Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds

Since our founding in 2011, Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART) has worked closely with the professionals at Prairie Meadows Racetrack to provide a thoughtful and purpose-driven aftercare solution for our equine athletes. Our goal is to provide these horses with a soft landing after their racing careers are over. As an organization we strive to provide a temporary home, rehabilitation if necessary, and retraining if appropriate prior to being adopted into a permanent home.

Driven by our mission: “To ensure a safe, temporary home for injured or noncompetitive Thoroughbred racehorses with uncertain futures coming from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino we provide a peaceful environment and experienced care for each horse’s individual recuperative needs with adequate time to transition from the racetrack environment. Once appropriate, facilitating horses into training with the goal to prepare them for future careers and homes.” Our fully volunteer board incorporates a member from each of the following interest groups to ensure that we represent the best interests of Iowa Racing and the aftercare of Iowa Thoroughbreds: the Iowa Horseman’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the Iowa Racing and Gambling Commission, the Iowa Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and other individuals from the Des Moines equestrian community. 

Every horse admitted into the HART program must be in accordance with the qualities set forth in our eligibility guidelines. Specifically, they must have had their last race or work at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and be deemed by a veterinarian that they should no longer race; or be an Iowa-bred and be stabled at Prairie Meadows and meeting the same conditions set forth by a veterinarian as unsuitable for racing.

Since placing our first horse, All The Love, in 2011 we have worked tirelessly to grow our organization, taking in anywhere from 20–30 horses per year. We proudly achieved accreditation with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in 2019 and have maintained our status ever since.