addiction

Before Josh Peters entered the Stable Recovery program, nothing was going right with a life that had been overtaken by addiction. "Before I came to Stable Recovery, my wife, my family, and my two kids, they didn't want to have anything to do with me at all," Peters said. "With the program, that's all changed. It's just a blessing, it really is." Founded by Christian Countzler and Frank Taylor, Stable Recovery is a recovery program meant to help individuals overcome addiction, stay sober, and rebuild their lives and purpose. Those...

The 2025 Spring Meet Gala, presented by Payson Stud, Inc. benefitting Stable Recovery will be held Saturday, April 19 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, KY, the organization announced Tuesday. The evening will celebrate the power of philanthropy, recovery and the transformative work Stable Recovery does in helping individuals rebuild their lives. "We're honored to sponsor the Stable Recovery Gala this year," said Payson Stud's Christian Erickson. "Their approach to recovery, especially their work with horses and the Thoroughbred industry, gives individuals a sense of purpose and helps them find lasting employment....

Throughout the course of Scott Shepherd's life, his mind had always been plagued by chronic, inescapable fear and doubt. His negative thoughts became a constant cycle of "what ifs," fear of failure and concern over letting those in his life down. That all changed during his first morning meditation session as part of the Stable Recovery program, when he stroked the nose of a mare on layup named Princess Warrior (Midshipman). After this encounter, his mind became peacefully quiet. "I'll never forget when I saw her. It was like all...

In an industry where the hours and expectations fall far outside of the typical 40-hour work week, peers are also your biggest competitors, and the fine line of balance between work and life can be nonexistent, the struggle with mental health is prevalent among the Thoroughbred industry's participants. However, growth of understanding through research, increased discussion and an expanded network of resources is hoping to change all of that, as shared in the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA)'s Mental Fitness and Resilience in the Thoroughbred Industry online seminar, held Wednesday...

Back in 2005, when he won the GI Preakness S. and the GI Belmont S. with Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet), Jeremy Rose was convinced that the run he was on would never end. He was just 26, had already won more than 950 races and had won an Eclipse Award in 2001 as the nation's top apprentice. Rose was well established as one of the top riders in the Mid-Atlantic region, was earning in the mid-six figures every year and his best years seemed yet to come. "It may sound...

At the December Arizona Racing Commission meeting, Arizona Department of Racing steward Magdaleno Perez announced the launch of the Healthy Humans, Healthy Horses track wellness program, created to address the growing substance abuse problem at the state's racetracks by supporting racing participants who may be suffering from addiction. "I commend Magdaleno and the entire racing team in their diligent efforts to move this project forward," said ADGaming Director, Ted Vogt. "The Healthy Humans, Healthy Horses program will directly support Arizona horsemen and create a safer and healthier backside, driving us...

On Track, Off Course, a new weekly podcast series from Racing Welfare, features many big names from the racing industry, including Racing Broadcaster of the Year Lydia Hislop. Hislop speaks about the impact the recent death of her mother, Margaret, has had on her personal and professional life. Other speakers include George Baker, Francesca Cumani, and Ralph Beckett. The podcast will cover everything from grief and loneliness to addiction and social media. The first episode is available at www.soundcloud.com/ontrackoffcourse. The podcast can also be accessed on Spotify, Acast or on...