Looking Back at 2025

As I reflect on 2025, it was another good year for Wasabi Aftercare. We assisted in a number of retirements and rehomings, as well as had a successful year of fundraising. As in any year, there were challenges, but I think our successes outnumber the frustrations by leaps and bounds.

Let’s take a peek at 2025!

Retirements

In 2025 we assisted in the placement of 11 horses. Six of these were horses that we retired directly from the racing and breeding strings of Wasabi Ventures Stables. Another four of these were horses who needed assistance in finding new homes when their initial placements did not work. Finally, we worked with the aftercare community and provided financial assistance when a former WVS horse was found to be in a poor situation.

Oversight & Updates

As I wrote about this past fall, I spend time every week tracking WVS horses. I watch races, check on the status of horses that race internationally, and research the activities of former broodmares.

For the retired horses I track, I continue to reach out annually to dozens of owners. These horses’ careers vary from fox hunters to trail riding horses to paddock puffs and everything in between. As always, these owners adore their horses and are more than happy to tell me how terrific their horses are.

Communication

It continued to be another year filled with good communication with owners, trainers, and aftercare groups. When former WVS horses experienced extended time off from racing, I received responses from the majority of the owners and/or trainers I contacted. Knowing a horse’s current status makes my job easier, as well as provides a sense of relief that a horse is in a safe place.

In 2025 we also began sending letters to all purchasers of WVS-bred horses sold via auction. With these letters we notify new owners that Wasabi Aftercare is here to assist, if needed, when a horse is ready to retire.

Events

In 2025 we held a variety of events. In the “just for fun” category we held two different events. For the first time we celebrated I Love Horses Day. People shared photos and stories about their favorite horses. For the second year we also hosted an OTTB Madness bracket, allowing the public to vote on their favorite WVS retiree. This year’s winner was Detroit Cowboy.

In the outside events category, we were a sponsor of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover again this year.

Fundraising

We held a number of fundraising events. On the auction front we held four different fundraisers. We held two signature item auctions, an aftercare auction (with items provided by WVS club members), and an art auction. Each was a success! We also had a raffle with Kentucky Derby and Oaks squares, which was fun for all. Next, we held a choose the Super Bowl winner contest, featuring WVS-retiree Fee. Finally, we wrapped up 2025 with our 12 Days of Giving fundraiser, which was our most successful to date.

Challenges

As always, the biggest challenge is tracking horses. Although the majority of trainers and owners respond to me, there are times when my messages go unanswered. There also are times when there is no contact information available. Not knowing a horse’s whereabouts is the most difficult part of our work.

Looking Back at 2025

This was another successful year for Wasabi Aftercare. We grew our network of aftercare and racetrack connections and assisted in 11 placements. With a highly successful year of fundraising, we are ready to assist in more retirements and placements in 2026. I look forward to working with our community to keep Thoroughbreds safe.