This Old Horse

Credit: Alyssa Smolen Photography

Services: Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Retraining/Adoption

Location: Hastings, MN

Founded: 2012

Website: ThisOldHorse.org

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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 horses in transition whether that be retirement, recovery, rescue, a change in circumstances. We support horses while they continue to serve as ambassadors to the positive effect of “horse power” in the lives of people.

Our mission honors aged or unwanted horses who have served us well. We are a refuge and advocate for horses that, alongside their human professionals, have worked hard for a living.

We give these veterans a safe harbor where they may find their path forward, to age in place, loved, honored and respected to the end.

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 racehorse.

Our unique and successful racehorse adoption program centers around a program we call Soul Train and we have found overwhelming success by matching adopters with horses at the onset of their retraining or rehab off the track. The adopter is part of the retraining from the beginning to help them and their new horse establish their relationship and skills together.

We also established a sanctuary-based program for retired racehorse 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.