Where the Value of a Racehorse is Redefined
Abijah’s sees a future where every racetrack sustains the horses & humans that power our favorite sport.
Transforming Lives on the Backside of Racetracks.
Off-Track Thoroughbreds for Mental Health
Abijah’s is the bridge between the racing industry and community wellness— pairing off-track thoroughbreds with professional counselors, we meet the mental health needs from the backside (stable workers) of the tracks to the frontlines where our first responders and military serve.
Witness the Impact
In Their Own Words…
Hear from first responders, a Jockey, and racing industry leaders how lives are being saved thanks to Abijah’s 4-legged miracle workers.
How It Works
The Minnesota State Legislature has provided funding for active duty first responders to receive our mental health equine experiential services free of charge. Hear how we’re changing lives from a MN Firefighter.
Why Off-Track Thoroughbreds for Mental Health?
Sometimes we feel resistant to getting help. It feels out of reach.
We wonder if it will really fix the problem.
Off-Track Thoroughbreds bridge that gap and bring healing alongside mental health professionals.
Intuitive
As intelligent prey animals, Off-Track Thoroughbreds are highly intuitive, responding to nonverbal cues & energy.
Experiential
Their imposing size and behavioral responses often remind a client of personal obstacles, relationships, and goals.
Transforming
Horses help us identify our feelings, and have a special ability to help people work through emotional and behavioral barriers.
Safe
OTTBs provide a safe environment to work through dynamics & relationships, where the horses only change when we do.
Where talk-therapy fails, Abijah’s succeeds.
Military & First Responders
Abijah’s specializes in supporting First Responders, Veterans, and Military. Because equine-experiential therapy is not about talking or reliving past trauma, the paddock is a safe place to be vulnerable. Our clients routinely experience true healing and relief through our off-track thoroughbreds, under the direction of licensed mental health professionals. To learn more about scholarships for veterans and first responders, please contact us.
Backside Workers
Canterbury Park in Minnesota has partnered with Abijah’s to launch the first ever equine-experiential therapy on the backside of the racetrack. Recognizing that backside workers face unique mental health challenges in a high-pressure, transient line of work - the HBPA and Minnesota Racing Commission fund session work for Canterbury’s backside workers. Abijah’s plans to have facilities at tracks around the country, so mental health support can be continuous despite the transient nature of backside work.
Second Careers for Off-Track Thoroughbreds
At Abijah’s, we believe the most meaningful years of a racehorse’s life begin when they step off the track for the last time. With 25 years and so much heart left to give, Abijah’s facilitates these elite and misunderstood equines into second careers as powerful therapy animals- literally saving lives.
“I’ve definitely seen changes in myself. The horses play out what I’m feeling, bring it to the surface… and I can let it go.”
— Todd S., Firefighter
Contact
To book a session, explore second career possibilities for your thoroughbred, or bring Abijah’s to your track, please reach out.
Sally Mixon
Sally@abijahsonthebackside.com
Phone
(715) 379-1370