On August 12, 2026, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance hosted its first Equine Assisted Services Summit in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event brought together professionals and organizations from across the aftercare community specializing in equine-assisted services to examine the growing role of retired Thoroughbred racehorses in therapeutic, educational, and human services programs. The summit was held at two Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga and Long Shadows Charitable Foundation.
The summit featured educational presentations, a panel discussion, an interactive demonstration and networking. The program highlighted the versatility of Thoroughbreds after racing and their roles in equine-assisted services. It opened with remarks from Stacie Clark Rogers of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, followed by a welcome from Erin Christopher-Sisk of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.
"Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is pleased with the strong interest in our first Equine Assisted Services Summit and the opportunity to bring organizations together," said Stacie Clark Rogers, Operations Consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. "By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, we hope to strengthen collaboration across the aftercare community. Through that collaboration, we can raise awareness of the value Thoroughbreds bring to equine-assisted services and the benefits these programs provide for both horses and people. This summit is an important step toward continued collaboration and building on this work."
Lynn Thomas of Horses and Mental Health presented "The Growing Impact of Equine-Assisted Services," providing an overview of the field's growth and applications. "The Equine Assisted Services Summit provided an amazing opportunity for Thoroughbreds to make an even greater impact in our communities," said Thomas. "Equine assisted services are transforming lives."
A panel titled "Versatility of Thoroughbreds in EAS" featured Jo Anne Miller of Brook Hill, Laurie Calhoun of The Foxie G Foundation, Boone McCanna of Down the Stretch Ranch, and Chelsea O'Reilly of Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The panelists shared their experiences working with Thoroughbreds in equine-assisted services and discussed qualities that contribute to their success.
The educational program continued with "Best Practices for Transitioning OTTBs to EAS Programs," presented by Joell Dunlap of Square Peg Foundation. Dunlap discussed best practices for transitioning off-track Thoroughbreds into equine-assisted services programs.
The afternoon program at Long Shadows Charitable Foundation included an interactive demonstration, giving attendees an opportunity to observe equine-assisted services in practice.
The summit concluded with networking and discussion. The event reinforced Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's commitment to education, collaboration, and expanding opportunities for Thoroughbreds following their racing careers. The summit underscored the significant contributions retired racehorses can make through equine-assisted services. Highlights from the event will be shared on social media and in next week's edition of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance newsletter
