02 Dec Giving Tuesday
#GivingTuesday is celebrated each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and, let’s be honest, after a weekend of indulgence. The day encourages us to donate to causes and organizations spreading good around the world, around the country, or even in your community. Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a worldwide movement that has raised critical funds for nonprofits across the globe.
Horse Country is proud to recognize our five nonprofit members who provide care, facilitate retraining, and find lifelong homes for the horses in their barns.
We encourage you to learn more about each of these organizations below, and if you feel so inclined, to support these organizations on this #GivingTuesday. Plus, all proceeds from tours of these non-profit organizations support their individual missions and equine herds.
BraveHearts Equine Center
BraveHearts Equine Center is the largest draft horse rescue in the state, and provides a support system for draft horses and other equines who have suffered from abuse and neglect. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome younger equines and provide a sanctuary for the senior animals or those who may need specialized care for the rest of their lives. Over 100 horses and burros call the Center home, and can be supported through donations, which can be made by clicking here.
Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center is the largest all-breed equine rescue in Kentucky, serving horses from a variety of breeds, ages and backgrounds. The Center rehabilitates and rehomes horses, ranging from trail horses and companion animals to high level dressage competitors, with a goal of finding the perfect adopter for each horse. Learn more about the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here.
From our friends at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, “On Tuesday, December 3rd, be a hero for the incredible horses at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center. Every donation, no matter the size, provides more than just food, shelter, and medical care—it gives these horses a second chance at life and the love they so deeply deserve. Your support changes everything. These horses depend on all of us to rewrite their stories, and with your help, we can make that happen. Share this message, spread the word, and inspire others to donate and make a difference in the lives of these horses. Thank you for being a part of their journey. Together, we’re not just helping horses—we’re giving them hope, love, and a future.”
Donate to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center here.
New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program
New Vocations is the nation’s largest racehorse adoption program, and focuses on rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming retired Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses. New Vocations has nine facilities across the country to retrain and rehome horses, with their main base located here in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more about New Vocations here.
Giving Tuesday will kick off a year-end charitable donation campaign for New Vocations, where they are hoping to reach $200,000 through the end of December. New Vocations will also be having fun “Giving Challenges” throughout the day, and the end of the year, which can be found by clicking here.
Second Stride
Second Stride is a leading Thoroughbred adoption program that serves retired racehorses as well as non-racing Thoroughbreds such as broodmares and unable-to-race bloodstock. Their program helps horses transition from the track to second (or third!) careers as riding or companion horses. Since its inception in 2005, Second Stride has rehomed over 1,500 retired racehorses. Learn more about Second Stride here.
Second Stride is currently hosting their annual Derby and Oaks Raffle, with a box for six guests at the races on Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks day in 2025. Tickets can be purchased here, and the drawing will take place on February 20, 2025!
Secretariat Center
The Secretariat Center provides education for former racehorses as a stepping stone to new careers after racing. The Secretariat Center typically has 10-20 Thoroughbreds in its training program, which can go on to a variety of careers including hunter/jumpers, dressage, trail riding, therapeutic riding and more. Learn more about the Secretariat Center here.
This Giving Tuesday, the Secretariat Center is asking horse lovers to skip their morning coffee this week – and donate the money they save to the Secretariat Center to support their mission. Donations to the Secretariat Center assist in the care and training of nearly 50 retired racehorses per year.
Donate to the Secretariat Center here.
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation provides support for nearly 450 rescued and retired Thoroughbred racehorses in their care at TRF locations throughout the country, including the herd of 11 horses at TRF at Chestnut Hall in Prospect.
This Giving Tuesday, TRF is fundraising to support the TRF Farrier Fund, which supports hoof care for their horses. ‘The hoof makes the horse’ is a well-known saying in equine circles, and donations to the Farrier Fund assist in providing quality hoof care to retired racehorses around the country. From our friends at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, “Your support can help us meet our Farrier Fund goal of $25,000. Donate today and help us provide much needed hoof care for the horses who depend on us.”
Donate to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Farrier Fund here.