Keeneland, Stable Recovery Launch Maintenance Cohort

Keeneland and Stable Recovery, a groundbreaking peer-driven program that offers recovering addicts the opportunity to learn the skills needed to find meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred industry, are teaming to launch a dedicated Maintenance Cohort at Keeneland. The Maintenance Cohort will be a specialized extension of the existing 90-day Taylor Made School of Horsemanship focusing on practical skills, job readiness, and character development through hard work and accountability. Keeneland will be the first race track nationally to provide on-site housing and full-time employment for the eight men participating in the new initiative who will work with Keeneland's Maintenance team to gain the hands-on experience necessary to contribute to the track's operation. "Keeneland is excited to support the life-changing work being done by Stable Recovery," Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. "Stable Recovery and Keeneland share a commitment to social responsibility and to bettering the quality of life in our community. Together, we can create a legacy that transforms lives and strengthens our equine industry." The Stable Recovery program works with the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship to provide an environment where men live, work and recover together, attending 12-step meetings, additional support groups and horsemanship skill groups led by top professionals in the industry. Life skills such as accountability, structure, discipline and responsibility are taught as are employable skills aimed at providing these men with the opportunities for a second chance. In addition to trade skills, the Maintenance Cohort curriculum will include hands-on horsemanship and stable management training; track maintenance and safety procedures; equine care and veterinary basics; and professional development focused on the unique demands of Keeneland. The program will begin Aug. 1, 2025. "We are deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to align with an institution as iconic and respected as Keeneland," Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler said. "This collaboration is a powerful statement about the value of redemption, the healing bond between horses and humans and the shared belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Keeneland's support gives our men not only purpose and employment, but dignity and hope. We couldn't ask for a better partner in this mission." More than 100 individuals have graduated from the Stable Recovery program, the brainchild of Taylor Made Farm's Frank Taylor. Stable Recovery and Taylor were honored with the Special Eclipse Award for service to the Thoroughbred industry at the Resolute Racing 54th Annual Eclipse Awards in January.