Together for a Greener pasture
Join our community and take action to protect our thoroughbreds for future generations.

Join our community and take action to protect our thoroughbreds for future generations.
At Enchanted Thoroughbreds, we are a U.S. veteran-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and retraining retired Thoroughbred racehorses. After their racing careers end, many of these majestic animals face uncertain futures—often requiring specialized medical care, training, and attention that make rehoming a challenge.
Our mission is twofold:
“Though much progress has been made in the area of Thoroughbred aftercare, we continue to see Thoroughbreds at low-end auctions, in kill pens, and in cruelty and neglect situations.”
— Kristin Werner, Senior Counsel, The Jockey Club
We work tirelessly to protect Thoroughbreds from slaughterhouses, kill pens, and neglect—especially those deemed unfit for racing due to injury or temperament. Not all retired racehorses carry visible wounds. Sometimes, they simply weren’t meant to race. But we believe every horse has a unique purpose—and a second chance at life.
We collaborate closely with experienced trainers and trusted veterinarians to assess each horse’s needs. Through individualized care and attention, we form deep bonds with each animal. These relationships allow us to determine the best future for them—whether that means adoption into a loving home, permanent retirement at our facility, or participation in our therapy programs.
At Enchanted Thoroughbreds, we don’t just rescue horses—we honor their legacy by giving them new lives filled with compassion, dignity, and purpose. And in return, they help heal the hearts and minds of those who have bravely served our country.
Because after everything horses have done for us throughout history, it’s our turn to give back.
When Thoroughbreds are forced into early retirement—often due to injury, lack of racing potential, or financial burdens—they are frequently sold privately for a low cost, put into quick-sale auctions, or simply given away. Sadly, this often becomes the perfect storm that leads these magnificent animals to kill pens, neglectful homes, or worse.
The original owners or trainers rarely intend for their horses to suffer these fates. But once a horse leaves the racetrack system, there are few safeguards in place. That’s where Enchanted Thoroughbreds steps in—rescuing the “unlucky ones” before they fall through the cracks. We offer them a second chance at life through safe sanctuary, comprehensive rehabilitation, and, whenever possible, placement in a loving forever home. Some will stay with us permanently, becoming part of our future equine-assisted therapy programs for U.S. veterans.
The cost of maintaining a racehorse on the track is staggering—averaging $5,000 per month. This includes:
This estimate does not include additional medical treatments or emergency expenses. The financial strain becomes even more daunting when you consider that most Thoroughbreds won’t start earning money within their first three months on the track—if they ever do. Before they even race, they undergo a minimum of two months of training—and even that is rarely enough.
To build a true equine athlete, heart and respiratory muscles must be conditioned gradually, and bones and joints need time to mature. The first six months of care and preparation can easily total $30,000 or more. For some, this investment never pays off—especially if early injuries derail their careers.
Thoroughbreds begin race training at just 1 to 1.5 years old, long before their skeletal and muscular systems are fully developed. In fact, a Thoroughbred isn’t physically mature until age 7. Pushing them into intense training too early increases the risk of injury, especially if conditioning is rushed or not tailored to the individual horse’s development.
This is one of the main reasons many Thoroughbreds are retired before they even get a chance to reach their full potential.
According to a study by the Royal Veterinary College, University of London,
“70% of injuries recorded among Thoroughbred flat-racing horses on race day were minor and not career-ending.”
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/equine-vet/news/new-study-shows-majority-of-injuries-in-thoroughbred-flat-racing-are-minor.
Yet even these minor injuries can make a horse unprofitable to own—and ultimately disposable.
At Enchanted Thoroughbreds, we understand that these horses are more than athletes. They are sentient beings with unique personalities, potential, and purpose beyond the track. We are committed to helping them recover, rebuild, and rediscover joy—whether that’s in a new home or by becoming partners in healing for the veterans in our care.
Because every horse deserves to be safe, valued, and loved.
At Enchanted Thoroughbreds, our vision is to raise greater awareness about the struggles young Thoroughbreds face early in their racing careers—and to build a stronger, more connected community dedicated to preventing these horses from ending up in kill pens, slaughterhouses, or neglectful situations.
While we currently operate as a sanctuary and rehabilitation facility for both injured and non-injured Thoroughbreds, our mission reaches far beyond horse rescue. We believe in mutual healing—and the power of connection between rescued horses and U.S. veterans.
Our future “Therapy Program” will bring together two populations that often share unspoken trauma:
Through equine-assisted programs, we envision a space where both horses and veterans can rehabilitate one another—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation that occurs when a veteran and a rescued horse connect. There’s an unspoken understanding, a shared sense of survival, and a chance to rediscover peace, love, and purpose—together.
We are actively expanding our programs by recruiting experienced professionals and credentialed team members who specialize in both equine care and veteran mental health services. Their expertise will help guide the growth of our therapy initiatives, ensuring that both horse and human receive the attention, respect, and support they deserve.
This next chapter includes:
We are incredibly excited and driven to make this dream a reality. With your support, we can continue growing a safe, healing space where rescued Thoroughbreds and veterans find the magic in life they both deserve.
Together, we can create a sanctuary that heals from the inside out—for every horse, every hero.
At Enchanted Thoroughbreds, we take a holistic and compassionate approach to rehabilitation—not only for our horses, but for the veterans and individuals we serve. Our upcoming programs will pair clients with a horse of their choice, allowing them to build a unique bond as they work side-by-side through each stage of healing and learning.
Through this one-on-one partnership, both horse and human will grow together—developing trust, communication skills, confidence, emotional resilience, and a deeper understanding of care and wellness.
These partnerships will be sponsored by your generous donations, ensuring that both participants receive the resources they need to thrive, without financial burden.
Unlike many traditional nonprofits, we prefer in-kind donations—items or services rather than direct funds. This model ensures full transparency and builds trust between our organization and our supporters. When you donate supplies, materials, or professional services, you can see exactly where your contribution is going and how it’s directly impacting the lives of horses and veterans.
Examples of meaningful in-kind donations include:
We believe that authentic community engagement comes from working hand-in-hand with those who support our mission. Every donated item tells a story—and every act of generosity brings us one step closer to a better life for both horses and humans.
At Enchanted Thoroughbreds, our “Rescue and Recycle” Program is a carefully designed, step-by-step process focused on rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming of Thoroughbreds—while also creating lasting connections with U.S. veterans. Our goal is not only to save horses but to give them—and people—a second chance at life with purpose and dignity.
Every new horse begins with a quarantine period of 14 to 30 days (or longer, if needed). During this time, we:
If the horse requires medical care, we immediately address these needs in partnership with our veterinarian team. No training begins until the horse is fully cleared for activity. Health and safety always come first.
Whether a horse comes directly off the track, from neglect, or a kill pen rescue, we never rush the process.
Our horses are introduced to:
Every horse is unique, and we honor that in our training philosophy.
We create custom rehabilitation and retraining programs based on each Thoroughbred’s physical and emotional needs. Whether they need physical therapy, mental reconditioning, or a combination of both, our trainers:
Once a horse has been cleared by our training team, we evaluate whether they are ready for adoption or are best suited for our Veterans Therapy Program.
Our Veterans Therapy Program is being created by veterans, for veterans, and will be overseen by a licensed therapist. Here's what we envision:
This program offers mutual healing, trust-building, and lifelong bonds between horse and human.
Concerned about housing your therapy horse? We’ve got it covered.
Your donations of supplies, services, or sponsorships make all of this possible. Together, we can rescue, rehabilitate, and recycle hope—for horses and heroes alike.
Help us protect thoroughbreds and all other horses for a better, brighter, healthier, loving future and make a difference by making a donation today.
For additional information or to become a sponsor please contact us.
Thank You For Your Support!
Bowie, Texas, United States
817-717-0898 enchantedthoroughbreds@gmail.com Animal Welfare Directors Executive Director- Victoria Ellen VA Directors President -Mitch Glenn- USMC Veteran- (913) 340-2267 Rob Lewis- US Navy Veteran
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