Laura Otten had previously owned an off-the-track Thoroughbred and always intended to return to riding and horse ownership. Over the years, she had followed several aftercare organizations, hoping to adopt another Thoroughbred someday. When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, it unexpectedly accelerated those plans. Otten began actively searching for her next horse, specifically a gelding suited for pleasure riding and low-level Eventing.

For Michele Enck, finding another heart horse was something she never expected to happen again. Enck is Maryland-based and currently works for The Maryland Jockey Club as the stakes coordinator, recently promoted from her role as horse identifier.

A few years ago, while working in her office at Pimlico, Jessica Hammond stopped by Enck’s window. Hammond serves as executive director for Beyond the Wire, a program designed to facilitate safe and enriching placements for retired Maryland-based racehorses.