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.…

Kind of a Big Dill is happily recovered and training again, per our last update. His workouts are continuously improving and he is galloping into his first barrel series that starts in April. We are incredibly excited that KOABD, formerly Vineyard Harbour of WV Stables, has made such a wonderful recovery and is now ready to compete again. His trainer Samyi has been working hard to get him back into tip-top shape for his first competition. With only about two and a half months to go before the barrel races, he still has some work to do but is getting…

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…

We are incredibly excited to announce that Kind of a Big Dill (formerly known as Vineyard Harbour) is back in action! After a long recovery period, he is finally training again and very excited to be. His trainer Samyi is super excited to be riding him again and cannot wait to tackle the next season.

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…