Courage’s journey began with high expectations. A son of Speightstown born in 2017, he was a $350,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale, destined for success on the racetrack. After just three starts and modest earnings of $670, however, his racing career quietly came to an end. That’s when he found his true purpose.

Courage, left, is an inquisitive spirit (Courtesy of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance)

Through the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Courage found his way to Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), where he embraced a new role—not as a competitor, but as a partner in equine-assisted therapy.

Both New Vocations and CKRH are accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to retrain and rehome former Thoroughbred racehorses. The fast-paced world of racing was behind Courage. In its place, he discovered a life of connection, patience, and purpose. According to staff, he seemed to prefer "the speed of life at CKRH much better."

One of the first things that stood out about Courage was his striking resemblance to Secretariat — a similarity that runs deeper than appearance, as he shares bloodlines with the legendary 1973 Triple Crown winner. But beyond his impressive physique, what truly sets him apart is his kind and inquisitive spirit.

“Courage is gentle and curious and truly is a gentle giant,” said Isabella Norrid, development director at CKRH. This amazing personality makes him a perfect fit for CKRH’s therapy programs.

Courage plays a vital role in CKRH’s newest non-mounted, equine-assisted services program in partnership with FMC prison. Each week, he works alongside Adults in Custody (AICs) enrolled in emotional regulation classes, guiding them through groundwork exercises designed to foster trust, patience, and self-awareness.

A true gentle giant (Courtesy of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance)

“Adults in custody, enrolled in emotional regulation classes at the prison, work alongside Courage through various challenges to help them understand and manage their emotions on a deeper level,” Norrid explained.

With each session, he helps participants build confidence and develop emotional resilience, his quiet strength serving as a steady presence in their journey.

Though he thrives in non-mounted work, CKRH has bigger plans for his future.

“While Courage currently serves in CKRH's non-mounted programming, our long-term goal is to enter him into mounted equine-assisted services,” Norrid said. His journey of transformation is far from over.

Despite his calm and steady demeanor in therapy, Courage has a playful side.

“He loves playing with hats, loosening his bell boots, and tries to snack on pool noodles,” she added. Yet for all his bravery, he’s also hilariously skittish, “he even scares himself easily!”

Courage’s story is a testament to the fact that a racehorse’s value isn’t measured by wins or earnings but in the lives they touch. Though his racing career may not have made headlines, his impact at CKRH is undeniable. He has found his stride — not on the track, but in the hearts of those he helps heal.

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.