From Track to Tranquility: Why Lay-Up Time is Essential for OTTBs

At FETRP, we believe in second chances—and for Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), that second chance begins with something many racehorses rarely experience: true rest. Lay-up time is more than a break; it’s a vital part of an OTTB’s rehabilitation journey. Before retraining ever begins, these horses need time to physically and mentally decompress from life on the track.

What is Lay-Up Time?

Lay-up time refers to the period of rest and recovery that a horse receives after retiring from racing. For OTTBs, this is a crucial step before introducing them to new routines, training, or even adoption. This rest period can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the horse’s physical condition, past racing history, and emotional needs.

Some horses come off the track with minor injuries or wear-and-tear from the demands of competitive racing. Others simply need time to adjust to a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle. At FETRP, we assess each horse individually and create a custom lay-up plan tailored to their unique needs.

FETRP rehabilitation resident, Dunkin, with Co-Founder, Dr. Matthew Ellis.

Why OTTBs Need Lay-Up Time

Racehorses are elite athletes. From a young age, they are trained in high-intensity environments with strict schedules, minimal turnout, and constant stimulation. While this structure is built for performance, it doesn’t prepare them for life beyond the track. Lay-up allows OTTBs to begin the transition in a way that promotes healing and builds trust.

Here are just a few key reasons why lay-up time is essential:

1. Physical Recovery

Many OTTBs arrive at FETRP with body soreness, strained joints, or minor injuries that need time to heal. Even without visible injuries, the repetitive strain of training and racing can take a toll. Lay-up time allows their bodies to repair at a natural pace, reducing the risk of long-term soundness issues and setting a solid foundation for future work.

2. Mental Decompression

3. Emotional Reset

What Lay-Up Looks Like at FETRP

At FETRP, our lay-up process is built around patience and compassion. Each horse receives an intake evaluation from our team to identify any medical needs or areas of concern. Based on this evaluation, we decide whether the horse requires stall rest, limited turnout, or full pasture lay-up.

For most OTTBs, the ideal scenario is full pasture lay-up in a peaceful, natural environment, as long as they are injury free.

Our lay-up program includes:

• Safe, spacious paddocks for turnout

• High-quality nutrition to support recovery

• Thoughtful herd placement for socialization

• Regular farrier and vet care

• Gentle, positive human interaction

There is no set timeline—some horses are ready for the next step after 30 days, while others may take 90 days or more to fully decompress. We let the horse set the pace.

From Rest to Restart

Once an OTTB has had the appropriate time to heal, decompress, and settle in, we begin the next phase of their journey: retraining. But what we’ve learned over the years is that success in retraining starts with a proper lay-up. Horses who are rushed into new routines too quickly are more likely to develop behavioral issues, re-injury, or anxiety that could have been prevented with more time.

By investing in rest first, we give each horse the best chance to thrive in their new life—whether as a riding partner, therapy horse, companion, or competitor.

You Can Help Us Make It Possible

At FETRP, we’re proud to provide a place where these incredible athletes can rest, heal, and begin again. But the cost of care—feed, vet visits, farrier work, and facility maintenance—adds up quickly. That’s where you come in.

Here’s how you can support our mission:

• Donate to help fund care for OTTBs during their lay-up period

• Sponsor a horse and follow their recovery journey

• Share our stories to spread awareness

Every OTTB deserves a soft landing. With your help, FETRP is making that a reality—one horse at a time.

Join us in giving these incredible horses the rest they’ve earned—and the future they deserve.