Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post Headlights On, Future Bright Headlights On, Future Bright By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, dressage, Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, hunter jumper, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes, United States Pony Clubs, USPC Headlights On, a chestnut gelding born in April 2019, never raced but found a new purpose through the Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, where he arrived in September 2022. Bridgett Nicole and her family had been browsing the Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation website for several months when her youngest daughter, Aspyn, expressed a serious interest in adopting a horse of her own. Aspyn’s older sister, Erin, already owned an off-the-track Thoroughbred, so Aspyn knew she wanted a Thoroughbred as well. Erin had adopted Red Road Okie, now known as Dexxter, from Thoroughbred Athletes in 2013. Both Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation and Thoroughbred Athletes are accredited through Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Their missions are centered on rehabilitating and retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds in the hope of successful rehoming. Aspyn led the search herself, browsing available horses until she felt ready to take the next step. One name stood out to everyone: Headlights On. While color wasn’t a dealbreaker, his chestnut coat was a definite bonus in her eyes. After narrowing down the options, Bridgett sent Aspyn’s list to Nelda Kettles, executive director of Horse and Hound. Fortunately, Nelda felt Headlights On would be a perfect fit. When the family met him in person, Aspyn fell instantly in love. Now affectionately called Arashi, the Japanese word for “storm”, the gelding has adjusted to his new life with ease. After his arrival at Horse and Hound in 2022, he was restarted under saddle by Jamie Jennings of Fly Over Farm, who helped prepare him for a second career. “Arashi’s personality is very much ‘supervisor-like.’ He’s got to be involved in everything,” Bridgett said. Arashi is extremely intelligent, and stubborn, according to Aspyn. “He’s not fond of Dressage—it’s all intro level at this point. Circles are boring to him. But put a cross rail in front of him, and he’s happy.” Currently, Aspyn and Arashi are training for the hunter ring with Sam Powell of Paradigm Farm. They also practice lower-level Dressage on their own. “He takes care of Aspyn, and Aspyn takes care of him,” Bridgett shared. Aspyn recently founded a brand-new Pony Club team in Norman, Oklahoma. With her own horse and her own team, she now dreams of competing at the Pony Club Championships in Kentucky and hopes to attend a few rated shows.   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 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 Wilky G Does it All Wilky G Does It All By: Alexis Arbaugh September 27, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, jumpers, OTTB, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In the fall of 2020, Elizabeth McDougald had no plans to adopt a horse when she visited Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was there to pick up a horse for one of her students, but with so many promising horses at the facility, she decided to look for a project horse for herself. Horse and Hound, an accredited Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance organization, specializes in retraining ex-racehorses and finding them new careers. Elizabeth is a trainer at Glenridge Farm, a Hunter/Jumper barn in Elgin, Oklahoma, founded by her parents. Growing up, she worked with and retrained off-the-track Thoroughbreds, so finding a project horse was not a new task. One of the founders of Horse and Hound, Nelda Kettles, introduced her to Wilky G, a “small, plain dark bay, quiet, unassuming 3-year-old gelding.” Although Wilky G was far from the tall, uphill, leggy type Elizabeth typically trained for Hunter/Jumper competitions, something about his kind demeanor drew her in. Initially, she thought he might make a good trail or western horse for someone down the line. Wilky G was foaled in 2017 in Oklahoma and raced seven times in Oklahoma and Texas, earning $8,509 over his two-year racing career. After retiring in June 2020, he was donated to Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, where he stayed until Elizabeth decided to take him home that fall. Despite not fitting Elizabeth’s usual profile for a jumper, Wilky G quickly proved her instincts right. “He had a kindness to him that drew me in,” Elizabeth explained. Once home, Wilky G took to retraining with ease. “He was definitely the little engine that could,” she remarked. He showed a natural aptitude for jumping and seemed to love it, surprising Elizabeth, who had initially thought he’d be a short-term project. “I realized I was having a lot of fun with the horse I thought I’d train and sell,” she said. Wilky G soon became the barn’s “Jack-of-all-trades.” He could be ridden bridleless, was a dependable trail horse, excelled as an intermediate lesson horse, and even shone in the Jumper ring at rated shows. “I’ve had a number of OTTBs, but he is truly the kindest of the bunch,” Elizabeth noted. Elizabeth and Wilky G most recently competed in the Take2 Thoroughbred Jumper division in the spring of 2024. “He defies every young OTTB stereotype,” she said, praising his calm and easygoing nature. His quiet demeanor even allowed him to be used as a lead-line mount at a horse show, and he regularly carries children in lessons at home. “The horse that was meant to be a short-term project doing anything but jumping is now a barn favorite,” Elizabeth wrote. Wilky G continues to thrive under Elizabeth’s care, delighting both her and her students in lessons and at shows. “He’s doing fabulous,” she said, adding that Wilky G will likely remain at her barn for a long time to come. 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 Kiss Him Goodbye Kiss Him Goodbye By: Alexis Arbaugh September 27, 2024 Success Stories Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, fox hunting, Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Fox Hunting is a complex and demanding sport, requiring a horse with bravery and composure amid the excitement. When Michelle Stephen Seigel was searching for her next Fox Hunting prospect, Kiss Him Goodbye seemed like the perfect match. Aware that most off-the-track Thoroughbreds come with their own set of challenges, Michelle, as a therapist, was well-prepared and equipped with the tools to help him thrive in this new role. During the summer of 2021, Michelle was scrolling through the Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation’s social media pages and was instantly fascinated by Kiss Him Goodbye. After watching a video of him in a round pen, she fell in love with his beautiful movement. “I was seeking a horse I could Fox Hunt, and he is tall and athletic, so I knew he would be a great fit for me,” Michelle shared. She quickly scheduled a visit to meet him. Horse and Hound is an accredited organization by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, they take in retired Thoroughbred racehorses after their racing careers end, specializing in retraining and rehabilitation. The staff wholeheartedly believes that just because a horse may not be suited to racing doesn’t mean that they won’t succeed in a new career. Kiss Him Goodbye is a 2015 bay Thoroughbred gelding who had 30 starts and earned a total of $62,709 during his four-year racing career. Upon arriving at Horse and Hound, Michelle learned that “Kissy” had undergone some Monty Roberts training with certified trainer Jamie Jennings. Monty Roberts’ program focuses on natural horsemanship principles, educating individuals about horse behavior and fostering a collaborative partnership between horse and owner. “The people of Horse and Hound were supportive and genuine,” Michelle explained, noting that “the adoption was easy.” Although she did not ride Kissy during her visit—only observing him in the round pen—she quickly realized she had found her next Fox Hunting partner and agreed to take him home in August 2021. Once they arrived at the ranch, Michelle noticed that Kissy had some anxiety, which is common for off-the-track horses transitioning to new environments. Kissy would get bored and start cribbing, and he also struggled with trailer loading. Rather than being discouraged, Michelle’s therapist instincts kicked in, and she was eager to help him overcome these habits. Michelle and Kissy made it to their first hunt that December, where she intended to ride him in the third group of less experienced horses for his Fox Hunting debut. However, “it was too much for him,” Michelle admitted. When the horns sounded and the hounds were released, Kissy became frightened and bolted, taking off for a solo tour of the property. After their challenging first outing, the pair decided to slow things down significantly. Michelle and Kissy focused on clicker training and groundwork to help ease his anxiety, also spending time on trail rides. Kissy was often ridden by Michelle’s husband in a Western saddle—“who thought he would be a husband horse?” Michelle joked. Their hard work paid off, as Kissy transformed into a Fox Hunting star. He not only became a perfect gentleman in the field but also learned to load and unload from the trailer with ease. “Last season, I rode him in the second field and moved him up to the first field by the end of the season… he’s a joy,” wrote Michelle. The future looks bright for Michelle and Kissy, as they plan to continue building their confidence in the field and hope to participate in Fox Hunts across the United States. 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

Despite being the son of  Godolphin’s 2008 Eclipse Award winning stallion, Midshipman, Secret Deployment lacked interest in racing.

Cindy Murphy bought the son of Midnight Lute as a race prospect for her and her husband to train, however the Hill N Dale-bred colt never made it to the starting gate.

Bred by Don G. Trett, No Saint Sister was born in 2015. After 22 starts, the daughter of National Saint was decidedly not destined for success as a racehorse. No Saint Sister retired in 2019 with a record of 3-0-2 and earnings of $36,153. While she did not have much luck on the track, No Saint Sister certainly hit the jackpot when she arrived at TAA-accredited Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation. Co-founder of the Oklahoma-based aftercare organization, Nelda Kettles remembers her first impression of No Saint Sister’s striking features. “She was a lovely filly with unusual markings,” Kettles recalled. “She was your typical rather flighty filly so we gave her plenty of time to forget the racetrack and just be a horse.” After some well-earned time off, Kettles and her team slowly began the retraining process in the round pen with groundwork. The sweet bay filly spent the next year in retraining, preparing to be someone’s perfect fit. “We were just waiting for the right person and the right career,” Kettles explained.  “Horse and Hound has had several of our adopted horses go to the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover and we just bust our buttons with pride with what these great off-track Thoroughbreds can accomplish.”  Working as an assistant trainer at JAKK Farms in Huntsville, Texas, it did not take Virginia Kate Morton long to recognize her boss, Karlie LeBlanc’s, passion and devotion to off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).  “(Karlie) had several in the barn that she was working with, along with a brand-new horse she recently acquired from Horse and Hound,” Morton explained. “He was tall and kind. I was intrigued by the breed and giving horses a second chance at a new career.”  After her experience with LeBlanc’s new OTTB, Morton decided to take the short drive to Horse and Hound to see what other horses they had available for adoption.  “Virginia had actually driven up from Texas to meet another filly,” Kettles said. “But she fell in love with Sister.” It was love at first sight, according to Morton.  “She was taller than the others and moved with the grace of a horse that knew she was something special,” Morton said. “After watching her prance around like the queen she knew she was, I needed to meet her closer up.  As they caught her and brought her in, I noticed a distinct blaze down her face and a sparkle in her eye.”  The rest, as they say, was history— Sister was headed to Texas. In her new home at JAKK Farms—a multi-discipline facility—Sister and Morton explored the many second career paths available to them.   “She was quick to learn her gates and control, but as we started to work over ground poles she got an extra spring in her stride and the sparkle in her eye got brighter,” Morton said. “So, we started working her in a program to allow her to develop strong foot work, which led her to develop an amazing form over jumps.” With JAKK Farms head trainer Karlie LeBlanc aboard, Sister competed in the jumper division of the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover last October in Kentucky. While the two did not make it to the finale, Morton was proud of Sister all the same.  “What I grew to love most about this mare was the fact that she always gave me 100 percent everyday, no matter what,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for more from her because she was already giving me her all, each and every ride.”       Cover image: NO SAINT SISTER and Karlie LeBlanc of JAKK Farms at the RRP TB Makeover (image: CanterClix)

Good To Go never made it to the starting gate in the afternoon and at the age of 3 was retired to Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation.

Our Serengeti ran 11 times, never breaking his maiden. The Oklahoma-bred retired to TAA-accredited Horse & Hound Rescue Foundation with $18,504 in earnings.