Veterans and Retired Racehorses Team Up at Kentucky’s Secretariat Center for New Opportunities

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Military veterans and retired racehorses are forging new paths together at the Secretariat Center, located within the Kentucky Horse Park. This initiative aims to support both the equine and veteran communities by providing rehabilitative care for horses and job training for veterans.

Established two decades ago, the Secretariat Center specializes in rehabilitating and rehoming horses with racing backgrounds. Program director Caroline Tatum emphasized the commitment required in caring for the animals, stating, “You have to show up for them every single day dedicated to taking care of them, even if you’re sick.” The center has successfully rehabilitated nearly 800 horses since its inception.

In a bid to assist veterans seeking new career opportunities, the Secretariat Center has partnered with the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in Lexington. Bill Nelson, the center’s executive director and a 20-year retired Navy veteran, stated, “We’re bringing our two programs together to benefit both groups.” The collaboration includes a three-week essential course designed for veterans interested in entering Kentucky’s horse industry.

According to Nelson, approximately 85% of veterans transitioning out of the military require employment promptly. The program not only provides foundational knowledge but also offers real-world experience that prepares participants for further academic pursuits within the equine industry.

Remi Bellocq, the liaison for the equine industry program at BCTC, identified reliability and a willingness to work outdoors as critical traits for employers in the horse industry. He noted that these qualities are often found in military veterans. “Those are four factors that you find with all the military veterans that we’ve trained in the past,” he explained.

Understanding that many veterans may feel intimidated by the size and nature of horses, Tatum reassured participants, saying, “We’re going to teach them from the ground up so they feel educated, so they feel safe.” This hands-on approach aims to facilitate a smooth transition into equine-related careers.

Each year, around 400 military personnel from Fort Campbell leave active duty and seek new job opportunities. With the ongoing partnership between the Secretariat Center and BCTC, both veterans and retired racehorses are poised to find their respective second chances in Kentucky.