SCRAF's OTTB Program
Meet "the Magnificent Seven" Thoroughbreds representing
SCRAF's 2026 Training to Train Program.
Every OTTB deserves the opportunity to discover what's next!
7 retired racehorses. 7 unique stories. 1 shared journey.
Accreditations
Helping Off-The-Track TB's Transition Into Their New Careers
At SCRAF, we believe every Thoroughbred deserves the opportunity to write a successful second chapter.
For nearly four decades, Sandia Creek Ranch has been giving Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) a second chance to thrive.
Long before SCRAF was established, the Wylie family developed a deep appreciation for Thoroughbreds and the people who dedicate their lives to them. Since the late 1980s, Sandia Creek Ranch has welcomed retired racehorses from a variety of circumstances, helping them transition from life on the racetrack into meaningful new careers as lesson horses, trail companions, competition partners, therapy horses, and beloved family members.
Over the years, more than 50 Thoroughbreds have found safety, purpose, and opportunity at Sandia Creek Ranch. Some arrived young and healthy, ready to begin a new chapter. Others came with injuries or limitations that ended their racing careers before they had truly begun. Regardless of their circumstances, each horse was given the opportunity to be valued for who they were, not simply for what they could do.
Many of these remarkable horses went on to educate generations of riders through our lesson programs, helping young people develop confidence, responsibility, compassion, and horsemanship. Others became cherished companions who spent decades living safely and comfortably at the ranch. One Thoroughbred arrived at just four years old with a career-ending lameness diagnosis and remained a beloved member of the ranch family well into his late thirties.
Today, that legacy lives on through SCRAF's "Training to Train" Program and our participation in the Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover. Led by head trainer Kiersti Wylie, the program provides aspiring equestrians the opportunity to learn the art of retraining retired racehorses while helping OTTBs develop the skills needed for successful second careers.
Our 2026 team consists of seven Thoroughbreds, each with their own story, personality, and potential. Through patient training, education, and community support, these horses are learning that life after racing can be just as rewarding as life on the track.
Your Support Makes This Possible:
- Professional training and education
- Feed, veterinary care, and farrier services
- Transportation and competition expenses
- Equipment and supplies for horse and rider
- Opportunities for youth and amateur horsemen to learn from experienced professionals
- A safe and supportive environment where retired racehorses can thrive
Every Thoroughbred deserves the opportunity to discover what comes next.
Together, we can help them write their next chapter.
SCRAF's Off-The-Track TB Graduate Gallery
OTTB's thrive in the sport of Eventing
Developing trust
OTTB's love Eventing
Meet Head Trainer Kiersti Wylie
Having grown up surrounded by many horses, especially Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds at Sandia Creek Ranch, Kiersti continues a family tradition spanning nearly four decades. As head trainer for SCR (including SCRAF's "Training to Train Program"), she mentors both horses and riders, helping each horse discover its potential while teaching the next generation how to retrain & build confidence with patience, compassion, and understanding.
Our favorite quote
Together, we can help them write their next chapter.
Every Horse's Next Chapter Looks Different
Sanctuary horses are actually part of the "next chapter" - Their next chapter just happens to be retirement instead of retraining.
Not every Thoroughbred is destined for a second athletic career, and that's okay.
Some of the horses who call Sandia Creek Ranch home are our Sanctuary Thoroughbreds. Many came to us after the passing of a beloved owner who knew their horse deserved lifelong safety, dignity, and compassionate care. Others have physical or emotional needs that make retirement the kindest path forward.
These horses may never compete again, but they continue to teach us patience, trust, and unconditional partnership every day.
Whether they arrived because of a career-ending injury, the loss of a beloved owner, or simply because life took an unexpected turn, each horse is welcomed into the SCR family and cared for as an individual. They continue to receive the same quality feed (sometimes supplements too), veterinary care, farrier services, and loving attention as every horse in our program.
When you support SCRAF, you're helping ensure that every Thoroughbred - whether preparing for the Thoroughbred Makeover or enjoying a peaceful retirement - has the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and love.
Our Sanctuary Horses are living proof that a successful second chapter doesn't always include another saddle. Sometimes it simply means safety, comfort, and the opportunity to enjoy the retirement they've earned. Because every horse deserves a happy ending, even when that ending doesn't include another ribbon.
Consider giving "the Gift of Retirement"
Every horse deserves the right future for that horse.
At SCRAF, success isn't measured by ribbons, rankings, or ribbons won. Success is measured by helping each Thoroughbred find the life that is right for that horse.
Help us write the next chapter.
Sponsor a Makeover Horse • Sponsor a Sanctuary Horse • Follow & Share Their Journey
Hold Your Horses!
Our website is being groomed and cleaned up—just like the rescue horses we love. Please check back soon & Thanks for your patience while we get things trotting again.
🐴The SCRAF Team🐎