Kyle Rothfus

It was the Christmas present the horses involved didn't deserve, and one that horse racing didn't need. Last month, the Kentucky Humane Society's Equine CARE program rescued 13 horses from a Franklin County farm, including War Envoy, a former stallion and Royal Ascot winner. The news soared around social media and made it onto international news pages Christmas week. "Former Irish-trained one-time champion racehorse found 'starving in a cold mud pen waiting to die' in the US," wrote The Irish News. "Ex-Aidan O'Brien Royal Ascot winner rescued in US from...

Mareworthy Charities has launched Mareworthy Academy, an eight-week program beginning in January and specifically designed to teach aspiring horse owners how to care for horses. "There's a widespread misconception that horse ownership is only for experienced equestrians or those planning to ride competitively," says Mareworthy Charities Executive Director Kyle Rothfus. "This limiting belief prevents many compassionate individuals from considering adoption, particularly of retired broodmares who have so much love to give. Through Mareworthy Academy, we're challenging these assumptions and opening doors for people who may have never thought horse ownership...

Barrel racer Egoli, a daughter of Quality Road, highlighted this year's broodmare division of the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, held at the Kentucky Horse Park last week. The 8-year-old not only claimed first place among broodmares but also posted the fastest time of any competitor--retired racehorses included. Co-sponsored by Claiborne Farm and Lane's End Farm, the Broodmare Division returned for its second official year, offering $10,000 in prize money and showcasing the post-breeding potential of mares. "Egoli's success at the 2024 Makeover demonstrates the vast, untapped potential broodmares possess...