"More and more owners and trainers are joining with aftercare organizations and donating their retiring thoroughbreds for rehabilitation, retraining, and placement in adoptive homes. It just leads to better outcomes and it's where the industry is going. It keeps a radar on each horse. Selling just doesn't guarantee that same safety net for these horses and they deserve that. I want that peace of mind too."

-Anonymous trainer

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Can I donate only horses with limitations (while selling those without limitations), OR, submit pasture sound only?

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Unfortunately, no. We create relationships with the trainers and owners we work with, and aftercare is a program/service that only works with a mixture of both (we look at it like 'an industry creating sustainability').

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We continue to work with trainers/owners who place BOTH types of horses with us (those requiring rehabilitation AND those with zero limitations). 

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While all adoption fees are far below market value, the highly limited horses are even further below that (ranging between $1,000-$1,500). The limited horses cost, on average, upwards of $3,000 for their longer stays, veterinary care and further diagnostics, feed, farrier, teeth, vaccinations, etc. There simply isn't adequate funding to operate and provide the service without also taking in horses that are more easily transitioned. 

 

Second, and as an advocate for the future success of racing, we feel it is important to keep a mix, and show case the 'happily ever afters' of those retiring sound as well. Thoroughbred aftercare organizations full of pasture sound and highly limited horses paints a picture we feel feeds into an ever spotlighted negative narrative of 'broken horses'. To change this we must be able to SHOWCASE this in our aftercare organizations!

 

While sanctuary is part of our longer term goal, and desperately needed, the costs to fund it are astronomical. We all have this idea that experienced homes seeking pasture pets are in abundance, and over the last few years we have learned the dire truth, having had only TWO people seeking such horses (out of hundreds of applications). For this reason, 'pasture sound only' are assumed to be 'lifers', unlikely to be adopted and requiring sanctuary. 

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Adoption VS Selling; Why Aftercare?

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Aftercare is a structured, mission-driven process that includes:

• Rehabilitating horses off the track

• Retraining them for second careers

• Finding safe, appropriate homes

• Following up with adopters and ensuring the horse’s ongoing welfare

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It’s holistic, hands-on, and horse-first.

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Posting a Sales Ad is just that:

• Listing a horse for sale, often with no commitment beyond the transaction

• Usually no post-placement oversight or return clause

• Typically done for profit or convenience

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Why True Aftercare Matters

While listing services and sales agents offer a fast way to move horses off the track, they don’t provide true aftercare. A quick sale—photos, post, transaction—may seem convenient, but it often neglects the horse's long-term well-being.

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Aftercare is a structured, time-intensive process grounded in AAEP guidelines. It includes veterinary evaluation, rehabilitation, retraining, and a careful transition into a second career—all tailored to the horse’s needs and limitations.

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Most buyers are unprepared for an off-track Thoroughbred without this transition, leading to mishandling, injuries, behavioral issues, and frequent rehoming. This cycle significantly reduces positive outcomes for the horse.

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In contrast, aftercare programs are funded by donations and grants, not sales. Horses are placed through an adoption process with no time pressure or profit motive. Adopters are thoroughly vetted—experience verified, references checked, and facilities inspected. Breeding and use restrictions are in place, and ongoing support ensures long-term success.

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Sales agents simply can't offer this level of care or accountability. Their role ends at the transaction—aftercare doesn’t ever begin. True aftercare protects the horse. Quick sales do not.

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Submit a horse into the Wild Hearts program

 

Owners and trainers may approach Wild Hearts with a horse(s) they'd like to place into the Wild Hearts adoption program. Horses can be submitted using the "Submit a Horse" button below. Applications are submitted to the Board of Directors and reviewed on a first come first served basis for program suitability. 

 

Eligibility:
 

• Horses must be Thoroughbreds that have raced or trained in British Columbia, Alberta or Washington State.  

• Horses must be retiring sound, or, can require rehabilitation during their time with us but vet imaging must be included with submission and vet prognosis indicating horse will be able to be rehabbed to at minimum flatwork (w/t/c and trails). 'Light riding only' (considered 'mostly walk, some trot') and 'pasture sound only' are not eligible at this time until sanctuary can be secured.

• The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ “Transitioning the Retired Racehorse: Guidelines for Equine Practitioners, Adoption Organizations and Horse Owners” will be followed by Wild Hearts board members and volunteers involved with intake assessment and decision-making.

• Stallions must be gelded.