By DEBORAH BEHRENDS Indiana Correspondent CRESTWOOD, Ky. — Justify made history this year as the newest Triple Crown winner in dominating fashion. No one can deny he is a special horse. But what happens to all the Thoroughbreds that race a few times, but don’t make the big show? Second Stride, a nonprofit organization in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country, provides some of these beautiful, intelligent creatures with a second chance. Susan Brown said the organization provides “a place to transition and an opportunity to rehome the horses.” Second Stride, Inc. is comprised of volunteers active in other areas of the racing industry working to improve the industry from within. They work with the racing industry, which is so important to Kentucky, not against it. According to the organization’s brochure, “We offer a place for owners to send thoroughbred horses to retire from racing with dignity. Our farm has retraining facilities and service to give race horse a new career in dressage, jumping or just trail and companion use.” Brown said retraining means getting them accustomed to a different style of saddle and a heavier rider, among other things. “They have so much life left, and they are eager to learn,” Brown said. Since its inception in 2005, Second Stride has placed more than 600 horses in new homes – 124 in 2017 alone. More than 50 horses have been adopted already in 2018, according to the organization’s website. Since 2013, the organization has been accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. TAA, also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accredits and funds organizations that provide aftercare for thoroughbreds. It is the responsibility of many entities, including The Jockey Club, Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland, sales companies, horsemen groups, stallion farms, trainers and others. Since 2012, TAA has accredited 42 organizations and provided $3.4 million in funding. Brown said potential adopters are screened carefully by the organization. Previous or current horse owners are preferred, but first-time owners are accepted. Fees vary, depending in part on the horse’s lineage. “We take a look at whether a potential new owner is set up for horses with proper fencing and that type of thing,” Brown said. “Even the kindest ex-racer can be young and impressionable, so how they are treated and trained over their first year away from the track influences the usability they will have for the rest of their lives,” the brochure states. “We abide by the Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities as set forth by the American Association for Equine Practitioners.” For more information about Second Stride Inc., including the adoption procedure and application, visit www.secondstride.org. For more on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit www.thoroughbredaftercare.org |
