Taking Care of Our Own
ABOUT
PTHA’S TURNING FOR HOME, Inc.
Turning For Home (TFH), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that truly takes care of our own. The majority of our funding comes from owners, jockeys, the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA), Parx management, and the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association.
TFH revolutionized the way racehorse retirement is approached and has become the model for Thoroughbred aftercare nationwide. Thanks to the foresight of the PTHA, TFH was established in 2008 to bridge the gap between a racing career and a second career for Thoroughbreds retiring from Parx Racing.
We were the first on-track retirement program at a year-round racetrack, and we are responsible for the safe placement of more than 4,550 Thoroughbreds since inception.
To place a horse with TFH, owners simply complete an intake form and submit the foal papers. These documents are forwarded to The Jockey Club, where the horse is officially marked as “Retired from Racing,” ensuring that no horse in our program will race again.
Since 2008, no eligible horse has ever been denied—thanks to the generous support of the racing community and the owners who make up the PTHA at Parx Racing.
.
TOP VETERINARY CARE
ā
Since our office is located right on the grounds of Parx Racing, we have the unique ability to schedule emergency veterinary procedures quickly. This means some horses—who may not have had a chance at full recovery elsewhere—can now transition into second careers with minimal or no restrictions.
We work closely with local surgeons, especially those from Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center, and the treating veterinarians to design effective rehabilitation plans.
If surgery is recommended, TFH covers the procedure at a discounted rate and collaborates with our Partner Farm network to ensure the best recovery path possible.
This hands-on approach allows us to help every horse that comes through our program get the care they need—right from the start.
.png)
The Partner Farm Network
Taking care of our own doesn’t end when a horse leaves the racetrack. We rely on a trusted network of Partner Farms across the Eastern U.S. with deep expertise in realigning racehorses for second careers and farm life.
These farms focus on rehabilitating, retraining, and responsibly rehoming our horses. Their specialty is matching Thoroughbreds with the right riders and environments to succeed in the next phase of life. Most Partner Farms are nonprofit or working toward that status, and all adhere to the AAEP Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities.
Turning For Home also guarantees a lifetime safety net—we will take back any of our alumni, at any time, for any reason.
While TFH is not a sanctuary, our Partner Farm model allows every horse the time and individual attention they need to transition successfully. Our program provides each horse with a stipend, and adoption fees support longer or more complex rehabs. We never rush the process—each horse is evaluated as an individual, and their best outcome is always our goal.
.png)
VOLUNTEERS AND FUNDRAISING
Our volunteers are the heart of Turning For Home. They support us on many levels—from managing merchandise tables and assisting at events, to helping with outreach and fundraising.
We also rely on sponsorships and public donations to make ends meet. Thanks to this generous support, we’re able to honor our pledge to accept every eligible horse into our program, no matter their condition or background.
It truly takes a village to do this work—and we’re proud to have incredible people standing beside us, working hard to help us help them.
Interested in volunteering?
Reach out to learn how you can join our team and make a real difference.
.png)
Q & A
How do I adopt a horse?
Adoption applications are available online at www.turningforhome.org. or pinned to our FB page. Once submitted, you will be contacted by one of our Partner Farms to discuss horses that match your needs.
ā
Is there an adoption application fee?
No. We do not charge an application fee. However, all adopters are carefully screened before any appointments are scheduled to meet the horses.
ā
Where are the horses located?
Turning For Home partners with 22 farms:
-
10 in Pennsylvania
-
5 in New Jersey
-
Additional farms in Connecticut, Kentucky, Florida, and other locations along the East Coast
Does Turning For Home keep track of adopted horses?
Yes. All adopters sign a Right of First Refusal / No Auction contract and are required to update TFH with any change in the horse’s status, location, or ownership.
We remain in contact with our graduates and promote their progress to demonstrate the value of retiring horses while they are still able to transition into second careers.
ā
What’s the difference between adopting and purchasing an OTTB?
Adoption through Turning For Home provides an added layer of protection. Horses adopted through TFH can always return to the program if needed, and we are available to help with rehoming support.
Adoption means joining a lifelong safety net, backed by a professional team that understands the unique needs of Thoroughbreds after racing.