Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center

Every Friday, Horse Nation teams up with Ovation Riding to spotlight an individual or organization doing good work in the horse world. Today, we recognize the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, a Thoroughbred retraining program.

The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center (MMSC) opened its doors in 2004 thanks to generous donations from Castleton Lyons Farm, Eaton Sales, Keeneland, Mary Lou Whitney and John Hendrickson, Maker’s Mark and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Located right on the grounds at the Kentucky Horse Park, the MMSC is ideally placed in the heart of Thoroughbred country with a premier retraining facility that houses anywhere from 10 to 20 horses at a time.

More than just a facilitator for off-track or unraced Thoroughbred adoption, MMSC prides itself on a carefully and individually-structured program for each horse to find his strengths and develop his abilities as an athlete and riding partner. With 20 acres of paddocks, an outdoor arena, roundpen and small cross-country course, the MMSC works hard to ensure it sets every horse up for a life of success in its second career.

In addition to retraining and offering horses for adoption, the MMSC serves as an educational service as well, housing the Bucephalus Training Library full of horse training resources. The MMSC offers high school and college education opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities and connections for public groups. The MMSC is open to the public daily from 9 AM until 2 PM, with visitors welcome to tour the facility, use the library or watch training sessions.

To learn more about the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, please visit the organization’s website or follow on Facebook.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.