Adoption Success Stories
At Hidden Acres, every adoption is a new beginning—and a reason to celebrate. Behind every photo and happy ending is a journey of hope, healing, and second chances. These stories showcase the incredible bonds formed between our retired racehorses and the caring individuals who welcomed them into their lives.
Whether you're considering adoption or simply love a good comeback story, we invite you to meet the horses and humans who remind us why we do what we do.
If you have a HART adoption success story of your own please contact us and we will feature your story here!
Ivey: From Rescue Foal to Champion Competitor
Ivey, named after Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, is one of Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds’ top adoption success stories — and a shining example of what’s possible through the partnership between Hidden Acres and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).
Ivey was just one week old when she arrived at Hidden Acres with her mother, Maddie. Maddie had been rescued along with 46 other horses from a struggling sanctuary in North Carolina. While most of the horses were relocated to trusted rescues across the country, Maddie and her newborn foal, Ivey, came to Hidden Acres in 2016 under the care of the ASPCA.
That summer, Ivey received the dedicated care and hands-on nurturing that HART volunteers are known for. In September of 2016, she was adopted by longtime volunteer Keri Murray — making this not only an adoption success story but a volunteer success story as well.
Keri had been volunteering with HART for about two years when she adopted her first OTTB, Wahoo, as a companion for her childhood horse, Tommy, and as a partner to begin her eventing journey. Soon after, she and her husband Scott adopted Joker from HART so Scott could join her on trail rides.
Ivey, however, was a long-term project horse. With Keri’s patience, love, and commitment, the two worked through Ivey’s quirks under saddle, revealing a smart, affectionate horse with a “puppy dog” personality. Ivey especially enjoys liberty work and shines when given room to learn and grow.
Today, Ivey - Ivey League in the show circles - is a true competitor — currently competing at the Novice Level in the USEA Area 3 Eventing Championships and crowned the 2025 Grand Champion of the Dancing Horse Dressage Show Series in the Training Division.
Ivey and Keri are a testament to what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. They are a true Hidden Acres success story!
