Kelly, a retired racehorse rescued from slaughter by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in Monmouth County, New Jersey, has become a hero as a mounted police horse for the NYPD. Adopted by the NYPD in 2020, Kelly recently helped catch a burglary suspect in Manhattan, showcasing the successful rehabilitation and new purpose given to horses saved by the nonprofit. Body camera footage captured Kelly and the officer galloping to apprehend the accused thief near West 72nd Street.

The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, the oldest and largest program of its kind, cares for over 500 horses and relies entirely on donations to continue rescuing racehorses destined for slaughter. Many horses are rehabilitated for new roles such as police mounts, therapeutic riding, or trail horses, while about 200 remain at the sanctuary due to severe injuries. The foundation highlights the urgent need for more adoptions to save these horses and provide them with a second chance at life.