Founded in September 2011, Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds (HART) is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to being the voice for off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) on Florida’s Space Coast. Nestled on seven serene acres between a national wildlife refuge on its western border and a recreational area to its south, HART provides a place where retired OTTBs can rest and rehabilitate in preparation for their new career and a new, forever home.

To date, HART has rehabilitated, retrained, and rehomed more than 300 horses that have gone on to new lives ranging from companion animals to competitive sport horses. Each horse has a gift to share with this world and HART strives to place them in the happiest of homes. HART is honored to be an accredited Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) organization. Through the support and direction of TAA, HART has built a strong, successful aftercare program that allows HART to continue saving more OTTBs year after year.

Focusing on harnessing the healing power of the human-horse connection, the heart of HART is built on a belief that education and outreach improve the lives of those in our community, as well as the lives of the equine athletes we rescue. By stewarding a mutual journey of self-discovery for both humans and horses we are cultivating the confidence and trust in our OTTBs that in turn enlighten our volunteers of their own behavior and communication skills. These are skills our volunteers can incorporate into their daily lives. Patience, understanding, confidence, and thoughtful and purposeful actions are lessons mutually acquired through these equally beneficial relationships.

Through this work, we have seen the amazing power horses have to transform the lives of individuals. We envision a world where every horse has a home, and the transformative power of the horse is available and used widely to improve the quality of life of individuals everywhere.

Maureen, a volunteer at HART, said, “I became a volunteer with HART to learn more about caring for these amazing horses I have been in awe of since childhood. To prepare a clean space for them, feed, groom, and simply spending time in their presence brings incredible peace. What I am especially thrilled to experience is the extraordinary abundance of genuine love, selflessness, dedication to the well-being and comfort of the horses, and desire to teach that is, without exception, shared by everyone at HART. I’m so thankful to all who contribute their time, talent, and resources that collectively make HART a safe place for OTTBs and other horses in need to rehabilitate, retrain, and find forever homes.”