Beyond the Finish Line: The Importance of Thoroughbred Aftercare
- Autumn Fiordland
- May 15
- 4 min read
Every year, thousands of Thoroughbreds cross their final finish line—not as winners or losers, but as horses ready for a new life. Their racing days may be over, but their potential is far from spent.
At FETRP, we believe that what happens after the track is just as important as what happens on it. Thoroughbred aftercare isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a responsibility. These incredible athletes have given their all to a demanding sport. They deserve thoughtful, professional, and compassionate transitions into second careers or retirement.
What Is Aftercare, and Why Does It Matter?
Aftercare refers to the process of transitioning Thoroughbred racehorses from racing careers into new roles—whether it be as riding horses, therapy partners, pasture pets, or companions. This includes everything from physical rehabilitation and retraining to emotional adjustment, proper nutrition, and safe rehoming.
Unfortunately, many OTTBs (Off-Track Thoroughbreds) don’t have a clear path once they leave racing. Without structured aftercare programs, these horses can face uncertain—and sometimes tragic—futures.
That’s where organizations like FETRP step in.
The FETRP Approach to Aftercare
At FETRP, our mission is to provide a safe landing and a solid start for Thoroughbreds transitioning from the track. Our aftercare model is built on four pillars:
Rehabilitation
Restoration
Retraining
Rehoming
Each Thoroughbred in our care receives an individualized plan based on their physical condition, emotional needs, and long-term potential. We work closely with veterinarians, farriers, nutritionists, and trainers to ensure every horse gets the attention they need—not just to recover, but to thrive.
1.
Rehabilitation: Healing the Athlete
Retiring racehorses often arrive with wear and tear from the track. Some need time off for tendon injuries, joint issues, ulcers, or overall body soreness. Others simply need time to decompress after years of intense training, travel, and competition.
We provide:
Lay-up time in quiet environments
Careful turnout routines to rebuild soft tissue and mental balance
Supportive nutrition and supplements
Vet-directed rehab plans including joint support, wound care, and hoof therapy
Rehabilitation is the first—and most important—step in aftercare. A horse that’s comfortable and pain-free has a much better shot at a successful future.
2.
Restoration: Building Health from the Inside Out
Many OTTBs arrive underweight, stressed, or with nutritional deficiencies. Years of high-energy racing diets don’t always translate well into a slower-paced life.
At FETRP, we use premium feeds from Masterfeeds to restore overall health. We support our horses with targeted supplements including:
Red Cell Iron Pellets for blood support
MSM for joint and soft tissue health
Formula 707 Calming Supplement for horses adjusting to turnout and downtime
With the right nutrition, horses start to bloom—inside and out.
3.
Retraining: Rewriting the Story
Racehorses are incredibly smart, athletic, and eager to please. But stepping off the track into a riding arena is a huge shift. Retraining an OTTB is about reprogramming, not “breaking.”
Our trainers approach each horse with patience and clarity, teaching:
Basic ground manners and body awareness
Relaxed movement without speed
Accepting leg pressure, contact, and new cues
Confidence in new environments
Some OTTBs go on to compete in dressage, eventing, or hunters. Others find joy in trail riding or light work. And for a few, a quiet retirement is the best fit. Our goal isn’t to force a career—it’s to unlock each horse’s potential.
4.
Rehoming: Finding the Right Fit
Once a horse is physically sound, emotionally ready, and mentally trained, we begin the process of adoption or long-term placement. Our application process is thorough, with home checks, references, and ongoing support.
We don’t believe in “first come, first served”—we believe in right horse, right home.
Because aftercare isn’t just about getting a horse off the track. It’s about making sure they never need to be rescued again.
Why Thoroughbred Aftercare Matters to Everyone
You don’t have to be a trainer or a horse person to understand the value of Thoroughbred aftercare. These horses represent a major part of the equine world—and their fate reflects on us all.
Proper aftercare:
Reduces the number of horses at risk of neglect or slaughter
Extends the useful lives of capable, athletic animals
Creates amazing opportunities for riders looking for talented, affordable horses
Shows respect for the careers and effort of racehorses
Improves the reputation of racing as a whole
Aftercare is not a burden—it’s an opportunity to do right by the horses who have done so much for us.
How You Can Help
FETRP relies on the support of donors, sponsors, and volunteers to provide world-class aftercare. Whether you’re a lifelong horseperson or new to the world of OTTBs, there’s a way you can make a difference:
Sponsor a horse in rehab or retraining
Donate toward veterinary or farrier care
Volunteer your time, skills, or services
Share our mission with your network
Adopt or foster an OTTB
Send a gift from our Amazon Wishlist
Every dollar, every hour, every share helps a Thoroughbred start fresh beyond the finish line.
At FETRP, we believe in second chances, soft landings, and strong futures.
Because after the race ends, the real journey begins.
Comments