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All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post Racing to Retirement: Gallon Racing to Retirement: Gallon By: Alexis Arbaugh January 23, 2024 Success Stories Tags:aftercare, CANTER California, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Aliance Lauren had been working at CANTER California for only two weeks when Gallon arrived on Halloween 2017. Gallon was a 12-year-old gelding who had joined the adoption program. When he first arrived, he had a rough appearance – he was underweight and under muscled. Unlike many horses at CANTER, Gallon hadn’t come directly from the racetrack. However, Lauren had a strong belief that this retired stakes winner had the potential to become stunning once he gained the weight and muscle he needed. Lauren was very curious about him so she asked the CANTER employees if she could be his primary volunteer. They didn’t have an issue with that, so she started coming out every day to work with him. Lauren’s curiosity about Gallon led her to request to become his primary volunteer. They allowed her to take on this role, and she began coming out to the facility every day to work with him. Gallon’s past as a racehorse was indeed filled with stories and experiences. His racing career had taken him to various tracks and racing events. She started reseaching to figure out everything that she could about him, his racing history and gain insight into his personality and behavior during his racing days. This information would not only help Lauren bond with Gallon but also assist her in providing him with the care and training he needed for a successful transition into a new life beyond the racetrack. There was a short period of him being sound enough to ride thanks to the CANTER team, but a little while later Gallon unfortunately was never sound enough to continue being ridden or to have another career. Lauren officially adopted him in April of 2018 and it made her so happy to have him at home with her. Some months before Lauren adopted Gallon, she lost her childhood horse, so having Gallon by her side and to care for during that time bonded them even more. She could really explore his personality when she brought him home. In the months leading up to Lauren’s adoption of Gallon, she experienced the loss of her childhood horse. This shared period of grief and the responsibility of caring for Gallon deepened their bond. During this time that she had the opportunity to truly get to know his personality after bringing him home. The best thing about Gallon was that he wasn’t perfect… and that’s what made him perfect. She adored his giant, moose-like head and all his weird quirks. Since Gallon is retired, Lauren’s goal is to give him the retirement that he deserved, “he is doing great living his best retired life,” wrote Lauren. “He has the cutest ‘dad bod.’” Gallon is approaching his 19th birthday and continues to live a wonderful life with two fellow Thoroughbred geldings in a multiacre pasture. Lauren is certain that he is enjoying his life as a retired old man. He is still playful when she goes out to visit him and seems to enjoy her company. 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 PostNext Post Bound by Love: Cortez and Melissa Bound by Love: Cortez and Melissa By: Alexis Arbaugh January 16, 2024 Success Stories Tags:aftercare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Aliance Melissa had been working at Redwings Horse Sanctuary when Sea of Cortez arrived. The stunning dark bay caught her eye immediately. The sweet and soft expression in his eyes made Melissa fall in love with him. Cortez seemed to only know how to love and be kind because that’s what made him stand out among the slew of other horses at Redwings. His thick and strong build made him seem more intimidating than he was. Melissa had been dedicated to her work at Redwings Horse Sanctuary for many years, caring for and tending to the various horses that found their way to the sanctuary. However, when Sea of Cortez arrived, it was a moment she would never forget. The moment she laid eyes on Sea of Cortez, Melissa was captivated. There was something special about him that set him apart from the other horses at the sanctuary. It was as if he had an aura of sweetness and gentleness that radiated from him. While his strong and thick build might have seemed intimidating at first glance, it was only a testament to his resilience and strength. Despite his appearance, Sea of Cortez was a gentle giant. He had a way of making people feel at ease in his presence as if he knew that his purpose in life was to provide comfort and solace to those around him. As Melissa continued her dedicated work at the sanctuary, her bond with Sea of Cortez deepened each day. Inevitably, Melissa found herself longing to make Sea of Cortez a permanent part of her life. After careful consideration, Melissa came to the decision that she couldn’t imagine her life without Cortez by her side. She officially adopted him and welcomed him into her home. Due to the efforts of Melissa and the other dedicated Redwings employees at the sanctuary, Sea of Cortez had some retraining during his stay. This preparation meant that he was well-prepared to transition to his new home with Melissa. Having an athletic build made it easy for Cotez to do the things that Melissa asked of him with ease. It was apparent that he was naturally suited for a wide range of activities, making it easy for him to excel in the tasks Melissa asked of him. It was as if he were designed for anything but a career as a racehorse. Cortez’s intelligence was another remarkable quality. His smart brain meant that he understood what was being asked of him and the reason behind it. So he never fussed or put up a fight over work. Sea of Cortez could seamlessly transition from jumping to herding dummy cows, or even enjoying leisurely trail rides. He adapted effortlessly to each new activity. Melissa would love to make Cortez into an Eventer one day. With his training going as good as it is now, they should be going to shows any day now. She is very excited and feels blessed to have a horse like Cortez in her life. “I don’t know how I was so fortunate to wind up with him,” she wrote when reminiscing on her journey with Cortez. 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 PostNext Post The Perfect Horse: Silver Bouquet The Perfect Horse: Silver Bouquet By: Alexis Arbaugh January 9, 2024 Success Stories Tags:aftercare, New Beginnings Thoroughbred Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Aliance In 2019, at The Horse World Expo in Harrisburg, PA, Carmel discovered her perfect horse through New Beginnings Thoroughbreds. Silver Bouquet was the featured horse from their farm during the Thoroughbred showcases. Although Carmel didn’t get a chance to see Silver Bouquet in person at the expo, she researched the horse online after returning home. She was deeply impressed by the composure of this young horse in the midst of a bustling arena with so many people and other horses. Carmel reached out to New Beginnings Thoroughbreds via email to express her interest in Silver Bouquet and to initiate the adoption application process. Upon receiving approval, she made a visit to the farm to meet Silver Bouquet in person. An immediate bond and sense of ease developed between them. Following this visit, Carmel decided to bring Silver Bouquet home the following week. Their friendship has flourished ever since. Carmel was in search of a new horse to replace her retired off-the-track Thoroughbred mare, Carey. At the age of 60, she sought a horse slightly older than a freshly retired 3- or 4-year-old Thoroughbred. Silva was 7 years old and from the way she acted at The World Horse Expo she seemed to have a good mind to help put Carmel at ease when riding. She stood at 16.2 hh, had a lovely head, and a great attitude. Carmel was highly impressed with the excellent training that New Beginnings Thoroughbreds had given to Silva. Silva had a solid foundation in the fundamentals, including walking, trotting, cantering, and even some introductory jumping. Carmel’s future plans with Silva involved further developing her skills, focusing on teaching her correct bending and helping her learn how to use her body in various ways. Carmel’s primary focus with Silva was dressage, as it was her main discipline. Silva now knows the ins and outs of all lateral movements, including shoulder in, haunches in, leg yielding, etc. She is so happy with how soft and supple Silva has gotten through their training sessions. Silva also proved to be an excellent trail horse, and she enjoyed leisurely walks through the woods with friends. Carmel had a memorable experience during one of their outings when a family of turkeys crossed their path. The mother turkey flew right beneath Silva’s nose, and the baby turkeys made a commotion as they hurried away. This unexpected encounter startled both Carmel and Silva, but what stood out was that Silva didn’t bolt or get overly spooked. This incident reinforced Carmel’s belief that Silva was the ideal adult horse for her due to her calm and composed nature.   Carmel and Silva also dedicated time to Positive Reinforcement training (R+), a method that involves using rewards such as treats, clicks, pats, and praise to encourage desired behaviors in the horse. This approach helps shape a horse’s behavior by making them want to perform the desired actions due to the rewards they receive. Silva’s proficiency in this training method was showcased when she recently served as a demonstration horse at a local horse show club event, led by the renowned trainer Shawna Karrasch, who specializes in R+ training. In 2023, Carmel and Silva participated in some Working Equitation Playdays, which included dressage tests and obstacle courses. This was Silva’s first experience with such events outside of their home environment, and she handled it with ease, delivering a flawless performance. Carmel observed that Silva seemed to like engaging her mind as well as her body during their work. Carmel’s goals with Silva do not revolve around horse shows or climbing the ranks in any specific discipline. Instead, her primary focus is on enhancing their partnership each day and getting enjoyment from their rides. Whether they’re exploring trails or working in the arena, Carmel’s objective is to ride skillfully and continuously enhance their teamwork, prioritizing the joy and connection they share in their equestrian endeavors. At home, Silva can often be seen alongside her best friend, Carey, who is Carmel’s retired off-the-track Thoroughbred mare. These two horses bear a striking resemblance and are inseparable in the field, affectionately referred to as the “bay girls”. Carmel loves Silva’s youthful spirit, as she often runs, buck, and plays in the field. 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 PostNext Post Don Ramon: A Family Man Don Ramon: A Family Man By: Alexis Arbaugh January 4, 2024 Success Stories Tags:aftercare, Circle A Home For Horses, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Aliance When Ruth began her search for horses, her heart was set on finding a friendly and dependable Quarter Horse. This love for Quarter Horses had been passed down through her family. However, when Ruth decided to try out Don Ramon, an off-the-trach Thoroughbred, at Circle A Home For Horses her family didn’t quite approve of her change of heart. Even though Ruth developed a strong attachment to Don Ramon during her trial, she made the difficult decision to leave him behind in order to honor her family’s preference for Quarter Horses. Unfortunately, while she was with other horses, Don Ramon was adopted by someone else. Ruth left the facility with no horse and a broken heart. Six months later, Don Ramon was returned to the rescue through no fault of his own. Ruth interpreted this as a serendipitous sign that they were meant to be together. Without hesitation, she rushed to Circle A Home For Horses, retrieved Don Ramon, and welcomed him into her home. “He’s a big baby,” wrote Ruth when talking about Don’s temperament. She adores his warm and kind-hearted nature; he seems to always want to be around people. He loves the attention and love he receives from Ruth and her family. Ruth describes Don Ramon as a “gentle giant” due to his attentiveness and careful nature, always being aware of his surroundings. Don’s extraordinary qualities shine when it comes to Ruth’s husband, who has epilepsy. He is not just sweet but also incredibly considerate, providing exceptional care and support when they are together. Don also loves their children and is mindful of their age and horse experience, making him the ideal family horse. Ruth started retraining Don as both an English and Western horse, leaving it up to him to see which style he liked more. Their partnership has made the process seamless and highly effective. Nothing fazes them so the process has been very smooth and productive. He is willing to try and do anything that is asked of him, “I’ve never encountered such a cooperative training experience,” wrote Ruth when commenting on Don’s retraining. They love trail riding together after a long day of work. Ruth has big plans for both herself Don and the future, including the possibility of venturing into the world of jumping and Eventing. Don has so much heart for everything that he does. He just wants to make Ruth happy and will do and learn anything for her. He’s more than willing to undertake new challenges and acquire new skills to ensure her happiness. 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 Joe’s Journey Joe’s Journey By: Alexis Arbaugh December 21, 2023 Success Stories Tags:aftercare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Aliance Seven years ago, April adopted Mountain Yoadler, affectionately known as Hank. While she wanted to immediately adopt another horse, she wisely realized that she should wait a few years before taking on the responsibility of two horses. Years later April attended the annual block party fundraiser hosted by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, the organization from which she adopted Hank. She thoroughly enjoyed the riding demonstrations, engaging with fellow adopters, and chatting with the dedicated Redwings trainers and staff. After inquiring about the horse, she discovered his name was Port Saint Joe, Joe in the barn. Excited about making him part of her family, April completed an adoption application after leaving the event. She spent the rest of the week at Redwings, riding Joe to get to know him better and receive guidance from their trainers. Just one week after her application was approved, April brought Joe home. One horse demonstration, in particular, captured April’s attention. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from a handsome, tall black gelding with a small white star above his eyes. At that moment, all her reservations about getting a second horse were discarded, as she felt the pull that this horse had on her. Seven years ago, April adopted Mountain Yoadler, affectionately known as Hank. While she wanted to immediately adopt another horse, she wisely realized that she should wait a few years before taking on the responsibility of two horses. Years later April attended the annual block party fundraiser hosted by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, the organization from which she adopted Hank. She thoroughly enjoyed the riding demonstrations, engaging with fellow adopters, and chatting with the dedicated Redwings trainers and staff. After inquiring about the horse, she discovered his name was Port Saint Joe, Joe in the barn. Excited about making him part of her family, April completed an adoption application after leaving the event. She spent the rest of the week at Redwings, riding Joe to get to know him better and receive guidance from their trainers. Just one week after her application was approved, April brought Joe home. One horse demonstration, in particular, captured April’s attention. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from a handsome, tall black gelding with a small white star above his eyes. At that moment, all her reservations about getting a second horse were discarded, as she felt the pull that this horse had on her. In just one year of owning Joe, their progress had been nothing short of amazing. They successfully participated in two horse shows and placed well. At home, Joe has no trouble navigating small jumping courses. Their favorite activity to do together is go on long, relaxing trail rides. With Joe’s versatility and enthusiasm for everything, April intends to keep him as her cherished all-around horse! Joe with his brother Hank, read Hank’ story here: https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/mountain-yodler-2/ 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 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Honored with Generous Donation from James and Shari Ough Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Honored with Generous Donation from James and Shari Ough FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 8, 2023 News Tags:aftercare, contribution, Saratoga Race Course, supporter, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was honored with a substantial donation of $25,000 from esteemed supporters James and Shari Ough. The charitable contribution was presented on Saturday, August 5, at Saratoga Race Course. The generous gift from James and Shari Ough stands as a testament to their steadfast commitment to equine welfare, the future of retired Thoroughbreds, and accredited aftercare. As fervent advocates, their support will greatly aid in fulfilling the vital mission of accrediting, inspecting, and awarding grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds through industry-wide funding. “We are incredibly grateful for James and Shari Ough’s heartfelt donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Director of Funding & Events. “By championing our mission, their support enables us to provide crucial aid to accredited aftercare organizations, ultimately benefiting the well-being of countless horses in their deserving retirement.” The check presentation took place following the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance named race at Saratoga Race Course, highlighting the invaluable role played by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in safeguarding the welfare of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing days. “Shari and I are incredibly fortunate, deeply humbled, and honored to support Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its mission to ensure a secure future for retired racehorses through accredited aftercare,” said James Ough. “Our heartfelt donation signifies not just a contribution, but a gesture of hope. It is our greatest hope that this, and future donations, will serve as an inspiration for others to unite with us in giving back to these exceptional equine athletes. We owe our success to them. Together, let’s make a lasting impact and pave the way for a brighter future for the Thoroughbred – and Thoroughbred Racing.” Photo Credit: Adam Coglianese About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

“I said then, and I say now, aftercare is not a charity issue. Aftercare is essential to the health and the longevity of this sport.” — Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center’s Susanna Thomas.