all in Aftercare

Keene Ridge Farm lies in the heart of central Kentucky’s picturesque Thoroughbred breeding region, close to Keeneland Race Course. The 170-acre farm opened for business in 1994, and owner Ann Bakhaus has seen Keene Ridge grow through the subsequent quarter century into a respected operation that epitomizes small business savvy, astute breeding strategies, and a commitment toward caring for retirees.

After seeing all the videos of people getting new horses this holiday season, you’ve decided it’s the perfect time to get an off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB). You’ve visited the track often and tune in to the races on television so getting a retiring racehorse seems like the natural first step.

However, before you jump in with both feet, there are some things to consider when bringing a former racehorse to the family. We’ve talked to some big names in aftercare to get their opinion on 12 things you need to consider before taking a new horse home.

This story is the second in a three-part series looking at the formation and growth of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since its inception in 2012.

This story is the first in a three-part series looking at the formation and growth of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since its inception in 2012.

When news broke early this decade of poor situations for multiple retired racehorses, concerned horsemen came together to create the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) to raise the standard of racehorse aftercare.

Shanghaied, Pop Pop and I had lots of fun on the road to the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover. From the time we claimed Shanghaied at Penn National, brought him home to Maine, rehabilitated, re-conditioned, and re-schooled him, Shanghaied has given 100%. My training partner Pop Pop gave more than 100%, taking weekly lessons, traveling to Maine from Pennsylvania and trusting me with the training process. 

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