Beyond the Track

Anna Ford is the Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, which was founded in 1992 to offer retiring racehorses a safe haven, rehabilitation, and continued education through placement in experienced and caring homes. Over 6,600 retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds have been placed in qualified homes through New Vocations' efforts since its inception. These horses have come from 40 different racetracks and have been adopted by families throughout the country. Ford grew up deeply immersed in the racing industry as her father is a fifth-generation trainer. She rode Thoroughbreds throughout her youth and showed in a variety of disciplines. Ford was an exercise rider during college prior to her position with New Vocations. She also trained and instructed internationally, and is Masters Certified through the Certified Horsemen's Association. She was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and sits on the Advisory Board. Ford lives in Marysville, Ohio. Visit www.newvocations.org for more information about New Vocations Racehorse Adoption. A member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists, Amber Heintzberger is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in equestrian subjects. A lifelong horsewoman, she has competed in eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumpers and has retrained several off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Heintzberger lives in South Orange, New Jersey.