Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue

Every Thoroughbred deserves more than a finish line.

Founded in 2008, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is a 42-acre sanctuary in Dover Plains, New York, where retired racehorses are given the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and lifelong care. Accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2015, Lucky Orphans currently provides lifelong sanctuary for 20 retired Thoroughbreds who have transitioned from the racetrack into meaningful second chapters.

Working in partnership with Take The Lead and other industry stakeholders, Lucky Orphans helps ensure Thoroughbreds have safe pathways from racing to retirement. For some horses, that means rehabilitation. For others, it means permanent sanctuary. For all, it means a promise: they will never have to wonder where they belong.

What makes Lucky Orphans unique is that retirement is not the end of the story.

Every day, retired Thoroughbreds at Lucky Orphans help children build confidence, veterans reconnect with purpose, first responders find support, and community members discover healing through the horse-human bond. These remarkable athletes continue to change lives long after they leave the racetrack, proving that their greatest impact may come after racing.

Caring for retired Thoroughbreds is a lifelong commitment. Feed, veterinary care, farrier services, shelter, and daily care are needed every day, for every horse, for the rest of their lives. Your support ensures that these horses receive the exceptional care they deserve while continuing to serve as ambassadors for the breed and partners in programs that strengthen our community.

When you support Lucky Orphans, you are not only investing in Thoroughbred aftercare—you are investing in the horses whose stories continue long after the finish line and in the people whose lives they help transform every day.

People Helping Horses Heal People.