired OTTBs can rest and rehabilitate in preparation for their new career and a new forever home.
To date, Hidden Acres has rehabilitated, retrained, and rehomed close to 350 horses that have gone on to new lives, ranging from companion animals to competitive sport horses. Featured in this year’s photo, Gael Power retired from a turf racing career, completed a 4-month Hunter/Jumper school, and is now jumping 3’6” in the show ring. In 2023, another HART Graduate, Salute the Troops, won 1st place in the team Eventing competition at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Both Gael Power and Salute the Troops are prime examples of the heart, agility, dedication, and talent these amazing athletes have to offer after they cross the finish line for the final time. Each horse has a gift to share with this world, and Hidden Acres strives to place them in the happiest of homes. We are honored to be an accredited Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance organization. Through the support and direction of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Hidden Acres has built a strong, successful aftercare program that allows us to continue saving more OTTBs year after year.
Focusing on harnessing the healing power of the human-horse connection, the heart of Hidden Acres is built on a belief that education and outreach improve the lives of those in our community, as well as the lives of the equine athletes we rescue. By stewarding a mutual journey of self-discovery for both humans and horses we are cultivating the confidence and trust in our OTTBs that in turn enlighten our volunteers of their own behavior and communication skills. These are skills our volunteers can incorporate into their daily lives. Patience, understanding, confidence and thoughtful and purposeful actions are lessons mutually acquired through these equally beneficial relationships.
Through this work, we have seen the amazing power horses have to transform the lives of individuals. We envision a world where every horse has a home, and the transformative power of the horse is available and used widely to improve the quality of life of individuals everywhere.
