Extreme Barn Makeover – Thoroughbred Edition
Before our founder, Dannielle Marturana, became ill and passed away in July 2025, she entrusted the board with her mission: to provide a safe haven for retired racehorses. Today, that mission faces an urgent challenge.
Why This Matters
Our horses currently live in pens that are temporary and unstable, with little shade to protect them from Arizona’s extreme summer heat. Recently, one of our few shade structures collapsed during a storm — a near-tragedy that strengthened our resolve to make lasting improvements.
As a result, Extreme Barn Makeover — Thoroughbred Edition was set in motion. Our dream is to replace the existing structures with permanent cemented in, shaded enclosures built to last for decades. ATHA aims to raise $100,000 by December 10th, and thanks to a generous pledge from an ATHA board member, any shortfall will be covered—ensuring that every dollar donated goes directly to the horses, and your support will help determine how much of the goal we can achieve through community contributions.
Every Horse Has a Story
“Every horse that comes to ATHA has a story—and a future worth fighting for,” said Michele Anderson, President of ATHA. “This makeover isn’t just about pens; it’s about hope. With your support, we can give these incredible athletes the safe haven they deserve.”
We are reaching out to fellow OTTB lovers — those who believe in aftercare, who give cheerfully, and who want to make a lasting difference for horses who have given their all on the track.
This is more than a makeover - it's a transformation that will profoundly improve the lives of these horses. After all they've given on the track, they deserve this and more!
Read the Paulick Report article here: https://tinyurl.com/2s3cchdk
How You Can Help
We need your support to make this vision a reality. Every dollar counts toward creating a secure, shaded environment where these incredible athletes can heal, retrain, and thrive.
✅ Donate today and be part of this legacy transformation!
📞 Or call us at 480-485-6477
Together, we can make this Extreme Barn Makeover a reality—and give retired racehorses the second chance they deserve.
After the Homestretch Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
What We Do
Our goal is to prepare the horses for new adoptive homes. The majority of our horses have recently retired from the track, but we also have received horses from the AZ Dept of Agriculture and from people who can no longer care for their ex-racehorse.
We are here to give them a second chance – it’s what we do!
How We Do It
Each former racehorse that enters our aftercare program goes through an extensive 3-step process:
1. Reconditioning
Reconditioning for a retired racehorse is all about helping the horse transition from a racing career to a new life. It focuses on both physical and mental aspects. When the horses first arrive, they are given time to adjust and settle in.
2. Retraining
Racehorses are trained for racing, and they need to learn new skills to adapt to different disciplines. This retraining involves teaching them new gaits for dressage, jumping, or simply getting comfortable being handled and ridden for pleasure.
3. Re-homing
We meticulously screen potential adopters, ensuring a perfect match based on experience, lifestyle, and expectations. Adoptive families receive ongoing support and guidance, helping them build a successful and lasting bond with their new equine companion.
Who We Are
After The Homestretch AZ is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of former racehorses.
Our aftercare program focuses on reconditioning, retraining, and re-homing these magnificent animals, providing them with the opportunity for fulfilling post-racing lives.
We also offer ongoing support and advocacy to ensure the continued welfare of these horses.
Charitable Foundations & Sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following charitable foundations and sponsors. We would not be able to carry out the work we do without their grants and assistance.
