Founded by Joseph Fiorello, River Run was not created from a business plan.
It was created from experience, heartbreak, and a deep respect for the horses who give everything to the sport.
Joe’s journey into aftercare began with a Standardbred named River.
After learning how to train racehorses, River ultimately did not make it to the races. While others may have seen that as the end of her value, Joe saw something else entirely. He began retraining her under saddle and discovered firsthand that racehorses could thrive in completely different careers when given patience, opportunity, and care.
That experience changed his perspective forever.
“I couldn’t get rid of River,” Joe often says.
“That horse changed everything.”
What started with one horse soon became something much bigger.
Founded by Joseph Fiorello, River Run was not created from a business plan.
It was created from experience, heartbreak, and a deep respect for the horses who give everything to the sport.
Joe’s journey into aftercare began with a Standardbred named River.
After learning how to train racehorses, River ultimately did not make it to the races. While others may have seen that as the end of her value, Joe saw something else entirely. He began retraining her under saddle and discovered firsthand that racehorses could thrive in completely different careers when given patience, opportunity, and care.
That experience changed his perspective forever.
“I couldn’t get rid of River,” Joe often says.
“That horse changed everything.”
What started with one horse soon became something much bigger.
Not long after River, another horse would leave a lasting mark on Joe’s heart and help shape the mission behind River Run Racehorse Retirement.38 Special was once a horse Joe and his friends proudly owned and loved. After his racing career ended, he disappeared from their lives and eventually ended up in a kill shelter. Joe refused to let his story end there. He stepped in to bring 38 Special to safety, giving him the retirement every racehorse deserves. At Golden Gait Riding Stables, 38 Special thrived. He helped retrain off the track horses, built confidence in riders, and proved that retired racehorses still have so much purpose, heart, and life left to give.
He became more than a retired racehorse. He became family. His journey showed Joe the reality so many horses face after racing and inspired the foundation of River Run’s mission to protect, rehabilitate, and give these horses the second chance they deserve. Nearly a year after River Run officially became a nonprofit, 38 Special unexpectedly passed away from colic. The loss was heartbreaking, but his legacy lives on in every horse River Run helps today.
Not long after River, another horse would leave a lasting mark on Joe’s heart and help shape the mission behind River Run Racehorse Retirement.38 Special was once a horse Joe and his friends proudly owned and loved. After his racing career ended, he disappeared from their lives and eventually ended up in a kill shelter. Joe refused to let his story end there. He stepped in to bring 38 Special to safety, giving him the retirement every racehorse deserves. At Golden Gait Riding Stables, 38 Special thrived. He helped retrain off the track horses, built confidence in riders, and proved that retired racehorses still have so much purpose, heart, and life left to give.
He became more than a retired racehorse. He became family. His journey showed Joe the reality so many horses face after racing and inspired the foundation of River Run’s mission to protect, rehabilitate, and give these horses the second chance they deserve. Nearly a year after River Run officially became a nonprofit, 38 Special unexpectedly passed away from colic. The loss was heartbreaking, but his legacy lives on in every horse River Run helps today.
At , every horse’s journey is approached with patience, compassion, and individualized care.
No two horses are the same. Some need time to decompress after racing, while others are ready to begin training for a new career. Our goal is to help each horse safely transition into a life where they can continue to thrive, whether that means becoming a lesson horse, trail companion, therapy partner, or simply enjoying a peaceful retirement.
Through aftercare, retraining, and responsible placement support, River Run works to ensure these horses are given the opportunity, dignity, and future they deserve beyond the racetrack.
At , every horse’s journey is approached with patience, compassion, and individualized care.
No two horses are the same. Some need time to decompress after racing, while others are ready to begin training for a new career. Our goal is to help each horse safely transition into a life where they can continue to thrive, whether that means becoming a lesson horse, trail companion, therapy partner, or simply enjoying a peaceful retirement.
Through aftercare, retraining, and responsible placement support, River Run works to ensure these horses are given the opportunity, dignity, and future they deserve beyond the racetrack.
Working to connect horses with responsible programs suited to their temperament and abilities.
A safe environment where horses can decompress, heal, and adjust after leaving the racetrack.
Helping to develop skills for riding disciplines, lesson programs, trail riding, and companionship.
Ensuring horses receive the peaceful retirement they deserve after years of competition.
Working to connect horses with responsible programs suited to their temperament and abilities.
A safe environment where horses can decompress, heal, and adjust after leaving the racetrack.
Helping to develop skills for riding disciplines, lesson programs, trail riding, and companionship.
Ensuring horses receive the peaceful retirement they deserve after years of competition.
The racing industry creates extraordinary athletes whose strength, heart, and spirit leave a lasting impression on everyone who knows them. But when their racing careers come to an end, not every horse is guaranteed a safe future.
Some horses retire healthy and capable but have nowhere to go. Others simply need time, patience, retraining, and the opportunity to discover a new purpose beyond the track.
We believe these horses are far more than the careers they leave behind. They are intelligent, willing, compassionate animals who still have so much life ahead of them and so much to offer.
With proper care, guidance, and opportunity, retired racehorses can go on to become trusted lesson horses, trail companions, therapy partners, and beloved members of families and barns.
This work is not about “saving broken horses.” It is about recognizing their value beyond competition and ensuring they are given the dignity, care, and future they deserve.
At River Run, we believe retirement should never be the end of a horse’s story. It should be the beginning of a new chapter.
The racing industry creates extraordinary athletes whose strength, heart, and spirit leave a lasting impression on everyone who knows them. But when their racing careers come to an end, not every horse is guaranteed a safe future.
Some horses retire healthy and capable but have nowhere to go. Others simply need time, patience, retraining, and the opportunity to discover a new purpose beyond the track.
We believe these horses are far more than the careers they leave behind. They are intelligent, willing, compassionate animals who still have so much life ahead of them and so much to offer.
With proper care, guidance, and opportunity, retired racehorses can go on to become trusted lesson horses, trail companions, therapy partners, and beloved members of families and barns.
This work is not about “saving broken horses.” It is about recognizing their value beyond competition and ensuring they are given the dignity, care, and future they deserve.
At River Run, we believe retirement should never be the end of a horse’s story. It should be the beginning of a new chapter.
Some horses leave the racetrack with trophies, records, and cheering crowds behind them. Others leave with uncertainty. At River Run Racehorse Retirement, we believe every racehorse deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity for a meaningful life beyond racing. River Run was founded to help retired and unraced Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds transition into their next chapter through compassionate care, retraining, second careers, and lifelong advocacy. Because retirement should never mean a horse is forgotten.
Some horses leave the racetrack with trophies, records, and cheering crowds behind them. Others leave with uncertainty. At River Run Racehorse Retirement, we believe every racehorse deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity for a meaningful life beyond racing. River Run was founded to help retired and unraced Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds transition into their next chapter through compassionate care, retraining, second careers, and lifelong advocacy. Because retirement should never mean a horse is forgotten.
An important part of River Run’s journey has been the partnership and support of Golden Gait Riding Stables and Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Village.
With the help of Denise and the Golden Gait team, retired racehorses have successfully transitioned into fulfilling second careers and meaningful lives beyond the track.
Horses like Super Manning became trusted lesson and trail horses. Tin Man quickly became a barn favorite. Others found confidence and purpose through consistent retraining, structure, and compassionate care.
These partnerships continue to demonstrate what is possible when retired racehorses are given opportunity instead of being overlooked.
At River Run Racehorse Retirement, we believe every racehorse deserves safety, dignity, and compassionate care long after their racing career ends.
As a nonprofit organization, our focus is on providing thoughtful, individualized care for retired racehorses as they transition into their next chapter. This includes daily hands-on care, rehabilitation support when needed, appropriate nutrition, turnout time, veterinary oversight, and a calm environment where horses can decompress and thrive.
Our work is centered on meeting each horse where they are, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being is supported throughout their retirement journey.
River Run Racehorse Retirement is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the state of Florida.
EIN: 39-3246134
All contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
At River Run Racehorse Retirement, we believe every racehorse deserves safety, dignity, and compassionate care long after their racing career ends.
As a nonprofit organization, our focus is on providing thoughtful, individualized care for retired racehorses as they transition into their next chapter. This includes daily hands-on care, rehabilitation support when needed, appropriate nutrition, turnout time, veterinary oversight, and a calm environment where horses can decompress and thrive.
Our work is centered on meeting each horse where they are, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being is supported throughout their retirement journey.
River Run Racehorse Retirement is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the state of Florida.
EIN: 39-3246134
All contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
