The Most Unique Pumpkin Patch You’ll Find this Fall is at the Kentucky Horse Park

Growing Up in Horse Country

Growing up in Kentucky, you get an education on three things: fast horses, good bourbon, and Bluegrass music. It wasn't until I was a little older that I had formal education in bourbon and Bluegrass, but I was exposed to horses at a very young age! I took my first trip to the Kentucky Horse Park when I was in fifth grade. We had an entire unit on horses, that’s how important they are to the culture of the Commonwealth.

Passing the Passion Along

Fast forward about thirty years, and I took my daughter to the Horse Park when she was in fifth grade. For equestrians, it’s as magical as Disney World. You are immersed in "horse world" and when you have a passion like ours, it’s engaging, entertaining, and also so educational.

Peak 'Kentucky' is Owning Your Own Thoroughbred

It wasn’t until this year, though, that I reached peak Kentucky when I bought my own Thoroughbred. Great great great granddaughter of the most famous Kentucky Derby winner on the planet, our Graycie girl isn’t fast like him, but she does bear his three socks and "in your pocket" personality. She was bred to be a racehorse on a big racing farm, but she was too slow to race, so her owners at the time had to find a different job for her.

Her sweet demeanor and easy trainability made her a perfect candidate for a 4-H horse for the owner’s granddaughter. After her girl moved on to college, she became a lesson horse. Things changed, and she was offered to our family for my daughter who loves competing in speed events and 4-H fair. Graycie loves her job. She spends her time at shows watching the other horses and nuzzling up on whoever is close to her face.

What Happens to Retired Racehorses

There are lots of Thoroughbreds that don’t reach celebrity status on the track. And when they retire, they need a new home. They are called "off the track Thoroughbreds" or OTTBs. Track life can be rigorous, structured, physically demanding, and Thoroughbreds are known to be high-energy and strong-willed. So, when they retire, they often need time to decompress and someone to patiently teach them a new discipline.

Many OTTBs have blossoming careers after racing in things like jumping, speed eventing, dressage, western pleasure, and even therapy programs.

How the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Helps

The need to rehome Thoroughbreds is so great that there are organizations that step in to help. Since their needs are specific and they often require experienced trainers and handlers, these organizations market the horses, match them with the right homes, and even fund rescues for horses that cannot have a job after racing due to injuries or temperament.

The country’s oldest and largest organization is the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. With farms and sanctuaries throughout the country, the organization has helped rescue and place more than 4,500 retired racehorses over the years.

We are dedicated to providing dignified lifetime care for retired racehorses, most of whom remain with us for 15 to 20 years. Some arrive after a second or third post-racing career, while others come directly from the racetrack. No matter where their journey begins, it ends with the safe landing we are proud to provide. -Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

TRF Second Chances Program

The organization also operates the TRF Second Chances Program in partnership with correctional facilities across the country. Incarcerated individuals have the opportunity to learn horsemanship, trust, responsibility, and a renewed sense of purpose by working with these horses. Many go on to work within the equine workforce as a farrier, vet assistant, or caretaker.

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Why Support Matters

As a person who owns two horses, I can tell you it’s incredibly expensive. The TRF has multiple locations and farms throughout the country and several retired horses to care for.

While TRF can point with pride to its many accomplishments over the decades, the realization of the ultimate goal — saving all Thoroughbred racehorses from needless suffering — is not yet in sight. TRF must maintain the operating resources needed to ensure long-term continuity of care for our current retirees.

 

The Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser

To help offset costs, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation holds annual fundraisers. One very popular event is the Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Kentucky Horse Park, where visitors can enjoy beautiful glass art while supporting the future of retired racehorses.

Here's a quick video I found from another event that gives you a better idea of what the pumpkins at the fundraiser will look like.

The Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser

The Glass Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser will be held October 16–19, 2025, at the Kentucky Horse Park. Visitors can explore Vendor Row and discover hundreds of hand-blown glass pumpkins created by artist Greg Tomb. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art.

While the Glass Pumpkin Patch is set within the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge & Three-Day Event, one of the nation’s premier fall equestrian competitions, admission to the Kentucky Horse Park and Vendor Village is FREE! Visitors can enjoy the energy of the horse show, shop unique seasonal art, and make a lasting difference for Thoroughbreds in need.

Event Details

• Dates: Thursday, October 16 – Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Kentucky Horse Park, Vendor Row
• Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511
• Admission: Free

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

If you'd like to support TRF and help out at the event, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AABA628A4FBC16-58771877-glass#/

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Churchill Downs

If you love racing and still want to support retired horses, be sure to attend the Thoroughbred Aftercare Day fundraiser at Churchhill Downs. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, racing fans are invited to Churchill Downs in Louisville for a day at the track that makes a difference.

Every ticket purchased through the special TRF link contributes $5 directly to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Guests will enjoy reserved seating, a complimentary raceday program (while supplies last), and access to the 2nd-floor Food Court. Gates open at 12:45 PM, giving attendees plenty of time to settle in before an afternoon of thrilling races.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
• Time: Gates open at 12:45 PM
• Location: Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
• Tickets: Mobile delivery only via the Churchill Downs App
• Tickets: To ensure your ticket purchase supports the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, you must use this link: Buy Tickets Here

By spending a day at Churchill Downs, guests can cheer on today’s athletes while giving retired racehorses the dignified future they deserve.

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