Growing up in Kentucky, horses are deeply woven into the culture, alongside bourbon and Bluegrass music. The Kentucky Horse Park serves as a central hub for horse education and appreciation, offering immersive experiences that captivate visitors of all ages. The author shares a personal journey from childhood visits to the park to owning a Thoroughbred named Graycie, highlighting the special bond and ongoing legacy of racehorses in Kentucky.

The article also emphasizes the importance of caring for retired racehorses, known as off the track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), who often need retraining and new homes after their racing careers. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) plays a crucial role in rescuing, retraining, and rehoming these horses, while also running programs like TRF Second Chances that benefit incarcerated individuals. Fundraisers such as the Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Kentucky Horse Park and Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Churchill Downs support TRF’s mission to provide lifelong care for retired racehorses and ensure their dignified futures.