More Than a Racehorse: Courage’s Story
All Items Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Sanctuary Living Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous PostNext Post More Than a Racehorse: Courage’s Story More Than a Racehorse: Courage’s Story By: Alexis Arbaugh August 8, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Central Kentucky Riding For Hope, Equine Retirement, equine-assisted therapy, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Courage’s journey began with high expectations. Born in 2017 as the son of Speightstown, he was a $350,000 Fasig-Tipton purchase, destined for success on the racetrack. However, after just three starts and modest earnings of $670, his racing career quietly came to an end. That’s when his true purpose began. Through the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Courage found his way to Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), where he embraced a new role—not as a competitor, but as a partner in equine-assisted therapy. Both New Vocations and CKRH are accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to retrain and rehome former Thoroughbred racehorses. The fast-paced world of racing was behind him, and in its place, he discovered a life of connection, patience, and purpose. According to staff, he seemed to prefer “the speed of life at CKRH much better!” One of the first things that stood out about Courage was his striking resemblance to Secretariat—a similarity that runs deeper than appearance, as he shares bloodlines with the legendary Triple Crown winner. But beyond his impressive physique, what truly sets him apart is his kind and inquisitive spirit. “Courage is gentle and curious and truly is a gentle giant,” said Isabella Norrid, development director at CKRH. This amazing personality makes him a perfect fit for CKRH’s therapy programs. Today, he plays a vital role in CKRH’s newest non-mounted equine-assisted services program in partnership with FMC prison. Each week, he works alongside Adults in Custody (AICs) enrolled in emotional regulation classes, guiding them through groundwork exercises designed to foster trust, patience, and self-awareness. “Adults in custody enrolled in emotional regulation classes at the prison work alongside Courage through various challenges to help them understand and manage their emotions on a deeper level,” Norrid explained. With each session, he helps participants build confidence and develop emotional resilience, his quiet strength serving as a steady presence in their journey. Though he thrives in non-mounted work, CKRH has bigger plans for his future. “While Courage currently serves in CKRH’s non-mounted programming, our long-term goal is to enter him into mounted equine-assisted services,” Norrid noted. His journey of transformation is far from over. Despite his calm and steady demeanor in therapy, Courage has a playful side. “He loves playing with hats, loosening his bell boots, and tries to snack on pool noodles,” she added. Yet for all his bravery, he’s also hilariously skittish, “he even scares himself easily!” Courage’s story is a testament to the fact that a racehorse’s value isn’t measured in wins or earnings but in the lives they touch. Though his racing career may not have made headlines, his impact at CKRH is undeniable. He has found his stride—not on the track, but in the hearts of those he helps heal. 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
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fourth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Winners
All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu [wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fourth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Winners Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fourth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Winners FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 2024 News Tags:2024 Calendar Photo Contest, Accredited Organizations, Calendar Contest, Central Kentucky Riding For Hope, Churchill Downs, churchill downs foundation, Churchill Downs Inc., Churchill Downs Incorporated, CKRH, Photo contest, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance hosted its fourth annual Calendar Photo Contest this year. Twelve winning photos of Thoroughbreds were selected to be featured in the 2025 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar, sponsored by Churchill Downs Foundation. Entries were accepted from June 26 to July 31. 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. The grand prize and cover feature winner of the calendar is Isabella Norrid. The photo, titled “A Gentle Touch” captures a young boy with Autism, Nolan Conrad, sharing a touching moment with Thoroughbred Appealing Alex. Appealing Alex serves as an equine therapist at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), a PATH Premier Therapeutic Riding Center. Central Kentucky Riding for Hope is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization, located in Lexington, Kentucky. Established in 1981, CKRH is a nonprofit organization that serves as a Therapeutic Riding Center and a Fayette County Public School. Their mission is to improve the quality of life and health of individuals with special physical, cognitive, or behavioral needs through equine-assisted activities and therapies. The winning photographs are: January: “Aurora Borealis” photographed and submitted by Jenn Marquis, featuring Moonshine Bay and Crossing the Line (NZ) at Down the Stretch Ranch. February: “Sunshine and Smiles” photographed and submitted by Andrea Gustafson, featuring Frosted Temptation and Stun Gun, who were both retrained and rehomed by Bowmen Second Chance Thoroughbred Adoption. March: “Being Seen” photographed and submitted by Joell Dunlap, featuring Fravel, who is currently a therapy horse at Square Peg Foundation. April: “Grazing Lineup” photographed and submitted by Ann Cheek, featuring Exciting Bucket, Play Book, Sweet Ambition, and Jo Jo’s Gypsy, who are residents at Our Mims Retirement Haven. May: “A Gentle Touch” photographed by Mark Mahan and submitted by Isabella Norrid, featuring Appealing Alex, who resides at Central Kentucky Riding for Hope as an equine therapist. June: “Criss-Cross” photographed by Julia Richter (Jules Richter Photography) and submitted by Kara Corpman, featuring Hot Tin Roof, who was retrained and rehomed by New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. July: “Diamond Junior and Jolene” photographed by Kylea Daugherty and submitted by Beverly Strauss, featuring Diamond Junior, who is available for adoption at MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. August: “Kansas Sunshine” photographed and submitted by Hillerie Hedberg, featuring Scott Pond, who was adopted from Second Stride. September: “Jumping into a Second Career” photographed and submitted by Addyson Cole, featuring Theheatofthenight who is in retraining at Second Wind Thoroughbred Project. October: “My Best Friend” photographed by Erin Berkery and submitted by Amy Luyster, featuring Holy Moses, who was retrained and rehomed by Secretariat Center. November: “Reminiscence” photographed and submitted by Sandra Pratt Silva, featuring Hi Time Ruler, who was adopted from Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. December: “Happy Holidays” photographed by Maria Stockinger and submitted by Jenna Stockinger, featuring Long Awaited Guest, who was adopted from This Old Horse. 236 photographs were submitted to this year’s calendar photo contest. Along with the primary winners, 40 additional photos were chosen to be featured in the calendar as honorable mentions. A total of 57 Thoroughbreds are featured in the calendar, representing 37 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations and participating in many equestrian disciplines including: Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Eventing, Western Riding, Fox Hunting, Sensory Training, Equine Assisted Therapy, and horses in retirement. “The Churchill Downs Foundation is dedicated to supporting the health, safety and welfare of our equine athletes,” said Cathy Shircliff, Director of Equine Industry Relations, Churchill Downs Incorporated. “The horses featured in the 2025 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance calendar highlight the versatility and intelligence both on and off the racetrack.” The 2025 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar, sponsored by Churchill Downs Foundation, will be available for a $20 pre-sale for the month of October 2025. The calendars will then be available starting on December 1, 2025 with every online donation of $50 or more made during the month of December. Donors may opt to receive a calendar by noting “2025 Calendar” in the comment field of the online donation form. Calendars will be available on a first come first served basis, until the inventory is depleted. Donations can be made at: thoroughbredaftercare.org/donation_now 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 inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith859-224-2882ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release
Impressive John R
Impressive John R served as an equine-assisted therapy horse for 9 years at TAA-accredited Central Kentucky Riding for Hope.
New Railbird Festival to Benefit TAA, Central Kentucky Riding For Hope
The TAA is proud to be one of the beneficiaries of Railbird Festival, happening Aug. 10-11 at Keeneland.