Golden Oak, an 8-year-old bay Thoroughbred gelding, was purchased as a 2-year-old for $80,000 and spent five years as a racehorse before sustaining a career-ending injury. After being sent to auction and narrowly escaping slaughter, he was saved by Gerda’s Equine Rescue of West Townshend. The rescue believes in the value of every horse’s life, regardless of their past.

Oakley, as he is now known, spent his first few weeks recovering from an upper respiratory infection caused by the stress and unsanitary conditions he endured while in the slaughter pipeline. He is currently being rehabilitated and retrained by GER Board member Mary Elena Moran for a new riding career. They are aiming to compete in the Thoroughbred Makeover competition in Kentucky.

Through Oakley’s rehabilitation and training journey, GER hopes to bring awareness to the plight of retired racehorses and inspire support for rescues. The goal is to showcase the transformation of these horses and educate the public on the reality of the slaughter industry, while highlighting the value of each horse’s life.