Thoroughbred Athletes
Okie Buckaroo, adopted by Allie Bozone, earned more than $90,000 on the track and is now a Thoroughbred Incentive Program Champion and training toward the Thoroughbred Makeover. Credit: C Murray Photography
Services: Sanctuary, Rehabilitation, Retraining/Adoption
Location: Guthrie, OK
Founded: 2011
Website: thoroughbred-athletes.com
Social: 
Average Number of Thoroughbreds: 50
Established in 2011 by former racehorse trainer Lynn Sullivan, Thoroughbred Athletes is a Thoroughbred retraining facility for both donated and rescued horses.
Since its inception, more than 330 horses have been part of the program and more than 300 have been adopted.
Many Thoroughbred Athletes “graduates” are successfully competing at high levels in a variety of disciplines. They are known for being tough, athletic, willing, and always ready to move forward. A number have been adopted as pleasure horses and are proving to be eager trail mounts.
Thoroughbred Athletes also has been successful at finding pet or companion homes for horses not sound enough to be ridden. The organization’s Facebook page is full of photos from proud and loving owners.
Thoroughbred Athletes is proving that retired racehorses are capable of success at a variety of
tasks. The organization is a leader in expanding the demand for ex-racehorses by virtue of its very successful adoption program as well as hosting multiple well-attended horse shows, which provide a venue for showing off the skills of their graduates.
Thoroughbred Athletes is staffed by a group of dedicated, hardworking volunteers. The board of directors is a diverse group that meets monthly.
Thoroughbred Athletes mentors community youth by offering supervised learning opportunities. Additionally, a “work-to-ride” program for horse-savvy adults is available.
Thoroughbred Athletes is recognized as a top charitable organization, having been honored with the Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits as well as being endorsed by GiveSmart Oklahoma, receiving gold status from GuideStar, and earning accreditation from Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
Success Stories from Thoroughbred Athletes
American Thunder – The Texas-bred made 29 starts before retiring with a record of 2-7-2 and $25,590 in earnings. Read more >>
Crank It Up Peggy – Luckily for the Texas-bred daughter of Danotable, Rebecca Shurrum couldn’t resist stepping in to assist when the organization posted online about four pregnant Thoroughbred mares that needed help. Read more >>
Mingo Native – The son of Native Ruler retired with a record of 5-6-7 and earnings of $86,332. Read more > >
Kipper Dan – A warhorse of 42 starts, he only visited the winner’s circle once but it making moves in the dressage arena. Read more >>
Fearless Tears – Carrying the memory of a beloved horsewoman, she was a special adoption. Read more >>
Metersrunnin – The son of Northern Afleet only made three starts before retiring and was then scooped up by an adopter looking for a show horse. Read more >>
Dakota Mac – The striking grey with a king eye immediately captured attention once he was posted on social media. Read more >>
Don’t Lecture Me – The Oklahoma-bred son of Podium only made three starts before retiring. While life on the track wasn’t for him, he’s now found his calling. Read more >>
Bull City Bonus – A career maiden, she found an instant connection with an adopter aiming to compete in dressage. Read more >>
