Thoroughbred Athletes

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Headlights On, Future Bright Headlights On, Future Bright By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, dressage, Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, hunter jumper, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes, United States Pony Clubs, USPC Headlights On, a chestnut gelding born in April 2019, never raced but found a new purpose through the Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, where he arrived in September 2022. Bridgett Nicole and her family had been browsing the Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation website for several months when her youngest daughter, Aspyn, expressed a serious interest in adopting a horse of her own. Aspyn’s older sister, Erin, already owned an off-the-track Thoroughbred, so Aspyn knew she wanted a Thoroughbred as well. Erin had adopted Red Road Okie, now known as Dexxter, from Thoroughbred Athletes in 2013. Both Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation and Thoroughbred Athletes are accredited through Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Their missions are centered on rehabilitating and retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds in the hope of successful rehoming. Aspyn led the search herself, browsing available horses until she felt ready to take the next step. One name stood out to everyone: Headlights On. While color wasn’t a dealbreaker, his chestnut coat was a definite bonus in her eyes. After narrowing down the options, Bridgett sent Aspyn’s list to Nelda Kettles, executive director of Horse and Hound. Fortunately, Nelda felt Headlights On would be a perfect fit. When the family met him in person, Aspyn fell instantly in love. Now affectionately called Arashi, the Japanese word for “storm”, the gelding has adjusted to his new life with ease. After his arrival at Horse and Hound in 2022, he was restarted under saddle by Jamie Jennings of Fly Over Farm, who helped prepare him for a second career. “Arashi’s personality is very much ‘supervisor-like.’ He’s got to be involved in everything,” Bridgett said. Arashi is extremely intelligent, and stubborn, according to Aspyn. “He’s not fond of Dressage—it’s all intro level at this point. Circles are boring to him. But put a cross rail in front of him, and he’s happy.” Currently, Aspyn and Arashi are training for the hunter ring with Sam Powell of Paradigm Farm. They also practice lower-level Dressage on their own. “He takes care of Aspyn, and Aspyn takes care of him,” Bridgett shared. Aspyn recently founded a brand-new Pony Club team in Norman, Oklahoma. With her own horse and her own team, she now dreams of competing at the Pony Club Championships in Kentucky and hopes to attend a few rated shows.   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

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Pioneering Trust and Riding Resilience: Anna and Pioneerofan Empire’s Enduring Story Pioneering Trust and Riding Resilience: Anna and Pioneerofan Empire’s Enduring Story By: Alexis Arbaugh March 20, 2024 Success Stories Tags:dressage, hunter jumper, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Knowing where to start when you are ready to buy a horse is very unnerving and a difficult process if you don’t have guidance from someone who is experienced in purchasing horses. Anna Krupka sought assistance from her trusted long-time trainer, who then reached out to Lynn Sullivan at Thoroughbred Athletes. Thoroughbred Athletes is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Gutherie, Oklahoma. It serves as a haven to off-the-track Thoroughbreds who needed caring homes. Lucky, Lynn knew which horse to pair Anna with when her trainer explained exactly what Anna was looking for. Lynn was confident in matching Anna with Pioneerofan Empire. She knew he would find a loving home with Anna and benefit from a well-structured training program. When Anna and Pioneerofan Empire met, there was an instant connection. During their first ride, Anna noticed his enthusiasm for work and willingness to adapt and learn new skills. He displayed a desire for affection but remained cautious, seemingly nervous to get too close. Anna explained, “he was this mysterious mix of wanting love and attention and to learn and go to work, but it’s like he was internally at odds with the fact that he didn’t fully trust people”. His immense personality intrigued her. After their ride, Anna and her trainer both knew that Pioneerofan Empire had found his new home. As part of their regular protocol, Thoroughbred Athletes provides their rescue Thoroughbreds with an opportunity to undergo retraining for a fresh career. As a result, Pioneerofan Empire received some under-saddle training before joining Anna. That training combined with his thirst for knowledge made the transition into a new program very easy. Anna admitted she experienced “ups and downs” in their initial riding sessions. It takes a while for horses and riders to adapt to one another’s styles, personalities, and quirks. The pair continued to work together, and Anna noted gradual improvement as they arrived on the same page. Throughout their journey, Anna found the more they worked together, the more trusting Pioneerofan Empire became. The hard work the pair put into their training allowed a special partnership to develop. Anna discovered that Pioneerofan Empire is dynamic and intelligent. She shared her awe that he enjoys versatility across disciplines. He remarkably transitions from Dressage to Hunters effortlessly, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor regardless of what he is asked to do and eager for new challenges. Currently in their training, Anna and Pioneerofan Empire are schooling First Level Dressage. The duo has been successful at many schooling shows, scoring in the upper 60s and low 70s.  Anna is optimistic that soon they can compete in their first recognized Dressage show at First Level. Pioneerofan Empire also enjoys jumping around in the Hunter ring, so Anna is making sure that he gets his fair share of jump schools. Anna hopes to move up to the 2’6 classes and looks forward to participating in some T.I.P. (The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program) classes, which are exclusively for Thoroughbred horses. “There’s a lot more to the story, but [I] enjoy sharing whenever possible as a platform to support Thoroughbred Aftercare,” Anna wrote. “I used to work in horse racing in Lexington on the commercial breeding side of the business so it’s a cause very near and dear to my heart”. Thoroughbred racehorses, after their track days, deserve a fulfilling second chapter. Accredited organizations who belong to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance offer care and opportunities for these horses, unlocking their potential beyond racing. Examples like Pioneerofan Empire demonstrate how these horses can thrive in new roles such as riding or therapy, each fulfilling a unique purpose in their post-racing life. 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

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous Post Long Lost Partners: First Edition and Shannon Long Lost Partners: First Edition and Shannon By: Alexis Arbaugh February 20, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Shannon Howerton had been out of the sporthorse competition world for a while and was looking to get back into it. When she decided to get back into the show ring, she did not have a horse and was unsure where to start her search for one. Shannon began talking to the trainers in her area. With no luck of finding any horses to try from her area, it was suggested that she consider adoption instead of purchasing a new horse. One of the trainers was familiar with Thoroughbred Athletes and decided to research some of the horses they had available. After finding a horse that she thought would work well with Shannon, she shared the videos and pictures of First Edition with Shannon. The first thing that Shannon noticed about his video was that he was small, at 15.2 hands, and a beautiful bay color. I wish more people would realize adopting isn’t settling for less –because you are getting so much more!” Shannon Howerton Recognizing that First Edition could be the horse she needed, she traveled to Thoroughbred Athletes in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Upon arrival, Shannon observed one of the organization’s riders take First Edition for a ride, allowing her to gauge the horse’s performance firsthand. His proactive and purposeful demeanor was evident in everything he did, and Shannon noticed this right away. Her ride on First Edition was brief, yet it was enough for her to sense his drive. The trial rider told Shannon a little bit about First Edition and how she thought that he would do anything she asked him to. First Edition had a loyal and kind personality that made you want to stick with him. After some thinking and still a bit tentative to make such a big decision, Shannon decided to give it a try and adopt him. “Thoroughbred Athletes was so easy and helpful. I would recommend them to anyone wanting to adopt,” Shannon stated about her time with Thoroughbred Athletes. Even after getting First Edition home, Shannon still was a bit hesitant that they were the right match. She had heard time and time again from friends about “love at first sight” and “you’ll just know” when it comes to your dream horse. Over the last four years, Shannon and First Edition’s connection grew and their bond just continues to grow and get stronger. Because it wasn’t love at first sight, it took a lot of trust and hard work on both sides for their relationship to get to where it is today. After all the work they have done together, she firmly believes that their meeting was destined, recognizing that their relationship has evolved into something truly special. First Edition always seemed to have this complexity and sensitivity about him that presented a unique challenge in training and making their progression difficult. Despite occasional hurdles in their training, he is doing very well and progressing in their chosen discipline. First Edition’s athleticism and strong work ethic allows him to tackle any task that is handed to him. Shannon emphasizes that working with him has significantly enhanced her skills and confidence as a rider, attributing her growth to the experiences shared with First Edition. Currently, Shannon and First Edition are actively competing in Beginner Novice and Novice Eventing levels. With their training progressing smoothly, they are gearing up for their first recognized horse trial, aiming to participate in the event if their preparation stays on track. “I think some people think when you adopt a horse that they aren’t the good ones. So many times I think they are the best ones!!! I have a 2nd one I adopted as well who is a great horse also just haven’t had as much time working on him. I wish more people would realize adopting isn’t settling for less –because you are getting so much more!” 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

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post Jetting Away to a Good Home Jetting Away to a Good Home By: Alexis Arbaugh December 29, 2023 Success Stories Tags:aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Aliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Jennifer took her time to find the right horse for her. After several months of patiently waiting to find her dream horse at Thoroughbred Athletes in Oklahoma, she knew that Jetting Away was the one she wanted to bring home. She wanted to make sure that her future horse was everything she wanted and fit with her so instead of picking out a horse from the Thoroughbred Athletes website, she called and got personalized help with matching her with a horse. Jennifer told the volunteers there exactly what she was looking for in a horse and they knew right away which OTTB would be best. In her quest to find the perfect horse that matched her needs and personality, Jennifer opted for a more personalized approach instead of simply selecting a horse from the Thoroughbred Athletes website. She reached out and sought assistance from the volunteers, providing them with specific criteria for her ideal horse. Right away they knew which OTTB would be the perfect match for Jennifer. Upon gathering as much information as possible about Jetting Away, including the fact that he had been at the facility for more than 400 days, Jennifer made the decision to travel with her family to meet and bring him home. As soon as Jennifer and Jetting Away met, it became evident that he was in need of someone to love and care for him, and Jennifer was committed to being that person. Gazing into his eyes, she could sense a spark of energy and spirit within him that was ready to be unleashed, and she anticipated the enjoyable journey they were about to embark upon together.   Just 24 hours after arriving at the farm, Jetting Away had already acclimated and began to reveal his true personality. He thrived on the attention he received and was eager to let everyone know he had arrived and loved his new life. Almost immediately, Jetting Away formed strong bonds with his pasture and barn companions, displaying a playful and affectionate nature towards them. Jennifer has big plans for Jetting Away, hoping to transform him into a Western star. Her goals include teaching him the skills to work with cows, excel in Playdays, which involve navigating timed obstacle courses, and become coordinated enough to participate in Drill Team events. During their downtime, they love going on relaxing trail rides and adventuring. Jennifer is very grateful for Thoroughbred Athletes, as they provided exceptional care to Jetting Away for over 400 days, ultimately enabling her to adopt him. She enthusiastically stated, “Adopting the OTTB was the best decision,” expressing her deep appreciation for the organization and her newfound connection with her beloved horse.   Share This Article

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post The Unbreakable Bond The Unbreakable Bond By: Alexis Arbaugh November 30, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Morgan’s anticipation grew as she awaited the outcome of her pending adoption application at Thoroughbred Athletes. She had high hopes for finding a special equine companion, one that would form a deep bond with her, just as she intended to care for the horse. Morgan understood the importance of selecting a horse that would match her temperament and riding style. She was looking for a horse that would not only be a reliable partner but also a friend. She envisioned a horse that could share adventures, be a source of comfort, and provide a sense of trust and connection. Lynn Sullivan, the founder of Thoroughbred Athletes, had an eye for matching horses with their ideal companions, and she knew she had found the perfect match for Morgan. The horse Lynn had chosen was Claudettes Glitter, and from the very first moment Morgan met her, it was clear that she had found her unicorn. Glitter had a warm and affectionate personality that immediately drew Morgan in. The horse’s cuddly nature and strong desire for love and attention touched Morgan’s heart. Her calm demeanor and soft, soulful eyes seemed to convey a sense of trust and a longing for a close connection. But what truly sealed the deal for Morgan was Glitter’s love for butt scratches. Morgan couldn’t resist. It was in that moment, while showering the horse with love and seeing how happy it made her, that Morgan knew she had found her perfect horse. With excitement and gratitude, Morgan made the decision to bring Glitter home, knowing that their bond would be something truly special, filled with love, trust, and countless cherished moments together. Glitter is making remarkable progress in her retraining. Given her youth, Morgan is taking a deliberate and cautious approach to help her adapt to her new role. Currently, Morgan is currently working towards making her a hunter. Glitter loves to take long relaxing trail rides and bask in the sun on their walks. A recent diagnosis of kissing spine has placed a limit on Glitter’s jumping activities to prevent further injury. Overriding dorsal spinous processes, also known as “kissing spine”, occurs when the vertebrae in a horse’s spine are too close together, causing the small bits of bone that extend upward from the vertebrae to “kiss” together. The lack of space between these bones reduces mobility in the back and in turn causes pain and/or discomfort as the spinous processes interfere with each other. It is one of the leading causes of back pain in equines, but can be treated in a variety of ways, one of which includes surgery. Her ultimate goal is for Glitter to be not just a companion but her dearest friend and trusted partner. Professional ambitions or competition goals aren’t their primary focus. Instead, they love the simple pleasures of joy riding and evolving together. 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

American Thunder made 29 starts before retiring with a record of 2-7-2 and $25,590 in earnings. Rhi Rasmussen was competing in the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover when the TAA-accredited Thoroughbred Athletes resident first caught her eye.

Rebecca Shurrum couldn’t resist stepping in to assist TAA-accredited Thoroughbred Athletes when the organization posted online about four pregnant Thoroughbred mares that needed help.

The son of Native Ruler retired to Thoroughbred Athletes with a record of 5-6-7 and earnings of $86,332. Now, he’s embracing the life of a trail horse with his owner Charles.

A warhorse of 42 starts, Kipper Dan only visited the winner’s circle once but it making moves in the dressage arena thanks to Thoroughbred Athletes.

The son of Northern Afleet only made three starts before retiring to Thoroughbred Athletes and being scooped up by an adopter looking for a show horse.