“Knowledge is power. Sharing it multiplies that power.” – Robert Noyce
The field of thoroughbred aftercare has grown and developed considerably since the term was first introduced within the industry. Today, there are more structured programs, dedicated individuals, and initiatives focusing on the care of racehorses after their racing careers end than ever before, spanning both nonprofit and private for-profit sectors.
Transforming a racehorse into a riding horse demands specialized expertise and equine knowledge. Additionally, establishing a thriving and sustainable business—whether it operates as a nonprofit or for-profit—around retired racehorses requires a distinct set of entrepreneurial and management skills.
Recognizing these challenges, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) launched the Aftercare Industry Summit in 2019. This event became an annual highlight at the Thoroughbred Makeover, the largest gathering of enthusiasts dedicated to transitioning Thoroughbreds from the racetrack to performance disciplines.
In 2024, RRP transitioned to a virtual format with the debut of its Aftercare Industry Monthly Webinar Series in February.
“Switching to a virtual delivery was a strategic choice based on an honest assessment of what we could effectively produce given our staffing during the event week,” explained RRP Executive Director Kirsten Green. “Programs like AIM offer crucial resources for people involved across the aftercare industry and deserve to be accessible through a user-friendly platform, especially when attendees may have more available time.”
RRP’s focus during Aftercare Industry Month revolves around education and knowledge sharing. Throughout February, they hosted four webinars addressing essential topics related to managing Thoroughbreds as they adjust from racing life to new careers.
“The weekly sessions foster meaningful dialogue about diverse subjects. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with Kristen Bentley annually to plan these schedules,” Green shared. “As our educational content leader, Kristen is deeply in tune with current and relevant themes. She crafts material that appeals to a broad audience—covering care, training, business practices, and pressing industry issues. This year, topics like ‘Scrutinizing Adopters and Purchasers’ and ‘Equine Welfare Laws and Realities’ were added in response to recent developments, aiming to broaden engagement and deepen understanding.”
Webinar Topics for 2026
The first of the month’s four webinars, held on February 3, concentrated on critical considerations and typical approaches to managing horses during their first 30 days after leaving the racetrack environment.
Panelists included Bev Strauss from Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue—a nonprofit aftercare facility retraining and rehoming Thoroughbreds in Maryland and nearby regions—and Brownstead Farm owner/operator, who specializes in Thoroughbred breeding, sales, and racing in central Kentucky. Brownstead Farm also trains and markets Thoroughbreds as potential sport horses.
Moderated by Kristen Kovatch Bentley, RRP’s Managing Director, the discussion highlighted contrasts between large nonprofits primarily focused on Thoroughbred adoption and private farms incorporating aftercare within broader business operations.
The one-hour session covered topics like equine nutrition, hoof care, maintaining soundness and health post-racing, turnout strategies, reintroduction to herd dynamics, and first training rides. Panelists also shared experiences handling uncommon physical and behavioral challenges, detailing creative and successful solutions developed over time.
“Jen and Bev perfectly illustrated our goal for ‘The First 30 Days’ webinar: to demonstrate that there is no quick, one-size-fits-all fix for this critical transition period for Thoroughbreds,” said Kovatch-Bentley. “Their combined experience empowered attendees to approach this phase confidently and creatively. They also emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration to ensure the best outcomes for these horses. Strengthening these connections ultimately benefits the entire aftercare ecosystem.”
Additional February webinar topics included:
- February 11, 7:00 PM EST: Track-Based Transition Programs
- February 17, 7:00 PM EST: Screening Adopters and Purchasers
- February 24: Equine Welfare Laws and Realities
Thanks to funding from the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF), which supports scholarships, educational programming, and equine research aimed at improving racing safety, all webinars are free to attend live via Eventbrite. They feature interactive Q&A opportunities and will be archived in RRP’s online education library later in the year.
A Month Dedicated to Aftercare
Since launching Aftercare Industry Month, RRP has seen industry individuals and groups use this period to celebrate achievements, expand knowledge, and collaborate in new ways.
Some organizations leverage this time to educate their audiences and the wider equine community on key data and processes unique to their missions related to training and placing retired racehorses.
“We’re thrilled to see this growing momentum. Despite significant progress in aftercare over the past decade, awareness about ‘how it all works’ remains surprisingly limited. If peers in the industry use Aftercare Industry Month as a platform to highlight their impact, it’s a major win,” said Green. “It’s vital to showcase our collective efforts because we all share the goal of creating positive outcomes for horses.”
To view past panel discussions and access a broad range of educational resources for racehorse owners, prospective adopters, and trainers, visit RRP.org and navigate to the Education tab.
This article was originally published by the Paulick Report on February 11, 2026, and appeared in the Features section.
Fan Take:
This news is a crucial reminder that the Thoroughbred racing community is committed not just to the excitement of the track, but also to the lifelong welfare of these incredible athletes. By advancing education and collaboration in aftercare, the industry can ensure racehorses transition successfully to new careers, preserving their legacy and enriching the future of the sport.
