Stable Recovery

Just a few years into its existence and Stable Recovery-the innovative program that helps people recover from addiction and continues to support them through their recovery with jobs in the racing industry-is flying. The organization recently published statistics that show that hundreds have been through the program who have sustained their sobriety between 30 and 90 days, that they have conducted over 56,000 AA meetings, and that their graduates had found full-time work in 13 different Kentucky farms and businesses. The program's success is clear to see in those numbers,...

When Minaret Station (Instilled Regard) jogged back after his stunning upset victory in the GII Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland on Oct. 6, one of the first people to greet him was trainer Will Walden, followed immediately by Tyler Maxwell. The victory was not only poignant in what it represented, with the 2-year-old colt earning an automatic berth to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, but also in how it brought things full circle for Maxwell who, at one time, was seemingly a lost soul until he was saved by the...

From a young age, Jeramie Fennell was certain that he was born to be a jockey. Addicted to the thrill of riding, becoming a jockey was the only thing he really cared about, the only thing he knew for certain. So when, as he continued growing taller throughout his teenage years and maintaining weight became increasingly difficult, Fennell did what he thought he had to do in order to live out his dream. He turned to a different kind of addiction, but this time the consequences would lead him to...

It was hard to see Minaret Station (Instilled Regard) winning the GII Castle and Key Bourbon Stakes last week at Keeneland. He was 38-1 and coming off a narrow win in a maiden at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Yet, he beat his rivals that day, punching his ticket to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. But that was only one part of this story, one that is about being on the bottom, digging your way out of trouble and then thriving. For trainer Will Walden, this will be his first Breeders' Cup...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has announced a special collaboration with Stable Recovery for the upcoming John Hall Memorial Golf Tournament. A Constitution halter, donated by WinStar Farm, will be shared with Stable Recovery and auctioned at the event to raise funds to support their mission. Originally intended for the TRF's Stallions for Second Chances Halter Auction, the halter has become a symbol of the relationship between the organizations. "We felt that sharing this halter with Stable Recovery would be a meaningful way to honor the close ties we've built and...

A good barber knows how to create conversation. After years of standing over his chair trimming hair and chatting with clients, John Daugherty has always prided himself on his ability to talk to just about anybody. "It didn't matter if it was a doctor, the mayor, or the homeless guy around the corner, I could talk to everyone," he said. So when Daugherty found himself in a prison staring at the adolescent faces of his two sons at a loss for words, his inability to find the right thing to...

Stable Recovery's 3rd Annual Golf Scramble--the John Hall Memorial, presented by Heider Family Stables--is set for Oct. 14 at Thoroughbred Golf Club in Nicholasville, Kentucky. The Lexington-based Stable Recovery, Inc. provides individuals in early recovery from substance abuse the opportunity to live in a sober and supportive environment while training to become horsemen and horsewomen. "We are especially grateful to Scott and Cindy Heider, whose generous support through Heider Family Stables has made this event possible," Stable Recovery's Director of Fundraising and Marketing Robert Osbourn said. "Scott and Cindy's dedication...

It was during the moments after Billy Major came face-to-face with death, and momentarily lost the battle, that he knew something needed to change. On November 14, 2022, as he awoke on the floor of a motel room after overdosing on heroin, Major felt the hand of God rest upon his shoulder. And this time, he reached over to take it. "I woke up laying on the floor in front of my refrigerator. I saw people sitting on the bed, some of my friends, and there was a gentleman with...

Robert Osbourne was spending a few weeks helping out at the Stable Recovery house at Taylor Made, taking some time to reset and perhaps figure out some goals for his life, when one afternoon the program's director Christian Countzler walked into the living room looking as white as a ghost. This was a little over a year ago, just as the calendar was turning over to 2023, and at the time Stable Recovery was relying on funding from the Kentucky Career Center to keep the fledgling project up and running....

Stable Recovery will hold its second annual Spring Meet Gala Saturday at Fasig-Tipton's Newtown Paddocks in Lexington. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with a mocktail hour and will offer men in the substance abuse recovery program the chance to share their transformative stories. The evening will also include numerous items in live and silent auctions, including a Knicks Go package, a Not This Time halter, horseshoes from Medina Spirit and Arabian Knight, and a California Chrome saddle towel. Bidding on silent auction items begins Wednesday. For more information,...

Stable Recovery is a rehabilitation program in Lexington, Kentucky that provides a safe living environment and a peer-driven, therapeutic community for men in the early stages of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Along with going to 12-step meetings and support groups, residents attend the School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farm to learn a new vocation in the Thoroughbred industry. The School of Horsemanship is a project that was created by Taylor Made two years ago and has since seen over 100 men go through the program. Many of...

The William Cooper Faith and Community in Action award was bestowed upon Stable Recovery Tuesday according to a release from the organization. Honored at the Annual Governor's Prayer Breakfast, Stable Recovery was celebrated for their support of individuals and families affected by substance abuse. "We are humble and grateful to receive the Faith and Community in Action Award," said CEO of Stable Recovery Christian Countzler. "We wake up every day and try to make a difference. Our mission is challenging but worthwhile, and it is heartening to be recognized by...