Thoroughbred Aftercare

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Here comes sharyn Here Comes Sharyn By: Alexis Arbaugh April 3, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Circle A Home For Horses, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding Heather Mathias was drawn to Circle A Home for Horses in Virginia Beach, Virgina, by her passion for her horses where she sought an interview for a position on the farm. On the day of her interview, she encountered a delightful surprise. Inside one of the stalls stood a bay gelding named Here Comes Sharyn. As she approached his stall, he greeted her warmly by gently pressing his forehead against hers. After an amazing interview, Heather was offered the job at Circle A Home for Horses. From then on, every morning, Here Comes Sharyn faithfully awaited Heather’s arrival in his stall. It appeared that both couldn’t commence their day without exchanging the same affectionate greeting they shared on the day of Heather’s interview. With such genuine affection from such a sweet and kind horse, Heather couldn’t help but fall in love. Here Comes Sharyn’s eyes light up with admiration and love whenever he sees or hears Heather, a look reserved solely for her. As months passed, Heather and Here Comes Sharyn grew increasingly close. Heather found herself wanting to bring him home with her. Heather approached Alicia Mahar, the Founder and Executive Director of Circle A Home for Horses, to inquire about the adoption process. After gaining clarity on the procedures involved in adopting from Circle A, Heather made the decision to proceed with adopting Here Comes Sharyn. All Heather wanted was to be “his special person to love [and] care for him the way he deserves.” In the fall of 2023, Heather finally brought Here Comes Sharyn home. Since the day Heather met Here Comes Sharyn, she noticed he was an avid cribber. Therefore, the first thing Heather wanted to address when she brought him home was his cribbing habit. Cribbing is a behavior observed in horses where they grasp onto an object with their front teeth, contract their neck muscles, and pull back, often swallowing air in the process. While there are no definitive answers on why horses crib, most veterinarians assume that boredom and stress are the main causes. Heather ordered him a brand-new cribbing collar and began to work to find the cause of his cribbing. She dedicated hours observing Here Comes Sharyn’s behaviors both in his stall and out in the field. Through this process of spending extensive time together, their bond deepened significantly as they grew to understand each other beyond their time at Circle A Home for Horses. Currently, Heather is focused on helping Here Comes Sharyn rebuild muscle. She approached their training sessions with patience. Having been through so much in his life, she allows him to progress at his own pace. She feels that teaching him how to relax and to “just be a horse” is more important than a rigorous retraining schedule. With no pressure for competitions on their agenda, they opt for a slow and gentle approach, focusing on their bond and his well-being above all else. Despite their laid-back schedule, Heather and Here Comes Sharyn continue to accomplish new goals every week and she is proud of the information that he retains from one ride to the next. Confidence, trust in each other, and under saddle work are crucial to reaching their long-term goals. Eventually Heather would love it if Here Comes Sharyn wanted to ride the trails and explore with her. She has all the faith in the world that they will make that goal a reality one day, but for now they are content to keep” building up our bond and love for each other. 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 Post Scouted: A New Beginning Scouted: A New Beginning By: Alexis Arbaugh March 28, 2024 Success Stories Tags:dressage, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding, Win Place Home As Olivia Holland searched for the perfect horse, she discovered Win Place Home, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization in Canyon County, California. This organization offers former racehorses a supportive environment during their transition from racing to a new career. To aid in this transition, Win Place Home employs Elisabeth Hower, a certified Monty Roberts instructor. The training program developed by Monty Roberts educates individuals in the principles of natural horsemanship, focusing on both students and horses. Through these lessons, participants gain insights into horse behavior and its impact on their bond with the animal. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as pressure and release, leadership abilities, setting boundaries, ensuring safety, desensitization, and more, all aimed at fostering a collaborative partnership between owner and horse. Olivia attended several Monty Roberts sessions with Elisabeth, and after evaluating various Thoroughbreds, she ultimately found her perfect match. Originally registered as Scouted, he was soon renamed BoJack. Among all the horses Olivia considered, BoJack stood out. “Bojack’s calm and gentle nature is what stuck out the most,” Olivia said. “Out of all of the horses I got to try at Monty Roberts he felt the calmest and most reliable”. After experiencing BoJack’s serene demeanor and unwavering reliability, Olivia made the decision to adopt him, eager to embark on their journey together. BoJack has adjusted seamlessly to life at Olivia’s home. He now happily shares a spacious pasture with a friend. They can be seen chasing each other around during the day and napping together at night. However, BoJack’s greatest joy lies in the simple pleasure of being groomed, where he thoroughly enjoys the sensation of being scratched, petted, and showered with affection. Presently, Olivia and BoJack are diligently focused on their retraining regimen, beginning with groundwork to cultivate a positive relationship between the pair. Together they work on Dressage and building confidence through trail rides. They are also working on getting BoJack into shape and teaching him how to effectively engage and utilize his hind end. “Although the training process hasn’t been easy, it has been fun,” wrote Olivia. “Ground work has been key to creating a positive relationship”. Olivia remains hopeful that as his confidence continues to grow, that they will soon be able to go on extended trail rides. Their transition from trail walks to Dressage work has been very smooth. Olivia has hopes to take BoJack to some schooling shows in the future. Olivia’s dedication to BoJack is unwavering, ensuring he receives excellent care and a fulfilling life. “I am very grateful to own Bojack and I am excited for our future,” Olivia shared. BoJack’s steady improvements in their training and positive influence on Olivia’s confidence and riding abilities have her eagerly anticipating their future adventures. 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 Pioneering Trust and Riding Resilience: Anna and Pioneerofan Empire’s Enduring Story Pioneering Trust and Riding Resilience: Anna and Pioneerofan Empire’s Enduring Story By: Alexis Arbaugh March 20, 2024 Success Stories Tags:dressage, hunter jumper, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Knowing where to start when you are ready to buy a horse is very unnerving and a difficult process if you don’t have guidance from someone who is experienced in purchasing horses. Anna Krupka sought assistance from her trusted long-time trainer, who then reached out to Lynn Sullivan at Thoroughbred Athletes. Thoroughbred Athletes is a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Gutherie, Oklahoma. It serves as a haven to off-the-track Thoroughbreds who needed caring homes. Lucky, Lynn knew which horse to pair Anna with when her trainer explained exactly what Anna was looking for. Lynn was confident in matching Anna with Pioneerofan Empire. She knew he would find a loving home with Anna and benefit from a well-structured training program. When Anna and Pioneerofan Empire met, there was an instant connection. During their first ride, Anna noticed his enthusiasm for work and willingness to adapt and learn new skills. He displayed a desire for affection but remained cautious, seemingly nervous to get too close. Anna explained, “he was this mysterious mix of wanting love and attention and to learn and go to work, but it’s like he was internally at odds with the fact that he didn’t fully trust people”. His immense personality intrigued her. After their ride, Anna and her trainer both knew that Pioneerofan Empire had found his new home. As part of their regular protocol, Thoroughbred Athletes provides their rescue Thoroughbreds with an opportunity to undergo retraining for a fresh career. As a result, Pioneerofan Empire received some under-saddle training before joining Anna. That training combined with his thirst for knowledge made the transition into a new program very easy. Anna admitted she experienced “ups and downs” in their initial riding sessions. It takes a while for horses and riders to adapt to one another’s styles, personalities, and quirks. The pair continued to work together, and Anna noted gradual improvement as they arrived on the same page. Throughout their journey, Anna found the more they worked together, the more trusting Pioneerofan Empire became. The hard work the pair put into their training allowed a special partnership to develop. Anna discovered that Pioneerofan Empire is dynamic and intelligent. She shared her awe that he enjoys versatility across disciplines. He remarkably transitions from Dressage to Hunters effortlessly, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor regardless of what he is asked to do and eager for new challenges. Currently in their training, Anna and Pioneerofan Empire are schooling First Level Dressage. The duo has been successful at many schooling shows, scoring in the upper 60s and low 70s.  Anna is optimistic that soon they can compete in their first recognized Dressage show at First Level. Pioneerofan Empire also enjoys jumping around in the Hunter ring, so Anna is making sure that he gets his fair share of jump schools. Anna hopes to move up to the 2’6 classes and looks forward to participating in some T.I.P. (The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program) classes, which are exclusively for Thoroughbred horses. “There’s a lot more to the story, but [I] enjoy sharing whenever possible as a platform to support Thoroughbred Aftercare,” Anna wrote. “I used to work in horse racing in Lexington on the commercial breeding side of the business so it’s a cause very near and dear to my heart”. Thoroughbred racehorses, after their track days, deserve a fulfilling second chapter. Accredited organizations who belong to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance offer care and opportunities for these horses, unlocking their potential beyond racing. Examples like Pioneerofan Empire demonstrate how these horses can thrive in new roles such as riding or therapy, each fulfilling a unique purpose in their post-racing 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 Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Badge of Trust Badge of Trust By: Alexis Arbaugh March 12, 2024 Success Stories Tags:ACTT Naturally, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Riding Susan Samascott found African Badge through a friend who originally considered him as a potential candidate for a student within her training program. Unfortunately, the friend’s student was intimidated by African Badge’s substantial size and chose not to proceed with the adoption. Still impressed with the unraced handsome bay Thoroughbred as a riding prospect, the friend contact Susan hoping that African Badge might be a good match for her instead. Susan scheduled an appointment with ACTT Naturally, hopped into her car, and journeyed to Greenwich, New York. In no time, she found herself completely smitten with African Badge, now known as Cairo. Cairo had experienced two previous adoptions before Susan, both resulting in his return to the adoption center. This was not the fault of the horse; the most recent return was due to the unfortunate unexpected passing of the previous owner. After hearing his story and spending some quality time with him, Susan was certain that Cairo belonged with her. At the time, Susan had found herself in a challenging spot with riding due to some accidents involving her previous horse. “He needed a forever home, and I needed a horse to help me get over a fear of riding,” Susan explained. “It just felt right.” The connection between them felt undeniable—it was as if they were meant to find each other. Susan has enjoyed owning Cairo for about a year now and cherishes their partnership. He has played a significant role in helping her overcome her fear of riding, while she, in turn, has assisted him in refining his retraining after coming off the track. Together, they’ve formed a strong bond and have made remarkable progress. Their journey has been further enriched with the guidance of a dedicated trainer who has been pivotal in their growth and fostering trust between the pair. Cairo has proven to be the trail horse Susan had always envisioned. His steadfastness and reliability make him the perfect companion for their trail adventures. Every day, Susan is filled with gratitude for Cairo’s timely entrance into her life. Before meeting Cairo, Susan had endured a series of unfortunate experiences with horses and was on the brink of giving up riding altogether. Sometimes, a single extraordinary horse has the power to completely transform one’s perspective on riding. As Susan pondered her riding future, Cairo emerged as the solution. Despite carrying their respective traumas, they found solace and healing together, their journey becoming a source of peace as they worked in harmony. 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 Post Stone Surprise Stone Surprise By: Alexis Arbaugh March 6, 2024 Success Stories Tags:hunter jumper, New Vocations, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Anna Stone wasn’t actively looking for a new horse, but upon seeing images of Stone Surprise on New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program’s social media, she found herself unable to resist. The presence of “Stone” in his name and the coincidence of Anna sharing the same last name piqued her curiosity. Anna had previously adopted other horses from New Vocations, making her an approved adopter, which made the process of acquiring a horse easy and straightforward. Every bit of information Anna gathered about Stone Surprise drew her closer to the decision to bring him home. His pictures were flawless, and she loved his look. He was big and bay, without any white on his legs, and a perfect diamond-shaped star on his forehead. His build and beauty reminded her of Thoroughbred Hunters from the 1970s (Anna’s favorite type of horse). Stone Surprise was stabled at New Vocations’ location in Gansevoort, New York. Anna got ahold of Amanda Vance, the Facility Manager and Thoroughbred Trainer at that farm location. Within an hour of talking with Amanda, Anna had ordered a pre-purchase examination for Stone. Soon after the exam, Stone was put on a trailer to Chicago. Since Anna adopted Stone Surprise in March of 2022, he has been in full training. He spent that winter in Ocala, Florida, where he learned the ins and outs of horse show life. He was ready to make his horse show debut in March of 2023, competing in the USHJA 2’ Hunter division, where he won four of his classes and ended as Reserve Champion. The following week, he was Champion of that same division. Upon returning home to Chicago after a long winter in Florida, Stone Surprise went on to compete in the A and B circuit shows in the Chicago area, winning either Reserve Champion or Champion of his 2’ division. As Anna and Stone continue their competitive journey together, they plan to focus on numerous gymnastic exercises and similar grid work to strengthen his muscles further while continuing his training regimen. Their goal is to progressively prepare him to compete confidently at the 2’6 or 2’9 level, aiming to return to Hunter competitions in April 2024. In the short time that Anna has owned Stone Surprise, they have traveled, shown, and he has demonstrated great potential throughout it all. She is very grateful to have such a lovely horse that wants to please and is so willing to learn new thing. “I’d like to give a huge shoutout to New Vocations for their dedication and training of both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, and making sure these beautiful creatures are put into the proper environment after the track,” wrote Anna. 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 The Perfect Wedding Gift The Perfect Wedding Gift By: Alexis Arbaugh February 27, 2024 Success Stories Tags:New Beginnings Thoroughbred Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Sam Taylor was searching for an ideal hunter-style horse for a client of hers when she discovered Perfect Harmony at New Beginnings Thoroughbred Rescue. Sam, aware that Nikki McKinley, Co-Director of New Beginnings Thoroughbred Rescue, had a reputation for receiving many well-minded off-the-track Thoroughbreds, decided to contact her. She inquired about any calm hunter-type horses available in Nikki’s barn as a potential match for her client. Nikki knew right away which horse to set her up with. They arranged for Sam to visit for a trial ride Perfect Harmony. Instantly drawn in by the large grey Thoroughbred, she fell in love. Although she was looking for a horse for her client, she knew she had to have this horse for herself. After a delightful ride and looking into his gentle eyes, she managed to persuade her husband to adopt Perfect Harmony as a heartfelt wedding present for her. Not to worry, Sam still made time to find her client another perfect horse. After matching her client with her perfect horse, they are very happy with their choice. Perfect Harmony was taken home as soon as possible and became Sam’s number one guy. She gave him the barn name Flynn. He arrived at the barn with an eagerness to please Sam and participate in whatever Sam had planned for them. “He really stepped up to the plate,” wrote Sam. Soon after his arrival Sam had to retire her 1-meter jumper because of a bone chip in his stifle, Sam was extremely heartbroken. However, Flynn’s wonderful attitude and perfect ride made her feel like she had found another heart horse. Fortunately for the pair, they share the same love for horse showing. They are currently competing in 2’9- 3’ Hunter divisions at rated shows, consistently placing against Warmbloods. Their goal within the next year is to qualify for and participate in the Working Hunter Finals hosted at the Prince George Equestrian Center in Maryland in 2024. 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 Post Long Lost Partners: First Edition and Shannon Long Lost Partners: First Edition and Shannon By: Alexis Arbaugh February 20, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Shannon Howerton had been out of the sporthorse competition world for a while and was looking to get back into it. When she decided to get back into the show ring, she did not have a horse and was unsure where to start her search for one. Shannon began talking to the trainers in her area. With no luck of finding any horses to try from her area, it was suggested that she consider adoption instead of purchasing a new horse. One of the trainers was familiar with Thoroughbred Athletes and decided to research some of the horses they had available. After finding a horse that she thought would work well with Shannon, she shared the videos and pictures of First Edition with Shannon. The first thing that Shannon noticed about his video was that he was small, at 15.2 hands, and a beautiful bay color. I wish more people would realize adopting isn’t settling for less –because you are getting so much more!” Shannon Howerton Recognizing that First Edition could be the horse she needed, she traveled to Thoroughbred Athletes in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Upon arrival, Shannon observed one of the organization’s riders take First Edition for a ride, allowing her to gauge the horse’s performance firsthand. His proactive and purposeful demeanor was evident in everything he did, and Shannon noticed this right away. Her ride on First Edition was brief, yet it was enough for her to sense his drive. The trial rider told Shannon a little bit about First Edition and how she thought that he would do anything she asked him to. First Edition had a loyal and kind personality that made you want to stick with him. After some thinking and still a bit tentative to make such a big decision, Shannon decided to give it a try and adopt him. “Thoroughbred Athletes was so easy and helpful. I would recommend them to anyone wanting to adopt,” Shannon stated about her time with Thoroughbred Athletes. Even after getting First Edition home, Shannon still was a bit hesitant that they were the right match. She had heard time and time again from friends about “love at first sight” and “you’ll just know” when it comes to your dream horse. Over the last four years, Shannon and First Edition’s connection grew and their bond just continues to grow and get stronger. Because it wasn’t love at first sight, it took a lot of trust and hard work on both sides for their relationship to get to where it is today. After all the work they have done together, she firmly believes that their meeting was destined, recognizing that their relationship has evolved into something truly special. First Edition always seemed to have this complexity and sensitivity about him that presented a unique challenge in training and making their progression difficult. Despite occasional hurdles in their training, he is doing very well and progressing in their chosen discipline. First Edition’s athleticism and strong work ethic allows him to tackle any task that is handed to him. Shannon emphasizes that working with him has significantly enhanced her skills and confidence as a rider, attributing her growth to the experiences shared with First Edition. Currently, Shannon and First Edition are actively competing in Beginner Novice and Novice Eventing levels. With their training progressing smoothly, they are gearing up for their first recognized horse trial, aiming to participate in the event if their preparation stays on track. “I think some people think when you adopt a horse that they aren’t the good ones. So many times I think they are the best ones!!! I have a 2nd one I adopted as well who is a great horse also just haven’t had as much time working on him. I wish more people would realize adopting isn’t settling for less –because you are getting so much more!” 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 Post Jericho Call: From Racing to Lessons​ Jericho Call: From Racing to Lessons By: Alexis Arbaugh February 15, 2024 Success Stories Tags:MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance A beautiful dark bay gelding named Jericho Call was born on May 16, 2009. Over the span of three consecutive racing seasons, from 2013 to 2015, Jerico Call ran in 12 races. During this time, he secured a first-place finish once, claimed second-place once, and one third place once, accumulating a total of $18,935. After his retirement from racing at the end of 2015, Jericho Call was sent to MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, Maryland for some rest and relaxation before starting his retraining for a second career. In 2016, Christine McFadden found herself in search of a pasture companion for her aging and retired Thoroughbred gelding. During her search, she came across Beverly Strauss’ MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. As Christine and Bev discussed the specific type of horse Christine was looking for, it became clear that she needed to pay a visit to the farm to see the available horses for herself. In addition to seeking a pasture companion for her retired gelding, Christine wanted to find a horse she could continue to do some light riding with. On a chilly and windy day in November, Christine, accompanied by her daughters and a friend, made the journey to MidAtlantic to look at and try some of their horses. The first horse that Christine and her friend decided to try was a young gelding named Mountain Hero. Although he was a good horse, Christine recognized that Mountain Hero was too large for her. However, her friend fell in love with him and ultimately chose to adopt and take him home. The next couple of horses that Christine rode during that visit were quite skittish and anxious, likely due to the cold wind. Next in the ring was a cute dark bay gelding with a star right in the middle of his forehead, Jericho Call. He walked right up to Christine and sniffed her hand curiously. Although he did seem a little anxious about the wind, Jericho did not let it show or change his behavior for Christine’s trial ride. Bev shared with Christine that she had rescued “Jerry” from an awful situation – he was found in a kill pen being attacked by another horse. Christine vaguely remembered coming across his story and seeing his pictures on social media. In that moment, she knew without a doubt that Jerry belonged with her one her farm. Jerry quickly became a beloved member of Christine’s barn after arriving home. She often praised him, calling him “amazing” because of his calm attitude towards anything and everything. After a lot of hard work and hours of training, Christine entered Jerry in the 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover in the Competitive Trail category. The pair was so good that they even led some of their uneasy group members through the obstacles! As of 2018, Jerry became pasture mates with one of Christine’s daughter’s off-the-track Thoroughbred, Chipped Tooth.    Due to Jerry’s exceptional manners and positive attitude, he became the perfect lesson horse for the farm’s trainer to use in her lesson program. He loved the opportunity to teach young children how to ride, even taking some of them to their first horse shows. Jerry became the ideal draw for the local Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team, thriving on the attention he received from being ridden by so many riders. He also played a role in the local 4-H club, filling in for kids who didn’t have their own horses. Jerry took these roles very seriously, almost as if he knew his job was to make sure the kids were happy and safe. He became a true all-around equine star in his community. These days, Jerry enjoys a wide range of activities with Christine, including trail rides, fox hunts, and cross-country runs, among many other adventures. Christine couldn’t be happier with how far Jerry has come, considering that he was once a horse nobody wanted. She expressed her love for him by saying, “I am filled with pride that the horse that no one wanted is the horse that everyone needs.” Christine recognizes Jerry as one of the most versatile and easygoing horses she has ever worked with, and she values his remarkable ability to adapt to any rider, which she considers his greatest asset. 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 Post Remembering Viva Pentelicus This article was originally featured in the February 2024 Issue of BloodHorse Magazine in the Second Acts series. This article is the original format and text. To read the BloodHorse article or to subscribe click HERE. Remembering Viva Pentelicus: From Racetrack to Compassion and Connection – A Tale of Resilience By: Alexis Arbaugh February 13, 2024 Aftercare Editorials, Success Stories Tags:Healing Arenas, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Thoroughbred racehorses, beyond the racetrack, have the opportunity to start the second chapter of their life. Thoroughbreds who are bred for speed and purpose deserve fulfilling post-racing careers that honor their lineage and natural drive, guiding them toward a new future while respecting their racing legacy. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations provide care and opportunities to our Thoroughbreds, unlocking their potential and showcasing their versatility beyond the track and ensuring a fulfilling, meaningful life beyond their racing days. Numerous off-the-track Thoroughbreds are allowed the remarkable opportunity to evolve beyond their racing origins, finding new roles as riding horses, therapy horses, etc. each one fulfilling a unique purpose in their new life. Viva Pentelicus, a 1996 gelding by Pentelicus out of Vivacious Sheila, arrived at Healing Arenas in late 2012 from Flying Y, a Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) farm in Oklahoma. Healing Arenas had partnered with TRF to launch a Second Chances program for California – a program that eventually became Healing Arenas’ own equine-assisted therapy program. After selecting Viva and a few others, Healing Arenas loaded up their trailer and headed home to their farm in California. Viva had retired to Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in 2005 after starting in 96 races at more than 20 tracks across the country over the course of 8 years, earning $347,494 from a record of 22 wins, 9 seconds, and 14 thirds. At just 15.1 hands, he was nicknamed “the little horse that could” for his immense heart and try. Steve Trizis, a partial owner of Viva during his racing career, recalls a time when they sent him to a farm for a break and relaxation between races for a few months. The farm manager called Steve back a month into Viva’s stay, pleading them to take him back to the track. Viva was restless with a strong desire to run, and the supposedly relaxing vacation turned out to be anything but. Steve and his crew picked Viva up and brought him home to the track, where Viva appeared more relaxed doing his job on the track than anywhere else. Viva’s heart carried him through his entire racing career, and he finished first, second, and second in his final three starts in the fall of 2005. He then did get a well-deserved retirement vacation at TRF’s Flying Y until he was picked out by Julie Baker of Healing Arenas. While all the horses brought home for the burgeoning Healing Arenas’ equine-assisted therapy program were special, 16-year-old Viva had a personality nobody could ignore. He was ready for a new job, and it was as if he knew when he stepped off the trailer, his purpose was connecting with people and helping them heal. “When I first saw him,” Julie remembers, “it took about 15 seconds for me to realize how much class he has and how much I wanted him. He was a classy, old-school horse. He’s a warhorse, and right after I met him, I made up my mind that he would never leave me.” In his 11 years at Healing Arenas and through a move with the program from California to Nevada, Viva assisted numerous groups through therapy: veterans, PTSD victims, first responders, foster youth, trafficking victims, and individuals and couples in counseling. Throughout these sessions, participants didn’t just receive therapy; they also acquired crucial horsemanship skills. Viva seemed to recognize when he was being called, as the distinctive call involved singing “Viva Las Vegas,” and it was as if he understood that they were singing to him. Among the many individuals impacted by Viva, one special story stands out above the rest. Viva played a significant role in helping a 17-year-old in foster care who was on the verge of aging out of the system. The teen, initially introverted and struggling to connect with people, found solace and guidance with Viva. Through their interactions, Viva helped him realize that it’s okay to reach out and connect with others. By the end of his time in the foster care system, the young individual had gained the confidence to lead his group, delegate responsibilities, and take control of his life. Viva also played a role in teaching veterinary technician students as he participated in their “live labs.” He thoroughly enjoyed the attention he received from both vet tech and therapy students, just as much as these students cherished being around him. Viva served as the poster child for Healing Arenas, and on National Agriculture Day in 2016, the then 20-year-old represented his breed at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, interacting with elected officials, staff, and the public. He served as a great example of the versatility of Thoroughbreds, proving wrong many of the misconceptions about racehorses and their ability to succeed in second careers after racing. Viva offered care and support consistently until he passed away at the age of 27 in August of 2023. A painted portrait of Viva now hangs at Healing Arenas, a gift from one of their volunteers and Viva’s biggest fan. It serves as a reminder of his enduring spirit—a symbol of hope and kindness that continues to inspire and guide those on the path to healing. Viva, the spirited Thoroughbred, went from a winner on the racetrack to the heart of equine-assisted therapy. His journey tells a story of resilience and the power of connection. Through therapy sessions and teaching moments, Viva not only offered comfort but also shared important life lessons. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded accreditation to both Thoroughbred

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post Ruth’s Ride with Cyclo Ruth’s Ride with Cyclo By: Alexis Arbaugh February 7, 2024 Other, Success Stories Tags:Circle A Home For Horses, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Ruth couldn’t have been in a better position when looking for her first off-the-track Thoroughbred. Her experience as a volunteer at Circle A Home For Horses helped her immensely. She had adopted a few horses from the rescue in the past, providing them with loving homes and a chance for a better life. However, this time, Ruth had a specific goal in mind – she wanted to find her first off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB). In the fall of 2022, a new arrival named Cyclo made his way to Circle A Home For Horses. After a lengthy trailer ride, he was brought to a round pen where he could finally stretch his legs and take a break from the confines of the journey. As soon as he was released into the pen Cyclo burst into action. He went wild, leaping, and bucking Lipizzaner style into the air, his movements were wild and spirited. Ruth had seen many horses with diverse personalities and behaviors, but Cyclo’s display of athleticism and freedom in that round pen was something truly special. Ruth couldn’t help but be moved by Cyclo’s display because she had never seen anything so graceful and spirited. Ruth’s love for Cyclo was instantaneous, it was clear that there was a unique connection between them, and she felt a deep bond with this remarkable horse. Her affection for Cyclo only grew stronger with each passing day. After finishing her shifts at Circle A Home For Horses, Ruth would make sure to spend quality time with him in the pasture, dedicating 45 minutes to an hour of her time to be with him in his pasture. Before long, Ruth made the decision to adopt Cyclo. She knew in her heart that he was the horse she had been searching for, and she wanted to provide him with a forever home. Now on Ruth’s farm, Cyclo is the boss at home and oversees his 4 pasture mates. Taking his job very seriously, he keeps everyone in line and out of trouble. Unfortunately, Cyclo has been diagnosed with Equine Wobblers and sticky stifles and should not be in training. Wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical vertebral malformation (CVM), is a serious and often devastating disease that can impact a horse’s neurological and musculoskeletal systems. This condition arises due to structural abnormalities in the horse’s cervical vertebrae, leading to the narrowing of the spinal canal. The compression of the spinal cord interferes with the normal functioning of the nervous system and can lead to varying degrees of impairment, making it a challenging condition to manage. The stifles of horses have a neat ability to “lock” in place to allow for the horse to sleep while standing up without expending too much energy to keep their legs in a stable position.  When this happens, the horse may have difficulty moving forward, and it can lead to a condition known as “sticky stifles.” Sticky stifles can occur for various reasons, such as muscle imbalances or weakness, conformational issues, or other underlying factors. Ruth still will ride Cyclo bareback on the trails or in their neighborhood to help with his movement and not allowing his muscles and joints to get too stiff. Her future goals with Cyclo are to walk everywhere they can. He loves going to new places, seeing new things, and getting attention from everyone they see along the way. Ruth would love to take him to the beach one day, she knows that Cyclo would absolutely love it! — Check out Ruth’s other horse from Circle A Home For Horses, Don Ramon here: https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/don-ramon/ 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