accredited aftercare Archives - Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces New Strategic Plan

LEXINGTON, KY — Walter S. Robertson, Jr., president of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, announced today the inauguration of a new strategic plan for the organization, broadening the scope of its activities, enhancing its sustainability, and developing new partnerships toward encouraging use of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing and breeding years.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fifth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Winners

LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance hosted its fifth annual Calendar Photo Contest this year. Twelve winning photos of Thoroughbreds were selected to be featured in the 2026 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar. All photos feature a registered Thoroughbred that is either in residence at or has been rehomed by a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. Each winner will receive Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded merchandise and a copy of the calendar. Out of the twelve winners, the grand prize winner was selected to be featured on the cover of the calendar and will receive a Tipperary helmet of their choice, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Receives Funding from Commonwealth of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY — Following passage of Kentucky House Bill 8 in the 2024 General Assembly, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has received $250,000 of annual funding from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The funding will go directly to accredited aftercare facilities in Kentucky that play a critical role in ensuring the wellbeing of horses beyond their racing careers. By investing in these programs, Kentucky is reinforcing the industry’s responsibility to Thoroughbreds at every stage of their lives.

There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters

All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters This article was originally featured in the July 2025 Issue of BloodHorse Magazine in the Second Acts series. This article is the original format and text. To read the BloodHorse article or to subscribe click HERE. There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters By: Suzie Picou-Oldham August 5, 2025 Aftercare Editorials Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, BloodHorse Magazine, Equine Advocates, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Equine Advocates Humane Education & Welcome Center (Provided by Equine Advocates) Susan and Karen Wagner Sisters, Susan, and Karen Wagner head the staff at Equine Advocates located in Chatham, New York. Accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2014, the organization is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3). Founded in 1996 when Susan Wagner rescued her first horse, Gandalf, from slaughter. He was a Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross that Susan calls a life-altering experience. Prior to founding Equine Advocates, Susan worked in the racing industry in various capacities, first as a hotwalker at Belmont. With a desire to learn more, she moved to Maryland and worked as a groom for Alfred Vanderbilt at Sagamore Farm. She wrote as well, including articles about racing while working out of the Belmont Park press box. From there, she took a job at a zoological institution during which time she found Gandalf in 1993. Equine Advocates Rescue and Sanctuary was established in 2004. Located in Chatham, in Upstate New York, the facility boasts a 173-acre haven of paddocks and shelters. Susan and Karen alongside a resolute staff have created more than just an equine haven, they have developed a village where equines live a life with daily care, love, and guardianship. The Wagner’s have made it the mission of Equine Advocates to promote the humane, responsible treatment of horses. Karen Wagner We have rescued and/or helped with more than 2,000 equines 32 years if you count the three years between the time I acquired Gandalf (and Rain Man who just turned 35) and founded Equine Advocates. I would estimate the number of Thoroughbreds we have assisted over the years has been in the hundreds. Susan Wagner When asked about their first Thoroughbred and reflecting on the number of Thoroughbreds they have taken in, Susan said, “We’re going back to 1996 which was when I founded this organization. One of the first or perhaps the first Thoroughbred we ever acquired was a 3-year-old Chestnut Thoroughbred Filly named, ‘Alarmingly Irish’ (Y20308) in 1998. I vividly remember the circumstances – She had been in training for her first race at Suffolk Downs and while in her stall, her leather halter got caught on a nail and she dislocated one of the bones in her skull (possibly the axis) when she was struggling to free herself. Somehow her trainer found me and asked if we could take her. I boarded her at Robin Hill Farm in Hunterdon County, NJ which was where we were keeping some of our horses at that time. A young woman fell in love with her, adopted her and renamed her, “Piper.” She kept Piper at that farm, and I got to see her often. I also remember how large and gorgeous Piper was. She was almost orange in color with no other markings and quite striking and beautiful. We have rescued and/or helped with more than 2,000 equines 32 years if you count the three years between the time I acquired Gandalf (and Rain Man who just turned 35) and founded Equine Advocates. I would estimate the number of Thoroughbreds we have assisted over the years has been in the hundreds.” Susan Wagner Students in Education Program (Provided by Equine Advocates) Students in Education Program (Provided by Equine Advocates) The Humane Education and Welcome Center opened in 2006 and is the schoolhouse of the operation. Classes and tours are offered to the public, especially to younger audiences to educate future generations about proper care and responsibilities of equines. Local schools, youth groups, Scout troops and other organizations have taken part in the Humane Education program. Now 30 years in operation, they are not only a haven for Thoroughbreds but also for donkeys, mules and other equine breeds including former Military Working Horses. Equine Advocates has been honored by the New York State Humane Association and the Thoroughbred Charities of America for excellence in equine protection and rescue work and are also accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and the American Sanctuary Association. Symposiums have been held on equine cruelty for law enforcement where experts discussed how to recognize abuse/neglect cases and how to effectively enforce the cruelty laws. The importance of Responsible Horse Guardianship, behavioral traits, history, and origins of all breeds at the sanctuary, are among topics in classes at the Education Center. “We discuss what to do if a situation arises where one can no longer keep their horse to ensure that the animal goes to a good home or reputable sanctuary and never to a low-end auction and/or placed in a situation where that horse can fall through the cracks,” says Susan. The organization has published a book called Do Horses Sleep Standing Up? created and written by Karen Wagner. Staff includes a Social Media and Communications Manager, Humane Educator, Donor Relations Manager, Equine Care Managers and Maintenance Supervisor. A full board of directors are actively supportive. Melissa Murray, Equine Care Manager, has been at Equine Advocates for eight years. Explaining the roles between Karen and her sister, Susan explains, “I wear many hats here at Equine Advocates, as does my sister, Karen who runs the organization with me, but we mostly do very different things while working together on others. We both fundraise for the organization in different capacities, put on events, speak with and cultivate donors, and share in all the major decisions, projects, and development issues, etc. My job also involves expediting all the rescue operations

Inspector Spotlight: Rachel Masen

All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post Inspector Spotlight: Rachel Masen Inspector Spotlight: Rachel Masen By: Alexis Arbaugh June 25, 2025 Inspector Spotlight Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, Inspector Spotlight, Rachel Masen, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance To qualify for accreditation and receive a grant from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, every facility within an organization must undergo a comprehensive inspection. These inspections are carried out by either Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance staff or one of many approved inspectors located across the country. Sight inspectors are Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s eyes at every facility. They include veterinarians and other equine professionals. Inspectors have prior experience in animal care and Thoroughbred aftercare, which makes them well-equipped to assess facilities seeking accreditation. During an accreditation inspection, the facility and everything that goes into running it is under review. This includes the staff, equine management and care practices, fields, barn/buildings, cleanliness standards, maintenance protocols, and financial management, among numerous other factors, taking pictures as they go. When an inspector visits a facility, all these elements are thoroughly examined. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance interviewed Rachel Masen, an inspector who has been with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2017. She conducts inspections in the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento Valley areas in California. Before becoming an inspector, Rachel was the Aftercare Liaison at Golden Gate Fields from 2016 – 2022. Through her work in the aftercare industry she was introduced to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Currently Rachel is working as an artist / designer and a website designer / manager. She works closely with various aftercare organizations to ensure their websites stay up to date and their messages are communicated clearly. Most of Rachel’s spare time is spent riding and being around horses, she commented, “I’m borderline obsessed with dressage.” She also enjoys painting and designing artwork for equestrian companies and products. Lastly, she loves spending time and playing with her daughter. Rachel had very little access to horses while growing up. Since Rachel didn’t ride frequently but had a passion for horses, she redirected all that energy into horse racing. She would visit Blue Ribbon Downs in Oklahoma with her parents or watch the races on TV. “I was the weirdo 10-year-old going down to the local newsstand to get my dad to buy the DRF or Bloodhorse…and I would read Bloodhorse on the school bus,” wrote Rachel. In the years following grad school, Rachel took riding lessons and leased a Thoroughbred named Titan (Jockey Club registered name Road to Gold.) Then she started volunteering with former Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization, Neigh Savers. After Titan, she started riding a Warmblood / Morgan cross and worked on Dressage. That horse led her to Spice It Up (Jockey Club registered name Gold Dove), who helped Rachel earn her United Stated Dressage Federation (USDF) Bronze. In 2018, they were 4th Level Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) Champions. She is now riding an American Warmblood named Jax and they are getting ready to debut 4th Level. Even with all her experience with other breeds, Rachel still loves Thoroughbreds most and hopes to adopt one in the future. Rachel’s reason for becoming an inspector was because “it seemed like an obvious extension of my job [as the Golden Gate Fields Aftercare Liaison].” Rachel’s reason for becoming an inspector was because “it seemed like an obvious extension of my job [as the Golden Gate Fields Aftercare Liaison].” She loves visiting the horses she helped retire from Golden Gate that are now happy and thriving in their new homes. Rachel specifically enjoys visiting Glen Ellen Vocational Academy (GEVA) to check up on a few of their horses that she helped find a home for after they were at risk of ending up in bad situations. “It brings me great happiness to see them fat and happy with their herd mates,” Rachel emphasized. Facility inspections are important to Rachel because they make sure that nothing slips through the cracks. She acknowledges that someone who sees a horse every day might not notice little changes in their appearance or habits, but an inspector who sees them once a year will notice any changes. Same with farm maintenance, the farm manager might overlook the need to redo the fencing since they see it daily, but an inspector will notice what needs to be updated. Rachel also notes that facilities require a great deal of support and organizational skills during times of transition. If the organization moves locations or experiences an influx of horses, some things may get missed or forgotten in the shuffle. “It’s good to have different eyes on the situation to bring attention to things that might be missed,” Rachel mentioned. Having an organization like Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to rely on during times of transition makes maintaining structure and organization in the facility easier to handle. “I want to see happy, healthy horses…no matter their environment,” wrote Rachel. She prioritizes the demeanor and physical appearance of the horses over the fanciness of the barn. She cares more about how the horses behave in their environment than about the cost of their feed or the number of supplements they receive. Rachel also likes to ensure that all the horses seem interested in her when she visits, believing that horses should be curious about new things in their environment. Most importantly she enjoys seeing large herds of horses that get along well in their field. In addition to happy horses, Rachel appreciates a well-organized and clean facility with clear schedules and organizational tools posted. Organizations with many volunteers should have plenty of signage and information boards. For those involved in retraining, clean and tidy tack rooms with clearly labeled items are essential. Rachel likes “to see a tidy facility as it indicates care and attention.” She notes that supplies in the barns don’t have to sparkle or be new, as long as everything has its place. Accreditation “helps the aftercare organizations make sure they’re keeping on

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

Remember Me Rescue: Donna Keen’s Lifelong Passion for Retired Racehorses

All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous PostNext Post Remember Me Rescue: Donna Keen’s Lifelong Passion for Retired Racehorses This article was originally featured in the February 2025 Issue of BloodHorse Magazine in the Second Acts series. This article is the original format and text. To read the BloodHorse article or to subscribe click HERE. Remember Me Rescue: Donna Keen’s Lifelong Passion for Retired Racehorses By: Alexis Arbaugh February 21, 2025 Aftercare Editorials Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, BloodHorse Magazine, Donna Keen, Remember Me, Remember Me Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Photo Credit: Donna Keen Based in Burleson, Texas, Remember Me Rescue was founded in 2008 by Donna Keen, a passionate advocate for retired racehorses. Donna’s vision was to provide a safe place for owners and trainers to retire or rehome their racehorses. Remember Me Rescue was accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in 2014 and has since expanded its mission to meet the evolving needs of retired Thoroughbreds, caring for about 44 horses annually in rehabilitation, retraining for adoption, and sanctuary. Donna’s journey with horses began at 12 years old when her mother bought her an older horse. Before this, her family wasn’t involved with horses. Without a trainer or saddle, she learned “every lesson the hard way.” Later, her father bought her another horse and an English saddle. Reflecting on those early days, Donna recalls, “I’d jack my stirrups up to the top hole and gallop around the pasture, planning my jockey future.” Donna’s connection to racing was sparked when she met Johnny Hendricks, a trainer at a small training track in Mansfield, Texas. Despite lacking formal training, Donna seized every opportunity to ride, often choosing horses others wouldn’t. “I didn’t have the sense not to,” she remembers. “Johnny made me tough. He didn’t put up with any complaining or whining. I had to sit in my car and cry for about 30 minutes every day before I could drive home, but I sped back there every morning to keep doing what I loved—getting on horses.” Donna Keen on Bridless Wyatt. Photo Credit: Jenny Doyle In 1987, when Texas passed the parimutuel law requiring trainers to be licensed, Johnny encouraged Donna to take the test. After passing, she began her career as a trainer at Trinity Meadows Race Track in Weatherford, Texas. Early on, Donna worked evenings as a bartender to offset the costs of keeping horses at the track, often sleeping in her tack room. Mornings were spent riding all her own horses. Over time, Donna gained recognition as a trainer but also from her famous stable pony Wyatt, who was regularly ridden bridleless on the track. “Wyatt turned lots of heads and opened lots of doors for me,” Donna says. “He was a special horse and was well known from Santa Anita to Gulfstream Park.” Wyatt’s fame even led to Donna meeting her future husband, Dallas Keen, in 2004 at Lone Star Park. In 2007, Donna and Dallas married. The following year, they adopted Lights on Broadway, the 2001 Texas Horse of the Year, who had been abandoned and was at risk of being sent to an unfortunate fate. The adoption became pivotal for Donna. “I decided right then and there that more had to be done to save retired racehorses,” she reflected in a 2011 BloodHorse article, “Inspired by Lights: Beyond the Blinkers.” Photo Credit: Donna Keen After the adoption, the Texas Thoroughbred Association published an article about Lights on Broadway, which inspired the name of the rescue: Remember Me. Remember Me Rescue was officially founded as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2008. Since its establishment, Remember Me Rescue has transformed its 20-acre property to include a 20-stall barn, a 2-stall quarantine barn, multiple paddocks, a round pen, and two riding arenas. Over the years, the organization has successfully placed hundreds of Thoroughbreds into forever homes. Donna credits the organization’s success to the Keens’ deep understanding of racetrack injuries and the habits that Thoroughbred racehorses develop. “I think what made us so successful at rehabilitating and retraining them was that we were very familiar with and knew all about the bad habits racehorses pick up—and how to turn them into positive reactions,” she explains. While most horses at Remember Me Rescue come from racetrack connections, as part of responsible retirement, some have come from dire situations, such as a 2012 Louisiana case in which Donna and Dallas took in 15 of the 60 horses seized from a Thoroughbred breeding farm after its owner was charged with animal cruelty. “I still have nightmares about that place,” Donna recalls. A positive outcome of this harrowing experience was meeting Rich Papiese of Midwest Thoroughbreds, who donated funding for their current 20-stall barn and 2-stall quarantine barn. “We would not be where we are without him and many other supporters over the years,” Donna shares. Remember Me Rescue carefully evaluates each horse to determine its suitability for a second career. The organization provides retraining to prepare them for new disciplines and collaborates with trainers, owners, and breeders to ensure horses receive the necessary second-career training, setting them up for success and readiness for adoption. The organization’s largest challenge is sustaining funding for its permanent residents. “It seems once a horse is in a safe place, the donations come to a screeching halt,” Donna explains. Remember Me Rescue supports several long-term residents, including a blind 18-year-old horse and his 28-year-old dam, as well as two other elderly horses (26 and 27). “I love the old guys and gals and would like to take in more if I could, but there’s no money to do that,” Donna laments. The rescue also has five long-term rehabilitation residents. Caring for permanent and long-term residents accounts for most of the rescue’s financial burden. Remember Me Rescue relies on various resources to fulfill its mission. In early 2024, it secured a grant from the North Texas Communities Foundation to build a large arena featuring

Healing Through the Heart of Summit County

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 Healing Through the Heart of Summit County Healing Through the Heart of Summit County By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, Eventing, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Photo Credit: Ak Dragoo Photography Brianna DiRocco-Toy’s journey to finding Summit County was far from straightforward. She tried 13 different horses, each one bringing her closer to her perfect match, yet none quite right. Initially, Summit County wasn’t even on her radar. Brianna had her eyes set on another horse, only to discover that it had too many limitations. That’s when Sally, a trainer at Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, recommended Summit County, saying, “You have to try Summit County if you want a horse with confidence.” Those words struck a chord with Brianna, and she knew she had to meet him. Out of the multiple stakes-winning Katahaula County mare Socorro County, Summit County concluded his racing career in July 2017 with a solid record of 10 wins, 4 seconds, and 13 thirds from 62 starts, earning $206,185. While he spent most of his six-year career in the claiming ranks, he stepped up to stakes company a few times, finishing fourth in the Bourbon Stakes (G3T) before running in the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T). When his racing connections decided it was time for him to transition into a second career, he retired and found his way to Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, a Thoroughbred rescue, rehabilitation, and retraining organization in Chesapeake City, Maryland, accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The team at Mid-Atlantic guided Brianna through every step of the adoption process. “Their dedication to matching horses with the right person was evident, and I owe it to their guidance that I found my perfect match,” Brianna shared. From the moment she laid eyes on Summit County, she felt something different. His calm yet confident demeanor stood out in a way no other horse had. “Summit County has a personality that’s impossible to miss,” Brianna said. She quickly discovered that he was confident, friendly, and incredibly personable. With his kind eyes and sweet face, he has an uncanny ability to put people at ease. What truly sets him apart, however, is his unique blend of goofiness and elegance. From the start, Brianna was drawn to Summit County’s playful yet graceful nature, and he quickly became her heart horse. The last six years with Summit County have been an incredible journey. Brianna initially used him in her college equine classes, where he proved to be the perfect partner. During college, they took their time with the retraining process, and eventually, Summit County’s talent and love for Eventing began to shine through. He excelled in all three phases, making each ride a rewarding experience for them both. Looking ahead, Brianna has big goals for herself and Summit County. She hopes to continue advancing in Eventing, move up to the beginner novice level, and reach a dressage score in the low 20s. “These goals are steps toward making us a stronger, more skilled pair, and I’m excited for what lies ahead,” she said. “Summit County truly means the world to me. He has been my strength, my rock, and my therapist through one of the hardest chapters of my life,” Brianna shared. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2020, she faced some of her lowest moments but found comfort and support in Summit County. During this difficult time, Brianna and Summit County discovered their mutual love for Eventing. Being on the Cross-Country course with him became the best medicine, offering her a temporary escape from her illness. “Trotting down the centerline or galloping across open fields allowed me to forget, even if just for a little while, that I was battling UC,” Brianna recalled. One memory that remains etched in Brianna’s mind is when her fiancé and family brought Summit County to their home. She had been sick for weeks, but just seeing Summit County brought her a sense of peace. Eventually, Brianna made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to regain her quality of life. Just six weeks post-op, with the support of her fiancé and trainer, she took Summit County on a gentle trail ride, where he was the perfect gentleman. As she continued to heal, Brianna began creating TikTok videos with Summit County to raise awareness about ostomy life. Summit County proved to be the ideal partner in helping her share her story. Just three months after her surgery, they were back to Eventing. “That day, we took home a beautiful pink fifth-place ribbon, and I was overwhelmed with pride,” Brianna recalled. Summit County had not only helped her navigate the physical and emotional toll of her journey, but he also helped her return to the sport she loved. That moment, back on the Eventing field with Summit County, reminded Brianna that she had her life back. For that, she will always be grateful. 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

Equine-Assisted Learning: Down the Stretch Ranch

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Equine-Assisted Learning: Down the Stretch Ranch Equine-Assisted Learning: Down the Stretch Ranch By: Daniel McCanna ‘Boone’ April 11, 2025 Equine-Assisted Learning Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, Down The Stretch Ranch, Equine Therapy, Equine-Assisted Learning, equine-assisted therapy, 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. Down the Stretch Ranch (DTSR), est. 2014 At Down the Stretch Ranch, our passion for horses runs deep, but even more so, our commitment to helping people heal through the incredible bond between humans and horses drives everything we do. Located on a sprawling ranch in Eastern Washington where retired thoroughbred racehorses find new purpose, we use the power of equine therapy to transform lives. A Second Chance for Horses and Humans Retired racehorses come to the ranch from various trainers around the northwest, mainly California. The horses arrive in good health but have certain soundness issues that have kept them from being able to compete at the racetrack. Often these racehorses face uncertain futures, but at DTSR, we offer them a second chance—not just to live out their days in peace, but to become catalysts for healing. Thoroughbreds, with their spirited nature, teach patience, empathy, and trust—qualities that are crucial for individuals overcoming trauma, stress, or mental health challenges. By interacting with these horses, participants develop deeper emotional connections and learn essential life skills in a non-judgmental, nurturing environment. This forces each individual to be in the present. DTSR – Creston, WA When the horses first arrive, they are evaluated and placed in suitable corrals to assist them with healing. We are committed to giving the horses at least one year at the ranch before we consider rehoming them or whether we will keep them at the ranch for the rest of their life as a sanctuary horse. After evaluating the horse for a year, we determine if the horse is suitable for adoption or if it will live out its life at the ranch. The ranch has one hundred grazeable acres, and the horses are able to roam the entire pasture. This kind of roaming helps with the circulation in their feet and their overall digestive health. When the snow flies, we feed first cutting alfalfa, oat hay and grain. All the farrier and dental work is done on individual as needed basis. We have two experienced horseman that are always at the ranch, and both have extensive knowledge on how to care for the horses and provide farrier work and provide excellent care for the horses. The favorite part of the ranch is watching the horses transform from the high intensity work at the racetrack, to a slow county retirement living. These horses are so incredibly smart! It is a pleasure to drive out in the field and have the whole herd run over to you to get their daily attention and treats. Therapy for Veterans and Children at DTSR Unlike traditional therapy, equine therapy offers a unique, experiential approach to healing. Whether it’s learning to groom, guide, or simply be present with a horse, participants find comfort and confidence in the connection they build. Horses have a natural ability to mirror human emotions, offering real-time feedback that helps individuals process feelings they may struggle to articulate. Over the last 10 years the ranch has hosted hundreds of veterans and children with nothing but positive feedback! Our staff would like to take the credit for all the positive outcomes over the last 10 years, but it is simple to see the horses provide the magic! Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s accredited organizations: Accredited Equine-Assisted Learning Organizations Share This Article

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