Author: Michele Pesula Kuegler

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly Peyton Place, aka Peyton, has been enjoying the warmer spring weather by going on plenty of trail rides recently. Unfortunately, with the recent Coronavirus quarantine our show schedule has been put on hold for now. Luckily, Peyton is continuously work throughout this downtime, and we have taken advantage of the trails behind our boarding facility. We started with short fifteen-minute trail rides to get him comfortable outside of the ring with the trees blowing and animals running across the trail. Throughout this past month we have worked up to an almost 7-mile trail ride. Peyton has meet plenty of new…

At Wasabi Ventures Stables, we are dedicated to safe and secure aftercare not only for our own horses but for all horses. As such, almost every week we promote a retired racehorse who is available for adoption. We also interview aftercare groups on a regular basis to promote their programs. With the impact of COVID-19 affecting so many people and businesses, I decided that this month rather than interviewing a new group, I'd reach out to aftercare groups whom I'd previously interviewed to see what they need in these challenging times. Below I have listed suggestions that were shared with…

Submitted by Alyssa Kelly On December 15th, 2019, Peyton Place was adopted from Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue by Christine McFadden Aguilar and Alyssa Kelly. Peyton’s last race was August 29th, 2018; he earned a total of $13,775 during his racing career with Wasabi Ventures Stables, LLC. Since his last race, Peyton was given time off to rehabilitate a bowed tendon. After some much needed rest, Peyton started his second career with the aim to compete at the 2020 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover in October. The Thoroughbred Makeover is a showcase to display the trainability and talent of off-track Thoroughbreds intended to help these horses transition into their second careers. Currently, the plan is to compete Peyton in the discipline of…

Recently, I had the opportunity to learn more about another TRF Second Chances Program. This off track thoroughbred program (OTTB) is located at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, Florida. Farm Manager, John Evans, runs the program and holds the title of Vocational Teacher of Equine Care Technology for the Florida Department of Corrections. The horses are owned by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. This program is supported by Florida Department of Corrections at the Lowell Correctional Institution, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association, Florida Thoroughbred Charities, and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Currently there are 49 retired thoroughbreds housed in this…

This month’s aftercare spotlight focuses on a different type of program, the Equine Science program at the University of Minnesota at Crookston. I was able to speak with Jonathon Holland to learn more about this program and its relationship with Thoroughbred racing. MPK: Tell me a little bit about this program. JH: We offer an Equine Science major and an Equine Science Pre-vet major. In the fall of 2020 we will begin offering an Equine Business Management major. MPK: Can you tell me about the history of the Equine Science program? JH: Our program has been in existence since 1972.…

Where is Aiken Equine Rescue based? It is based in Aiken, South Carolina.  What makes your program unique? We are one of the only aftercare facilities that is also involved in racing as far as owning race horses.  The President/Executive director and his wife own race horses of their own. Because of that we are able to work from the inside out because we have developed friendships and acquaintances through the industry, whether it is through sales or direct relationships with owners, trainers, grooms, exercise riders, and jockeys.  We are pro-racing and think it is a great sport when it is done…

How did your program begin? After the Races began in the fall of 2010. It was brought to my attention that there was a growing need for capable rehabilitation facilities to help with retiring racehorses in transition. At the time I was leasing a farm and doing some boarding and training, but my heart had always been with Thoroughbreds having worked in most facets of the industry (from starting young horses for the track, to exercising and managing a stable of racehorses including their injuries). With my professional background and medical experience, it felt like a good fit for both…

Where is This Old Horse based? Our home base is in Hastings, Minnesota, located within the greater metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  We have seven other farms we manage in the area.  Our foster network expands throughout Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. How did your program begin? In 2012, This Old Horse was founded to support retired or sidelined service and performance horses that through age or infirmity were no longer at the top of their game.  Our mission was to create a community of horse lovers who were less interested in what the horse could ‘do’ and more interested in honoring the full…

Where is Foxie G based? It is based at the Summer Wind Farm in Union Bridge, Maryland. How did this rescue group begin? Foxie G Foundation began on September 14, 2012, in honor of the memory of a racehorse named Foxie G. What makes your program unique? In addition to working with off the track thoroughbreds, Foxie G also cares for feral cats in the local area. These cats are well cared for, receiving vaccines, being fed, and having their general health monitored. Additionally, all cats are neutered or spayed to keep their populations from growing. Does Foxie G do…

Jerry, formerly known as My Pal Jerry, has a new home and is working on a second career. In October 2018 our stable decided it was time for his racing career to end, and he was retired via Beyond the Wire. They placed him with Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, where he began his transition to off track life. This January, Jerry was moved to his new home, South Carolina. In the care of Heather Armstrong, he has made progress in his new career as a dressage horse. Jerry walks, trots, and canters. He also gets both leads "super easy," according to…