Thursday, April 29th, 2027
Omni Hotel Louisville
A NIGHT OF POKER. A LASTING IMPACT FOR HORSES.
Join us during Kentucky Derby Week for an evening of Texas Hold’em, cocktails, and community benefiting equine aftercare.
Presented by Racing to Rescue, Poker for Ponies brings players together to help support horses beyond their working careers.
Event Schedule
Registration Opens at 5:30 pm
Cocktail Hour starts at 6:00 pm
Tournament starts at 7:00 pm
The Omni Hotel
400 E. 2nd Street
Louisville, Ky
Olmstead Ballroom
(2nd Floor)
Thursday, April 29th, 2027
At Poker for Ponies, every player represents an equine aftercare charity. The winning player’s charity receives the top prize donation — and every participating charity benefits.
Come for the competition. Help provide care, dafe homes, and new beginnings for horses beyond their working careers/
PLAY WITH PURPOSE
Special Thanks To Our 2026 Sponsors
You can still support Poker for Ponies by making a direct donation if you are unable to attend the event. Contributions are distributed among this year’s designated equine aftercare beneficiaries to help fund veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, feed, transportation, safe housing, and placement support for horses transitioning beyond their working careers.
Every gift—regardless of size—strengthens responsible aftercare programs and helps ensure horses receive the time, resources, and stability needed for secure futures. Your support makes a meaningful and measurable difference.
Can’t Attend? Make A Donation
Who We Support & How
Poker for Ponies benefits accredited equine aftercare and rescue nonprofits that provide care and support for horses facing retirement, transition, or uncertain futures—across all disciplines and backgrounds. These organizations carry out essential work including rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming, and long-term care.
By supporting multiple organizations each year, Poker for Ponies distributes funding across a broad aftercare network rather than a single beneficiary, strengthening the overall system that protects horses in need.
Poker for Ponies is administered by Racing to Rescue, the nonprofit charitable arm founded by Resolute Racing. Racing to Rescue oversees the event to ensure transparency, integrity, and responsible distribution of funds in alignment with its charitable mission.
All proceeds from Poker for Ponies directly support accredited equine aftercare organizations, reinforcing a commitment to long-term accountability and responsible stewardship for horses beyond their working lives.
In 2025, Poker for Ponies raised over $500,000 for equine aftercare initiatives, establishing the event as a significant source of funding during Kentucky Derby Week.
Every hand played contributes directly to sustaining programs that protect and care for horses long after their careers—or circumstances—have changed.
Questions?
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