Our History:
Our facility is located in Spencer, New York. Built in 1975, Settlement Stables was purchased by Collette and Tom in March of 2000. It has been home to a number of horses throughout the years, operating as a riding lesson and horse training facility. In the fall of 2011, the [now] board members made their first visit to the backside of Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York and recognized the need for a thoroughbred aftercare program in our area. The name was officially changed to Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc. in 2012 and our attention was turned to retraining retired racehorses for new careers. We are home to a number of retired thoroughbreds in all stages of retraining as well as four dogs (Marley, Max, Benny and Willow) and our one barn cat (Mimosa).
Our facility is comprised of a lighted indoor riding arena with attached 10 stall barn and an outdoor grass riding 
arena, both fitted with a variety of jumps. The facility has a feed room, an indoor heated tack room and a balcony with enclosed office overlooking the indoor arena. Our main pasture has gates that allow it to be sectioned off into five separate pastures with four large run-in sheds, all fenced with flexible vinyl fencing. Additionally, we use our outdoor arena for first time outside turnout to newer horses as it is fenced in flexible vinyl.
Our Mission:
The mission of Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc. is to provide Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and retired broodmares with a soft landing after the end of their racing and broodmare careers by giving them ample rehabilitation and retraining, transitioning them to a new career. We also work to educate and demonstrate to the public how versatile and trainable thoroughbreds are through clinics, shows, parades, community events, etc. All stallions/colts are gelded upon arrival and all of our mares are adopted with a no breeding contract. We regularly network thoroughbreds needing homes in our area and maintain an active social media presence. Thoroughbreds are known for their athleticism, heart and desire to please. Ride an OTTB today!
We acquire many of our thoroughbreds straight off the track, specifically Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York. The majority of the horses we get from the track need urgent placement, have injuries or vices, are intact stallions or are at risk due to low listing prices. We also acquire horses from local at-risk sales ads (Craigslist, Facebook, etc.) and through owner surrenders. Many of these horses have been neglected, have ongoing lameness issues or are otherwise at risk as a result of their owners falling on hard times or being inexperienced in thoroughbred care. All of our thoroughbreds are assessed upon arrival and are rehabilitated accordingly before beginning a retraining regimen.
Second Chance Thoroughbreds is committed to creating an equitable, transparent and inclusive environment through valuing self reflection, growth and collaboration of staff, those we serve, and leaders in our community. We value deep listening, understanding and active participation to keep the conversation going and to dismantle barriers to social and racial justice.
Our Board of Directors:
Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc. is an all-volunteer run organization whose board members meet and communicate regularly throughout the year.
Collette Duddy
Executive Director
Collette is an accomplished horse owner and trainer with over 30 years of experience. She purchased the facility in March of 2000 and began her equine activities with horse training and riding lessons. Collette got her first off the track thoroughbred as a teenager and successfully showed as a hunter/jumper, competing in many local and rated shows. She continues to be an active rider and has retrained many thoroughbreds throughout the years. Collette has always admired the heart and athleticism of the breed and after recognizing the need for a thoroughbred aftercare program, she created Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc. The goal of the organization is not only to retrain thoroughbreds for new careers, but to help prevent them from ending up in bad situations, neglected or being sent to auction. With the creation of Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc., Collette hopes to continue to retrain and find great homes for OTTB’s, preventing them from ending up at slaughter and the unknown, and also to help educate the public about the breed and post-racing careers.
Treasurer: Wendy Thompson. Wendy is a lifelong resident of the area, an animal lover. She lives with her dog Ruby in the Ithaca area.
Secretary: Maisey Pautz. Maisey is a lifetime equestrian with a passion for off the track thoroughbreds. Maisey has shown hunt seat equitation through IEA and IHSA and is a regular at local shows. In addition to showing, she has many years of experience in riding greenies and working through behavioral challenges. Maisey is dedicated to showcasing the diversity of the OTTB and serving as an ally for the breed through her work at Second Chance Thoroughbreds.
Hannah Prunier is a knowledgeable equestrian with over 15 years’ experience. Dedicated to the care of horses, Hannah is passionate about providing the best to each and every horse she comes across. Hannah has experience working with horses of all ages, breeds, and experience levels.
Organizational Profile:
Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the Internal Revenue Service. Our EIN # is 46-1182639. We are also registered with the New York State Attorney General’s Office Charities Bureau Registry. Our registration # is 43-82-19. Our 501(c)(3) status became effective October 1, 2012 and all donations to Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc. are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Organizational Funding:
Our funding comes from a variety of sources. We are mainly funded through grants and gifts from charitable organizations. We also receive donations from private individuals and funds from our adoption fees. Our fundraisers include the Thoroughbred Jubilee Benefit Horse Show, open house events.
Programs Offered:
The main focus of Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc. is on the retraining and re-homing of thoroughbred racehorses with the majority of our funding and time spent on this aspect of our organization. Thoroughbreds acquired from both on and off the track are assessed and given downtime or rehabilitation before beginning a retraining program suited to the individual needs of the horse. Once in training, thoroughbreds are transitioned to a new career and are eventually offered for adoption with a no racing/no auction/no breeding contract with right of first refusal to ensure future safety.
The Social Club Initiative Gelding Program was created in the spring of 2013 and we have funding to help owners pay for gelding procedures up to $500, paid directly to vet.
Additional Organizational Information:
Our Veterinarian – Cornell Ambulatory Clinic
Our Farrier – Denis Boncek
We are located just 22 miles away from the equine hospital at Cornell Veterinary School and have access to equine specialists.
Legal Documents:
NYS Not For Profit Entity Info
Contact Information:
Our mailing address is:
Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Inc.
121 Dawson Hill Road,
Spencer, New York 14883
We can also be reached by phone, (607) 589-7669 or by email, sctottbs@gmail.com.