Page 62 - 2021 TAA Magazine

Kentucky Equine REHABILITATION

Adoption Center RETRAINING/ADOPTION

EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL:
“TAA’s support has
been critical to the
Kentucky Equine
Adoption Center and
has enabled us to
continue providing
high quality care to
the Thoroughbreds
that need our help in
preparing for the next
phase of their lives.”

FOUNDED: 2007

ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 910124
Lexington, KY 40591

PHONE:
Broadband Betty, a winning daughter of Freefourinternet, is available for adoption. (859) 881-5849
MAIN CONTACT:
Some of the biggest names in racing threw won or placed in 18 of 24 starts, earned $247,989, Karen Gustin

their support behind the Kentucky Equine and finished third to eventual Hall of Famer WEB ADDRESS:
Adoption Center (KyEAC) when it was founded Xtra Heat. Only able to produce two foals,
in 2007. Among them were Racing Hall of Winter Leaf eventually arrived at KyEAC, and kyeac.org
Fame horsemen Chris McCarron and Nick within four months a much different, happier SOCIAL:
Zito and noted owners and breeders Arthur horse had found a new home.
Hancock and the late Marylou Whitney. It has KyEAC has three programs in addition to Kentucky-Equine-Adoption-
since provided a much-needed service in find- the general horse care that it provides: Take Center-223729331061438

ing homes for unwanted horses of all breeds, the Reins Education Program, geared toward @EquineAdoption
although half the “herd” is generally Thor- middle-school students, teaching responsi- @kyequineadoptioncenter
oughbreds. ble horse ownership, how to give back to the
Situated on 70 acres near Nicholasville, Ky., the community, and become good citizens; Heads AVERAGE NUMBER OF
program offers a peaceful haven where equines Up Hearts Open Equine Growth and Commu- THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
can relax, recover, and heal until their forever nication, which offers the horses at KyEAC to 30
home is found. Incoming horses receive veteri- professionals conducting equine-assisted ther-
nary care and individualized attention before apy, and training in leadership and supervi-

moving on to retraining, wherein qualified sion; and an internship program for university
trainers work with them to establish a safe, solid level students.
foundation for the future. By contractual agree- A grant recipient from the ASPCA, the center
ment, no adopted animal can ever again be used also has been supported by organizations
for racing or breeding. Adoption fees range from such as Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Rood &
$150 to $1,500. Riddle, Hagyard, Park Equine, the Kentucky
One of many success stories from KyEAC is Horse Council, Brennan Equine Welfare Fund,
Winter Leaf, a 1998 granddaughter of Mr. Pros- Equus Foundation, the Indiana HBPA, Thor-
pector. A three-time stakes winner, Winter Leaf oughbred Charities of America, and the TAA.

PAGE 60 DAILY RACING FORM