About Us

Second Stride is comprised of horsemen and business professionals who are active in other areas of the racing industry: owners, partnership managers, handicappers, trainers, veterinarians, racetrack executives and not for profit specialists. We are working to improve racing from within, and know from first hand experience how many people may have the desire to retire a horse safely, but at times find that difficult to do. We understand. We have been there, and now are doing what we can, and looking for others who can help by doing what they can.

Our come back rate is extremely low, and of those adopted horses that are returned, some are well trained show horses, donated back for us to raise funds. We have castrated and socialized many colts, and taken in many horses that had been injured and were mending. We have broken many horses to ride, and restarted many retired broodmares under saddle in preparation for a third career. We are there to help in emergency situations that require an immediate response to take care of horses in need, thanks to the generosity of organizations like TAA and TCA who help fund our mission.

We would like to extend our utmost appreciation to our donors, board members, dedicated volunteers, staff and grantors.

OUR TEAM

The average number of thoroughbred horses adopted through Second Stride since 2012 is over 100 per year!

2020 was a banner year with 125 horses placed in loving adoptive homes! Since 2005, well over 1000 retired thoroughbred racehorses have been adopted through our program!

For 2021, through March, Second Stride has found new loving homes for 39 retired thoroughbred racehorses.

Second Stride Feature

Program Goals

A goal of our program is to fill cracks that may exist in other equine rescue and rehoming programs. While all programs serve a great purpose, our program was designed to champion the Thoroughbred horses bred, raised and raced in our wonderful Bluegrass state of Kentucky. Our program provides several things that some other programs do not:

  • Although many of our available horse are ready for a family or to train for another sport, we take in uncastrated colts, facilitate the castrations and acclimate the horses to general herd life afterwards.
  • We can break horses that have not been handled much, or yearlings and retired broodmares that were never broke to ride.
  • We can start retraining retired racehorses and find the niche they could serve for the general riding public.

We strive to educate the riding community about the Thoroughbred racehorse and the racing industry. Second Stride also strives to educate the racing community about the needs of a general riding horse owner and the transitional needs of a horse right off the track. We found that proper handling for the first 3-6 months of these horses increased the success rate of a permanent match into a new job, and dramatically stopped the rotating of horses back and forth into the programs from failed matches. We found adopters and racehorse owners very willing to do the right thing, with patience, and financial support of the cause if they have the means.

We’ve developed a training program that dramatically decreases the transitional time of racehorses to a new career. We are proud of our horses, our adopters and our donating owners. We would like to thank each and every one of you and appreciate your continued support. Without you and our volunteers we could not function! Together we are making a difference in the lives of so many horses.

We always welcome VOLUNTEERS with experience in fundraising and a passion for helping retired thoroughbred racehorses, as we work toward our goal to develop a financial base of support to care for more horses. Please email us at info@secondstride.org if you’d like to help.

Second Stride is accredited by the THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE.
Second Stride is a member of the KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL.
Second Stride Inc. is certified by The Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Council as an equine rescue facility for the State of Kentucky. Second Stride abides by the Guidelines for Transitioning the Retired Racehorse, and the Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue And Retirement Facilities, as set forth by the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Second Stride has a PLATINUM SEAL FROM GUIDESTAR, see our profile at https://www.guidestar.org/profile/7012191.
Second Stride supports the United Horse Coalition, "Educate, Advocate, Collaborate".
Second Stride is a proud member of the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce.

Second Stride, Inc. does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to: hiring and firing staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.