Service to Stables: Veterans train for equine careers at Secretariat Center

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — At the heart of the Kentucky Horse Park, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway, where the legacies of thoroughbred champions meet the resilience of America’s veterans.

On 22 rolling acres sits the Secretariat Center, named after the legendary racehorse known for his extraordinary heart. Here, another kind of strength is being nurtured through a unique program that gives both retired racehorses and service members a chance to start over.

Executive Director Bill Nelson saw the opportunity to bridge two of Kentucky’s most meaningful communities—horses and heroes.

“I’ve got a great facility, I’ve got horses, I’ve got interns already… How about recruiting some of the veterans who are transitioning in the state to discover and identify if they have a desire to work in the equine industry here in Kentucky?” Nelson said.

The result is the Veteran Equine Internship—a three-week, hands-on experience where veterans learn to care for off-track thoroughbreds. From feeding and grooming to equine nutrition and stable management, the program provides a comprehensive overview of one of Kentucky’s largest industries. And thanks to a partnership with Bluegrass Community & Technical College (BCTC), there’s room to go even further.

“We offer a two-year associate’s degree in equine studies or one-year workforce certificates,” said Remi Bellocq, director of BCTC’s Equine Studies program. “We’ve had graduates go on to work for top stables—like Bill Mott and Todd Pletcher.”

Mark Taylor, a Coast Guard veteran with deep family ties to the racing world, was the first to complete the internship. For him, it was more than a job opportunity—it was a homecoming.

“I grew up around horses. My father owned racehorses. His father owned racehorses. And my great-grandfather owned horses,” Taylor said. “They’re just beautiful animals. There’s not an ugly horse.”

Bellocq said the skills veterans bring make them a natural fit.

“They know how to get up early, they’re not afraid of the elements, and they’re very disciplined,” he said.

But beyond the barn work, there’s something deeper at play. This program is about more than training—it’s about healing.

“As we know, the veteran suicide rate in Kentucky is too high,” said Nelson. “To be alone and unemployed is not a situation we want for our veterans. These programs give them a helping hand—and a path forward.”

For Taylor, it’s already making a difference.

“You want to talk about something that will relieve stress? These guys will relieve stress,” he said, gently patting one of the horses. “It’s given an old veteran like me another shot—just like some of these old racehorses.”