When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Outside of Modesto, CA, Julie Baker, founder of Healing Arenas, is launching a new project for first responders through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association). The new program is part of an already ambitious roster of EAGALA programs that Healing Arenas offers veterans, families of [...]

The first thing that you notice about Worldly Slew, now known as Sonny, is how his ears are always forward. He stands placidly as the therapeutic riding instructor, Cathy Lamando, the student, 6-year-old Nero, and a volunteer prepare for the riding lesson. As part of his session at Nipper Knolls Equine Center, Nero is helping [...]

Who is Donner, also known as 'the deer'? He ran as Smart Gorky, a 2003 NY-bred by Gorky Park out of Smart Jane (Smarten). He raced six times, never hit the board and earned only $2,870. He retired at age three and by his fifth birthday, he was in the capable hands of event rider [...]

Sponsored by Runhappy When in doubt, do the right thing. For his entire life, it seems that Fuhrious Warrior (Langfuhr) was destined to bring people together. As a racehorse, he attracted a following across the U.S. inspired by his name, its meaning, and how he embodied that name in his racing style. Now, in ACTT [...]

“My experience especially in New York is that horsemen care and they have, in most cases, been fully prepared to help cover the costs of rehab. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, but we are heading in the right direction. New York racing has a lot to be proud of.” We caught up with [...]

Reclaiming lives and starring in the movies are all part of a program for off-track Thoroughbreds in Italy. At Ippodromo Roma Capannelle in Rome, Italy, Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds pass each other on the many horse paths that cross the sprawling 345-acre facility. In between the training tracks, on large grassy areas, you will see Thoroughbreds [...]

So, it's time to retire your racehorse… What comes next? You are likely aware of a variety of options and services available to you as a horse owner, but which path ensures that your horse will be equipped with the proper safeguards to ensure he ends up with the best chance at a happy life [...]

In 2008, the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) which was founded in 2004 opened the doors of its Purple Haze Center at the Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington, NY. The Purple Haze Center is a 10,000 square foot structure designed with 16 stalls as well as an indoor exercise area. It also [...]

On May 21, the first veterans will arrive at the Baltimore County Therapeutic Equine Arena and Learning Center for their inaugural session with Saratoga War Horse, a program where interaction with horses helps veterans suffering from PTS. The horses at the Baltimore County program are all Thoroughbreds, primarily off-track. The goal of the center is [...]

When you visit Florida TRAC (Florida's Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care) in Indiantown, Florida, you feel the energy and hum of a very busy place where many horses are being ridden and trained in an efficient manner. But what stands out most is the relaxed and friendly attitude of the Thoroughbreds and the people who [...]

On May 7, The Chronicle of the Horse, launched its first “Thoroughbred Issue.” The Chronicle, established in 1937, is a weekly magazine read by virtually everyone in the horse show and eventing world. It is the 'bible' of American equine lifestyle. For those of us who always rode off-track Thoroughbreds in every discipline, we are [...]

For more than 30 years, the Thoroughbred racing industry has had various starts and stops in addressing the racehorse aftercare issue on a comprehensive basis. Charitable organizations were hard at work and raised awareness but it wasn't until after the filly Eight Belles broke down that leaders in the racing industry started putting forth industry-wide [...]