LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many horses in Kentucky are bred to race, but what happens to the horses after their racing careers are over?

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville is the largest all-breed equine rescue in Kentucky to heal, train and find their forever homes

  • The center sits on 72 acres with more than 50 horses ranging from Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, Arabians and feral horses all from Kentucky

  • Each horse has an interesting backstory, but all are ready to be adopted, the center said

The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center in Nicholasville specializes in providing second chances for Kentucky's equine. It is the largest all-breed equine rescue in Kentucky, and its mission is to rescue Kentucky’s neediest horses to heal, train and find their forever homes.

Abby Rhineheimer, barn manager and trainer, said each horse has an interesting backstory such as Miss Swift Kitty.

“She is an off-track thoroughbred; we lovingly call her 'Swifty,'" Rhineheimer said. "She's a super, super sweet girl. She loves everybody and knows no stranger. She is currently working through our training program.” 

Miss Swift Kitty was a racehorse for several years and had two foals before coming to the center.

“We found out that Miss Swifty here actually has kissing spines, so she went through a rehab process," Rhineheimer said. "But she is one of our many companions here, so that basically just means that she’s not rideable, but she is adoptable to the right home.”

The center sits on 72 acres with more than 50 horses ranging from Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, Arabians and feral horses, all from Kentucky. Many of the horses who come to the center have been rescued from situations where they have been abandoned, forgotten, abused or mistreated.

Cashew is one of many horses who came to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center unhandled or feral, but she's now ready for adoption.

Carrie Wosicki, executive director, said the center looks for adopters who have horses or have experience with horses.

“Whether you’re a rider or an eventer, jumper, (whatever) your background is with horses, we can match the perfect horse to the perfect adopter," Wosicki said. 

Even those who are new to the equine community have an option as the center offers an eight-week starter program, Stable Foundations. 

“It’s for those who are looking to adopt, but maybe not quite sure of their skill set yet," Wosicki said. "During those eight weeks, you learn how to budget for a horse, how to appropriately feed your horse and care for your horse (and) how to groom a horse and lunge a horse.” 

More on how to adopt, volunteer or donate to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center can be found on its website. 

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