Even non-equestrians are familiar with the world of horse racing. The coveted Triple Crown. Churchill Downs. Kentucky Derby. These are terms we all know.

There is no denying the majestic beauty as the perfectly honed horses thunder around the course, vying for the lead.

However, when the horse is no longer able to compete, either due to injury or age, or just lackluster performance, he loses his value at the track and needs to be rehomed. But how?

Thanks to the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, funding is made available to approved aftercare organizations, to retire, retrain, and rehome thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. The TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups (as described on their website). RVR Horse Rescue has applied for inclusion in the TAA program.

RVR has had a longstanding professional tie to our local racetrack. Because of this relationship, we are notified when an injured horse needs a home, allowing us to step in and do the work we do best. Thoroughbreds seem to be the fan-favorites among our supporters and each one is welcomed to RVR with open arms.

Stunning Hollywood is one of our recent examples. The poor boy suffered suspensory injuries, ending his racing career, but otherwise, he’s a beautiful, muscular specimen. Based on his looks alone, many potential owners would love to adopt him, but only after he is fully healed.

Hollywood is under the care of our top-notch medical team. During his first days, he was confined to his stall, which is the human equivalent of bed rest. His small turn-out area outside his stall will allow him more freedom as his recovery progresses and finally he will join the herd in the larger pasture.

Someday in the coming months he will join his forever family, since he was recently Sponsored to Adopt!

In the meantime, our big fellow is quite the ham. His signature head swag and toothy grin delight our volunteers and his many Facebook followers.

Check out the silly boy in the following videos.

Video of Hollywood Head Swag – by Karen Pack

Video of Hollywood enjoying his birthday treat – by Jen Kraemer

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org

Article by Shirley Alarie, Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”. Coming Soon – “A New Family for Dominick”

How you can help:

Read our books:

Read our posts:

“Equestrian sports originated over two thousand years ago when the Greeks introduced dressage, a highly regimented training program to prepare their horses for war. [1]

Later, during the Middle Ages, cooperative effort between horse and rider further developed with the introduction of the three-day event, also known as eventing.

This triathlon consists of the original Greek dressage, plus cross country and show jumping. Dressage requires a specific sequence of movements, whereas cross country demonstrates physical endurance and trust between horse and rider while clearing obstacles. Lastly, show jumping tests the technical jumping skills of the horse and rider. Each of these three facets would prepare horse and soldier for situations they might encounter during war.

In time, the same practices evolved into competitive sports as we know them today. The extensive training required to attain the superior skill, cooperation, and trust between human and horse earned them entry as prestigious Olympic sporting events.

Over the years, numerous other equestrian sports also evolved. Some are competitive in nature and some are not. In any case, the cooperation between horse and rider is often a beautiful bonding experience. However, sometimes the human’s desire to win competitive events may lead to abuse of the animal. The value of a prize, or merely competition itself, can supersede humane treatment.” (excerpt from “A Healing Haven”)

At RVR Horse Rescue, the value of the relationship between a human and horse is our first priority. After the rehabilitation is complete, many of our rescues go on to perform beautiful acrobatic dances, as our trainer Sergio demonstrates in the photo with RVR resident, Diamond.

[1] Wikipedia. “Horses in warfare.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses_in_warfare (accessed 8/22/15).

Article by [email protected], Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”

Who knew that horse rescue was even a “thing”? I didn’t.

Sure, I’d seen my share of television advertisements of pathetically thin canine or feline fur balls, with sad, droopy heads and glistening puppy-dog eyes. Small animal shelters have done a good job of getting in front of the public and exposing the dirtbags who abuse dogs and cats. But horses?

When my husband and I first moved to Florida, I needed things to do. Our family and friends were now a thousand miles away, forcing me to find a new path. When I first stumbled upon RVR Horse Rescue in an article in my local newspaper, it seemed like an interesting cause and a perfect opportunity to get involved.

My horse experience was essentially none, so when I showed up at RVR as a novice volunteer, I was thoroughly out of my element and tense about being in the enclosures with the enormous, yet majestic, beauties. But my desire to help the abused and neglected horses was strong enough to overcome my apprehension, so I continued to return.

I quickly realized RVR was truly a special place with a combination of hardworking, caring volunteers and horses who remained peaceful and loving, even after being abused by prior owners. I was in search of my next writing project with a “triumph over tragedy” theme, and I immediately felt that the story of RVR and the remarkable outcome of some of the cases was a perfect fit. I was delighted when Shawn Jayroe, the owner and founder, agreed to a book venture.

During our initial discussions, I was surprised to learn that the very people who were helping the abused animals were actually being helped themselves in incredible ways. The project quickly morphed into an amazing testament of how the horses were actually helping their caregivers heal in various ways. If the horses could talk, I believe they would say, “Your kindness fills my heart with love, peace, and hope that I will breathe back into your soul.”

A Healing Haven

Every person had faced difficult challenges that they overcame over the course of interacting with the horses. Many of the stories were included in the final product, A Healing Haven – Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue.

Animal lovers raved about the book’s focus on the beautiful relationships and positive outcomes. The underlying issue of animal abuse, especially in the equine world, was a wake-up call for those unaware, as I had been. New laws are finally emerging to make animal abusers responsible for their actions – an overdue and welcome change for animal lovers.

At RVR Horse Rescue, the resiliency of our mistreated creatures continues to amaze and inspire us. Their capacity to love and trust after their recovery sets a wonderful example for us humans.

If rescued horses could talk, I believe they would say, “Thank you for being someone who cares. I love you.” But really, they don’t need to speak because they say it all without whispering one word.

Baby Luca’s video below is just one example of so many beautiful endings. LIKE us on Facebook to follow our incredible stories.

Watch Luca’s incredible story here!

Article by [email protected], Author of “A Healing Haven- Saving Horses and Humans at RVR Horse Rescue” and “A New Home for Dominick”