In late June, the small northern Idaho community near Coeur d’Alene was shaken by a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two firefighters and left another injured.

In the days that followed, Champions Retreat, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organization in Hayden, Idaho, offered a quiet gesture of support to those most affected: an invitation for local first responders and their families to spend time with the retired racehorses that call the farm home.

“[The incident], very near our farm, was horrific and we wanted to support our first responders as best we could,” said Candace Chew, who co-founded Champions Retreat with her husband, Matt. Among the first to visit was Brandon, a firefighter and EMT from the Northern Lakes Fire District, who brought his wife and two daughters for a day on the ranch.

Set on 18 peaceful acres overlooking Hayden Lake, Champions Retreat is home to a rotating herd of eight off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) from West Coast tracks. While the ranch serves as a rehabilitation, retraining, and adoption facility, it also offers equine-assisted therapy, particularly for those in the foster care system.

“This group was really fun and the horses were extremely accommodating, so we took them out for a trail ride,” Candace said. She and Matt led the trail ride on OTTBs Midnight Casanova (Hayden) and Probable (Reba). Thoroughbreds London Follies (Freckles), Broadcaster (Parker), Point Breeze (Luke), and Relieve (Renzo), carried their guests gently through the pine-covered hills, offering the kind of calm that only horses can provide.

“They were very excited to be on former racehorses and enjoyed themselves immensely,” Candace said. “Brandon, his wife and two daughters are now big fans of OTTBs!”

The visit from local first responders was a meaningful way for Champions Retreat to give back to the community. The organization’s mission has always centered on second chances, not only for retired racehorses, but also for the people who connect with them. Offering time, space, and the calming presence of horses was a simple but sincere way to support those who show up for others every day.

The Jockey Club supports many aftercare initiatives including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in aftercare, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers. View all of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club.