Illinois Program Retrained Retired Racehorses
The Galloping Out program offers retired racehorses a second career following the closure of Hawthorne Race Course.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Large Animals
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The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association created the Galloping Out program in 2010 to provide care and retraining for retired racehorses. The initiative currently manages 28 horses across multiple Illinois farm locations to prevent them from entering the slaughter market.
Why it matters
Retraining programs provide a necessary path for retired thoroughbreds to transition into new careers after their racing tenures conclude. These efforts gained additional significance as the closure of Hawthorne Race Course created a surplus of horses in need of placement.
Adoption fees for the program range from $1,000 to $5,000, which is significantly lower than the lifetime earnings of some retirees like Proper Empire, who earned $80,000. Currently, 28 horses are housed across state facilities in towns like Hampshire, Kankakee, and Monee.
The players
Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
An organization that manages racing interests and created the Galloping Out program in 2010.
Illinois Equine Humane Center
A rescue operation based in Maple Park that supports retired racehorses.
The details
Retraining focuses on teaching former racehorses to transition from high-speed track environments to controlled riding. Trainers work to help these animals slow down and respond to precise commands, while also utilizing their innate training in handling loud noises and trailer transport. Prospective adopters must pass vetting and facility inspections before approval, and the program maintains an unconditional return policy for all adopted animals.
Timeline
2007: Illinois banned the slaughter of horses.
2010: The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association created Galloping Out.
October 2026: Reported current operations and impact of Hawthorne Race Course closing.
Next year: Avery Kucan plans to start show jumping.
The Home Front
The Galloping Out program marks a departure from the historical industry practices exemplified by the 2005 slaughter of Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand. These rescue operations follow the 2007 Illinois ban on horse slaughter and the lack of federal authorization for meat inspections.
Potential adopters should prepare for a rigorous vetting process that includes facility inspections before approval. If you are considering adoption, contact the program to review the specific training requirements for horses transitioning from a racing career.
The takeaway
Retraining initiatives like Galloping Out ensure that retired thoroughbreds find new homes rather than facing the slaughter market. Prospective owners should verify that any rescue facility maintains an unconditional return policy for the lifetime of the horse.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to care for large animals in our Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Reading Eagle.
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