OUR MISSION
The Secretariat Center's mission is to prepare off-track Thoroughbreds for happy, healthy, and successful post-track careers by rehabilitating and giving them a broad-based foundation of skills to ensure a harmonious match with their adopters. We advocate for the athleticism and versatility of the Thoroughbred and provide educational opportunities through horsemanship.
Our Vision
The Secretariat Center's vision ensures a second career for Thoroughbreds by combining a passion for horses, meaningful partnerships, and the belief that all equines deserve care, kindness and a purpose beyond the racetrack.
A THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE ACCREDITED ORGANIZATION
Working off the principle that It is the responsibility of the Thoroughbred industry to ensure the safety and welfare of registered thoroughbreds after their days at the track are done, the Secretariat Center proudly maintains our accreditation with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. By partnering in this industry-united initiative, the Secretariat Center and other accredited organizations are held to the highest standards of conduct in their care, retraining, and rehoming efforts.
Adoption Process
Your journey to adopting a horse from the Secretariat Center begins with completing an adoption application. The Center requires three (3) reference forms and facility photos as addendums to your adoption application. Applications are forwarded to a Review Committee and evaluated based on the suitability of the applicant as a home for an off-track Thoroughbred from the Secretariat Center. Once approved, adopters are encouraged to travel to the Secretariat Center's campus in Lexington, KY to ride the horses prior to adopting. The Center places a high priority on the match between adopter and horse. If travel prohibits an in-person visit, we offer video calls for adopters and their team to see the horses go and ask any questions to aid in a smooth transition of your OTTB into a new home. Horses are adopted out first come first serve to the approved adopter who proves to be a good fit. All available horses have conformation shots, pedigrees, videos, and short summary available on their perspective pages.
Reschooling
Reschooling
Training Rides
22 acres facility
Horses’ athletic ability is evaluated during the initial stages of training. After working on the ground with these horses, our handlers develop an individual training program for each horse focusing on learning leads, understanding riding aids, steering and more. As horses advance, training expands to include poles, grids, and some may even start over small jumps and courses.
Ground work
Hitchcock and Round Pen
Our training starts on the ground where horses learn the basics of communication, respect, and trust between horse and handler. Personalities are evaluated during this process using natural horsemanship techniques. Horses are also evaluated for their aptness towards a future career over fences as they progress to the arena for additional training.
eXPERIENCES
Obstacle Course
Horses are exposed to various scenarios and environments during their time at the Secretariat Center. In addition to their ground training, horses are introduced to obstacles, mounting blocks, cross-ties, and trailering. Our facility features a small cross-country course and path for trail rides. Some even participate in small shows and clinics of property.