Nearly 300 Horses Retired from Chicagoland Racing Have Found New Homes, Thanks to Galloping Out

Press Release

Galloping Out, the organization dedicated to finding permanent and loving homes for thoroughbred horses retired from Chicagoland racing, has again earned prestigious and national recognition.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, based in Lexington, Ky., announced it has reaccredited Galloping Out as an aftercare organization in full compliance with the TAA’s code of standards. This recognition of Galloping Out, which follows a rigorous review of its practices and facilities, enhances Galloping Out’s profile within the national thoroughbred community and also helps position the program to potentially receive grant funding from the TAA. 

“These equine athletes served us well on the track, and we strive to ensure they arrive in caring and supportive new homes,” said Chris Block, President of Galloping Out. “This reaccreditation is a testament to the hard work of Galloping Out staff and volunteers, as well as all the participating farms, to do the right thing by retired racehorses.”

Illinois horsemen are committed to re-homing horses when they retire from racing. The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, which represents horse owners and trainers at Hawthorne Race Course, launched Galloping Out in 2010 so that retired thoroughbred horses have a chance to enjoy productive and rewarding lives. The program, funded by horsemen’s contributions and through donations from generous supporters, provides for the care, rehabilitation and retraining of retired thoroughbred racehorses.

Galloping Out has located new homes — most of them in Illinois — for nearly 300 horses retired from racing at Hawthorne and, previously, Arlington Park. They become family horses or spend their days trail riding or jumping. They do dressage, play polo, and work with children with developmental disabilities. One has appeared in a military parade and another starred in a TV commercial.

The horses live near such Illinois communities as Fulton, Galena, Harvard, Machesney Park, Mendota, Plano, Rockford, Sleepy Hollow and Yorkville. They also have found new homes in other states including Florida, Georgia and Montana. Galloping Out partners with farms in Woodstock, Elgin, Spring Grove, Caledonia, Kankakee and Edwardsville to host, retrain and rehabilitate the horses during their transition from track to permanent home.

As part of its evaluation process, the TAA inspected sites affiliated with Galloping Out. The TAA, the only accrediting organization in thoroughbred aftercare, boasts a network of 82 accredited organizations, operating at more than 180 facilities across the United States and Canada.  

In addition to its core responsibility of re-homing retired horses, Galloping Out also has expanded its efforts in the horse community’s show circuit. The program has sponsored all-thoroughbred classes and has rewarded top-placing thoroughbreds by awarding ribbons and prize money at shows.

Block, who also serves as ITHA president, commended Galloping Out coordinator Jan Ely, the program’s Board of Directors, and participating farms for their exceptional commitment to re-homing Illinois thoroughbred horses. Aside from Block, the program directors include Donna Becker, Michele Boyce, Mickey Goldfine, Steve Holland and Neil Pessin.

“Retraining the horses and preparing them for new careers takes time and dedication,” Block said. “We’re proud of the program’s success and grateful for all the ongoing support from Illinois thoroughbred owners and trainers.”