This Old Horse

Unraced Minnesota-bred Indy Lead found his true calling as an eventing prospect and competed in the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover. Credit: Angela Shield

Services: Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Retraining/Adoption

Location: Hastings, MN

Founded: 2012

Website: ThisOldHorse.org

Social:

Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 30

In our lobby, there is a Latin phrase stenciled on the wall: “Pro vestro fidelis servitio gratias agimus.” Translated it means: “We are grateful for your loyal service.”

Founded in 2012, This Old Horse is a private, volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support to horses in transition whether that be retirement, recovery, rescue, or a change in circumstances. We support horses while they continue to serve as ambassadors to the positive effect of “horsepower” in the lives of people.

We are the lead agency in a Minnesota collaboration called Racehorse Reimagined, bringing all organizations within the racing industry together to support the entire lifespan of Minnesota’s racehorses.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls partners with us to offer an innovative Retraining Racehorses course in its Equine Studies curriculum. We source retired racehorses for the students and, at the end of the semester, the horses are showcased in an adoption event.

We partner with Abijah’s on the Backside, an equine-assisted therapy program, by providing retired racehorses with their innovative support program for racetrack backside workers.

We also established a sanctuary-based program for retired broodmares called “The Distaff,” where we honor the contributions and impact of the mares who not only bring their considerable assets to their progeny but also raise the babies.