Life After Racing: Inside Encore
Every racehorse runs its last race someday. For some, it comes after a long career. For others, it comes early. Either way, a big question follows: what happens next?
At horseOlogy, we believe every Thoroughbred deserves a good answer to that question. That's why we started Encore, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit for retiring Thoroughbreds right here in Ocala.
What Encore Does
Encore helps racehorses move on to the next chapter of their lives. Most of the horses come straight off the track. Some are ready for a brand-new job. Others are ready to slow down.
Encore makes room for both. We call it honoring both paths.
Path One: A Second Career
Thoroughbreds are smart, athletic and brave. Those same traits that help them race also make them great at other jobs.
Retired racehorses go on to all kinds of second careers. Some become hunters or jumpers. Some play polo. Some carry riders down quiet trails. Some even work as therapy horses, helping people heal.
Before a horse goes to a new home, our team takes time to get to know it. What does it like? What is it good at? Then we work to find the right person for that horse. A good match makes a happy horse and a happy owner.
Some horses need a little time before they're ready. They may rest, let their bodies settle after racing and learn the basics of a new job. We go at the horse's pace, just like we do with our young horses.
And the story doesn't end on adoption day. Our founders stay in touch with each horse after it leaves the farm.
Path Two: A Home for Life
Not every horse is ready for a new job. Some are older. Some just need a quiet place to rest.
Those horses stay with us on the farm for the rest of their lives. We lovingly call them our "oldies." They spend their days grazing, napping in the sun and keeping the younger horses in line.
They gave their all on the track. Now they get to just be horses.
Why Encore Matters to Us
We spend a lot of time with young horses. We start them, train them and help them grow into athletes. We care about every one of them.
That care shouldn't stop when the racing does. Encore is how we make sure it doesn't. From a horse's first saddle to its retirement pasture, we want to be there for the whole story.
It's also about the bigger picture. When racehorses have good places to go after the track, the whole sport is better for it. Owners, trainers and fans all want to know these horses are cared for. Encore is our way of helping.
We also want people to see how wonderful these horses can be. A retired Thoroughbred isn't "done." Many are just getting started. Watching a horse light up in a new job is one of the best feelings there is.
How You Can Help
Encore runs on the kindness of people who love these horses. There are a few ways to be part of it:
- Adopt. If you're looking for your next riding partner or companion, see who is ready for a new home and fill out an adoption application on the Encore page.
- Donate. Every gift helps pay for feed, vet care, rehab and finding the right homes. You can give through our Encore donation form.
- Visit. Want to meet the horses in person? We'd love to show you around the farm. Call 1-855-HORSIES to set up a tour.
- Share. Tell a friend about Encore. The more people who know, the more horses find their next chapter.
Every Horse Deserves an Encore
A racing career is just one part of a Thoroughbred's life. With the right care and the right people, the next part can be just as good.
Thank you for caring about these horses as much as we do.
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