Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding

The first program of its kind in the Thoroughbred racing industry, Adena Retirement Program is today’s Standing Ovation honoree.

AdenaRetirement.com

More and more equestrians are appreciating the athleticism and versatility of the off-track Thoroughbred as a competition partner or recreational mount. Former racing Thoroughbreds are slowly shedding old stigmas and proving themselves in a variety of disciplines, from eventing to show jumping to trail riding and even in western disciplines.

Dozens of non-profit Thoroughbred placement groups exist to help transition horses from a racing life to a riding life; many major tracks are also introducing their own programs to ensure that all horses retiring have a good home. Leading the way in breeder-sponsored programs is Adena Springs, the Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation of the Stronach family. The Adena Retirement Program is based at Adena Springs North, the Ontario breeding branch of the Stronach Thoroughbred empire.

Adena assesses each of its horses coming off the track and helps transition them to retired life, including necessary medical care or rehabilitation as well as groundwork, turnout and down time and riding. A full-time in-house professional staff helps transition horses before they are carefully matched with individuals seeking an OTTB. All placed horses are sent with a full disclosure of their racing and medical history. Adena Springs has also sponsored Thoroughbred-only classes in Central Ontario A-circuit shows.

The Stronach family is devoted to its horses, and patriarch Frank Stronach believes that that devotion does not end when the horse leaves the track. The Stronach family have been long-time supporters of several Thoroughbred placement groups. Any Adena horse that is deemed not suitable for adoption will live out his or her days in full retirement at the Florida farm.

To learn more about Adena Springs and the Adena Retirement Program, please visit the organization’s website. You can also follow on Facebook for plenty of success stories from Adena OTTBs!

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.