Equine Therapy

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Equine-Assisted Learning: Down the Stretch Ranch Equine-Assisted Learning: Down the Stretch Ranch By: Daniel McCanna ‘Boone’ April 11, 2025 Equine-Assisted Learning Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, Down The Stretch Ranch, Equine Therapy, Equine-Assisted Learning, equine-assisted therapy, Therapy, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Through our Equine-Assisted Learning series, we aim to showcase the incredible work of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations that use retired racehorses in therapeutic programs. Each of these programs offers a unique approach to healing and supporting participants in physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This series will explore how Thoroughbred ex-racehorses are now partners in therapy, providing a safe, supportive environment where individuals can experience growth and recovery.  Down the Stretch Ranch (DTSR), est. 2014 At Down the Stretch Ranch, our passion for horses runs deep, but even more so, our commitment to helping people heal through the incredible bond between humans and horses drives everything we do. Located on a sprawling ranch in Eastern Washington where retired thoroughbred racehorses find new purpose, we use the power of equine therapy to transform lives. A Second Chance for Horses and Humans Retired racehorses come to the ranch from various trainers around the northwest, mainly California. The horses arrive in good health but have certain soundness issues that have kept them from being able to compete at the racetrack.  Often these racehorses face uncertain futures, but at DTSR, we offer them a second chance—not just to live out their days in peace, but to become catalysts for healing. Thoroughbreds, with their spirited nature, teach patience, empathy, and trust—qualities that are crucial for individuals overcoming trauma, stress, or mental health challenges. By interacting with these horses, participants develop deeper emotional connections and learn essential life skills in a non-judgmental, nurturing environment. This forces each individual to be in the present. DTSR – Creston, WA When the horses first arrive, they are evaluated and placed in suitable corrals to assist them with healing.  We are committed to giving the horses at least one year at the ranch before we consider rehoming them or whether we will keep them at the ranch for the rest of their life as a sanctuary horse.  After evaluating the horse for a year, we determine if the horse is suitable for adoption or if it will live out its life at the ranch.  The ranch has one hundred grazeable acres, and the horses are able to roam the entire pasture.  This kind of roaming helps with the circulation in their feet and their overall digestive health.  When the snow flies, we feed first cutting alfalfa, oat hay and grain.  All the farrier and dental work is done on individual as needed basis. We have two experienced horseman that are always at the ranch, and both have extensive knowledge on how to care for the horses and provide farrier work and provide excellent care for the horses. The favorite part of the ranch is watching the horses transform from the high intensity work at the racetrack, to a slow county retirement living. These horses are so incredibly smart! It is a pleasure to drive out in the field and have the whole herd run over to you to get their daily attention and treats. Therapy for Veterans and Children at DTSR Unlike traditional therapy, equine therapy offers a unique, experiential approach to healing. Whether it’s learning to groom, guide, or simply be present with a horse, participants find comfort and confidence in the connection they build. Horses have a natural ability to mirror human emotions, offering real-time feedback that helps individuals process feelings they may struggle to articulate. Over the last 10 years the ranch has hosted hundreds of veterans and children with nothing but positive feedback! Our staff would like to take the credit for all the positive outcomes over the last 10 years, but it is simple to see the horses provide the magic! Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s accredited organizations: Accredited Equine-Assisted Learning Organizations Share This Article  

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Finding Home Again: Concord Joe’s Journey Finding Home Again: Concord Joe’s Journey By: Alexis Arbaugh April 3, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, Equine Therapy, equine-assisted therapy, Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, Natural Horsemanship, Therapy horse, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Photos courtesy of Allison Moorhead Allison Moorhead and her mother, Robin, first met Concord Joe at Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation in May 2018. The 2013 Kentucky-bred gelding had raced 13 times between 2016 and 2018, earning $33,254. Robin immediately fell in love with Joe, a sweet and gentle giant, but at the time, another tall, dark bay named Yarnaby Road also caught her eye. In the end, Roadie went home with them. Meanwhile, Joe was adopted by a loving family in Kansas. Though Robin had adored Joe, she knew he was going to a wonderful home. For several years, Allison’s family remained active volunteers at Horse and Hound, but as life got busy and the COVID-19 pandemic set in, they found it difficult to maintain their commitment to the organization. However, fate had a way of bringing Joe back into their lives. In May 2022, Horse and Hound posted a photo of Joe on Facebook after he was returned to the rescue. When Robin saw that familiar face, she immediately called Allison and said, “We need to go back out to volunteer and see Joe!” That call changed everything. Once they reconnected with Horse and Hound and resumed volunteering, Allison and her mom knew they couldn’t let Joe slip away again. In September 2022, they brought him home, adding another beloved member to their family. Allison recalled feeling “so blessed and lucky to now have both of those tall, dark, and handsome geldings.” Today, Concord Joe is not only their trusted trail horse but also their “treat monster” and a source of equine therapy. Since Joe’s return, Allison’s connection to Horse and Hound has only deepened. She now volunteers several times a week and was even selected to represent Horse and Hound as an intern for the Monty Roberts Transition Horse Internship Program. The program, in partnership with the ASPCA Right Horse Initiative, helps interns develop natural horsemanship skills and bring that knowledge back to their organizations. Allison is truly thankful to Horse and Hound, she said, “I am able to give back to an organization that has given myself and my family so much.” Her love for Horse and Hound has spread throughout her family and friends as well. Her sister adopted her heart horse from the rescue, and her riding instructor has adopted two Concord Joe has also earned a reputation at the barn where Allison boards him. Known affectionately as “the ginormous dark horse who’s always so friendly,” he is the first to greet anyone at the gate, whether they have a treat or not. His kind demeanor and eagerness to please make him a joy to work with. “He is mostly just mine and my mom’s equine therapy [horse], but I have also been working with him on his groundwork. He is an easy going guy that I can feel safe working with and comfortable going on trails,” Allison said. One of her goals is to make Joe “husband-approved.” Her husband isn’t a horse enthusiast—yet—but she hopes that by making Joe “bomb-proof,” he will be the perfect introduction to the world of horses. Another goal is to guarantee that Joe is safe and steady enough for her mom, now in her early 60s, to enjoy trail rides safely. “My mom instilled a love of horses in me and my siblings at an early age, so this is a wonderful way for us to spend time together,” Allison shared. She often says that Concord Joe led her back to where she was meant to be—volunteering, giving back, and making a difference. Thanks to Joe, she reconnected with Horse and Hound, and her bond with her mother has grown even stronger as they continue their journey with the horses they fell in love with years ago. April 2025 Update: Since his adoption, Concord Joe has thrived with his new family. Allison recently introduced him to clicker training, and he’s catching on quickly. “We are still in the early stages, but he seems to love it! He thrives on having a job, using his brain, and, of course, being treat-motivated,” she said. While her husband has yet to earn the title of “horse husband,” they are still working on it. “My husband still hasn’t ridden Joe, so he isn’t ‘horse husband’ material quite yet, but we are still working on that!” she joked. Meanwhile, the family’s herd has grown, as they recently adopted another Thoroughbred from Horse and Hound, bringing their total to four graduates of the rescue. Allison remains an active volunteer, typically visiting twice a week. Most recently, she had the honor of representing Horse and Hound at the ASPCA Right Horse Summit Conference, further strengthening her connection to the organization that changed her life. 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 Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous Post rescued hearts Rescued Hearts By: Alexis Arbaugh September 26, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Accredited Organization, Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, Equine Therapy, equine-assisted therapy, Jumping, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, United States Pony Club, USPC Misty’s Blue Knight, a 2000 grey Thoroughbred gelding, was abandoned in a field in Maryland. Thankfully, Animal Control rescued him and brought him to Brook Hill Retirement Center For Horses in Forest, Virginia. Brook Hill Retirement Center For Horses is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization that specializes in rehabilitation, retraining, adoption, equine-assisted therapy, and sanctuary for Thoroughbreds. It is also certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Misty’s Blue Knight, affectionately known as Basil, had raced five times at Pimlico Race Course and Timonium Race Track in Maryland before being abandoned. When he arrived at Brook Hill, the staff had no knowledge of his previous training. However, it soon became clear that Basil had a new role to play at the farm: helping at-risk youth as part of Brook Hill’s Equine Therapy program. Here, Basil found a new purpose, supporting people with physical and mental disabilities. “He is wonderful with kids with mental health disabilities,” Jo Anne wrote. To everyone’s delight, Basil had been trained to jump in his past life, which allowed the young riders at Brook Hill to progress in their horseback riding skills. Along the way, Basil formed a special bond with Molly Allen, a young girl struggling with depression and anxiety. Molly chose Basil as her project horse, and their partnership became a source of healing for both. Basil, with his tendency to rush around jump courses, challenged Molly to manage her own anxiety to help Basil relax. If Molly remained calm, Basil would also have to practice being calm, but as soon as she got worked up, he would get too anxious. Their partnership has been mutually beneficial, as both have learned to control their excitement and nerves to calm each other and tackle the tasks at hand. In July 2022, Basil and Molly competed in the 2’6″ division at The United States Pony Clubs (USPC) Championships held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. They were joined by four teammates, each paired with their own rescue horses, as well as Brook Hill’s stable manager. This was a milestone for Brook Hill, as it marked the first time the farm had an entire team qualify for the Championships. Basil and Molly secured 6th place overall in their division, a notable achievement for both horse and rider. Their journey demonstrates how a strong partnership can provide meaningful second chances for both horses and people. 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