Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART)- An Aftercare Ally
Where is HART (Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds) based?
HART is loosely based out of central Iowa. Our horses reside at a couple of farms around the Des Moines Metro, and our mailing address is 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, which also happens to be the location of the Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino.
How did your program begin?
Back in 2010 Leroy Gessmann president for the Iowa H.B.P.A., along with Darren Heldt Director of racing for Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, looked around the country and noticed that there was a need for aftercare in Iowa as it was starting to get big across the US.
After that initial conversation between them, they brought in more individuals to help get the organization set up some of them being more H.B.P.A. people, such as Barbara Carroll. They then included people from the I.T.B.O.A., such as Brandi Fett and Sharon Vail and Deb Leech and then also brought in noted Owner Maggi Moss.
They looked at many different models of how to start an aftercare organization. It was decided to model something after New Vocations. Thus, the framework was created to get HART up and operational.
The first horse did not come into the program until 2011, and from there it has grown ever since.
What makes HART unique?
HART is currently the only TAA-approved (Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance) aftercare organization in Iowa.
Additionally, our board is constructed to have representation from all aspects of Thoroughbred racing participants in Iowa. This includes the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association (IA HBPA), Prairie Meadow’s Race Track & Casino, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC).
Finally, our eligibility requirements state that horses entering our program must meet one of these guidelines:
- The horse’s last race or work was at Prairie Meadows, a veterinarian has certified that the horse can or should no longer race, and the trainer and owner regularly stable at the track.
- The horse is an Iowa-bred and a veterinarian has certified that the horse can or should no longer race
What happens when a horse is accepted into your program?
This really depends on the needs of the horse. Horses that require medical intervention will receive the necessary treatment and subsequent rehabilitation. Others require a bit of a let down period (or break), and this amount of time varies by the individual. When they are deemed ready (either physically by our veterinary team or mentally by our trainer), we will start a light restart program. We market all of our horses as “track-broke” as we just don’t have the man power to put the time into really training them, but we work heavily on ground manners to help them become solid citizens and find new homes.
Do you work with other locations or farms in your program?
We have one primary farm that houses most of our horses. Occasionally, we may enlist outside farms especially for long term residents like “Pasture Pals” (non-riding companion only horses). However, due to the rigorous requirements of TAA accreditation and our volunteer only staff, it’s best to keep everything in one place.
How many horses have gone through your program?
Since 2011, 152 horses have come through the HART program.
How does HART receive funding?
Our primary funding comes from grants. We apply every year to be recipients of TAA and TCA (Thoroughbred Charities of America) grants, as well as a community betterment grant through Prairie Meadows. HART hosts two annual fundraisers, our Spring Benefit Horse Show and an Annual Benefit Dinner.
We are also the beneficiary of a “per start donation” that some owner/trainers choose to make when racing at PMRTC. Horses entering our program often come with a donation from their connections at the time of entry, and we receive an adoption donation when they are adopted. In 2025 we are launching a new “Ring The Bell” campaign to further encourage donations from purse wins at the track. And, of course, we campaign heavily for donations on social media year round.
Do you have a story about a horse that we can share with our readers?
Seven Thirty was a three year old gelding, seeking a post-racing home. Tara was a rider, seeking her next horse. Through conversations with a friend at HART, Tara found Seven Thirty. After an in-person meeting, she knew he was the horse for her. Adopted in December 2021, they began showing together in the spring of 2022.
Unfortunately, in March 2023, Seven Thirty developed kissing spine. He spent the next several months relaxing and receiving “spa” treatments. In the fall Seven Thirty underwent surgery, from which he should make a full recovery. Seven Thirty and Tara look forward to a bright future together.
If people want to help your program, what can they do?
Good, Better, Best – Good to Follow/Like/Share on social media – spreading the reach is always good. Better to donate – it costs $600/horse/month to house, and we average 15-20 horses at a time. Surgical Interventions range from $1500 – $4500 depending on the injury etc etc. Best – Adopt. Plain and simple. Is there room in your pasture?
If you’re local to central Iowa – we are always looking for volunteers.
To learn more about HART, please visit their website.
To learn about another terrific aftercare organization, please click here.