Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Magazine 2020

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THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE MAGAZINE 2020

Inside:

Get involved in the OTTB community

Volunteer: Make a difference for yourself & others PUBLISHED BY Find a TAA-accredited organization Starlight and StarLadies Racing would like to thank New Vocations for turning the following Starlight/StarLadies alumni into wonderful riding horses

Caribbean Kid Light Off Salmanazar Coach Vinny Masterofintention Sam P Dark Pool Mo Stealthy Skitz Drunk Logic Monopolist Tierra Verde Harlan’s Station Recur Tilt Lawn Man Rune Vinny White Shoes

Starlight Racing’s 2007 Kentucky Derby starter, Sam P. Vinny White Shoes in his new vocation is excelling in his second career with new owner, as a 4H Club horse Laura Vorwerk Skitz

Starlight Racing starlightracing.com StarLadies Racing starladiesracing.com

Contact: Donna Barton Brothers at [email protected] for more information about the partnerships EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mike Meuser, President John Phillips, Past President Craig Bandoroff, Vice President Walter S. Robertson, Secretary Jen Shah, Treasurer Stacie Clark Rogers, Operations Consultant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Craig Bandoroff, Jeff Bloom, Simon Bray, Boyd Browning, Donna Barton Brothers, Case Clay, Dora Delgado, Michael Ernst, Sue Finley, Jim Gagliano, Brian Graves, Susie Hart, John Keitt, CONTENTS Chip McGaughey, Mike Meuser, David O’Farrell, Martin Panza, John Phillips, Walter Barbara D. Livingston S. Robertson, Josh Rubinstein, Rick Schosberg, Yvonne Schwabe, Jen Shah, Welcome Tom Ventura, Nicole Walker TAA President Mike Meuser says the organization’s mission is about doing it right. Page 4

TAA MAGAZINE PRODUCTION Get involved with your off-the-track horse Erin Shea There are numerous competitive and non-competitive activities available for adoptees. Page 6 821 Corporate Dr. Lexington, KY 40503 Phone: (859) 224-2756 A lifetime commitment Email: [email protected] For one organization, accreditation validates and enhances their mission to help horses. Page 12

The TAA magazine was produced in its entirety by Diversity at work contributions from sponsors and advertisers and The versatility of the Thoroughbred is showcased for horses placed in aftercare programs. Page 14 was published by Daily Racing Form. Volunteering is a win-win Many TAA organizations rely on volunteers to help run their operation economically. Page 16

EDITORIAL Where TAA-accredited facilities are located Mark Simon, Senior Writer The 74 accredited organizations are in 25 states, plus Canada and Puerto Rico. Page 20

MAGAZINE DESIGN Jim Sewastynowicz, Designer and Industry stakeholders Photo Editor Funding of the TAA comes from a broad and diverse group of supporters. Page 22

SPONSORSHIP How to contribute Lara Levine, DRF Breeding Individuals and organizations have a number of way to help provide care for ex-racehorses. Page 24 Director of Sales & Sponsorships Robert Forbeck, SVP, National Adv. Director The TAA in action TAA representatives and supporters are present at numerous events around the country. Page 26 Cover photo: Suzie Picou-Oldham

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 1 CONTENTS TAA-ACCREDITED ORGANIZATIONS Long Run Thoroughbred Retirement Society ...... 64 ACCT Naturally...... 28 Los Angeles Pet Rescue: Farralone Farm...... 65 After The Homestretch...... 29 Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue...... 66 After the Races ...... 30 Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center...... 67 AFTER the Track ...... 31 MidAtlantic Horse Rescue...... 68 Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue...... 32 Mitchell Farm...... 69 Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement...... 33 New Beginnings...... 70 Blue Bloods...... 34 New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society...... 71 Bright Futures Farm ...... 35 New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program...... 72 Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses...... 36 Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program...... 73 CANTER California...... 37 Old Friends ...... 74 CANTER Michigan...... 38 Our Mims Retirement Haven ...... 75 Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare...... 39 Out Side In...... 76 Central Kentucky Riding for Hope...... 40 Peaceful Ridge Rescue...... 77 Days End Farm Horse Rescue...... 41 R.A.C.E. Fund...... 78 Down the Stretch Ranch...... 42 Racing for Home...... 79 Equestrian ...... 43 Redwings Horse Sanctuary...... 80 Equine Advocates...... 44 Remember Me Rescue...... 81 Equine Encore Foundation...... 45 ReRun...... 82 Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation...... 46 RVR Horse Rescue...... 83 Equine Rescue of Aiken...... 47 Second Chance Thoroughbreds...... 84 Final Furlong...... 48 Second Stride...... 85 Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program...... 49 Second Wind Thoroughbred Project...... 86 Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care Program ...... 50 South Florida SPCA...... 87 Friends of Ferdinand...... 51 Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue...... 88 Galloping Out...... 52 Square Peg Foundation...... 89 Glen Ellen Vocational Academy...... 53 Susan S. Donaldson Foundation...... 90 Harmony and Hope Horse Haven ...... 54 The Exceller Fund ...... 91 Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue...... 55 The Foxie G Foundation...... 92 Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds...... 56 Thoroughbred Athletes...... 93 Hope After Racing...... 57 Thoroughbred Placement Resources...... 94 Hope for Horses...... 58 Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation ...... 95 Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation...... 59 Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana...... 96 Illinois Equine Humane Center...... 60 Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa...... 97 Kentucky Equine Humane Center...... 61 Tranquility Farm...... 98 Life Horse...... 62 United Pegasus Foundation...... 100 LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers ...... 63 War Horses at Rose Bower...... 102 Win Place Home...... 104

Suzie Picou Oldham

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Welcome

“Horses teach you patience and how to do things the right way so you can get to the right result.” – Lyle Lovett

At a time when the Thoroughbred industry is under intense scrutiny for the welfare of its athletes, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance continues to reinforce the foundation for the “positive” in our sport, sustainably funding Thoroughbred aftercare across North America. From its infancy, the TAA has focused not only on doing what is needed financially for aftercare, but just as important, doing it right. This has meant continuing and sometimes extraordinary efforts on the part of staff and volunteers to improve the quality and integrity of aftercare funding. In 2019, 74 nonprofit organizations with 160 facilities were accredited by the TAA. “Accredited” is not just a label. It is the gold standard. TAA devotes substantial staff and financial resources to the accreditation process. These organizations provide myriad information to the TAA and undergo rigorous scheduled and surprise inspections. Together, these organizations have been steadily raising the bar for the quality of care provided to our retired athletes. And when grant funding from the TAA is awarded, there is intense account- ability for the expenditure of those monies. In the same way, TAA has held itself accountable financially as well. In 2019, 85 cents of every dollar raised by the TAA was redistributed directly into aftercare for grants and direct program support for our accredited organizations. Our sustaining founders, including The Jockey Club, continue to provide money and in-kind support for our work that allows us to keep overhead expenses low.

A total of $3.4 million in grant funding was awarded to our TAA-accredited Suzie Picou Oldham organizations, and new initiatives continue to increase the TAA revenue stream. This past year, thanks to the generous efforts of the New York Racing Associa- tion, a surcharge on claims at New York racetracks has provided substantial additional funding for the TAA and New York affiliates. Similar proposals are being considered in other states. The broad-based formula for support of the TAA’s mission across the industry has continued to provide steady and positive increases in overall funding. A demonstrably successful effort led by past TAA President John Phillips also has improved industry understanding and knowledge of the TAA and its work. Yet, there is much more work to be done. None of us wants to lose momentum. We are learning more each day about industry needs. As the number of supported organizations and geographic regions served by the TAA has grown, we have come to recognize the need for systems to transition horses from the racetracks into suitable facilities based upon each individual horse. Many regions have created such triages on their own, and the TAA is currently examining their models as we consider how to improve this aspect of the delivery of aftercare services. Finally, “doing things the right way to get to the right result” has also been our motto for corporate governance for the TAA. The TAA board of directors is strong and diverse, governed by solid bylaws and conflict-of-interest policies. The TAA experience for me personally has been most rewarding. The organization has benefited from numerous talented and dedicated staff and volunteers. If you are not already helping us with our work, I encourage you to do so. It is indeed the “right result.”

Mike Meuser President, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

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Get involved with your OTTB

Suzie Oldham There’s a world of opportunity waiting if you’ve adopted an off-the-track Thoroughbred from a TAA-accredited organization.

By Erin Shea tition. If you’re looking for a group to hack And if you are just trail riding around the out with, check boarding barns (some have farm on your Thoroughbred with friends, You’ve just got your Thoroughbred. So weekly trail rides scheduled), Meetup, or you can log hours to earn prizes as part of what do you do now? grab a couple of horsey friends to start your the The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Recre- The off-the-track Thoroughbred commu- own. ational Riding Incentive Program. nity is vibrant and active. No matter your Of course, all of this can become competi- “Even if you’re just riding your horse at discipline or your skill level, there are tive as well. The North American Trail this point, anything outside of a lesson or numerous competitive and noncompetitive Ride Conference offers membership for an arena, if you’re just hacking around, options for activities to do with your off-the- those interested in competitive trail, while all of that can start to be recorded for your track Thoroughbred (OTTB) to be part of a the Masters of Foxhounds Association also recreational riding,” said Kristin Werner, larger group, earn recognition, and have fun. offers membership, performance trials, program administrator for TIP. “If you’re Here are a few options to get you started. and a professional development program not showing yet the recreational riding is for those looking to go further in the sport. probably the place to start,” Recreational riding The United States Polo Association, and its Keep an eye on local happenings as well. affiliation with local clubs, has a number One such event is Canter for the Cause, a Local trail-riding groups and hunt clubs of resources for beginners and players at charity fundraiser that allows individuals can be good places to get your feet wet and every level. There are also other equine to ride their own horse over historic race- let your horse experience a new environ- sports, such as polocrosse, with national tracks. The annual event at Pimlico Race ment without necessarily entering a compe- bodies to get more riders more involved. Course in Baltimore in June was so popular

PAGE 6 DAILY RACING FORM Nicole Marie Participants at the inaugural Canter for a Cause at Gulfstream Park enjoy a day of riding on the South Florida track. that Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., Through participants in TIP, Werner sees While a lot of these associations award launched its own for the first time in 2019. a lot of riders on Thoroughbreds competing annual prizes, you can possibly pick up Riders go in groups (for example, walk/trot in these local levels. a few more if you’re on a Thoroughbred or walk/trot/canter) and get their photo “I think that goes back to what we know thanks to the Thoroughbred Incentive taken in the winner’s circle. about Thoroughbreds – good or bad,” Werner Program no matter your level. said. “A lot of people buy them because they “It offers people with a Thoroughbred Thoroughbred-only competition are inexpensive. More often those people the extra incentive to get out and do some- who are willing to buy an expensive or thing with their horse, even if it’s just a Local shows and Thoroughbred-only green or unstarted horse or maybe a horse walk-trot class, or if the highest you want to shows can be a great introduction to the that has had a great show career and is now jump is two feet, that’s fine, you can still get larger show world for both rider and horse ready to do walk/trot with a kid, those folks awards in TIP whether at the horse show or through a friendly environment. are the ones who are going to those locally through the performance award program,” No matter your discipline, regional or regionally rated events. If they’re trying Werner said. “We try to cover everybody associations or state associations are good to do 1.2-meter jumpers, they’re probably and make sure people who adopt Thorough- places to find competitions in your area. If not buying a Thoroughbred right off the breds can get something back from TIP for you’re not sure what your region or state track for their kid. making that choice. has to offer, check out the national organi- “I think that’s just the market in general, “I think we’re at the point still with Thor- zation for your discipline, such as United that’s where our Thoroughbred people are. oughbreds where people think that they are States Hunter Jumper Association, United I think a lot has been happening with USEF the redheaded stepchild, so even if they are State Eventing Association, United States and SafeSport being expensive, I think a lot just being recognized for being the highest Dressage Federation, and the National of those smaller shows are seeing a little bit placing Thoroughbred, that’s still some- Barrel Horse Association to point you in the of a resurgence of people showing at them thing because they had to have participated right direction. anyway.” and done well.”

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 7 Thoroughbred-only shows run the gamut from smaller, one-day events to larger competitions that gain national attention. In addition, many of these shows are hosted by nonprofits, including a number of TAA- accredited organizations, and can be a win-win for competitions who want to earn prizes and know their entry fees are going to further the nonprofit’s cause. One such event is the annual Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, which is a 501(c)(3) organization in Elkton, Md., that awards money to nonprofit aftercare beneficiaries and scholar- ships for riders on OTTBs. The organizers keep the environment relaxed and the fees low to make the show more accessible. “In our area, if you go to a local, unrated show you can expect to pay $20 to 25 per entry, as opposed to our $15, and that $5 to 10 difference seems to mean something to Suzie Oldham our competitors,” said Lisa Demars, presi- Thoroughbred-only shows can offer competitors a friendly atmosphere before dent of the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show. moving into open competition. “The Thoroughbred is the bargain horse right now compared to the warmblood, so ashamed, or you can give them something “If we were offering prize money equiva- the people who are buying them tend to be positive, so we take the time to do that.” lent to say Land Rover (Kentucky Three people who don’t have unlimited resources. On the other side of the spectrum in the Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park in “This was part of the reason why we Thoroughbred-only shows is the Retired Lexington), I’m sure there would be plenty created our mission statement as we did Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Make- of people who would decide to go get a Thor- – to support the riders of Thoroughbred over, which is held at the Kentucky Horse oughbred,” TIP’s Werner said. “I don’t sport horses. We want to give them reasons Park and has risen to national prominence, think it’s necessarily the right goal to have to choose the Thoroughbred and reward is loaded with prize money (more than in mind to get the money. I’m okay with them for having done so. In my mind, the $135,000 in 2019), and is working to raise the people not being all that excited about it. We best motivator is money, so if you can keep value of Thoroughbreds off the track. have some people come to (TIP) Champion- things inexpensive and give them financial “We collect a tremendous amount of data ships for the prize money, but then again incentives, people are going to gravitate on the horses that compete in the Thor- it’s not paying their whole bill. It’s not going toward the direction you want them to and I oughbred Makeover, and we’ve seen the to make them rich just having a Thorough- think that they have.” average price people pay to acquire their bred. There are people happy to get a check Another draw for Fair Hill and similar horse after racing rise steadily each year,” and we’re happy to give it to them, espe- events is the welcoming atmosphere for the said Jen Roytz, Retired Racehorse Project’s cially eventing competitors (TIP’s largest beginner rider or horse. executive director. participation sector) where they’re the top- “I think that the atmosphere makes the “One of the best forms of protection an placed Thoroughbred out of 50 horses.” difference,” Demars said. “We keep ours to ex-racehorse can have is a solid foundation A few other larger Thoroughbred-only one ring so people can get a chance to enjoy of retraining in their first year after racing. events to keep an eye on are the Thorough- the horse that is competing, whether they Our competitors report spending an average bred Classic Horse Show Series and the are riding or watching. And to cut down of $8,000 on their horses’ care and retraining Florida Thoroughbred Transformation on some of the frenzy. We want to provide in the 10 months leading up to our competi- Expo. The Thoroughbred Classic offers a show where people feel welcome regard- tion, which has translated into more than $21 the always entertaining jockey-trainer less of their experience level, and if things million invested in the retraining of more Calcutta at its annual holiday event, and aren’t going well for them that day, that than 2,500 Thoroughbreds after racing.” benefits TAA aftercare partner California we can make some adjustments to make it The TIP Championships, which runs Retirement Management Account. easier for a particular horse or rider. concurrently with the New Vocations All- As an additional benefit to those riders “It’s like we’re all in this together. You Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show, is also aboard TAA graduates and accredited orga- don’t get to see it at the rated shows, but on the larger scale of Thoroughbred-only nizations, the TAA offers a number of High everybody has a day when things aren’t shows, rivaling the size of the Makeover. Point awards for TAA grads at the Thor- going well, as they and their horse are However, it’s more the draw of the cham- oughbred Makeover, TIP Championships, learning. You can either make it unpleasant pionship titles and numerous awards than Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, among for people, send them out of the ring feeling prize money. others.

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Suzie Oldham No matter your discipline or experience level, there are numerous activities available for riders on OTTBs.

High performance in 23 states. TAKE2’s Thoroughbred League To learn more offers members the opportunity to earn Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show: Even riders competing at the highest points at competitions to earn year-end thoroughbredclassic.org levels can earn additional awards and be High Score Awards (with $10,000 distrib- eligible for more classes if they’re on the uted to the top 10 finishers) and a spot to Thoroughbred Incentive Program: back of a Thoroughbred. compete in the $20,000 TAKE2 Finals. tjctip.com With the large number of eventers partic- Also offered is the Jet Run Award for Thoroughbred Makeover: ipating in TIP, awards are offered at the TAKE2 League members who adopted a tbmakeover.org Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event horse from an aftercare organization. and the American Eventing Champion- “The mission of the TAKE2 program is Canter for the Cause: ships, also held at the Kentucky Horse Park, to highlight the success of our Thorough- pimlico.com/events/2019-06-02/canter-cause which helps further highlight and reward breds in the show ring, and to encourage the TAKE2: riders on Thoroughbreds on some of the hunter and jumper community to look to the take2tbreds.com largest equestrian stages. Thoroughbred for their next show horse,” For top-level hunter/jumpers, there’s said Andy Belfiore, executive director of the the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Asso- of your life.” Program, which awards prize money and ciation, which sponsors TAKE2 along with Options abound for all riders on Thor- recognition to Thoroughbreds that are New York Thoroughbred Breeders. oughbreds no matter your experience or able to be registered with The Jockey Club. “When you join the TAKE2 Thorough- goals. If you’re looking for a Thoroughbred, First starting in 2012 with AA-rated shows bred League, you support second careers find a TAA-accredited adoption organiza- in New York, New Jersey, and Texas, the for retired racehorses, and when you part- tion near you by skimming through the program now includes more than 300 shows ner with a Thoroughbred, you get the ride following pages.

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A life’s work

Kathleen Hearne Acacia Courtney’s mother, Sherrie (above), is a skilled horsewoman and an instrumental member of the Racing for Home team.

By Acacia Courtney with me was her eagerness to please, her left with. Palace Diva (I’ve never met a more tremendous heart, and her pure athleti- aptly named horse, by the way) was our first Growing up, I was a typical horse-crazy cism and fluid movements. After her, a OTTB, and turned out to be the catalyst in girl and started riding at a young age. Thoroughbred was the only kind of horse I the formation of our organization, Racing We always watched the broadcast of the wanted to ride. for Home, Inc. My parents encouraged Kentucky Derby as a family, and I remem- I was 16 when I first became aware of the me to do it the right way, and I started the ber the first live horse races I saw were at concept of Thoroughbred aftercare. When I paperwork for 501(c)(3) non-profit status, the Northampton Fair, in Massachusetts, learned that some horses ended up in bad which we were granted in 2011. where I’ll never forget watching a filly situations when their racing days were I look back on all that has happened since named Get My Glitter, whose name and over, all I wanted was to do something to then, and I am acutely aware of how horses pink saddle towel with the number 8 were help. My mother, Sherrie, is an excellent have impacted my life. Horses have given incredibly appealing to a young girl. rider and skilled horsewoman, and she me the most incredible career as a racing In the lesson program at my barn, there encouraged me. We had been talking about analyst and paddock reporter, have brought was an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB), getting a horse, and decided that it would be me wonderful friendships, and have taken a dark bay mare named Syren, whom many a Thoroughbred off the track. me around the world. I feel like the least I of the kids were afraid to ride because she We went to the Suffolk Downs backside in can do is give back to those who have given was so fast. I loved her, and we won ribbons 2009 and, while a chestnut filly was the last me so much. together in horse shows, but what stuck thing we were looking for, that’s what we Since we started Racing for Home, nearly

PAGE 12 DAILY RACING FORM 30 OTTBs have gone through our program: retrained and re-homed, rehabilitated after racing or training injuries, or given forever sanctuary at one of our two facilities in Connecticut (Palace Diva among them, now 14 years old). In the 10 years since I first became involved, aftercare has become a much bigger conversation in and outside of the racing industry, and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a huge part of that. I greatly value the relationships I and my organization have with owners and horsemen and horsewomen in the industry, and that respect and credibility is a huge part of why earning TAA accreditation was such a big deal for me. We are incredibly honored to be recognized by the TAA for the work that we have done with OTTBs, and excited to have the ability to give even more horses a future after their racing days are over. The TAA holds each of their accredited organizations to very high standards, and gives prospective donors the assurance that they are giving to a group that is doing things the right way for their horses. To be held in that high esteem has been a longtime goal for us, and is very meaningful. With the backing and guidance of the TAA, my mother and I will be able to continue to grow and expand Racing for Home. Thoroughbreds take us on an incredible ride when they cross the finish line, and Kathleen Hearne now it’s our turn to give back to them. Acacia Courney is the founder and CEO of TAA-accredited Racing for Home.

for our horses, Hay every day and every season Hay is crucial to our horses’ good health. Will you join us in meeting this critical need?

Please helP us reach our 2020 goal for our hay Drive.

Please give today at www.trfinc.org or call 518-226-0028 Thoroughbred versatility showcased in TAA-accredited organizations

By Erin Shea This often expensive and taxing endeavor is a testament to the dedication these organizations have to the well-being of their horses. As the aftercare movement grows, Thoroughbreds are further But what about the ones who can’t be adopted to a riding home? proving that they aren’t just one-trick ponies. Five-star eventers, TAA-accredited sanctuary facilities are taking their missions to champion show hunters, lightning-fast barrel runners, sensitive a new level and, in the process, are reaffirming that these horses therapy companions. You name it, Thoroughbreds are doing it. have value. In addition to providing a gold standard of care to their With 74 accredited organizations now under its umbrella in the herds, many organizations are giving back to their communi- United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the Thoroughbred After- ties through various equine-assisted programs. A growing area, care Alliance has assisted more than 10,300 Thoroughbreds find a equine-human therapy programs are using Thoroughbreds more new life off the track. As you’ll see in the pages ahead, TAA-accred- and more due to the breed’s incredible sensitivity. TAA-accredited ited organizations showcase the variety of careers available for organizations again are leaders in providing a variety of equine- Thoroughbreds after their racing or breeding days are over. human therapy programs, including those that work with veter- Many organizations retrain and adopt out former runners. ans, inmates, and individuals with special needs, among others. Pairing their natural athletic abilities with their strong work Across the majority of TAA-accredited organizations, whether ethic, Thoroughbreds excel in a variety of equestrian disciplines – they are adoption or sanctuary in nature, is the mission of not only everything from eventing, hunter-jumpers, and dressage to barrel caring for horses but educating the public on the various facets of racing, competitive trail, and driving. equine care and responsible horse ownership. Sometimes TAA- And thanks to initiatives such as the Retired Racehorse Project’s accredited organizations are places where people meet a horse for Thoroughbred Makeover, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incen- the first time. Sometimes they are the place where an experienced tive Program, and many Thoroughbred horse shows across the horseman or woman sharpens their skills in clinics. Sometimes country, these off-the-track Thoroughbreds have been given many they are home to student interns looking to jump-start an equine avenues to launch successful competitive careers off the track. career. Occasionally lost in the shuffle of adoption is the rehabilitation Regardless of whether an official education program exists, that some Thoroughbreds need before embarking on a new career. TAA-accredited organizations are doing their part to carry the Whether it was an old racing injury or recovery after receiving banner for the breed, the industry, and the individual horses they substandard care, TAA-accredited organizations are leading the serve by showcasing the talent and versatility of off-the-track way in helping horses recover, recuperate, and start a new chapter. Thoroughbreds.

JANUARY FEBRUARY- APRIL- OCTOBER- DECEMBER APRIL SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER

• Accreditation application • New applicants complete • Review of all applications • Applicants reviewed a • First installment of grants opens online for eligible and submit accreditation completed: final time after inspections sent to newly accredited organizations application by April 1 -- Cursory review for completed organizations, along with • Reinspections of deadline completeness and • Applicants recommended previously accredited accredited organizations • Review of applications minimum requirements for accreditation or denial organizations. Second installment sent in May begin begins on a rolling basis -- Three separate by Accreditation Committee application reviews • Executive Board and Board completed of Directors review and -- Separate financial give final approval for review accreditation • Inspections of applicants’ • Approved applicants facilities completed notified of accreditation • Grant applications reviewed by Grants Committee • Grant agreement completed by all accredited organizations to receive grants

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Volunteering is a win-win

Rick Geary, a volunteer at Equine Rescue of Aiken, said he was looking for meaningful work to occupy his time after retiring.

By Melissa Bauer-Herzog “We survive almost solely on volunteers,” groups that come to the farm.” said Caroline Mulstay of the TAA-accred- In addition to helping the organizations, In an era where owning a horse can be ited Equine Rescue of Aiken, in South Caro- volunteering and working with horses too expensive as a hobby for many people, it lina. “With only three paid staff members it benefits volunteers as well. Horses are may seem like interacting with the lovable would be impossible to care for this many often used in various therapies to help both creatures is out of reach for most. But with horses and run all of our various program mental and physical issues – such as TAA- the rise of equine organizations helping without volunteers. accredited Square Peg Foundation – with re-home retired racehorses, there is a way “Volunteers help us with daily chores, various studies showing that just interact- horse lovers can interact with horses as including mucking paddocks, cleaning ing with horses has benefits for all humans. often as they want – without spending any waters, and grooming horses. They also “I absolutely love [volunteering],” Equine money. help with holding horses for the vet and Rescue of Aiken volunteer Rick Geary said. Many Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance- farrier, tours for visitors, staffing events, “I have always loved animals and horses accredited organizations rely on volunteers and extra hands and support for when we even though I have never owned one or to keep their operations running smoothly, have big groups like home school programs, really been around them. I also love being with facilities having volunteers do every- the juvenile justice program, Boy Scouts, out in the fresh air and have found the staff thing from office work to cleaning stalls. Girl Scouts, veterans’ programs, and other and other volunteers to be enjoyable to be

PAGE 16 DAILY RACING FORM around. I have learned a lot about horses and enjoy giving them some much needed love and affection.” Geary isn’t the only one Mulstay has seen benefit from working at the farm, with one specific volunteer conquering her fears on the farm. “My favorite volunteer story is about a volunteer named Chris,” she said. “When she first started volunteering with us she was actually scared of horses. Now, about eight years later, she is comfortable handling a lot of the horses on the farm and helps new volunteers learn the ins and outs. She even takes riding lessons at another barn in Aiken.” When Geary moved to the area, he immediately fell in love with the organization while on a tour. Volunteering was the perfect fit for the retiree, whose back- Tim Wilson ground in nonprofit work had showed him Laura Battles leads tours at Old Friends and is an accomplished photographer. how important an organization like the Equine Rescue of Aiken can be. horses without the responsibility and cost of commit to volunteering before jumping in, “Being retired I was looking for some- owning one of my own, not that I don’t spend especially at the retirement farms. thing meaningful to occupy my time and a lot on the fundraiser auctions,” Battles “Make sure you are ready to commit to this just clicked,” Geary explained. “The said. “I also love to be able to share these the horses,” she said. “You may fall in love facility is only five minutes from my home horse’s lives with other people through with them, but they will also return the and there is no specific commitment to tours and my photos, which give people who affection. People who come, get to know a volunteer. You can come any time from can’t travel to Kentucky a chance to see how horse and then just disappear, impact the Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 their old favorites are doing in retirement.” horses, too. Be ready to accept the fact that p.m. Volunteering also gave Battles a taste of places like [OId Friends] are basically old- “I generally go twice a week for about having her own horse when she fell in love age homes and you are going to lose horses six to eight hours. In addition, I volunteer with Bint Marscay, an Australian race- and tears will be shed, but it is so worth it to to help with fundraising activities and horse she had seen run in 1994. Eleven years be with the horses and give them the retire- community events selling T-shirts. Last later, they were reunited at Old Friends and ments they deserve.” spring, we parked cars prior to the Aiken the mare became hers in all but name with Studies have often shown that just volun- Steeplechase and earned over $2,000 for the their partnership famous on the farm. teering can be a big part in emotional Rescue.” “Back in 1994, I went to Australia to see health, no matter the organization. But For Old Friends Farm volunteer Laura the Melbourne Cup,” she said. “On the Mulstay says working with horses provides Battles, volunteering for the Kentucky- Saturday before the race, there was a Group an even bigger health benefit, even if volun- based organization is like being a kid in 1 sprint that featured a former champion teers don’t realize it. a candy store with all the horses she gets 2-year-old filly in what would be her last “Everyone, including but not limited to to be around. Originally tagging along race before retirement and a broodmare the volunteers, gets something out of being on tours of the farm to take photos, she career. Fast forward to 2015 when I was at the farm,” Mulstay said. “Whether it slowly started taking over hosting the tours starting to fall in love with a mare that had is an interest in learning about horses, herself and is often someone fans will talk been retired to Old Friends. Bint Marscay getting over a fear of horses, helping the to when they visit the farm. became my horse of a lifetime at the farm. I community, meeting new people, or staying Battles explained that being around the visited her every chance I got and was with fit and busy during retirement. Horses have horses is only one of her favorite things her when she took her last breath.” a therapeutic value to them that is unex- about the volunteer work, as she also loves While volunteering is a great way to plainable.” showing people how their favorite race- help out organizations and allows people If you’re interested in volunteering with horses are doing in retirement. to interact with horses when they other- a TAA-accredited organization, take a look “I love being around these horses and it wise wouldn’t, Battles does caution that through the pages of this magazine to find also gives me a chance to spend time with you need to make sure you have the time to an organization in your area.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 17 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

821 Corporate Drive, Lexington, KY 40503 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD MEMBERS Charlie Hayward Phone: (859) 224-2756 Email: [email protected] Craig Bandoroff ROTATING IN FOR Stacie Krembil Donna Barton Brothers 2020 Mike Levy EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jeff Bloom John Keitt Lucinda Mandella Mike Meuser, President Simon Bray Josh Rubinstein Dan Metzger John Phillips, Past President Boyd Browning Rick Schosberg Terry Meyocks Craig Bandoroff, Vice President Case Clay Mandy Minger Walter S. Robertson, Secretary Dora Delgado ADVISORY BOARD Anita Motion Jen Shah, Treasurer Michael Ernst Michael Amo Martha Jan Mulholland Stacie Clark Rogers, Operations Consultant Sue Finley Jill Baffert Dr. Foster Northrop Jim Gagliano Jeff Burch Dr. Scott Palmer Brian Graves Jeff Cannizzo Bryan Pettigrew TAA STAFF Susie Hart Kevin Cox Jeff Platt Kelly Danner Todd Pletcher Emily Dresen, Funding/Events Coordinator, [email protected] Chip McGaughey Bo Derek Mike Repole Alex Kokka, Marketing/Data Coordinator, [email protected] Mike Meuser Elizabeth Elder Rita Riccelli David O’Farrell Ashton Moynihan, Funding Director, [email protected] David Foley Mike Rogers Martin Panza Suzie Picou-Oldham, Inspections Coordinator, [email protected] Craig Fravel Jen Roytz John Phillips Steve Ruddy, Finance Manager, [email protected] Gabby Gaudet Martha Scott Erin Shea, Marketing/Communications Manager, Walter S. Robertson Jim Gluckson Mark Taylor [email protected] Yvonne Schwabe Allen Gutterman Barbara Vanlangendonck Janice Towles, Grants and Accreditation Manager, [email protected] Jen Shah Phil Hanrahan Tom Ventura Nicole Walker

63 50 63 13 10.3k

Adoption Sanctuary Rehabilitation Equine-Assisted Thoroughbreds Programs Programs 23 Accredited Organizations in 2013 42 Accredited Organizations in 2014 56 Accredited Organizati ons in 2015 64 Accredited Organizations in 2016 64 Accredited Organizations in 2017 70 Accredited Organizations in 2018 74 Accredited Organizations in 2019

PAGE 20 DAILY RACING FORM ACCREDITED ORGANIZATIONS BY REGION

WEST New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program Lexington, KY CANTER California Los Gatos, CA Old Friends Georgetown, KY Glen Ellen Vocational Academy Glen Ellen, CA Our Mims Retirement Haven Paris, KY Hope for Horses Galt, CA Out Side In Grand Haven, MI Los Angeles Pet Rescue: Farralone Farm Van Nuys, CA Second Stride Crestwood, KY Redwings Horse Sanctuary Lockwood, CA Susan Donaldson Foundation/Mereworth Farm Lexington, KY Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue Norco, CA The Exceller Fund Lexington, KY Square Peg Foundation Half Moon Bay, CA Tranquility Farm Cottonwood, CA MID-ATLANTIC United Pegasus Foundation San Jacinto, CA After the Races Elkton, MD Win Place Home Canyon Country, CA Blue Bloods Blanch, NC Bright Futures Farm Cochranton, PA SOUTHWEST Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses Forest, VA After the Homestretch Phoenix, AZ Days End Farm Horse Rescue Woodbine, MD Equine Encore Foundation Tucson, AZ Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue Shoals, WV Harmony and Hope Horse Haven Rodeo, NM Life Horse Inc. Thurmont, MD Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation Guthrie, OK MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Chesapeake City, MD LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers Driftwood, TX New Beginnings Howell, NJ Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program Blanchard, OK R.A.C.E. Fund Harrisburg, PA Remember Me Rescue Burleson, TX Second Wind TB Project Boyce, VA Thoroughbred Athletes Guthrie, OK The Foxie G Foundation Libertytown, MD Thoroughbred Placement Resources Upper Marlboro, MD SOUTH War Horses at Rose Bower Appomattox, VA Equestrian Inc. Tampa, FL Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation Palm City, FL NORTHEAST Equine Rescue of Aiken Aiken, SC ACTT Naturally Greenwich, NY Final Furlong Ocala, FL AFTER the Track Heinesburg, VT Florida TRAC Indiantown, FL Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue Pawling, NY Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds Cocoa, FL Equine Advocates Chatham, NY Peaceful Ridge Rescue Davie, FL Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program Farmington, NY RVR Horse Rescue Riverview, FL Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue Dover Plains, NY South Florida SPCA Homestead, FL Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement Salem, CT Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa Oldsmar, FL Racing for Home Ellington,CT Thoroughbred Retirement Network ReRun Inc. East Greenbush, NY of Louisiana Covington, LA Second Chance Thoroughbreds Spencer, NY Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Saratoga Springs, NY MIDWEST Beyond the Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement Emmett, MI NORTHWEST Central Kentucky Riding For Hope Lexington, KY Down The Stretch Ranch Creston, WA CANTER Michigan Commerce Twp, MI Friends of Ferdinand Indianapolis, IN CANADA Galloping Out North Riverside, IL LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society Toronto, ON Hope After Racing Altoona, IA New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society Langley, BC Illinois Equine Humane Center Big Rock, IL Kentucky Equine Humane Center Lexington, KY PUERTO RICO Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center Lexington, KY Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Rio Grande, PR

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 21 Industry Stakeholders committed to accredited aftercare

SEED MONEY RACETRACKS (CONT.) TRAINERS (CONT.) Breeders’ Cup Ltd. Tampa Bay Downs Denyse McClachrie Keeneland Association The Stronach Group Kiaran McLaughlin The Jockey Club Turfway Park Graham Motion Woodbine Entertainment Doug O’Neill SALES COMPANIES Nick Nosowenko Canadian Thoroughbred Horse HORSEMEN’S GROUPS Joe Orseno Society – Ontario Arkansas HBPA Catherine Day Phillips Fasig-Tipton Finger Lakes HBPA Malcolm Pierce Racing Stable Keeneland Florida HBPA Todd Pletcher Ocala Breeders’ Sales Illinois HBPA John A. Ross Illinois THA Jonathan E. Sheppard STALLION FARMS Indiana HBPA Michael Trombetta Airdrie Stud Kentucky HBPA Castleton Lyons Kentucky Thoroughbred Association HORSEPLAYERS C.F. Farms Maryland THA Matt Bernier Claiborne Farm National HBPA Roger Cettina Darby Dan New Jersey THA Kevin Cox Gainesway Farm New York THA Dan Cronin Godolphin Tampa Bay HBPA Ken Hamilton Hill ‘n’ Dale Virginia HBPA Daniel Hart Lane’s End Dave Nichols Millennium Farms TRAINERS John O’Neill Ocala Stud Thomas Albertrani Jonathan Stettin Pin Oak Stud Thomas Amoss Michael Tomatz Sequel Stallions New York Kevin Attard Shadwell Farm Roger Attfield AFTERCARE PARTNERS Solera Farm Bob Baffert Beyond the Wire Sunrise Stallions Chad Brown CARMA Taylor Made Stallions Josie Carroll Permanently Disabled Jockeys Three Chimneys Farm Mark Casse Fund WinStar John Charalambous Retired Racehorse Project Gary Contessa Second Call RACETRACKS Gail Cox TAKE THE LEAD Churchill Downs Michael De Paulo Thoroughbred Charities of America Colonial Downs Henry Dominguez TJC Thoroughbred Incentive Del Mar Anthony Dutrow Program Ellis Park Elizabeth Elder Emerald Downs Phil Gleaves EVENTS Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack Nick Gonzalez @ BetKeeneland Keeneland Michael Hushion Ariat Lexington Black-Eyed Susan and Kentucky Downs Mike Keogh Preakness Days New York Racing Association Don MacRae Breeders’ Cup Oaklawn Racing & Gaming Michael Maker

PAGE 22 DAILY RACING FORM EVENTS (CONT. ) FOUNDATIONS/ MEDIA PARTNERS (CONT. ) Canter for the Cause MAJOR GIFTS Kenny Rice Horse Racing Show Eclipse Awards Brunetti Foundation Kentucky Equestrian Directory Empire of Hope Earle Mack Foundation Paulick Report Equestricon Mr. Gary Graham Past the Wire Ninety North Racing Stable Josham Farms PM Advertising NTRA National Horseplayers Seth and Beth Klarman Pyrois Media Championship Lavin Family Foundation Roberts Communications Network NYRA Community Booth Mary K. Oxley Foundation ThoroCap Pegasus World Cup Nicholson Family Trust Thoroughbred Daily News Railbird Festival Thoroughbred Racing Commentary University of Kentucky Federal VETERINARIANS TVG Credit Union American Association of Equine XBTV Practitioners SUPPORTERS Northrop Equine TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES American Farrier’s Association Teigland, Franklin & Brokken, Brook Ledge Transportation Audible DVMS, PA Bessemer Trust FRIENDS Bob and Jill Baffert SPONSORS Ashford Stud Bloom Racing Stable All Pro Championships Remi F. Bellocq Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brothers B2B Casuals Bilbrey Farms Racing Club Jill Byrne Centennial Farms Lendy Brown Denali Stud Horseware Ireland Charlsie Cantey Ciaran Dunne Omega Alpha Larkspur Carroll Elm Tree Farm StableDuel Kelsey Danner Racing Stable EquiLottery Ten Strike Racing Dean Dorton Allen Ford Glen Hill Farm Thorough-Graphics Charitable Foundation Horse Country Tours Upper Right Marketing Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Duignan Juddmonte Farm Xpressbet Debbie Easter Kirkwood Stables Yvonne Schwabe Thoroughbreds Louisa Lenehan Christine Moore Millinery Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation My Racehorse MEDIA PARTNERS Muirfield Insurance National Thoroughbred Racing America’s Best Racing Austin & Jane Musselman Association “At the Races” with Steve Byk Nicholson Insurance Agency National Turf Writers and Broadcasters BloodHorse Old Smoke Clothing Company New York State Thoroughbred Coady Photography Rhonda O’Rourke Breeding & Development Fund Daily Racing Form Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Pumphrey Repole Stable El Potro Roberto Purses for Ponies Sagamore Farm Horse Racing Radio Network Stephen and Sharon Shea Ellen Skidmore Keeneland Magazine Jack Wolf/Starlight Racing Thoroughbred Owner Conference Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bradley Weisbord

WAGERING TECHNOLOGY AmTote United Tote Xpressbet To learn more visit: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org (859) 224-2772 RACING FANS Updated through November 2019 AmTote Charity Terminals Online Donations Race Day Events United Tote Charity Terminals

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 23 How to contribute to the TAA

DONATE • Donate directly by sending a check to the TAA office. • Donate online by visiting www.thoroughbredaftercare.org. • Give a gift in honor of someone special for a birthday, holiday or special event. • Donate a portion of your winnings through an AmTote or United Tote terminal. • Start a fundraiser on Facebook. • Give a gift in memory of a loved one. • Pledge a recurring gift. • Pledge a percentage of your Thoroughbred’s possible purse winnings. • Pledge a per-win contribution. • Give an in-kind gift of goods or services. • Shop online at Amazon.com using AmazonSmile and select the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as your charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. • Shop at Kroger and select the TAA as your beneficiary of Kroger Community Rewards. SPONSOR • Sponsor an event or promotional item. • Sponsor printed, digital or TV advertisements. GET INVOLVED • Donate time and expertise as a veterinarian

site inspector. Barbara D. Livingston • Volunteer at special events and programs. • Inquire about student internship opportunities. • Follow the TAA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and share content to raise awareness. “The TAA is the essence of credibility for our sport. With For more information, visit the TAA website or contact the TAA office directly: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance the TAA, the Thoroughbred 821 Corporate Dr. Lexington, KY 40503 industry can say in clear (859) 224-2756 www.thoroughbredaftercare.org conscience that in fact we are taking care of these athletes

ThoroughbredAftercareAlliance after their competitive years

@TBaftercare in racing are finished.”

@TBaftercare John Phillips TAA past president

PAGE 24 DAILY RACING FORM

TAA in action 2

3 4

Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club 5

1. Stacie Clark Rogers and Centennial Farms’ Don Little Jr. present the Best Turned Out Horse Award sponsored by Centennial Farms to groom Santo Salazar for True Timber for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. 2. On a trip to Keeneland, actor Bill Murray asked if horses hit the nightclubs after they leave the racetrack. Erin Shea and Alex Kokka took a moment to tell him about the work of the TAA and accredited organizations. 3. The TAA was honored with the Special Award of Merit at the 2019 Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course. Accepting the award were Ashton Moynihan, TAA founding board member Jack Wolf, Erin Shea, Stacie Clark Rogers, and Alex Kokka. 4. The Earle I. Mack Foundation awarded a generous contribu- 6 tion on Preakness Day to the TAA and the Man o’ War Proj- ect, which works to find the effectiveness of equine therapy to treat veterans with PTSD. 5. TAA-supporting trainer Liz Elder and Stacie Clark Rogers (far left and far right, respectively) present the Best Turned Out Horse Award with StableDuel’s Chris Brothers (second from right) and Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (second from left) to groom Rodrigo Barajas (center) for Real Story at Pimlico Race Course. 6. The TAA team on a lunch outing at TAA-accredited Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, Ky. Little Silver Charm joined in on the fun.

PAGE 26 DAILY RACING FORM 7 8

Will Wong

7. Alex Kokka, Erin Shea, Beyond the Wire’s Jessica Hammond, 9 TAA-accredited Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue’s Chris Andrews, Stacie Clark Rogers, Akindale’s Marlene Peavey, and Ashton Moynihan after accepting TAA’s Special Award of Merit. 8. Emily Dresen, Stacie Clark Rogers, and Erin Shea at TAA’s table at Saratoga Race Course’s community booth. 9. Stacie Clark Rogers and Suzie Oldham participate in Canter for the Cause at Pimlico Race Course to benefit the TAA. 10. The TAA was a nonprofit partner of the inaugural Railbird Festi- val at Keeneland. Alex Kokka, Emily Dresen, and Erin Shea were ready to get the festival started alongside the team from TAA- accredited Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. 11. The TAA presented the Best Turned Out Horse Awards, spon- JHA Photo sored by the Virginia HBPA, on Virginia Derby Day at Colonial Downs. Here, guest judge Donna Dennehy and Erin Shea (center 10 and right, respectively) present the award to groom James Darjean for Doc Boy. 12. After the Races’s Bonnie McRae congratulates Lindsey Partridge aboard Fairly Obvious, from TAA-accredited After the Races, on winning the TAA High Point Award at the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover. 13. TAA and CARMA representatives made a presentation to the connections of Itsinthepost after the gelding won the Grade 2 Marathon Stakes Presented by the TAA during the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita Park.

11 12 13

Benoit Photo

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 27 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION ACTT Naturally EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “The support of the TAA will enable our organization to grow, which will lead to helping more horses and humans through our programs and our adoptions. This accreditation ensures to those who donate horses to us, those who financially support us, those who volunteer for us, and our adopters, that we

Ashley Nizokek Photography hold the highest ACTT Naturally’s off-the-track Thoroughbreds, Harlem Rocker and Three Lions, with participants from the Saratoga Springs Regional YMCA Lend-A-Hand Camp. standard of excellence in caring After 28 years as an exercise rider and assis- on these programs is toward veterans and their for our horses.” tant in top stables of the Thoroughbred racing families, first responders, and teens, we believe industry, ACTT Naturally’s founder, Valerie that everyone can benefit. Mutual respect, FOUNDED: 2013 Buck, has taken the same patient touch that she healthy boundaries, self-confidence, empathy, used to guide many champions through their and compassion are among the benefits gained MAILING ADDRESS: morning workouts to helping off-the-track from time spent working on the ground with P.O. Box 224 Thoroughbreds toward bright futures through our equine partners. Greenwich, NY 12834 retraining and thoughtful adoption. “ACTT Naturally and Valerie Buck truly We believe in the philosophy of working with care not only about the racehorses that come PHONE: horses based on the horse’s natural instincts through their doors, but the bonds that poten- (570) 578-6377 and methods of communication. The result is tial adopters have with those horses,” said confident horses that are better adapted to life Jackie Sears-Zaleski, who adopted Tiz Risky MAIN CONTACT: after the track and with a wider scope of oppor- from the organization. “Valerie’s expertise and Valerie Buck tunities available to them. compassion for both horses and humans alike Through our adoption process, horses are is second to none. She truly understands rela- WEB ADDRESS: carefully matched with human partners to tionships and understands that they are para- www.acttnaturally.org create lifelong partnerships. mount in animal care. ACTT Naturally’s Hearts in Harmony “I will be forever grateful to Tiz Risky, ACTT SOCIAL: programs are geared toward helping humans, Naturally, and specifically Valerie Buck for ACTT-Naturally- with the participation of our Thoroughbreds. making this all happen and for giving race- 424478317642702 Sensitive by nature, these horses enable self- horses a more-than-fighting chance after the @Actt_Naturally reflection of our own energy. While the focus track.” AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 15-20

PAGE 28 DAILY RACING FORM REHABILITATION After The Homestretch RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Our TAA accreditation has provided validation that we offer the gold standard in aftercare. We greatly appreciate the generous financial support that has helped us care for our horses and has strengthened our training programs to prepare the horses for their second careers and new homes. Our primary goal is always the health and well-being of the horses in our care, and Shashanmahaganrand (Sasha) achieving calm confidence on the trail with Jody Swink of No Sweat Natural Horsemanship and training adviser to After The Homestretch. TAA helps make that possible.” After The Homestretch-Arizona was founded seen by an active volunteer board of directors in 2011 to fulfill a critical need for Thorough- and supported by an advisory board of industry FOUNDED: 2011 bred aftercare. Our local racetrack draws professionals. horses from all over North America, and with a Horses at the facility have included stakes ADDRESS: seven-month racing season and as many as 2,100 winners, a granddaughter of Secretariat, and a 1328 E. Maddock Rd. horses stabled at the track at any given time, it’s track record-setting winner of $200,000. They Phoenix, AZ 85086 inevitable that many of these runners will be in have ranged in age from 2 to 24 and have been need of a new home by meet’s end. Some horses available as companions, for riding, and for PHONE: (623) 205-8528 will sustain recoverable injuries, while others showing. won’t be fast enough to compete, yet they still In the past eight years, the organization MAIN CONTACT: have the rest of their lives ahead of them. has taken in 73 horses and adopted out 55 into Dannielle Marturana Since these horses were bred for athleti- permanent homes. To continue strengthening cism, heart, and intelligence, they are still very and improving the program, After The Home- WEB ADDRESS: athletic and can excel in other disciplines. They stretch has partnered with Jody Swink of No afterthehomestretchaz.org just need a chance to find that second career and Sweat Natural Horse and Mulemanship to SOCIAL: a new home . . . “after the homestretch.” implement a training program for transitioning This is where After The Homestretch steps the horses into their second careers and teach- AfterTheHomestretchArizona in. Its mission is protecting the legacy of former ing volunteers about horse handling. @homestretchAZ racehorses through education, reconditioning, Monthly horsemanship clinics are held to @afterthehomestretchaz retraining, and re-homing. As an all-volunteer teach volunteers valuable groundwork skills. 501(c)3 organization, it relies solely upon the Swink also works individually with the horses AVERAGE NUMBER OF generous support of donors, grant partners on desert trails, where they learn to navigate THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: like TAA, and a team of dedicated volunteers to difficult terrain and gain confidence in new 24 help carry out its mission. Governance is over- surroundings.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 29 REHABILITATION After the Races RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Having the accreditation of the TAA has added to our reputation in the aftercare industry and enabled us to better serve the Thoroughbreds in our care through their financial support.”

FOUNDED: 2011 ADDRESS: 3168 Telegraph Rd. Elkton, MD 21921 MKM Photography Slippery Slewp, a winner of three races on the track, took right to his retraining at After the PHONE: (919) 741-9819 Races upon completing rehab for a bowed tendon. He now shows in low-level hunters. MAIN CONTACT: Bonnie Hutton After the Races is a rehabilitation and When the horse is deemed ready, the retraining re-homing facility for Thoroughbred racehorses. process begins, with the goal of seeking to match WEB ADDRESS: Its mission is to rehabilitate and place racehorses the horse with an adopter who is suitable and can aftertheraces.org into appropriate, long-term homes while promot- provide a long-term home for the horse. ing the versatility of the breed beyond racing. Horses come to After the Races through vari- SOCIAL: Since 2011, After the Races has re-homed more ous backstretch programs initiated by local race- AfterTheRaces than 350 racehorses, having served horses retir- tracks dedicated to finding good homes for horses @Aftertheraces ing from tracks in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New in their care. It also receives horses from private Jersey, New York, and Kentucky. Its doors are owners and trainers who are looking to ensure @Aftertheraces open to racehorses across the country in need of their horses get a chance at a second career. AVERAGE NUMBER OF a safe place to rehabilitate and a chance at a new Since its inception, After the Races has found career. an increasing desire among racing professionals THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: After the Races, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organi- to see their horses get a second chance, and the 16 zation located in Elkton, Md., takes in retiring organization is excited to work with these indi- Thoroughbreds and combines the horse’s history viduals to fulfill that goal. on the track with a thorough vetting on the As a nonprofit organization, After the Races farm to come up with a rehabilitation plan that relies on the wonderful help of volunteers and fits each individual horse’s needs. As the horse donations from fellow horse enthusiasts. Every is rehabilitated, time is spent evaluating the dollar goes directly toward feeding and caring horse’s temperament and physical capabilities. for these amazing animals.

PAGE 30 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION AFTER the Track EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA accreditation exemplifies the gold standard in Thoroughbred aftercare, and AFTER the Track is honored to receive confirmation that our work is of the highest quality. The TAA’s generous support will enable us to give more OTTBs homes in Vermont and New England

Mollie Horan and expand our Aspen successfully completed his first event seven months after his arrival at AFTER the Track. educational outreach AFTER the Track – Assuring Futures for Thor- program designed to promote OTTBs and teach program.” oughbred Ex Racehorses – was founded in 2008 others to replicate the organization’s program. by Ginny Iverson in Hinesburg, Vt. Iverson, who Educational internships are provided in horse- has decades of equestrian experience, including manship, farm management, and business inno- FOUNDED: 2008 eventing, breeding and owning, and operating a vations through partnerships with several high boarding facility, became concerned about the schools and colleges, including the University of ADDRESS: number of racehorses that needed help when Vermont. This includes extensive educational 3364 Silver St. their racing careers ended, so she decided to stop activities, presentations, farm tours, demonstra- Hinesburg, VT 05461 breeding and focus on helping Thoroughbreds tions, and television and radio appearances. transition from the racetrack. Although being located in northern New PHONE: (802) 355-5449 The Holistic Retraining Program is the hall- England presents unique challenges, AFTER the mark of AFTER the Track. Most horses spend Track has been successful due to good old Yankee MAIN CONTACT: at least one year training in dressage, jumping, ingenuity. Though far from any racetracks, its Ginny Iverson trail riding, and eventing. Each horse is regularly ongoing collaborations with racing personnel WEB ADDRESS: exposed to new situations, including off-farm connect it with horses suitable for its program. schooling sessions, clinics, and competitions. When the snow flies, snow hacks build muscle www.afterthetrack.org When horses are deemed ready and prepared and grit, while the indoor arena becomes a play- SOCIAL: for their new careers, they become available for ground for green horses. Despite a small pool of adoption. AFTER the Track takes its adoption potential adopters, its network of professionals AFTERtheTrackInc process very seriously to ensure that each place- helps us identify and support qualified homes. @afterthetrack ment is successful and lasting. Above all, AFTER the Track thrives in north- AVERAGE NUMBER OF As a professional educator, Iverson was ern Vermont thanks to the outpouring of support inspired to start a robust educational outreach it receives from volunteers, interns, and friends. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 5

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 31 SANCTUARY Akindale REHABILITATION Thoroughbred Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The TAA has not only given Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue funding, it has given us a lot more exposure. Before accreditation, it seems we were just known on the East Coast. We are now known wherever the TAA is, and that is all over the country.”

FOUNDED: 2006 ADDRESS: 77 Cox Rd. Pawling, NY 12564 Starwest and Tactical Gold are best friends and retirees at Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue. PHONE: (845) 493-0315 “I never met a horse I didn’t like.” deeded and dedicated in perpetuity to the care of MAIN CONTACT: Those words were spoken by our founder, retired racehorses and continues to successfully Chris Andrews the late businessman and philanthropist transition Thoroughbreds to second careers. John Hettinger, a noted racehorse owner and Akindale operates a “Reinventing Racehorses” WEB ADDRESS: breeder, winner of the Eclipse Award of Merit, program that has rehabilitated, retrained, and akindalehorserescue.org and an activist against equine slaughter, fight- re-homed hundreds of Thoroughbreds. The ing successfully for legislation that banned U.S. program’s emphasis is on working directly with SOCIAL: slaughterhouses. the racing industry to be sure Thoroughbreds Akindale “He is the modern father of Thoroughbred get the best opportunity for a second career. @Akindalehorse aftercare,” said D.G. Van Clief, president of Akin- Once a horse enters the Akindale program, they @akindaletbrescue dale Thoroughbred Aftercare. “We owe its exis- are guaranteed a safe haven for life. Horses are tence to John for making this a top-of-conscious- prepared for a second career and the right home ness issue. He said he was going to do something is found for them. If anything goes wrong in the AVERAGE NUMBER OF and he put his money where his mouth was. He horse’s lifetime, they can come back and retire in was a champion for retired racehorses.” our sanctuary and live out their years peacefully. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: In 2019, Hettinger was inducted into the Akindale is a non-profit organization that 150 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame for his accepts tax-deductible donations to help cover contributions to the industry and to horses. the costs of care for the 160-plus Thoroughbreds Hettinger founded Akindale Thoroughbred in its care. Every dollar makes a difference in Aftercare in 2006, two years before his death. He the lives of our horses, whether it is a one-time left 300 acres of the family farm in Pawling, N.Y., cash donation, material donation, or a long-term to carry on his mission and care for the animals sponsorship of one of the 130 retirees living in our he called his “best friends.” The property is sanctuary.

PAGE 32 DAILY RACING FORM Beyond The Roses Equine SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Rescue & Retirement RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “We are honored to be accredited by TAA. It has made the work that we do easier and allowed us to help more Thoroughbreds with the aftercare that is needed to transition them into their new careers. The TAA aids in our mission of helping OTTBs one at a time.”

Martha Denver FOUNDED: 2012 Athletica with her trainer Tricia Sawdon preparing for the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thor- oughbred Makeover. Athletica was adopted from Beyond the Roses during the Makeover. ADDRESS: 11621 Bryce Rd. The 8-year-old, full-service rescue organiza- Beyond the Roses typically houses about Emmett, MI 48022 tion Beyond the Roses was established in Mich- a dozen permanent sanctuary horses, with igan by current executive director Gail Hirt approximately another 14 available to adopt. PHONE: (586) 321-6780 to provide sanctuary, rehab, retraining, and Full-time residents include Canadian stakes MAIN CONTACT: adoption placement for horses in need. winners Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk and Twisted Wit, Early focus was on locating aging racehorses both 19-year-old geldings who during their Gail Hirt whose useful track careers were over or near- racing careers earned $813,953 and $944,699, WEB ADDRESS: ing an end – competitors who ran long and respectively. beyondtherosesequine.org hard and had more than paid their dues – then Tax-deductible donations for this 501(c)(3) acquiring them to repurpose and adopt out to non-profit organization are needed to maintain SOCIAL: loving forever homes. upkeep of Beyond the Roses residents, whose BTRERR The organization now works with Thorough- care averages around $8.50 per day, per horse. breds of any racing background. “Helping Full or partial sponsorships are available @BTREGail OTTBs one at a time,” is a motto adhered to by for full-time sanctuary residents such as Nyuk AVERAGE NUMBER OF Beyond the Roses’s volunteer staff, to the last- Nyuk Nyuk and Twisted Wit, when injury, age, ing benefit of ex-racehorses fortunate enough to or temperament has rendered them unsuitable THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: pass through this organization. for future sporting careers. 15-25 The ultimate mission of Beyond the Roses Beyond the Roses’s wish list from donors is to rescue and provide positive alternatives includes bandages, wormers, fly spray, halters, to slaughter or abandonment. There is no age blankets, and bedding, as well as gift cards to restriction for horses admitted to the program. local feed and lumber stores.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 33 REHABILITATION Blue Bloods RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA accreditation assures our owners that Blue Bloods upholds the highest standards in horse management, facility operations, and adoption screening. And, it shows donors that we are upholding best practices for fiscal prudence, transparency, and sustainability.”

About 20 horses call Blue Bloods’ 200-acre facility in North Carolina home at any given time. FOUNDED: 2013 ADDRESS: Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Macdonald’s relationships with top owners and 2305 NC Hwy 62 North Placement in Yanceyville, N.C., was founded to tracks in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsyl- Blanch, NC 27212 transition former racehorses from the Northeast vania. First-generation pedigrees of the facil- into new homes. A secondary mission is to rescue ity’s horses include such names as Quality Road, PHONE: select Thoroughbreds from the slaughter pipe- Pioneerof the Nile, Bodemeister, Posse, Storm (336) 694-1737 line through trusted agents. Elizabeth Macdon- Cat, Unbridled, and Burning Roma. MAIN CONTACT: ald founded the volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) organiza- Some of the adoptable Thoroughbreds are high- tion after serving as the North Carolina director octane athletes best suited for advanced riders to Elizabeth Macdonald for New Jersey-based ReRun for eight years. take to the upper levels of horse sports. Some are WEB ADDRESS: At any given time, about 20 Thoroughbreds workmanlike prospects for riders who want to call the 200-acre facility home while letting down hunt or show at the local levels. Others are retired bluebloodstb.org from track life, learning new jobs, hacking out on broodmares ideal for beginner riders, “husband SOCIAL: the trails, foxhunting, and awaiting adoption. horses,” and therapeutic riding programs. bluebloodsthoroughbred For the horses’ original owners, Blue Bloods A unique aspect of Blue Bloods is the collabo- provides a valuable service and new channels ration with the equestrian studies program at AVERAGE NUMBER OF to create awareness and place their horses with nearby Averett University in Danville, Va., to THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: approved adopters in the Southeast. make the horses as marketable as possible. In a “We evaluate the horses’ abilities and tempera- class on retraining former racehorses, students 30 ments and seek to pair the right person with the are assigned an adoptable Blue Bloods horse to right horse,” Macdonald said. “We want it to be a ride all semester and then present at a showcase happy home with a good match.” open to the public. Every year, the horses in the The rolling fields of the Caswell County farm Averett program have been quickly adopted, host surprisingly well-bred horses, thanks to some by their student riders.

PAGE 34 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Bright Futures Farm RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The TAA has helped us with the cost of reschooling more Thoroughbreds for new careers. It is an expensive undertaking but also a necessity to provide these horses with a good foundation prior to adoption. With TAA’s help, we are able to help more Thoroughbreds Bev Dee photos Bright Futures Farm provides rehabilitation and retraining to off-the-track Thoroughbreds coming off the track prior to adoption, and lifetime sanctuary to those that cannot be adopted due to age or disability. each year than ever before.” Twenty years ago, Bev Dee encountered a bay Graduates are placed in pre-screened homes Thoroughbred named Brite Decision. He was matching their temperaments and ability. sick, lame, and headed for euthanasia when she “And we are willing to take back any horse at FOUNDED: 2000 discovered and fell in love with him, not know- any time for any reason – no questions asked.” ADDRESS: ing how the sweet-natured fellow would change Bright Futures microchips all of its adoptees. her life – and she his. The stakes-placed gelding Once a horse is adopted, Bright Futures contin- 238 Old Franklin Pike became the inspiration for Dee’s Bright Futures ues to monitor its status, requiring periodic Cochranton, PA 16314 Farm in northwest Pennsylvania, where he will updates from new owners. always be the heart and soul of an enterprise Although adoption is the goal of the organiza- PHONE: (724) 496-4960 devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding tion, Dee recognizes that some horses – due to MAIN CONTACT: homes for horses in need. old age or infirmity – are largely unadoptable. Dee founded Bright Futures in 2000 and has These horses become permanent residents of Bev Dee since rescued dozens of horses from undesir- the sanctuary where their individual needs are WEB ADDRESS: able situations. It also is one of the few facilities met, including special meals, chiropractic care, that will accept aged stallions at its sanctuary. and acupuncture when necessary. brightfuturesfarm.org While providing rehab, reschooling, and Bright Futures’ permanent residents include SOCIAL: veterinary care to potential adoptees and life- Trusted Company, a 31-year-old daughter of time sanctuary for others, Bright Futures is Triple Crown winner Secretariat. BrightFuturesFarm dependent upon tax-deductible donations and Permanent residents can be sponsored by AVERAGE NUMBER OF sponsorships. donations of any size. “We reschool both for high-end disciplines For more information, visit our website, THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: and for everyday riders,” Dee said. brightfuturesfarm.org. 15

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 35 SANCTUARY Brook Hill Retirement REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Center for Horses EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “We are so proud to see the TAA leading the way in the industry. Their generosity makes our work caring for and retraining Thoroughbreds so much easier, helps adopters and donors identify reputable aftercare programs, and enables us to help so many more!”

FOUNDED: 2001 ADDRESS: 7291 Bellevue Rd. Devil’s Passion spent 20 years as a racehorse and as a pony horse. At Brook Hill Retire- Forest, VA 24551 ment Center for Horses, he has freedom in his 60-acre retirement field among 39 other friends, but best of all he has his own little girl. PHONE: (540) 586-0207 Since its inception in 2001, Brook Hill Retire- rescue horses with disadvantaged, at-risk, or MAIN CONTACT: ment Center for Horses has been unique in its disabled teens. They found that an almost magi- Jo Anne Miller, Executive Director focus on working with lame horses. cal, mutually beneficial relationship often devel- Fully accredited by the Global Federation oped, wherein the at-risk teens helped care for WEB ADDRESS: of Animal Sanctuaries and the Thoroughbred the horses, and in turn, the horses helped the brookhillfarm.org Aftercare Alliance, the nonprofit organization teens develop life skills. These life skills learned, is a rescue, rehabilitation, and retirement center combined with traditional tutoring offered at the SOCIAL: that utilizes an experienced team of veterinar- farm, has led the teens to improve their academic BHRCHorse ians to create individual rehabilitation plans for performance. @brookhillfarm each horse that comes into its program. Because of the success of the equine therapy The plan begins in an on-site lab where horses programs, the farm has earned the designation can receive physical therapy, radiographs, wound of a PATH Premier Therapeutic Riding Center. In care, medications, farrier and chiropractic work, 2017, Brook Hill collaborated with the local school and whatever else is necessary to aid in their system to bring the benefits of equine therapy recovery. with rescue horses to at-risk teens in alternative Well-screened volunteers of all ages help with education. the Brook Hill mission in handling basic equine Many Brook Hill horses have been leased free care, farm maintenance, and office work, while of charge to pony clubs or 4-H members, and college interns earn academic credit assisting when they can no longer do performance jobs, in rehab efforts. The average stay for a Brook those that can are retrained for use in therapeu- Hill horse is 12 months, during which time most tic riding programs. Still others find permanent residents recover from their injuries and are sanctuary at the farm. retrained for new jobs. To date, Brook Hill has rehabilitated and placed Along the way, Brook Hill began pairing close to 500 horses.

PAGE 36 DAILY RACING FORM REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION CANTER California

TESTIMONIAL: “The TAA accreditation process has helped us ensure the quality and integrity of our aftercare program through the highest possible care standards. Accreditation ensures a certain level of excellence and professionalism, and encourages us – and all aftercare partners – to offer the

GRC Photo best services possi- Charlie Monkey competing at the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. ble to our clients and

California’s division of CANTER – The Commu- horses are given a minimum of six weeks to let horses.” nication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred down from the track. A veterinary team evalu- Ex-Racehorses – provides retiring Thorough- ates each horse and oversees rehabilitation when breds with opportunities for new careers. The needed. CANTER also will cover surgery costs FOUNDED: 2008 organization accepts horses directly from the when necessary. Volunteer professional train- ADDRESS: track into its adoption program, providing reha- ers prepare all horses – depending on their suit- 260 Las Miradas Dr. bilitation and training for new disciplines, with ability, temperament, and lameness history– for the goal of finding each horse a loving, perma- second careers as competitive sport horses, plea- Los Gatos, CA 95032 nent home. sure mounts, trail horses, therapeutic riding PHONE: (408) 313-1965 CANTER also offers free public classified ads horses, or companion horses. to trainers for retiring horses. Volunteer photog- CANTER covers all costs during this retrain- MAIN CONTACT: raphers visit tracks in Northern and Southern ing process, and there is no limit to how long a Alison Dacher California weekly, and the organization promotes horse can be in the program. available horses through its social media and Adoption fees, typically ranging from $1,000 to WEB ADDRESS: website. Since its inception, CANTER’s trainer $4,000, are set according to soundness, tempera- canterusa.org/california listings have helped to place approximately 1,000 ment, training level, and long-term potential. horses. These fees help subsidize veterinary care, farrier SOCIAL: Thoroughbreds come to CANTER through work, feed, and board. CANTERCA owners, trainers, or partner placement Horses adopted or sold through CANTER are @canterca programs. Many have racetrack injuries, rang- monitored for two years and are always placed @Canterca ing from minor to significant. Upon arrival at a with a lifetime guarantee to be accepted back into CANTER facility – well-equipped private farms the program if the owner can no longer care for AVERAGE NUMBER OF in both Northern and Southern California – the horse. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 15

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 37 REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION CANTER Michigan

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA’s accreditation of CANTER Michigan provides nationwide acknowledgement of our successful program of retraining non-competitive racehorses for new careers, healing injured Thoroughbreds through arthroscopic surgery, and providing advanced education to Michigan State students as they assist Alex Tyson and CANTER Michigan graduate Gold Room Scotty competing in Ranch Work in the with all aspects of 2018 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. surgery. TAA accredi- CANTER – the Communication Alliance to Online listings include photos and descriptions tation opens doors, Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses – was of available horses, along with specifics as to created following the 1998 closure of Detroit training level, potential career, and any athletic generating additional Race Course, which left about 200 racehorses restrictions. CANTER utilizes TAA-accredited support.” with uncertain futures. Organizers aggres- boarding and training facilities. Approximately sively spread the word through a public-relations 30 to 40 Thoroughbreds are transitioned annually. campaign and eventually found homes for each of All horses are available for modest adoption fees. FOUNDED: 1998 those Thoroughbreds. Realizing the problem did Adopters must go through an approval process not end there, CANTER has grown beyond Michi- by filling out an adoption form assessing expe- ADDRESS: gan and is now a national program with affiliates rience level with horses, riding ability, and 8619 Edgewood Park Dr. across the country. specifics as to the new home. Upon approval, a Commerce Township, MI 48382 The goal of the organization is to retire, rehab, horse can be adopted through any affiliate. retrain, and re-home non-competitive race- Since 1999, CANTER has partnered with MAIN CONTACT: horses. This is achieved two ways: Michigan State University’s school of veteri- Robbie Timmons • CANTER assists owners who are selling retir- nary medicine to provide injured ex-racehorses ing Thoroughbreds by connecting buyers with surgery, while giving students invaluable EMAIL ADDRESS: with sellers through trainer horse listings on experience as they assist with all aspects of [email protected] CANTER’s website and social media. arthroscopic surgery. • CANTER takes ownership of donated Thor- CANTER has no paid staff and is all volunteer. WEB ADDRESS: oughbreds, provides vet and farrier care, Every dollar donated goes toward the support canterusa.org/michigan retraining for new careers, and markets them and transition of off-the-track Thoroughbreds SOCIAL: for adoption on its website and social media. into approved new homes and careers. CanterMI @CANTERMichigan @cantermichigan AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 30 PAGE 38 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY Caribbean REHABILITATION Thoroughbred Aftercare RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Being accredited by the TAA gives Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare much needed validation so that our organization, in its daily endeavors, can meet the gold standard in aftercare. We anticipate this status will help open doors and present greater opportunities that will benefit the horses racing in Puerto Rico.” Carlos Manchego Meuser, a Kentucky-bred gelding who made 77 starts during his racing career, before his depar- ture from Puerto Rico to his forever home in Illinois. FOUNDED: 2008 Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare has been organizations on the mainland, as well as with ADDRESS: PO Box 43001 helping Thoroughbreds in Puerto Rico transition breeders and former connections, creating a PMB 372 to good lives off the track since 2008. More than “bridge” for some horses to return to the U.S. Rio Grande, Puerto Rico 00745 1,200 U.S.-bred Thoroughbreds race annually in Looking forward to 2020, CTA is focused on Puerto Rico after being imported. increasing the number of Thoroughbreds it PHONES: CTA’s farm, located in the foothills of the El retires. Due to myriad factors, this will neces- (787) 426-0845 (Puerto Rico) Yunque national rainforest region of Puerto sitate garnering a funding stream to pay for the (561) 308-2185 (Florida) Rico, has been developed into a tropical haven required weeklong USDA quarantine and flight MAIN CONTACTS: for horses. It has 10 acres of large paddocks with back to the United States. Kelley Stobie, Puerto Rico shady shelters in each, and a seven-stall barn. CTA is proud of its positive working relation- Since CTA incorporated in late 2016, assum- ship with the Puerto Rico and mainland racing Shelley Blodgett, Florida ing the work of predecessor Save The Horse, 113 industry. CTA has continued with its “Caballo WEB ADDRESS: horses have been retired. In 2019, CTA retired 35 Mas Vistoso” (best looking horse) award at the www.ctahorse.com horses and adopted 32 horses (23 of which were monthly “CTA Day At The Races.” During this returned to the U.S. mainland). Currently, it has day, volunteers and board members of CTA SOCIAL: 17 horses in its program, with a perpetual wait educate both the industry and public about after- horserescue list. care, its process and challenges, and the incred- @CaribbeanOTTB The challenges of finding good homes for off- ible qualities of Thoroughbreds. @Caribbean_ottb the-track Thoroughbreds in the islands are The Caribbean is beautiful, but also can be many, including being 1,000 miles from the U.S. unforgiving and very challenging for Thorough- AVERAGE NUMBER OF mainland, lack of resources, a tropical envi- breds both on and off the track. Caribbean Thor- THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: ronment, poverty, and lack of qualified homes. oughbred Aftercare is grateful to all the indi- 40-plus Fortunately, CTA has formed good working viduals who have helped provide funding and/or partnerships with several other TAA-accredited homes for its horses.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 39 Central Kentucky SANCTUARY EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM Riding for Hope

TESTIMONIAL: “In our continuing efforts to change the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens, we have found the alertness and intelligence of our Thoroughbreds to be excellent therapy partners as their high energy levels and general inquisitiveness require participants to fully

Mark Mahan engage in their Here’s something you don’t see every day – two Thoroughbreds under Western saddle maneuvering through the equine therapy center’s obstacle course at the Kentucky Horse Park. treatment sessions. Without the support Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, based at programs include Operation Remount (for veter- of organizations the Kentucky Horse Park, is dedicated to enrich- ans and military service members with combat ing the community by improving the quality of injuries or resiliency issues such as PTSD), a like TAA, it would life and health of individuals with special needs partnership with the Kentucky National Guard; be much harder to through therapeutic activities with the horse. I RIDE (for youths living in at-risk households), a CKRH offers services in the following areas: partnership with child-welfare organizations and provide these Physical/cognitive/developmental disabilities: the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice; valuable services.” A program for individuals challenged by mild to and EASTT (for survivors of sexual trauma), a severe medical conditions such as autism, cere- partnership with Ampersand Resource Center. bral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or Learning Disabilities: A program for indi- FOUNDED: 1981 stroke. Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, viduals with academic or vocational challenges. CKRH’s flagship service, includes mounted activ- Unmounted activities are designed to improve ADDRESS: P.O. Box 13155 ities designed to improve fine/gross motor skills, basic educational elements (i.e., reading, spell- Lexington, KY 40583 balance, strength, coordination, response to ing, math) and tangential skills, such as organiz- verbal commands, and elementary problem solv- ing, sequencing, and memory retention. Specialty PHONE: (859) 231-7066 ing. Specialty programs include HorseAbililty programs include STABLES, a year-round alter- summer programming for special-needs youth, nate educational program of the Fayette County MAIN CONTACT: Pat Kline and Horse Tales, a memory-recall program for Public Schools for approximately 60 students in WEB ADDRESS: www.CKRH.org seniors with dementia. grades 7-12, and Vocational Training, for indi- Mental health: A program for individuals with viduals with mild disabilities who are developing SOCIAL: emotional, social, or behavioral challenges. employment skills in horsemanship or facilities/ CKyRH Mounted and unmounted group activities are farm maintenance. @CKyRH designed to improve emotional awareness and CKRH serves more than 1,100 participants regulation, tolerance for stress, decision-making annually through the efforts of 300-plus volun- @CKyRH skills, and connection with others. Specialty teers and 29 equine therapists. AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 8

PAGE 40 DAILY RACING FORM Days End Farm SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Horse Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The TAA has helped fund ongoing maintenance costs for Thoroughbreds that are thoroughly rehabilitated. Some of our Thoroughbreds take longer to place, and it is comforting to know that TAA is helping to underwrite the cost of their care and training while helping spread the word about the value of these majestic

Sarah K. Andrews animals.” A Days End intern with Remington, an off-the-track Thoroughbred who has been a fan favorite at the farm due to his kind temperament. FOUNDED: 1989 ADDRESS: Days End Farm Horse Rescue is a 501(c)(3) the farm and off-site while working with commu- nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization founded nity-based groups such as schools, camps, scouts, 1372 Woodbine Rd. in 1989 to ensure quality care and treatment of and churches to educate on standards of equine Woodbine, MD 21797 horses through intervention, education, and care, horse psychology, and more. It also supports PHONE: outreach. the training of animal-protection authorities and Days End is an all-breed rescue, support- law enforcers in large-animal rescue techniques (301) 854-5037 ing animal-protection authorities in rescuing and equine-cruelty investigation. MAIN CONTACT: horses in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and When needed, Days End deploys its resources surrounding areas. Many of its intakes have been across the country and even internationally to Caroline Robertson off-the-track Thoroughbreds. lend assistance with emergency post-disaster WEB ADDRESS: It is a unique facility on the East Coast in that management and herd rescues. defhr.org it accepts only horses that animal-protection offi- The organization is proud to be a Horse Discov- cers have determined to be abused or neglected. It ery Center certified by the Maryland Horse SOCIAL: assists in collecting evidence and preparing docu- Industry Board. As such, it welcomes visitors to DEFHR mentation so that organization representatives its Howard County facilities. This provides an can testify in court on behalf of the horses, and opportunity for people who may otherwise never @DEFHR Days End is an expert in rehabilitating critically interact with horses to visit a farm, see horses up @daysendfarmhorserescue ill animals, training, and seeking second-chance close, and learn about healthy farm management AVERAGE NUMBER OF homes for them. and horse husbandry. Because education is vital to preventing animal Days End particularly focuses on reaching THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: abuse, educating animal enthusiasts and the young people so that they gain an appreciation 10 general public is at the heart of the Days End and sense of compassion for animals at an early mission. It offers many educational programs at age.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 41 SANCTUARY Down the Stretch REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Ranch EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “What the TAA does is incredible. Being accredited by the TAA is important to ensure these horses are properly cared for. The accreditation process helped us see ways to make our organization even better.”

FOUNDED: 2015 ADDRESS: 27700 Miles Creston Rd. N. Creston, WA 99117 PHONE: (253) 350-0160 SFC Eric Buechler, who retired from the Army with more than 20 years of combat service, with MAIN CONTACT: the Thoroughbred mare Guilty at Down the Stretch Ranch. Boone McCanna WEB ADDRESS: Down the Stretch Ranch was founded in 2015 roam over 100 acres. Just as each veteran has his by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, his own story, so does every member of the herd at downthestretch.org wife, Janet Hollendorfer, and Boone McCanna. Down the Stretch Ranch. SOCIAL: The 501(c)(3) organization uses ex-racehorses to Once the veterans select a horse, they are told provide therapeutic rehabilitation for military the story of that horse and shown race replays downthestretchranch veterans. to understand the animal’s background. Then @DownTheStretchR As these equine athletes offer comfort and horse and veteran get the chance to spend time AVERAGE NUMBER OF companionship to the veterans, the organiza- together in a round pen. If both are comfort- tion provides a situation for the horses and able, the veteran is given the opportunity to ride THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: humans to thrive. In this form of equine ther- around the ranch to spend more time with the off- 25 apy, there are parallels and connections to be the-track Thoroughbred. made between the veterans and equine athletes The ranch also offers housing for attending as they were both highly trained in their peak- veterans, with many choosing to extend their performance days. stay or return to the ranch later. When a veteran arrives at the Washington- While the ranch operates mostly as a sanctu- based ranch, McCanna offers a tour of the facil- ary for Thoroughbreds, the organization also ity, which includes an area for the main herd to adopts out sound horses to qualified homes.

PAGE 42 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Equestrian Inc. RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The recognition and prestige associated with TAA has opened up a broader spectrum of donor avenues that otherwise were not available to us. We are honored to be accredited by TAA and appreciate their support so that we may continue to help the off-the-track Thoroughbred.”

FOUNDED: 1985 ADDRESS: Fort Astoria, a grandson of Deputy Minister, enjoys his retirement at Equestrian Inc. in Florida. 4902 Timberlan St. Tampa, FL 33549 Established in 1985 as a sanctuary for horses Equestrian Inc. has no paid staff. It is run solely PHONE: (813) 410-9982 looking for a new lease on life, Equestrian Inc. by volunteers who are the heart of the organiza- currently has 10 registered Thoroughbreds and tion. A team of dedicated people performs such MAIN CONTACT: three other breeds. Some of the horses are perma- tasks as feeding, grooming, exercising, turnout, DeeAnn Smith nent residents due to age or injuries, and others stall cleaning, and general farm maintenance. are in the process of being retrained or are recov- Equestrian Inc. offers Bright Futures hours to WEB ADDRESS: ering from a racing injury. high school students and participates in the Hills- equestrianinc.org Equestrian Inc. provides ex-racehorses a borough County Community Service Program. It chance for a productive second career in a variety hosts groups from area high schools, the Univer- SOCIAL: of disciplines, such as jumping, dressage, event- sity of South Florida, and the University of equestrianinctampa ing, and pleasure or companion. Tampa. At these events, the students are shown @glendas12967972 Its adoption process involves an interview with how to care for horses and are given hands-on @equestrianinctampa the potential adopter to gauge their knowledge demonstrations. In addition, it has a strong work- and ability to care for the horse. The next step is ing relationship with Tampa Bay Downs race- AVERAGE NUMBER OF the adopter spending time with the horse so that track. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: they can get to know one another. The adopter Our late founder, Glenda Smith, said, “Those must be at least 21 years old and financially able involved are paid via love given them from the 25 to care for the horse. The adoption fee is from $500 animals, not with money.” and up depending on the soundness, training, That still sums up how we feel about our great level and potential of the horse. volunteers.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 43 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Equine Advocates

TESTIMONIAL: “We are grateful to TAA for its generous support. As a sanctuary, horses who come in remain here for life; many have special needs that require more veterinary services. It is wonderful to have TAA funding to help pay for their maintenance as well as for many of their medical needs.”

FOUNDED: 1996 Ellen Lynch ADDRESS: Ceci Divine, who was a winner on the racetrack under the name Royal Citadel, arrived at her forever home at Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary in New York in May 2018. P. O. Box 354 Chatham, N.Y. 12037 Equine Advocates is a national, nonprofit In 2006, Equine Advocates opened its Humane rescue, educational, and advocacy organiza- Education Center, where classes and seminars PHONE: (518) 392-0175 tion founded in 1996 in response to the issue of are conducted and where visitors can learn MAIN CONTACT: horse slaughter. Structured initially as a rescue about equine issues and responsible horse Susan Wagner operation, the organization expanded in 2004 guardianship. The group has participated in to include a 140-acre sanctuary in upstate New cruelty investigations and held symposiums for WEB ADDRESS: York, where some 80 horses of all breeds and law enforcement in dealing with such cases. equineadvocates.org backgrounds – including off-the-track Thor- Equine Advocates has been recognized by oughbreds – currently reside. Founder and pres- Thoroughbred Charities of America and the SOCIAL: ident Susan Wagner estimates that thousands of New York State Humane Association for its equineadvocates.org equines have been transitioned into better situ- work, in addition to being accredited by both @EquineAdvocates ations through the efforts of those involved with the TAA and the Global Federation of Animal Equine Advocates. Sanctuaries. @equineadvocates Currently, some 80 horses, donkeys, ponies, “We combine our rescue efforts with advocacy AVERAGE NUMBER OF and mules reside at the sanctuary near in order to effect change, educate people, and Chatham, which Wagner describes as “an promote humane treatment of horses,” Wagner THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: equine village where they live out their lives in said. “In addition to providing sanctuary and 15 a natural environment, allowing them to social- a loving home for our rescued horses, we focus ize with one other.” Many residents have old on teaching people how to become better, more injuries and special needs. responsible horse guardians.”

PAGE 44 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY Equine Encore REHABILITATION Foundation ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA allows us to provide for the ‘wounded warriors’ whose grit and determination left them with large earnings but nagging injuries. This accreditation makes it possible for us to provide a ‘401k retirement plan’ for our approximately 80 permanent residents with big

Wendy Davis fields, safe fences, Equine Encore’s late executive director Patti Shirley gives treats to a couple of off-the-track Thor- oughbreds at the Arizona sanctuary. and full feeders.”

“We’re living a dream,” Dale Shirley care of our athletes.” FOUNDED: 2005 told his wife, Patti, during their years of Shirley did so in a big way. Today, approxi- racing and breeding. That dream ended in mately 80 former racehorses reside in digni- MAILING ADDRESS: 2002, when Dale died, leaving Patti Shir- fied retirement at Equine Encore Foundation. 3225 N. El Burrito Ave. ley, a noted Southwest-based conditioner, Better-known residents include 2003 Sapling Tucson, AZ 85705 on her own with a 120-acre Arizona farm. Stakes winner Dashboard Drummer, 11-time Over time, Shirley’s goals changed, and stakes winner Wind Water, and Del Mar stakes PHONE: (520) 349-6008 another dream was born. By 2005, she had winner Raetodandty. transitioned her Tucson property from a breed- Unlike many aftercare organizations, Equine MAIN CONTACT: ing and training facility into an aftercare farm, Encore’s focus is strictly on retirement and Burt Kinerk and Equine Encore Foundation began as a adoption. Many residents suffered career- [email protected] “Social Security system” for ex-racehorses. ending injuries – bowed tendons, fractured The “birth announcement” of Equine Encore sesamoids – that likely prohibit them from WEB ADDRESS: was made in the winner’s circle at Sunland second careers. equineencorefoundation.org Park, and within 24 hours, it had acquired Oh Equine Encore is funded through private, tax- Gracie, a Thoroughbred with a slab-fractured deductible donations. Support can be given on a SOCIAL: knee. He arrived at the farm in 2005 and the one-time basis or as regular monthly support. EquineEncoreFoundation now-25-year-old gelding remains there today. “These athletes did their jobs, paid their AVERAGE NUMBER OF “Racing is a business,” Shirley said, “and in dues,” Shirley said. “They deserve a dignified business, when machinery no longer functions, retirement.” THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: you get rid of it. Here, we’re dealing with living Shirley died in September 2019 at age 74. Her 80 creatures who have given us so much and ask passion and legacy live on through Equine so little in return. We need to step up and take Encore.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 45 Equine Rescue and SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Adoption Foundation RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Our board places great importance on maintaining high standards and being financially responsible and transparent. Being accredited by the TAA reinforces our goals and reassures our donors that we respect their contributions.”

FOUNDED: 2000 ADDRESS: Luv My Country came to Equine Rescue and Adoption after a brief career on the racetrack. 6400 SW Martin Hwy. Palm City, FL 34990 The Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation storage barn, and a beautiful educational center PHONE: (ERAF) in Palm City, Fla., has been an important for volunteer training, community service (772) 220-0150 resource for aftercare in Martin County since groups, and special programs. All pastures and 2000. paddocks have three-sided shelters and a direct MAIN CONTACT: Our mission is simple: We rescue horses facing water source. Denise LeClair-Robbins a bleak future through no fault of their own. They have been neglected, abandoned, abused, ERAF is in the process of developing the adjoin- WEB ADDRESS: eraf.org or slaughter-bound. Many have had wonderful ing 8.5 acres to its barn facility and construct- careers as performance horses and racehorses. ing fencing, shelters, and additional pastures to SOCIAL: Many can simply no longer be cared for by their accommodate more horses in need of new homes Equine-Rescue-and-Adoption- owners. and new lives. Foundation-ERAF-Horse- When these horses arrive at our gates, it is the ERAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Rescue-Palm-City beginning of a new life for them. We rehabili- an annual operational budget nearing $500,000 FL-346614929349 tate, retrain, and determine an appropriate new and is totally dependent on individual donations, career for them in an adoptive home. Our rescues @ERAFHorseRescue have excelled in performance arenas, as pleasure fundraisers, grants, and private foundations. @erafhorserescue horses, on the trail, and as pasture pals. Its seven-member staff and dedicated core of AVERAGE NUMBER OF The 17 acres upon which ERAF conducts its more than 50 volunteers make this magic happen rescue activities include a 23-stall barn, a hay- in South Florida. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 12

PAGE 46 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Equine Rescue of Aiken EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “Accreditation by a national organization such as the TAA shows the community that we operate with the best interest of our horses and reassures them that their donations are going to a responsible organization. The assistance allows us to continue our Equine Rescue of Aiken mission of Flashmans Papers, Four Cross Roads, Tie and Tails, and Lumbee Bayou collectively earned $333,141 on the racetrack before being accepted by Equine Rescue of Aiken. repurposing and rehoming off-the-track Located in the heart of Aiken, South Caro- In addition to adoption and rehab, Equine Thoroughbreds.” lina’s famed horse country, Equine Rescue of Rescue of Aiken is a contributing member Aiken is a pastoral sanctuary for unwanted to its community, hosting educational work- horses. Established in 2006, the mostly volun- shops, volunteer youth days, and school visits. FOUNDED: 2006 teer-run operation has adopted out approxi- Uniquely, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organiza- mately 700 horses, many of them at risk and tion supports the local county Pre-Trial Inter- ADDRESS: in need of a new home. vention Program, in which first-time offend- 532 Glenwood Dr. Equine Rescue of Aiken also works with ers may fulfill required community service Aiken, SC 29803 racetracks to identify and acquire horses that hours by working at the facility. It also part- are no longer competitive, to repurpose them ners with the Saratoga War Horse program PHONE: (803) 643-1850 for second careers in forever homes, and the to assist war veterans suffering from PTSD organization accepts horses from owners no by using horses as therapy to heal emotional MAIN CONTACT: longer able to care for them. wounds. Jim Rhodes Equine Rescue of Aiken is the largest horse- Annual operating costs are approximately rescue center in the southeastern United $500,000, which pays for veterinary and WEB ADDRESS: States. Its 90 acres include rehab/quarantine farrier care, tack, feed, bedding, and groom- aikenequinerescue.org paddocks, stalls, pastures, and paddocks with ing supplies. Volunteers do most of the hands- spacious run-in sheds. At any given time, the on chores, as well as assisting at events, SOCIAL: organization is home to 60 to 70 equines of all communicating via social media, coordinat- AikenEquineRescue breeds – from ex-racehorses, draft crosses, ing mailings, and producing e-newsletters. @AikenEquineResc former polo ponies, and even a feral mustang. Fundraisers have included a pancake break- @aikenequinerescue About a dozen horses are available for adop- fast and a barn and tack sale. tion at any given time. Several horses at are Tax-deductible donations may be made to AVERAGE NUMBER OF permanent sanctuary residents. Equine Rescue of Aiken. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 30

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 47 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Final Furlong RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA has allowed Final Furlong an opportunity to provide a safe retirement to our (lifers) – those who have soundness issues that make placement impossible. They now can live out their lives with the care and comfort they deserve.”

FOUNDED: 2009 ADDRESS: 9119 NW Hwy 225A Ocala, FL 34482 Final Furlong serves as a sanctuary, plus retrains and places ex-racehorses in new homes. PHONE: (352) 427-8540

Final Furlong, founded in 2009 by Stephanie photos of the new home. MAIN CONTACT: Brennan, has placed dozens of ex-racehorses Brennan has worked alongside her husband, Stephanie Brennan into new homes or safe and secure retirement trainer Niall Brennan, developing some of Amer- while establishing itself as a leader in Thorough- ica’s top racehorses, including 2013 Kentucky WEB ADDRESS: bred aftercare. Derby winner Orb, 2013 Belmont winner Palace niallbrennan.com/ffhr.html The Final Furlong team, comprised of Bren- Malice, and champion Dayatthespa. Many of nan and volunteers, scans entries for at-risk Final Furlong’s graduates came through that SOCIAL: runners that are heading down in class. Using program, including Gunpowder Creek and NiallBrennanStables funds garnered through donations and grants, Canaan Land, retrained as a dressage competi- @niallbrennanstb the organization acquires targeted racehorses tor and pony horse, respectively. Others have @niallbrennanstbls and brings them to its Ocala, Fla., base, where gone on to careers as eventers, hunter/jumpers, they remain for rehab and evaluation until trail horses, and companion animals. Horses AVERAGE NUMBER OF deemed ready to move forward. such as stakes-placed Hammock and royally THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: There are no adoption fees, though prospective bred Indian Key successfully transitioned from new owners are thoroughly screened. A contract the racetrack to the show ring. Several remain 15 must be completed, accompanied by a letter from permanent retirees at Final Furlong. an industry professional indicating their ability According to Stephanie Brennan, “Final to care for an off-the-track Thoroughbred. An Furlong simply wants to give the horses who additional letter from the veterinarian who will have given so much to us an opportunity to excel care for the horse also is required, along with at another career.”

PAGE 48 DAILY RACING FORM Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The accreditation of FLTAP by the TAA is a significant endorsement of our efforts as the first ontrack Thoroughbred adoption program in North America. Its ongoing support of our program is paramount to our success.”

FOUNDED: 2006 ADDRESS: 5757 NYS Route 96, Farmington, NY 14425 PHONE: (585) 500-5333

Old Army, a 2011 graduate of the Finger Lakes program, shows in dressage. MAIN CONTACT: Julie Smith “Giving horses a second chance to be winners” Local horsemen help fund the program by WEB ADDRESS: is the noble credo that the Finger Lakes Thor- contributing $2 for every start a horse makes, oughbred Adoption Program lives by. an amount matched by the Finger Lakes Racing fltap.org FLTAP was founded in 2006 when Finger Association. FLTAP also hosts fundraising SOCIAL: Lakes racetrack management and the local dinners, polo matches, benefit horse shows, golf FLTAPAdoption Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Associ- tournaments, and holiday events, with money ation division decided something must be done going directly to the program. Volunteers donate AVERAGE NUMBER OF to protect at-risk runners, most notably those time, talent, and product in addition to cash. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: headed down the claiming ladder. This award- Horses entering FLTAP must be reasonably winning retraining and adoption program has sound and have the potential for a second career, 35 helped more than 400 horses find new homes. whether in the show ring or for pleasure riding. FLTAP was the first adoption organization Successful adoptions have included I B a Baby- located on racetrack grounds. Delaware North, doll (aka “Pepper,” jumper), Five Aces (“Ace,” the parent of Finger Lakes Gaming and Race- trail riding), and City Mint (barrel racing). Most track, donated the two-acre site upon which a FLTAP horses ended their racing careers in 10,000-square-foot, 16-stall barn now stands, lower-level claiming races at Finger Lakes. built with state funding, a grant from the Amer- Prospective adopters undergo an in-depth ican Humane Association, and contributions screening process, including an interview, to from donors such as Wanda Polisseni, for whose determine if they are able to provide a good Purple Haze Stables the center is named. The home for an ex-racehorse. When accepted, they facility also includes a riding arena, turnout are matched with horses appropriate for their paddocks, and round pens. skill level, experience, and goals.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 49 SANCTUARY Florida Thoroughbred Retirement REHABILITATION and Adoptive Care Program RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The appreciated collaborative efforts and support provided by the TAA are vital to assist Florida TRAC in obtaining our goals of excellence in the transition of off-the- track Thoroughbreds from their racing careers in South Florida to their new careers. The TAA funding ensures our high level of expecta- tion to provide excellent care, nutrition, and training

Florida TRAC is met.” Florida TRAC’s retraining process includes fundamentals to prepare horses for a new career.

The Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and starts and one win is now thriving as a member FOUNDED: 2010 Adoptive Care Program was established in 2010 of the Davie Police Department Mounted Unit, ADDRESS: with a focus on providing rest, rehabilitation, and Charming Kid, who after eight career starts retraining, and adoptive services to horses that and one win is now training for a career in the 6650 Kanner Hwy. previously competed at Gulfstream Park and eventing discipline. Indiantown, FL 34956 Gulfstream Park West. Part of Florida TRAC’s Florida TRAC places about a horse per week, primary purpose is to start the retraining so many of our retired Thoroughbreds are now PHONE: (833) 352-8722 process to allow as many horses as possible to enjoying leisurely lives as trail horses or flour- MAIN CONTACTS: find a loving forever home. ishing in new competitive careers. Katie Schmit, Jena Antonucci Graduates of Florida TRAC have been “We are so appreciative of every volunteer and retrained for a wide range of second careers, staff member who make Florida TRAC a thriv- WEB ADDRESS: including the show ring, trail riding, eventing, ing resource for off-the-track Thoroughbreds,” fltrac.org therapy for children and veterans, police work, said Jena Antonucci, vice president of Florida pasture companions, and much more. Adoption TRAC. SOCIAL: fees vary, depending on the level of training and “Watching our retired racing athletes thrive floridatrac the potential of each individual. in their new adoptive homes is not only mean- @FloridaTrac Florida TRAC keeps an open line of communi- ingful but necessary as the Thoroughbred cation with adopters throughout the lifetime of industry continues to evolve. @floridatrac their adoptee. “Having the support of horsemen and jockeys Florida TRAC’s success stories include such continues to show the united message of how horses as Tizrobertcharles, who after seven important proper retirement is for our athletes.”

PAGE 50 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Friends of Ferdinand RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA provides a consistent, stable, and reliable funding source for equine programs that does not exist elsewhere. With that, we are able to confidently plan and implement strategies for sustainable growth in order to better meet the needs of the horses and horsemen in Indiana and the Midwest. The horses benefit when we all work together.” JPH Photography Friends of Ferdinand has an internship program that allows volunteers the opportunity to work with horses that are being retrained to transition to new careers. FOUNDED: 2005

Friends of Ferdinand Inc. (FFI) is an Indiana- months or six, Friends of Ferdinand horses are ADDRESS: based nonprofit dedicated to promoting respon- ready for new careers with amateur riders. P.O. Box 1784 sible retirement for racehorses in Indiana and The goal of Friends of Ferdinand is to work Indianapolis, IN 46206 the Midwest with options for second careers. closely with adopters to find the right home for Established in 2005, Friends of Ferdinand took each horse the first time. The adoption process EMAIL: its name from the famed racehorse Ferdinand, a begins with an application that includes veteri- [email protected] Kentucky Derby winner who earned millions on narian, farrier, and personal references. Poten- the track but was ultimately sent to slaughter. tial adopters are required to visit and ride their MAIN CONTACT: To honor his memory, FFI has established a very potential horses with FFI’s head trainer. In Sara Busbice successful retraining and adoption program. addition, adopters are offered a 30-day trial so Additionally, FFI offers an internship program that they may take their new horse home for a WEB ADDRESS: that affords young people who are interested in prepurchase exam and evaluations by their own friendsofferdinand.com a horse-industry career the opportunity to work veterinarian, farrier, and trainer. with horses in aftercare or preparing for adop- These adoption and match-making processes SOCIAL: tion. have proved effective, with an almost 100 percent OTTBsforFFI Each horse receives a thorough vet check to year-over-year successful adoption rate. FFI @Ferdinators identify any physical limitations and generally grads have become trail and dressage horses, @friendsofferdinandinc stays a minimum of 90 days for evaluation and such as Logan Township, a gelding who raced 78 retraining. Once ready to begin work, Friends times, and Right to War, who raced three times. AVERAGE NUMBER OF of Ferdinand’s retraining philosophy is: “Let Others have transitioned into hunter/jumpers, THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: the horse set the pace.” Whether it takes three eventers, and pleasure horses. 30

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 51 REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Galloping Out

TESTIMONIAL: “Becoming accredited by the TAA was a benchmark for Galloping Out. For as much as the funding has helped us maintain additional horses, the honor of accreditation has lifted the program in the eyes of the Chicago racing community and has translated into additional donations.”

Eva Orlando Winston, a son of Dynaformer who raced as Gold Former and earned nearly $150,000, is being ridden by 12-year-old Eva at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Ill. FOUNDED: 2010 ADDRESS: Galloping Out is the on-track adoption program must ride for the farm trainers to guarantee a serving the two Chicago-area Thoroughbred good fit. Galloping Out follows up with pictures of 7301 W. 25th St., Suite 321 racetracks, Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race the horse at six months and one year, and retains North Riverside, IL 60546 Course. the right to do a physical inspection at any time. PHONE: (708) 652- 2201 Galloping Out began accepting horses in It tries to stay in touch with the adopters, such spring 2010. What began with three horses has as via Facebook, and has found that these new MAIN CONTACT: Janice Ely grown to accommodate as many as 30 at one time, owners can’t wait to share pictures and videos of with some 250 successful adoptions. their horse’s accomplishments. WEBSITE: Galloping Out partners with seven private Galloping Out is in the fortunate position to www.gallopingout.org farms for rest and rehabilitation, retraining, and have the support of both Chicago-area race- eventual adoptions. These farms include profes- tracks. In addition, owners contribute with an SOCIAL: sional Thoroughbred farms, hunter/jumper optional per-start fee. itharacing barns, and an eventing facility. Several have Galloping Out has been rewarded with a @itharacing youth programs, and the kids learn old-school grant from Thoroughbred Charities of America @itharacing horsemanship working with these retired race- for three consecutive years. It is generously horses. supported by the owners and trainers in Chicago, AVERAGE NUMBER OF Galloping Out requires an application for as well as several private foundations. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: an individual to be considered as a potential Racing fans take a keen interest in the adopter. Not only are references checked, but as program. Galloping Out also hosts fundraising 24 often as possible someone will visit the stable or events throughout the year and does community farm where the horse is going to live. Adopters outreach.

PAGE 52 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY Glen Ellen REHABILITATION Vocational Academy RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA grants have provided much- needed funding to provide for these noble Thoroughbreds, who have given their lives to the racing industry and need a comfortable sanctuary in which to retire. Some go on to second careers, but others have a well-earned retirement and just enjoy being horses.” Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, located in the wine country of Sonoma Valley, is one of America’s oldest rescue organizations and has provided safe haven for hundreds of horses. FOUNDED: 1995

Glen Ellen Vocational Academy (GEVA) is to the stakes winners. GEVA’s mission is to be ADDRESS: one of America’s oldest rescue organizations, the best friend and advocate for each individual P.O. Box 2101 founded in California 25 years ago by former horse. Glen Ellen, CA 95442 racetrack steward Pam Berg. The foundation GEVA has an established relationship with has rehabilitated, placed, and provided safe Santa Rosa Junior College, with Berg being on its PHONE: haven for hundreds of Thoroughbreds, for Equine Advisory Committee. UC-Davis Veteri- (707) 527-8092 which Berg has been honored with the Dogwood nary Medicine Club members come to GEVA Dominion Award as one of racing’s “unsung for their dental wet labs twice a year, and many MAIN CONTACT: heroes.” She was also inducted into the Equus Sonoma State University students do their volun- Pam Berg Hall of Fame of the Sonoma Horse Council. teer hours at the farm. Clinics and seminars can WEB ADDRESS: “GEVA was founded for injured, retired, and be arranged upon request, as well as farm tours. abused horses or those just in need of a home,” Through fundraising and informational efforts, glenellenfarms.com/geva Berg said. “GEVA is dedicated to preventing GEVA attempts to educate the public about horse AVERAGE NUMBER OF slaughter, needless euthanasia, and abuse of racing, as well as the inherent responsibility in horses in any way.” the ownership and care of horses. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Most horses become permanent pensioners at GEVA is fortunate to have many supporters, 30 the sanctuary since they don’t have the option including Ridgeway Ranch, the home of the of a second career. “There is so much empha- famous Seabiscuit. sis on second careers nowadays that those who GEVA is currently located among the vine- can’t have a second career need to be assured of yards in beautiful Sonoma Valley. However, a a comfortable retirement,” Berg said. 136-acre farm has been purchased in Oregon to GEVA, also accredited by the Global Federa- which the farm will eventually move. tion of Animal Sanctuaries, focuses on the reha- GEVA is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit bilitation and retirement of the sport’s noble organization totally dependent upon the generous racetrack warriors, from the lowest claimer grants and tax-deductible charitable donations.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 53 Harmony and Hope SANCTUARY Horse Haven

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA requirements for the care of Thoroughbreds are highly approved and recognized by other organizations and individuals; to be recognized as meeting these standards is an honor. To meet TAA standards for documentation, my ‘paperwork’ had to become organized. Accomplished TAA staff were so helpful

Ruth Plenty of Harmony and Hope Horse Haven with F W Pirate, a New Mexico-bred gelding and patient. Thank who won just one of 16 lifetime starts, earning $2,982, and now lives happily in a sanctuary. you, TAA.”

During the mid-1990s, owner and breeder Ruth know contentment.” Plenty observed a disturbing trend – that injured, At any given time, some 35 horses live in perma- FOUNDED: 2005 old, or unsuccessful racehorses were loaded onto nent retirement on Plenty’s property, located LOCATION: trailers and sent to auction. It didn’t seem right, 2 1/2 hours outside of Tucson, Ariz.; most of them so she decided to do something to stem that heart- are Thoroughbreds, and several are stallions. Portal, AZ breaking tide. According to Plenty, about 90 percent of Harmony MAILING ADDRESS: Plenty and her husband, Dennis, began and Hope’s lifetime residents earned less than P.O. Box 173 rescuing horses whenever and wherever $45,000, many after racing for years. they could, absorbing the cost largely out of The current herd ranges in age from 5 to 36, Rodeo, NM 88056 pocket, and eventually setting up Harmony with earnings up to $175,000, the horses having PHONE: (520) 558-1950 (land) and Hope Horse Haven as a sanctuary for ex- raced in New York, Florida, Washington, Cali- racehorses. fornia, and Canada. Regardless of racing career, (602) 540-9413 (cell) “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” said Ruth medical issues, or personalities, the horses are MAIN CONTACT: Plenty, who performs many of the daily tasks at provided a lifetime home at Harmony and Hope. Ruth Plenty the 40-acre Pile of Old Rocks Ranch, the home All incoming horses are placed in three-week base of Harmony and Hope. “All of our horses quarantine, during which they are thoroughly WEB ADDRESS: are success stories. They came off the track evaluated and any health issues are addressed. harmonyandhopehorsehaven.org unwanted, with no place to go – but did not end Harmony and Hope has been recognized by up abandoned or at feedlot auctions. Instead, Thoroughbred Charities of America, CARMA, SOCIAL: they spend their days eating, sleeping, and being and After the Finish Line, as well as being harmonyandhopehorsehaven groomed. They know they have a home – they accredited by the TAA. AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 35

PAGE 54 DAILY RACING FORM REHABILITATION Heart of Phoenix RETRAINING/ADOPTION Equine Rescue

TESTIMONIAL: “We felt TAA accreditation was the highest seal of approval possible in the equine rescue world. It lets our donors and supporters know that we operate in a transparent, honest, and excellent manner for the horses in our care.”

FOUNDED: 2009 Heart of Phoenix team with Lord Shamrock (right), the first horse helped by the organization. ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 81 Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue is West area issues through clinics, educational events, Shoals, WV 25562 Virginia’s largest and most effective equine blogs, and other in-person services to be advo- advocacy organization. Founded at a time when cates for good horsemanship and a strong equine PHONE: there were no active organizations in the area, industry in the region. (304) 784-4061 Heart of Phoenix works throughout Appalachia The organization’s focus is to improve the MAIN CONTACT: with a united group of volunteers and partners to outlook for horses, not only the horses currently improve the outlook for horses in the region. in its care but for the long term. Horses in its Tinia Creamer The organization assists local animal control care receive the rehab and training they need to WEB ADDRESS: and law enforcement officers, educates the public, become awesome equine partners for adopters. and has become a leader in the local equine indus- Heart of Phoenix also strives to create more www.WVhorserescue.org. try, creating lasting and positive change. As an good horsemen and horsewomen, so there are SOCIAL: advocate for all horses in Appalachia, where more suitable homes and fewer horses in need of HeartofPhoenixEquinerescue poverty is rife, the nonprofit knows the need for rescue and assistance. The horses of this region education and assistance in the region. have a valuable voice thanks to Heart of Phoe- @WVhorserescue Heart of Phoenix strives to work at the root of nix’s supporters. @heart_of_phoenix_equine_rescue AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 8

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 55 Hidden Acres Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION for Thoroughbreds TESTIMONIAL: “The benefits of TAA accreditation started the moment we began filling out the application, allowing us to more effectively establish our foundation and set standards for success. Since accreditation, HART has additional funds to grow, and allow us to help more horses. We hold the backing of the TAA Florida-based Hidden Acres focuses on helping ex-racehorses find a new home or second career. in high regard and ensure daily that we Founded in September 2011, Hidden Acres Norris, HART founder and executive director, Rescue for Thoroughbreds (HART for Horses) said, “The ASPCA Help A Horse Day contest is a uphold the standards is committed to being the voice for off-the-track wonderful opportunity for our team to welcome expected by Thoroughbreds on Florida’s Space Coast. Nestled the residents and businesses of Brevard County on seven serene acres between a national wildlife into our barn and help spread awareness about accreditation.” refuge on its western border, and a recreational the at-risk horses in our community who are in area to its south, HART provides miles of riding need of loving homes. Horses are majestic, loving trails through to the Canaveral Groves. animals, and we hope our local supporters will YEAR FOUNDED: 2011 The main barn is well-ventilated for the come out to help us so we can continue our life- summer heat and rated for winds up to 150 mph to saving efforts for years to come.” ADDRESS: 6360 Arborwood Ave. withstand the hurricane season of Florida’s east- To date, HART has helped more than 150 retired Cocoa, FL 32927 ern coastline. With 15 turn-out pastures, a large racehorses find success in their new careers, PHONE: (321) 543-2924 jumping and schooling arena, and a standard including three who qualified for the American dressage arena, HART offers a full array of facili- Eventing Championship in 2017, and several who MAIN CONTACT: Suzanna Norris ties and services geared toward rehabilitation are working as therapy horses to serve the local and re-homing. It also offers traditional lessons, community. WEB ADDRESS: boarding, and a growing interest in equine ther- Those people who live in the area or are plan- hartforhorses.org apy. ning to visit the Cocoa/Cocoa Beach area can help Built on a belief that education and outreach by volunteering their time. As a 501(c)(3) charita- SOCIAL: improve the lives of those in their community, ble organization, HART offers a variety of ways hartforhorses as well as the lives of the equine athletes they to provide financial support, from sponsoring a @HARTforHORSES rescue, HART regularly opens its barn doors to horse, business sponsorships, traditional dona- @hartforhorses the local community. tions, and even shopping online via the Amazon Speaking about one such event, Suzanna Smile program. AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 10

PAGE 56 DAILY RACING FORM Hope After Racing SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Thoroughbreds RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Obtaining accreditation has been a process in the works for some time, and we are proud to have finally achieved that goal. Along the way of becoming accredited, we have identified some areas of improvement that we believe will enhance our abilities to help place Derith Vogt Hope After Racing graduate Italian Monarch is now successfully training in dressage. Thoroughbreds coming off the track Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART) situation for every horse in our care, with the was created to provide rehabilitation, retrain- goal of placing each in a forever home. We are and finding new ing, and ultimately adoption for Thorough- available to help adopters with any problems careers and homes.” breds training and/or racing in Iowa. Our that arise. In the event an adoptive horse must mission is to ensure a safe, temporary home for be returned for any reason, we take the horse injured or noncompetitive Thoroughbred race- back and facilitate the readoption process. FOUNDED: 2010 horses with uncertain futures that had raced HART is the only rehabilitation, retraining, ADDRESS: at Prairie Meadows Racetrack. and adoption organization recognized by all 1 Prairie Meadows Dr. HART provides a peaceful environment and racing organizations in Iowa. In fact, HART’s experienced care for each horse’s individual board is constructed to include a representa- Altoona, IA 50009 recuperative needs with adequate time to tran- tive of each group, specifically the Iowa Horse- PHONE: (515) 967-4804 sition from the racetrack environment. Once men’s Benevolent and Protective Association, they are ready, horses begin retraining with Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners MAIN CONTACT: the goal to prepare them for second careers Associations, Prairie Meadows Racetrack Jon Moss and/or homes. and Casino, and the Iowa Racing and Gaming HART has been active since 2010 and has Commission. EMAIL ADDRESS: placed more than 50 horses. HART puts the Along with these groups from racing, HART [email protected] needs of the horse first and endeavors to also incorporates board members from the address any injuries, followed by adequate overall horse industry. WEB ADDRESS: rehabilitation as we get to know each horse and We pride ourselves in bringing the two iahart.org their potential for a second career. worlds together to create the best possible We believe that every horse benefits from solution for the horses placed in our care. SOCIAL: daily handling and being taught solid ground HART has three veterinarians serving hopeafterracingthoroughbreds manners, so they are a good citizen in their on the volunteer board, and has an excellent next career. working relationship with Iowa State Univer- AVERAGE NUMBER OF HART is a lean organization staffed by sity Veterinarian College to assist with our THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: volunteers striving to find the perfect adoptive most challenging cases. 20

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 57 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Hope for Horses RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA has helped us ‘up our game.’ Hope for Horses strives to achieve a level of proficiency above the norm, and as stewards of these majestic creatures, it is great to be part of a team that believes in those same principles. A team goal of providing excellent care and training creates a horse well Terrie Coates Moon Team Hope For Horses participates during the 2019 California State Fair in Sacramento. suited to be a forever partner to a new Better is a never-ending quest. Here at Hope offers continued lessons and training to all its person and home.” for Horses, we continue to evolve in our efforts to adopted horses as well as other horses in the showcase our re-careered Thoroughbreds. community. Nationally known clinicians are Our goals of transitioning these magnificent brought in several times a year to broaden staff FOUNDED: 2013 animals into other disciplines include provid- knowledge. Hope for Horses is part of The Forever ing training and mental/emotional wellness. Foundation with Trevor Carter, a talented horse- ADDRESS: We believe educating, training, and molding our man. His online video lessons and challenges 10576 Arno Rd. charges makes them better prepared to find life- give us goals to achieve with each horse, working Galt, CA 95632 long and forever homes. from where each horse is individually. Anita Markiewicz, president and founder of Hope for Horses maintains a presence in many PHONE: (916) 591-2481 Hope for Horses, is a Level II Centered Riding venues promoting the greatness of retired race- MAIN CONTACT: instructor, a Certified CHA (Certified Horse- horses. We are active at our state’s horse expos manship Associate) instructor, and has decades and fairs. As part of the California State Fair, Anita Markiewicz of experience in dressage and horsemanship. we showcase our teams in quadrilles and perfor- WEB ADDRESS: By offering this experience and continuing to mances with several shows daily. hope4horses.com learn and grow, Hope for Horses helps our horses Educating the general public about our horses become good equine citizens, ready to go into and how we help them learn a new life has SOCIAL: many different areas of equestrian life. brought many to join the equestrian community, hopeforhorsesCA As an education-based facility, Hope for Horses providing more homes for more horses. @hopeforhorses22 @hopeforhorsesca AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 32

PAGE 58 DAILY RACING FORM Horse and Hound SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Rescue Foundation RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “We feel the TAA is needed to provide guidelines so that the owners and trainers responsibly retiring Thoroughbreds and the people looking to adopt can have peace of mind that their horses will be taken care of and adopted to loving, caring homes.”

FOUNDED: 2016

Domain’s Rap, a stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed ADDRESS: earner of $880,000, and adopter Ciara Bowen. 2350 S. Midwest Blvd. Guthrie, OK 73044 Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation is then start on groundwork – some horses pick PHONE: located on 50 acres in Guthrie, Okla. We have up on things right away, while others need a (405) 206-4689 a great working relationship with Oklahoma little more time and attention. We allow the owners and trainers. horses to tell us when they are ready to move MAIN CONTACT: When a racehorse is ready to be responsibly on to the next step. We want to make sure we Nelda Kettles retired from the racetrack, either the owner or are restarting them at a pace that will help trainer calls and we accept the racehorse into them with their future. Our volunteers work WEB ADDRESS: our program. Just because a horse doesn’t do with each individual horse so that we can help horseandhoundrescue.com well at the track doesn’t mean they will not pair them with the right adopter and the right succeed at another job. We have adopted horses experience level for both rider and horse. SOCIAL: that are now competing in eventing, dressage, To adopt one of these great horses, a poten- horseandhoundrescue jumping, hunting, barrels, search and rescue, tial adopter must complete an adoption appli- trail ranch work, and just being someone’s best cation on our website. We verify everything on AVERAGE NUMBER OF friend. the application and check references and the THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation gives location where the horse will be kept. If local, 100 each horse all the time it needs when it comes we ask each adopter to come out to meet the into our facility. We slowly introduce each horses so we can make sure it is a good pairing. horse to different size pastures so we know We, of course, love updates and pictures of our they will be safe in their outdoor setting. We adopted horses in their new homes.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 59 SANCTUARY Illinois Equine REHABILITATION Humane Center RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The advent of TAA is unequivocally the single greatest advancement toward providing proper aftercare for Thoroughbreds whose racing careers have ended. TAA’s support has made our work to re-home horses far less burdensome than in years past, and also has allowed us to

The Illinois Equine Humane Center has been a rescue, rehab, and adoption facility since 2008. increase the number of Thoroughbreds we are able to help.” The Illinois Equine Humane Center was jumping prospects. Potential homes are thor- founded in 2008 specifically to address the need oughly vetted and inspected prior to adoption, in Illinois to protect horses from cruelty, neglect, and the Illinois Equine Humane Center contract FOUNDED: 2008 and slaughter. Illinois Equine Humane Center provides a lifelong safety net for horses adopted and its founders played a vital role in the closure through its program. Any horse adopted from ADDRESS: of the slaughter plant formerly operated in Illinois Equine Humane Center can be returned 45W050 Beith Rd. nearby DeKalb, Ill. to the organization, no questions asked, at any Maple Park, IL 60151 Since its inception, Illinois Equine Humane point during its lifetime. Center has rescued numerous horses of all While the vast majority of horses at Illinois PHONE: breeds, including many Thoroughbreds, from Equine Humane Center are adopted into wonder- (815) 761-4937 undesirable situations, and has served as an ful homes, the organization also serves as perma- outlet for responsible owners looking to place nent sanctuary to several former runners who, MAIN CONTACT: their racehorses into good homes. due to special needs, are not suitable for adoption. Gail Vacca While in the care of the Illinois Equine In addition to accepting horses relinquished Humane Center, former racehorses receive the by racing owners, the Illinois Equine Humane WEB ADDRESS: ilehc.org rehabilitation needed before being retrained Center also works to rescue Thoroughbreds from for new careers as pleasure, dressage, trail, or low-end auctions where horses are in peril. SOCIAL: ILequine @HumaneCenter AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 20

PAGE 60 DAILY RACING FORM REHABILITATION Kentucky Equine RETRAINING/ADOPTION Adoption Center EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA’s support has been critical to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center and has enabled us to continue providing high-quality care to the Thoroughbreds that need our help in preparing for the next phase of their lives.”

FOUNDED: 2007 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 910124 Lexington, KY 40591 PHONE: Matthew Dixon Blueblend in the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover with Olivia Dixon. (859) 881-5849 MAIN CONTACT: Some of the biggest names in racing threw earned $247,989, and finished third to eventual Karen Gustin their support behind the Kentucky Equine Hall of Famer Xtra Heat. Only able to produce Adoption Center when it was founded in 2007. two foals, Winter Leaf eventually arrived at WEB ADDRESS: Among them were Racing Hall of Fame horse- KyEAC, and within four months a much differ- kyehc.org men Chris McCarron and Nick Zito and noted ent, happier horse had found a new home. owners and breeders Arthur Hancock and the KyEAC has three programs in addition to SOCIAL: late Marylou Whitney. It has since provided the general horse care that it provides: Take KentuckyEquineHumaneCenter a much-needed service in finding homes for the Reins Education Program, geared toward @EquineHumane unwanted horses of all breeds, although half middle school students, teaching responsi- @kyequinehumanecenter the “herd” is generally Thoroughbreds. ble horse ownership, how to give back to the Situated on 70 acres near Nicholasville, Ky., the community, and become good citizens; Heads AVERAGE NUMBER OF program offers a peaceful haven where equines Up Hearts Open Equine Growth and Commu- THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: can relax, recover, and heal until their forever nication, which offers the horses at KyEAC to 30 home is found. Incoming horses receive veteri- professionals conducting equine-assisted ther- nary care and individualized attention before apy, and training in leadership and supervi- moving on to retraining, wherein qualified sion; and an internship program for university trainers work with them to establish a safe, solid level students. foundation for the future. By contractual agree- A grant recipient from the ASPCA, the center ment, no adopted animal can ever again be used also has been supported by organizations for racing or breeding. Adoption fees range from such as Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Rood & $150 to $1,500. Riddle, Hagyard, Park Equine, the Kentucky One of many success stories from KyEAC is Horse Council, Brennan Equine Welfare Fund, that of Winter Leaf, a 1998 granddaughter of Equus Foundation, the Indiana HBPA, and Mr. Prospector. Herself a three-time stakes Thoroughbred Charities of America, in addi- winner, she won or placed in 18 of 24 starts, tion to the TAA.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 61 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Life Horse Inc. RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The support of the TAA allows Life Horse Inc. the means to assist Thoroughbreds to transition to a second career. If a second career is not in their future, they will be provided a safe sanctuary and retirement home at Life Horse.”

FOUNDED: 1996 ADDRESS: Joe Topper, Life Horse president, with Happy Tuesday, the farm’s oldest sanctuary resident. 15117 Mud College Rd. Thurmont, MD 21788 Life Horse Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organi- are eligible for monthly sponsorships to help PHONE: zation located at Breezy Hill Stables in Thur- cover the cost of their care. (240) 674-3856 mont, Md. It provides services to all horse An open house is held annually where visitors breeds, including sanctuary, rehabilitation, and are welcome to meet and greet the horses. Visi- MAIN CONTACT: retraining for adoption. tors have the opportunity to learn about respon- Joseph Topper Horses come to Life Horse from area race- sible horse care and ownership. Horses available tracks, auctions, owner surrenders, and unde- for adoption are used to show their versatility to WEB ADDRESS: sirable situations. Currently, Life Horse has two anyone considering this option. lifehorsebreezyhill.com dozen Thoroughbreds. Of those, 12 are sanctu- For those uncertain or unfamiliar with horse ary residents. ownership, Life Horse offers an on-site leas- SOCIAL: New arrivals are assessed by a veterinarian, ing program. This program allows a potential LifeHorseInc farrier, and dentist. The horse’s training level is adopter the chance to get to know the horse and @lifehorseinc evaluated by a trainer to ensure the horse has determine if adoption is something they want to the best chance to find a suitable lifelong part- pursue. AVERAGE NUMBER OF ner. The horses are always welcome back for any Life Horse president and farm owner Joe THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: reason if necessary. Topper has seen an increased need for safe long- Life Horse welcomes volunteers to visit and term aftercare. 23 pamper our residents. Its oldest sanctuary resi- “Being a Thoroughbred owner myself, I just dent is Happy Tuesday, 33. He made it known want to do my part to see that these horses are that he was very attached to another elderly cared for after life on the track,” said Topper, Thoroughbred, also from a unsatisfactory situ- who helps oversee the daily operation of the ation. He and his 25-year-old friend Steel Bulle farm. “Being located where we are with several have found sanctuary together. Rarely do we see tracks within about an hour’s drive, we feel like one without the other close by. Sanctuary horses we’re in a good location to help out.”

PAGE 62 DAILY RACING FORM LoneStar Outreach REHABILITATION to Place Ex-Racers RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA has been a tremendous help to LOPE! Thanks to its support, LOPE can commit to horses that need longer-term rehab and retraining. We can offer more public education programs to encourage OTTB ownership. As a TAA-accredited organization, LOPE has attracted much

Tom Reardon support and interest Lone Star Outreach’s mission is to help older racing warhorses find second careers, while inspiring youth through horsemanship education. from new supporters.”

“Every racehorse is waiting to be someone’s the American Association of Equine Veterinary FOUNDED: 2003 special champion.” Technicians. With that credo, LoneStar Outreach to Place Older stock, yearlings/weanlings, and brood- ADDRESS: Ex-Racers (LOPE) has done business in Texas mares are not accepted into LOPE, which accepts 901 Darden Hill Rd. since 2003. Founded by Lynn Reardon, author of only off-the-track horses (of any racing breed) the best-selling, award-winning book “Beyond voluntarily donated by their owners or trainers. Driftwood, TX 78619 the Homestretch,” LOPE is today one of the coun- Each is assessed as to its particular needs, then PHONE: try’s leading organizations working with off-the- placed either into rehab or the academy (retrain- (512) 565-1824 track racehorses. ing) program. Horses cannot be adopted until Established on the premise that horses need their training regimen is complete. MAIN CONTACT: jobs, not pity, and that many ex-racers still have “For us, it’s an honor to work with such Lynn Reardon much to offer – whether as trail horses, show tremendous athletes,” said Reardon, who had competitors, pets, or pasture companions – LOPE little equine background when she first visited WEB ADDRESS: sees to it that they receive the attention required a racetrack backside and fell in love with the lopetx.org to become “champions” in a post-racing world. heart, intelligence, and athleticism of the horses Believing that a better-educated horse is less she encountered. “I couldn’t believe that such SOCIAL: likely to be at-risk, and that a well-educated rider magnificent athletes could ever be at-risk, and I LOPETEXAS makes the best adopter, LOPE provides individu- am honored now to help them transition into new alized retraining of horses, along with lessons lives. AVERAGE NUMBER OF and clinics for people interested in adopting. “Every horse is special – and we believe that THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: LOPE also offers vocational training for at-risk every horse needs a vocation in order to be happy 12 youth, and is in an educational partnership with and true to its nature.”

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 63 SANCTUARY LongRun Thoroughbred REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Retirement Society EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “We are most thankful to TAA, whose funding enables LongRun to afford more of our deserving Thoroughbreds with a happy life after racing. In addition, TAA funding will help us continue and, hopefully, expand our equine-assisted therapy program HOPE, which we launched in

Robyn McLean partnership with Impressive Edge was adopted by Lauren Edwards after coming to LongRun in Canada. the Woodbine

The relationship between Impressive Edge, first formal Thoroughbred retirement program Entertainment Group.” a graded stakes-placed runner, and Lauren in eastern Canada, has been very fortunate in Edwards typifies the close, loving bond that being given generous support from not only develops between horse and adopter. Ontario’s racing community but also from both FOUNDED: 2000 Impressive Edge, a 2014 son of Harlan’s Holi- the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Thor- ADDRESS: day, started 11 times, winning twice and placing oughbred Charities of America. third in both the Grade 3 Iowa Derby and Grade LongRun deals mainly with runners recently 555 Rexdale Blvd., P.O. Box 156, 3 Peter Pan Stakes. He earned a total of $160,746 retired from the racetrack and has its main Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9W 5L2 before a minor tendon injury dictated his retire- office conveniently located on the backstretch ment. He was sent to LongRun courtesy of owner of Woodbine racetrack near Toronto. LongRun’s PHONE: NK Racing and trainer Roger Attfield. retirees were initially cared for by a number of (416) 675-3993 ext. 1-3440 The $400,000 price he commanded as a 2-year- sanctioned foster farms in and around the metro- MAIN CONTACT: old at a sale in Florida speaks to both his beauty politan Toronto area but, thanks in large part and talent. A wonderful mover, Impressive Edge to a very generous bequest from the late Lana Wendy Muir impressed our great farm crew while undergoing Hershelle Sniderman, the bulk of our horses – we WEB ADDRESS: basic retraining once his rehab was complete, generally care for 50 at a time – moved to a beauti- and he quickly caught the eye of young horse- ful 100-acre, 46-stall farm in Hillsburgh, Ontario. longrunretirement.com woman Lauren Edwards, of Ottawa, Ontario, This centralization has made viewing of poten- SOCIAL: who adopted him in January 2019. Edwards tial adoptees much easier. LongRunTB reports that he is a barn favorite, loves cuddles, The farm with its large indoor arena enables and that she couldn’t be happier with him. LongRun to hold equine-assisted therapy and @LongRunTB Impressive Edge is one of more than 1,000 educational programs in partnership with Wood- @longrun_tb retired Thoroughbreds that LongRun Thor- bine and also serves as a public showcase for oughbred Retirement Society has helped enjoy a some of Ontario’s racing stars. These programs AVERAGE NUMBER OF happy and dignified retirement, either through not only help people experiencing challenges THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: adoption, rescue, financial assistance, or third- in their lives but also give a sense of purpose to 80 party placements via networking, since being those four-legged retirees whose age or infirmi- granted charitable status in 2000. LongRun, the ties dictate a life of sanctuary at LongRun.

PAGE 64 DAILY RACING FORM Los Angeles Pet Rescue: REHABILITATION Farralone Farm RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA’s grant and accreditation are of tremendous value to us. The grant check is a blessing in doing this beautiful work. Accreditation also serves to reassure potential adopters that we are a bona fide organization. We see TAA as partners with whom we work hand-in-hand to retrain our OTTBs and settle them into new, rewarding careers.”

FOUNDED: 2008 ADDRESS: 10856 Farralone Ave. Saskia Chiesa Chatsworth, CA 91311 Rumors Ride and Sumthingsgottogive at Farralone Farms, the equine division of LA Pet Rescue. PHONE: (310) 466-1185 Farralone Farms is the equine division of Los farrier care as needed. Angeles Pet Rescue, an animal-welfare organi- Stallions generally will be gelded, teeth floated, MAIN CONTACT: zation that has saved everything from sheep and and vaccinations updated as these horses are Saskia Chiesa mules to cats and guinea pigs. brought back to optimal health with plenty of WEB ADDRESS: Founded in 2008 by Saskia Chiesa, a longtime good food and quality care. When ready, many dressage competitor from The Netherlands, the will be schooled and retrained in preparation for farralonefarms.com farm is a peaceful facility located in Southern the next phase in their lives. SOCIAL: California’s San Fernando Valley. Farralone Horses recently made available through Farms deals in all breeds but has had notable Farralone Farms have included Grand Yule farralonefarms success with off-the-track Thoroughbreds. There and Cyber Sam, both rescues from a California @farralonefarms are 16 horses active in the program. livestock auction. Grand Yule is a beautiful gray AVERAGE NUMBER OF According to Chiesa, “We are all about the four son of Grade 1 winner and sire Grand Slam and Rs” – rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and re-home. is out of a two-time Southern California winner; THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Many of Farralone Farms’ horses have been Cyber Sam is a 25-year-old daughter of champion 16 plucked directly out of livestock auctions. They Capote out of a Mr. Prospector mare. Both Grand are then brought to the Chatsworth-based facil- Yule and Cyber Sam eventually fell on hard ity, where they are carefully assessed and reha- times before being sent to Farralone Farms as bilitated, receiving R&R plus veterinary and future companion horses.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 65 SANCTUARY Lucky Orphans REHABILITATION Horse Rescue EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “Lucky Orphans is a sanctuary that provides lifelong care, and we are beyond grateful for the work of the TAA, which helps provide assistance for 20 percent of our horse population. With the help and support of the TAA, we can promise our OTTBs the security of staying with their new herd as long as they

Jes Grey Photography live.” Tiger Tap, aka Spike, raced 16 times before being turned into a jumper. When he could no longer jump, he joined the herd of geldings at Lucky Orphans, where he is a visitor favorite. FOUNDED: 2008 ADDRESS: Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue was founded in more compassion-filled futures. New York in 2008 as a non-breed-specific, no-kill The nonprofit organization is accredited with 2699 Route 22 rescue, rehab, and sanctuary. the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Dover Plains, NY 12522 Its goal is to “provide a haven for unwanted, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, as well abused, neglected horses, to improve the relation- as being certified with Equine Assisted Growth PHONE: (845) 416-8583 ship between horses and people … and to properly and Learning Associations. With the latter, MAIN CONTACT: unite humans and horses in a safe environment.” Lucky Orphans utilizes its rescue horses in help- Deanna Mancuso Today, the organization is home to more than ing those who suffer from mental, emotional, 50 horses, including 16 off-the-track Thorough- physical, and/or developmental health issues, WEB ADDRESS: breds and an assortment of Quarter Horses, working with at-risk youth, and dealing with luckyorphanshorserescue.org Appaloosas, Arabians, Morgans, Welsh and Shet- depression, anxiety, addiction, and self-injurious land ponies, minis, Paints, mustangs, and mixed behavior. During the mutually advantageous SOCIAL: breeds. process, horses and humans help one another. LuckyOrphans The backstories on many of these rescues are In addition to its noted horses-as-therapy @Luckyorphans heartbreaking. They came to Lucky Orphans in program, Lucky Orphans hosts a number of very poor condition and in need of a new start. summer riding academy sessions and provides @Luckyorphanshorses Lucky Orphans has worked successfully to bring year-round riding lessons with individual- AVERAGE NUMBER OF these horses (and even a few goats and sheep) ized attention. Education of adults and children back from their physical and psychological inju- is a key component of the work done at Lucky THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: ries – thus offering them hope for meaningful, Orphans. 10

PAGE 66 DAILY RACING FORM Maker’s Mark REHABILITATION Secretariat Center RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Hurrah to the TAA! Its inspiring vision, excellent management, and stringent policies have raised awareness about Thoroughbred aftercare and provided invaluable support to organizations which have been going alone in this important work, one horse at a time. The MMSC is proud of its TAA accreditation and very, Shawn McMillan MMSC graduate Patrick Henry competing in show hunters with Melissa Murphy riding. very grateful for its support!” The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center house 12 to 15 horses at a time and cannot do (MMSC), which has been hailed as “the gold long-term lay-ups. Once adopted, MMSC horses standard in Thoroughbred reschooling,” are tracked for life to ensure their well-being. FOUNDED: 2004 opened in October 2004. Potential adopters are required to fill out ADDRESS: It uses its location at the Kentucky Horse applications and supply references and, once Park in Lexington to do three things: approved, must come ride to make sure the fit 4089 Ironworks Parkway 1) Promote the athleticism and versatility of is a good one. Adoption fees vary based on the Lexington, KY 40511 the Thoroughbred in second careers in order to length of stay, the extent of a horse’s limita- PHONE: encourage adoptions nationwide; 2) educate the tions, if any, and the scope of the horse. public about Thoroughbreds; and 3) highlight MMSC has an off-campus Clean Start (859) 246-3080 the many good things that the racing industry Program for horses that need rehabilitation, MAIN CONTACT: is doing to support aftercare. and a Noble Horse Program that lists horses MMSC horses are selected to be ambassa- available for adoption directly from the farms Susanna Thomas dors for the breed and the sport of racing. It is on which they reside. WEB ADDRESS: not a rescue facility. Horses are selected based Keen to be a beacon of information about off- secretariatcenter.org on soundness of body and mind, temperament, the-track Thoroughbreds and racing, MMSC and serviceability. offers college and high school internships, SOCIAL: Horses in the program learn new skill welcomes volunteers, and regularly hosts MakersMarkSecretariatCenter sets using the Horse Centered Reschooling tours and demonstrations. Program, a three-tiered system addressing “The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center does @mmsc04 body, spirit, and mind, developed by MMSC everything right,” said former jockey Rosie @MakersMarkSecretariatCenter executive director Susanna Thomas, that gives Napravnik, “from horse care, to the horses’ AVERAGE NUMBER OF them a basic foundation on which to build a new new starts, to the staff’s amazing ability to find career. Because the campus is small – 16 acres homes for them. The MMSC is all about excel- THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: of paddocks and eight stalls – MMSC can only lence, honesty and the horse!” 45

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 67 MidAtlantic SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Horse Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA’s rigorous accreditation process gives legitimacy to reputable aftercare programs. We are honored to partner with TAA and thrilled that our industry has stepped up to support aftercare and ensure safe futures for our Thoroughbreds. It has made our work here a bit easier. It’s Rough Coat Photography Founded in 2002, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue has helped place close to 2,000 former racehorses. all about the horse!”

“These horses are so intelligent and intuitive; feed lots, MAHR also transitions horses off the FOUNDED: 2002 they have so much to offer in second careers. It track, working closely with Maryland’s Beyond is the ultimate betrayal if they are thrown away the Wire program, and handling aftercare at ADDRESS: when their racing careers are over.” Delaware Park in partnership with the track, P.O. Box 407 This comes from former Delaware Park owners, and trainers, and CANTER Delaware. Chesapeake City, MD 21915 trainer Beverly Strauss, who in 2002 cofounded Horses are rehabbed as needed and all neces- MidAtlantic Horse Rescue with fellow horse- sary veterinary, farrier, and dental work is MAIN CONTACT: woman Virginia Suarez Cole in response to the provided. Horses are evaluated under saddle Beverly Strauss concern of slaughter. The pair had saved at-risk and schooled until adopted out as sport or plea- Thoroughbreds on their own for years and then sure horses. MAHR also has horses available as EMAIL: set up MAHR in an effort to do even more. pasture pets and companions. [email protected] Launched initially with three rescued off- Adoption fees are well below market value, up the-track Thoroughbreds and a rented five- to approximately $2,500 for a sound horse with WEB ADDRESS: acre field, the program today hosts more than no restrictions, and ownership is transferred midatlantichorserescue.org 45 horses at its main 158-acre farm in the hills upon adoption. Safety and suitability are of the of eastern Maryland, plus three satellite farms utmost importance when matching horses and SOCIAL: in Maryland and South Carolina. This growth adopters. Adopters have ranged in age from 9 to MidAtlanticHorseRescue has been made possible by the support of the 70 and have included beginners and amateurs @MidAtlHorseResq TAA and other groups in the racing industry as well as top professionals. and has been spurred by MAHR’s stellar repu- MAHR was one of a few programs to be AVERAGE NUMBER OF tation and successful retraining and adoption selected to participate in the initial $1 million THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: program. The horses are in different stages of ASPCA Rescuing Racers Initiative and has 120 rehab and retraining, and available horses can received annual support since. be seen and tried by appointment. Tax-deductible donations of any amount are Since its inception, MAHR has helped save, greatly appreciated, while tack, equipment, transition, and place close to 2,000 former race- office supplies, and gift cards are always on the horses of all ages and abilities. In addition to wish list. Visitors are welcome by appointment purchasing Thoroughbreds from auctions and to tour the farm and meet the horses.

PAGE 68 DAILY RACING FORM Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement SANCTUARY

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA not only serves as an accrediting body, holding facilities to the highest standards, it also backs up excellence with support. Funding from TAA has allowed Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement to provide OTTBs in our care with the safe, comfortable, permanent sanctuary they so deserve.”

FOUNDED: 2004 ADDRESS: 300 East Haddam Rd. Residents of Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement in Connecticut enjoy an afternoon of grazing. Salem, CT 06420 PHONE: Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement is a sanctu- the off-the-track Thoroughbred named Nijinsky (860) 303-8705 ary for aged equines. Sun (aka “Walter”), a grandson of the great Nijin- Founded in 2004 by current executive director sky II who was unplaced in several starts during MAIN CONTACT: Dee Doolittle, the organization provides a perma- the mid-1980s. Upon leaving the track, Walter Dee Doolittle nent home for more than 20 older and often infirm served more than 20 years as a beloved lesson and horses of all breeds. show horse for children until earning his much- WEB ADDRESS: The purpose of Mitchell Farm is not to retrain deserved retirement at Mitchell Farm, where he mitchellfarm.org or re-home, as the majority of program members lived out the rest of life to the ripe age of 35. SOCIAL: are unrideable due to injury or advanced age. The organization is fully accredited by the Each Mitchell Farm horse has its own stall and a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries in addi- mitchellfarm.org pasture to graze in Connecticut’s gorgeous Salem tion to the TAA and has been recognized by such @mitchell_farm Valley. groups as Thoroughbred Charities of America, the @mitchell_farm “Our equine retirees have earned their retire- Doris Day Animal Foundation, and the Unwanted ment and will never be ridden again,” Doolittle Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign. AVERAGE NUMBER OF said. “Without the pressures of competition or Mitchell Farm is run largely by volunteers, THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: bearing human weight, they are free to remem- who feed, groom, and care for the equine senior 5 ber, or learn, what it means to be a horse.” citizens on a daily basis. The program also strives Horses in the program must be a mare or geld- to educate the public on animal-welfare issues ing at least 20 years old, pasture-sound, in veteri- whenever possible. narian-verified good health, and current on shots. Mitchell Farm’s annual music festival has been One of Mitchell Farm’s best resident stories is of a successful early-autumn fund-raiser.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 69 REHABILITATION New Beginnings RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA accreditation will allow us to retrain and re-home more horses. Over the past five years, we have built a trustworthy program that racehorse owners and adopters can count on. We want to be a go-to source for those looking for an OTTB and feel that TAA accreditation validates this to help

Denise Kalfayan us help more horses.” Michelle Horgan on Bionda (left) and Nicole McKinley on Kegger at a local schooling show preparing for the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. FOUNDED: 2014 New Beginnings Thoroughbreds is a nonprofit their stalls. Each horse is different and requires ADDRESS: Thoroughbred adoption program. Our founding different amounts of time to relax before begin- 1064 Maxim Southard Rd. members have spent years retraining off-the- ning to work under tack. Howell, NJ 07731 track Thoroughbreds for second careers. Our New Beginnings has participated in a variety team is all volunteer and unpaid. Our mission is of activities with its adoptable horses to prepare MAIN CONTACTS: to find loving adoptive homes for our horses once them for their second careers. We have taken Nicole McKinley, co-director they have retired from racing. some to the Pennsylvania Horse World Expo and New Beginnings receives horses either directly ridden them in demonstrations and with clini- (732) 216-1364 from trainers or owners at various racetracks or cians. We also have participated in the Retired Michelle Horgan, co-director through other adoption programs, working with Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover for (732) 406-4036 such organizations as TAA-accredited MidAtlan- four years with adoptable horses. tic Horse Rescue. We strive to retrain the horses We feel that exposing them to new situations WEB ADDRESS: for a second career that is best suited for them, and taking them out to new places helps to www.nbottb.org working to pair loving adoptive owners with our prepare and transition them into their second horses to ensure the best possible outcome for the careers. These events are wonderful outlets to SOCIAL: horse and adopter. showcase the versatility of the Thoroughbred New Beginnings Thoroughbreds We have a wonderful group of qualified volun- and have been instrumental in helping our orga- @nbottb teers and board members who work tirelessly to nization grow and assist our horses in their adop- help us with the horses and to make the program tions. AVERAGE NUMBER OF run smoothly. New Beginnings relies solely on grants, dona- THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Each horse that comes into New Beginnings is tions, and fundraising to support the horses in its 11 given time to relax and let down. The horses are program. Every dollar received goes directly to introduced to turn-out and spend time away from the care and feeding of our horses.

PAGE 70 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY New Stride Thoroughbred REHABILITATION Adoption Society RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA funding has helped us continue our mission to take in and rehabilitate and/ or retrain horses on a regular basis. Being accredited by TAA confirms to racehorse owners, breeders, trainers, and the public our high standard of care and dedication to Thoroughbred aftercare and placement. We are Ti Amo Dora, adopted in August of 2015, with Laura White of Pemberton, British Columbia. grateful to the TAA for its funding.” New Stride is a registered charity dedicated The experienced, knowledgeable team of volun- to finding adoptive homes and alternative teers and caregivers get to know the horses careers for Thoroughbred racehorses no longer before a retraining program begins from the FOUNDED: 2002 able to compete. ground up. Manners and control are assessed, The charity was founded in 2002 at Hastings then training continues in a program tailored ADDRESS: Racecourse in western Canada by a group of to each horse’s needs. Riding also progresses at P.O. Box 10020 RPO Otter Co-op concerned owners, breeders, and backstretch a pace suited to each individual horse. Langley BC V4W 3Z5, Canada workers who sought to provide opportunities Once the horse has mastered basic skills, he for dignified retirement for as many Thorough- is listed on the organization’s website as avail- PHONE: (778) 985-5673 breds as possible. able for adoption. MAIN CONTACT: New Stride has placed 169 Thoroughbreds The adoption process begins with an applica- into adoptive homes and assisted many owners tion. Anyone wishing to adopt must visit and Carmen Kramer and trainers in connecting horses coming off spend time with the horse of his or her choice. WEB ADDRESS: the track with opportunities for new careers. Potential adopters are screened through the newstride.com New Stride offers assistance to Thorough- application and in person. When a match is bred owners outside the racing community in decided upon, an adoption contract must be SOCIAL: the form of information, advice, and free adver- signed, three equine-industry references NewStrideThoroughbredAdoptionSociety tising of horses for sale on its website. produced, and a farm visit by a New Stride Horses coming into the program arrive at the representative must be conducted. @NewStride main intake farm, where they spend a few days The adopter must stay in touch with New @2002newstride to a few weeks settling in while being assessed. Stride for one year. AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 15

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 71 New Vocations Racehorse REHABILITATION Adoption Program RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “We are extremely grateful for the TAA’s support as it has made it possible for us to increase the number of horses we are able to help.”

FOUNDED: 1992 ADDRESS: New Vocations at Mereworth Farm 719 Dolan Ln. Lexington, KY 40511 PHONE: (859) 252-9574 MAIN CONTACT: Dot Morgan New Vocations graduate My Pal Aimee competes at the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Char- ity Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park. In 2019, over 450 Thoroughbreds came from 23 WEB ADDRESS: states and Canada to compete in hunter, jumper, pleasure, dressage, and western competitions. www.newvocations.org A pioneer in racehorse aftercare, New Voca- with a signed contract stating the horse cannot SOCIAL: tions leads the nation in retired racehorse return to a racing career or be sold at a public new.vocations1 adoptions, having provided new careers and auction. New Vocations monitors each horse homes for more than 7,000 Thoroughbreds and closely during the first year in its new home; @NewVocations Standardbreds since its inception in 1992. New the program offers a lifetime return policy @newvocationsracehorseadoption Vocations was the first charity to focus solely to ensure the horse always has a safe place if on adoption rather than retirement as the needed. AVERAGE NUMBER OF optimal solution for the large number of race- The New Vocations Kentucky location THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: horses leaving the track each year. includes a state-of-the-art training and adop- 320 New Vocations works directly with owners tion facility situated on historic Mereworth and trainers within the racing industry who Farm in Lexington. New Vocations at Mere- need a reliable aftercare option. More than worth Farm is part of the Susan S. Donaldson half of the horses entering the program have Foundation’s 1,200-acre farm, making it the an injury, ranging from minor soreness to nation’s largest racehorse retirement, reha- fractures in need of repair. bilitation, retraining, and re-homing facility. Rehabilitation has become a cornerstone of Tours are available by appointment. the program, which focuses on retraining and Over the past 28 years, New Vocations has re-homing ex-racehorses. It has an average of seen a steady increase in demand tor retired 150 horses in its program at any given time. racehorses within the equestrian world. These horses are in various stages of rehabili- “The homes are out there,” program director tation and retraining and are spread among Anna Ford said. “The more funding we raise, seven locations in Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, the more horses we can rehabilitate, retrain, Pennsylvania, and New York. The program and re-home. New Vocations is totally depen- takes in more than 500 horses each year. dent on donations to fulfill its mission. We Potential adopters undergo a thorough appli- are deeply grateful to all who have joined our cation process, with nearly 1,000 individuals effort to provide these horses with a quality screened annually. All horses are adopted life and career after racing.”

PAGE 72 DAILY RACING FORM Oklahoma Thoroughbred SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Retirement Program RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Assistance from TAA has enabled the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program to take in more horses in need.”

FOUNDED: 2007 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 96 Blanchard, OK 73010 PHONE: (405) 590-2594 MAIN CONTACT: Royce Clay WEB ADDRESS: Linda Earley Photography otrp.info Oklahoma-bred Loves Bonus, a stakes winner in New Mexico who raced until age 9, enjoys his well-deserved retirement at the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program. SOCIAL: oklahomathoroughbredretirement The Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement level claiming company before being discovered AVERAGE NUMBER OF Program was the 2007 brainchild of Royce Clay en route to an auction; and Prospective Kiss, a THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: and Robin Brookins, Oklahoma horsewomen multiple stakes winner and earner of $432,956 35 sharing a common concern and sense of respon- who ran through age 12 and dropped to a $2,500 sibility regarding the future of the state’s ex-race- claiming price before being happily reunited horses. Adhering to the philosophy that charity with his breeder. should begin at home, ever since the organiza- Among current Oklahoma Thoroughbred tion’s launch 13 years ago, its focus has largely Retirement Program permanent retirees are been on rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and 27-year-old Highland Ice, a nine-time Remington adopting out horses with ties to the Sooner State. Park stakes winner and earner of $474,909 who An off-the-track Thoroughbred rescue and serves as the OTRP ambassador and makes regu- aftercare operation, Oklahoma Thoroughbred lar appearances at Remington; Valid Message, Retirement Program takes in both injured and a multiple stakes winner of $364,167; and No sound ex-racehorses and offers permanent sanc- Advance, winner of the 2008 Oklahoma Classics tuary for individuals who cannot be rehabbed for Juvenile Stakes and Remington Park champion second careers. The organization, which charges 2-year-old male. a flat $500 adoption fee, was also active in caring “A lot of people assume as a retirement for displaced horses following the deadly 2013 program, we take horses and put them out in a tornado in Moore. pasture,” board member Chris Kirk said. “But The program’s many success stories include many are in new careers as hunter-jumpers, cow Oklahoma-bred Aisle Two, a stakes-placed horses on working farms … a little bit of every- earner of $183,062 who had descended to low- thing.”

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 73 Old Friends SANCTUARY

TESTIMONIAL: “We are proud to be TAA-accredited. Know- ing we have passed a rigorous inspection and investigation confirms that we are providing the best possible environment and care for our valued retirees. Obviously, the financial support enables us to maintain those superior standards and allows us to continue providing aftercare for even more horses in

Laura Battles need.” Fighting City Hall, who made more than 100 career starts while racing on the West Coast, earned a well-deserved retirement home at Old Friends in Georgetown, Kentucky. FOUNDED: 2003 Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement such rock stars draw crowds, the revenue they ADDRESS: facility in Georgetown, Ky., has helped put a new raise supports hard-knockers like Easy Grades, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd. face on the concept of equine aftercare. a one-time Kentucky Derby contender who ended Founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film up struggling in cheap claiming races at the age Georgetown, KY 40324 critic Michael Blowen, the organization has of 10, and Fighting City Hall, a frequent Portland PHONE: (502) 863-1775 grown into a 236-acre sanctuary caring for more Meadows and Emerald Downs contender, who than 200 rescued and retired horses. There’s even made 103 career starts. MAIN CONTACT: a satellite facility: Old Friends at Cabin Creek in In 2014, Old Friends was presented with a Michael Blowen, upstate New York. Special Eclipse Award to honor extraordinary [email protected] Blowen had long believed that horses past their service in the sport of Thoroughbred racing. prime could still be valuable – money-earning, But perhaps the greatest reward of all has been WEB ADDRESS: even – if the venue was right. And so Old Friends the respect and support of the owners, train- oldfriendsequine.org tested the concept by opening its doors to the ers, and fans who not only donate to the cause of public, inviting fans to come and visit their turf protecting these amazing athletes but come to the SOCIAL: heroes. And come they did. The farm attracts farm to pay homage to these beloved horses. Our oldfriendsequine more than 20,000 visitors annually who come to guests may come to visit a few ex-racehorses, but @Oldfriendsfarm swoon over such champions as Kentucky Derby they leave having been touched by the heart of a and Preakness winners Silver Charm and War Thoroughbred hero. @old_friends Emblem, Belmont Stakes winners Touch Gold and Old Friends offers guided walking tours daily, AVERAGE NUMBER OF Sarava, three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner plus private tours and a founder’s tour are also Game On Dude, multiple graded-stakes winner available (both upon request). Reservations are THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Einstein, New York superstar Diversify, and required and may be made at www.oldfriends- 200 warriors of the turf Hogy and Soi Phet. And while equine.org or by calling (502) 863-1775.

PAGE 74 DAILY RACING FORM Our Mims Retirement Haven SANCTUARY

TESTIMONIAL: “The public needs to know that an elder horse is not necessarily a sick or dying horse. Older horses can be vibrant, healthy, and sassy with the proper care. TAA’s support allows us to accomplish our mission.”

FOUNDED: 2004 ADDRESS:

Erin Shea 2810 Millersburg Ruddles Mill Rd. Dogwood Patty made 52 starts while racing for four years, earning $58,825, but now enjoys Paris, KY 40361 living with the herd at Our Mims Retirement Haven. PHONE: (859) 227-6304 Fifteen years have passed since the incor- The Haven always solicits volunteers to feed, poration of Our Mims Retirement Haven as a groom, assist farriers and vets, mow, and help MAIN CONTACT: nonprofit. In that time, Haven creator Jeanne with general farm maintenance. Jeanne Mirabito Mirabito has overseen the restoration of health Fans have traveled to Our Mims from all 50 of many mares from disparate backgrounds. No states and 20 countries. Visitors are welcome WEB ADDRESS: matter where they came from or how they got by appointment to see the Haven’s residents ourmims.org to the Haven, each mare that arrived has found and walk the cemetery, where almost all of the SOCIAL: sanctuary in Paris, Ky., where love and attention Haven’s past horses have been buried. Each is doled out as freely as individualized veterinary grave is marked with a stone and plaque indicat- OurMimsRetirementHaven and nutritional regimens. ing the horse’s name and birth and death dates. @MimsRetirement Board members Cheryl Bellucci (also respon- In warmer months, beautiful flowers adorn the @mimsour sible for Haven fundraising) and Laura Fallis memorial garden. On May 7, 2017, the ashes of work with Mirabito to make sure the needs of the 1986 Eclipse champion older male Turkoman (son AVERAGE NUMBER OF horses are met. of Taba) were interred in the cemetery. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Today, the Haven is home to 10 Thorough- Farm residents have included Australian-born 10 bred mares and one gelding – Elmhurst, the Princess Royale (who died at age 30); champion 1997 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and maternal Turkoman’s dam, Taba, who lived to 32; major grandson of Our Mims. He arrived in 2011 and stakes producer Iza Valentine (33); Grade 1 stakes now holds court with fans and visitors. Exciting winner Lotka (30); Alydar’s (and Our Mims’s) Bucket is the oldest resident at age 31, with half of Grade 1-winning sister Sugar and Spice (27); and the mares at Our Mims being 25 or older. nine-time stakes winner Bel’s Starlet (27).

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 75 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Out Side In EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA has not only provided us funding to maintain and grow our Thoroughbred program, but it also has served as a testament to the way we operate and care for our horses. This helps us to leverage other funding by giving donors confidence in our organization.”

FOUNDED: 2011 Out Side In provides equine-assisted therapy to individuals of all ages. ADDRESS: 12511 152nd Ave. Out Side In is a Thoroughbred rescue, reha- purpose in life. Grand Haven, MI 49417 bilitation, and retraining program, and an In addition to the Thoroughbred program outpatient mental health facility that provides and therapy programs, in 2014 the facility PHONE: equine assisted psychotherapy to individuals, started its Heroes for Horses program for (616) 844-0906 families, couples, and groups. veterans with PTSD, and the veterans quickly OSI’s licensed clinical therapists use horses discovered the parallels between the OTTBs MAIN CONTACT: to treat people of all ages who suffer from and themselves. They both are transition- Jennifer McVoy post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depres- ing into new lives and finding a new purpose. WEB ADDRESS: sion, anxiety, and myriad other mental and By pairing each veteran with his or her own emotional disorders. assigned horse, it improved the quality of life outsideinstables.com In equine-assisted psychotherapy, horses for the horses and veterans alike. SOCIAL: are used to provide this unique form of treat- Veterans participate in the rehabilitation, ment. It was during a search for an additional retraining and eventual re-homing of the OutSideInStables horse for the therapy program that Out Side horse, while at the same time working with a AVERAGE NUMBER OF In encountered its first off-the-track Thor- licensed psychotherapist to process through oughbred (OTTB). These horses were wonder- their own mental health issues. By combining THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: ful therapy partners because they are intelli- work with the horses and an indirect therapeu- 16 gent, responsive, and incredibly intuitive. This tic component, the veterans are more engaged provided an opportunity to not only use horses and committed than in traditional psychother- to improve the lives of people but also to help apy. Out Side In is a place where both people these horses with a second career and a new and horses find hope and healing.

PAGE 76 DAILY RACING FORM Peaceful Ridge SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The support of the TAA will help us continue to provide care for racehorses, especially the injured horses. We hope that the prestige of this accreditation will assist us in recruiting additional experienced volunteers and reduce our adoption turnaround time. What it has done for the aftercare community is extraordinary.” Retired racehorses enjoying a relaxing morning grazing and socializing at Peaceful Ridge.

FOUNDED: 2012 Peaceful Ridge Rescue is a nonprofit organiza- exception of part-time farm hands who help feed. tion that provides shelter, medical and dental care, Every donation goes directly to the needs of the ADDRESS: rehabilitation, and adoption services for rescued horses. 2995 SW 121st Ave. horses. Its mission is to rescue horses from Trained and dedicated volunteers feed, groom, Davie, FL 33330 neglect, abuse, and abandonment; to improve clean stalls and paddock and help with general their lives by providing a safe haven for healing maintenance and administrative work. PHONE: (954) 240-6080 and rehabilitation; and to find a home for every PRR board members see the organization as a horse through a rigorous adoption program. legacy. PRR’s educational programs are already MAIN CONTACT: Over the past eight years, PRR has rescued grooming rescuers of the future. Laura Jones more than 100 horses. When PRR cannot bring PRR accepts pasture pals and senior horses. WEB ADDRESS: horses into its facility due to capacity, it works to A recent arrival is stakes winner Mel Beach, a place them in proper homes through adoption, Florida-bred gelding who made 38 starts during peacefulridgerescue.org and PRR also annually follows up on all adopted five seasons and earned $247,049. He is currently SOCIAL: horses. PRR prohibits breeding of adopted mares in rehabilitation. and all stallions are gelded before they are “He just loves to run,” said Laura Jones, PeacefulRidgeRescue re-homed. Horses can be returned at any time, vice president of PRR. “We are happy to help @PRRhorses and they come back to PRR if the adopter can no him through his rehabilitation so he can enjoy @PeacefulRidgeRescue longer keep the horse for any reason. running again – only this time it will be on fields PRR is 100 percent volunteer run with the of grass.” AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUIGHBREDS PER YEAR: 15

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 77 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION R.A.C.E. Fund RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “A national accrediting body has been needed for a long time, and TAA is fulfilling that need. It is another safety net for Thoroughbreds to ensure that organizations are providing quality care and adhering to a strict code of standards.”

FOUNDED: 2004 ADDRESS: 8031 Rabbit Ln. Harrisburg, PA 17112

R.A.C.E Fund has six participating farms in four states to provide services for retired horses. PHONE: (717) 469-2789 The R.A.C.E. Fund, Pennsylvania’s first Thor- The R.A.C.E. Fund utilizes an intermediate MAIN CONTACTS: oughbred retirement program, was founded in farm in Pennsylvania for temporary layovers and Marlene Murray 2004 by Patricia Bewley, Marlene Murray, and quarantine horses coming from auctions. In addi- Catherine George Diana Meyers, daughters of veteran trainer Art tion, it has six participating farms in four states Kelley. Patricia and Marlene trained Thorough- where horses are sent for retraining, rehabilita- WEB ADDRESS: breds as well, and Diana worked as an exercise tion, or, if necessary, long-term retirement. racefund.org rider and pony girl. The acronym R.A.C.E. stands Mares adopted through the program may not for Retirement Assistance and Care for Equines. be bred. Horses placed into new homes will be SOCIAL: “The reason we started the R.A.C.E. Fund was monitored for life. race.fund not only to help Thoroughbreds after their racing Adopters are required to send photos every @RACEFund careers ended but also to bring awareness about three months and at the end of the year must the need for funding retirement, rehabilitation, submit an Annual Records Report listing any AVERAGE NUMBER OF and especially long-term care for sanctuary veterinary/farrier procedures that have been THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: horses,” Murray said. “Although we do adopt out done, including vaccinations, de-wormings, some horses, our main focus has been on rescu- trims, etc., and who provided those services. 11 ing auction-bound Thoroughbreds and horses Participating farms also are required to send a that cannot go into a second career as they are at report for each R.A.C.E. Fund horse stabled at its higher risk.” facility. Over the past 16 years, the R.A.C.E. Fund has Each year the R.A.C.E. Fund holds an online assisted with the retirement and/or rescue of auction to help raise funds, in addition to apply- more than 100 Thoroughbreds and racetrack ing for grants and receiving donations from indi- pony horses. vidual supporters.

PAGE 78 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Racing for Home RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA accreditation has been a longtime goal for us, and it is very exciting to be honored with this recognition. We are grateful to TAA for recognizing the work we have done over the past 10 years, and we are thrilled to be able to continue to grow and expand – all for the horses who have given us every- Racing for Home’s co-founders, the mother-daughter team of Sherrie and Acacia Courtney, with thing.” Brian Courtney, left. FOUNDED: 2011 Racing for Home works to provide retrain- nut mare. Palace Diva was the catalyst to the ADDRESS: ing, re-homing, rehabilitation, and sanctu- formation of Racing for Home, which received 155 Blake Rd. ary for off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB). 501(c)(3) status in 2011. A long-time love for Hamden, CT 06517 Established by the mother-daughter team of horses, and Thoroughbreds in particular, Sherrie and Acacia Courtney, Racing for Home combined with a desire to fulfill the sense of MAIN CONTACTS: takes each OTTB and evaluates them on a case- responsibility to our retired racehorses, turned Sherrie Courtney by-case basis and they are given individualized the operation into a full-time profession. care by the organization’s experienced staff at Since its inception, some 30 Thorough- (860) 690-0689 one of its two facilities in Connecticut. breds have gone through Racing for Home’s Acacia Courtney Some horses come directly from the race- program. Sherrie, an experienced rider and (203) 979-7569 track and can easily be retrained for a second horsewoman, works hands-on with Racing career and adopted out to a new home with a for Home’s members on a daily basis along- WEB ADDRESS: legal contract. Others may have sustained side trusted veterinary staff, barn managers, racingforhomeinc.com training or racing injuries, and are rehabili- and trainers. Acacia is a well-known racing tated with careful veterinary surveillance and analyst and reporter in the industry, and SOCIAL: assessment, so that the proper placement can works to network OTTBs as well as create and racingforhomeinc be decided. Finally, select OTTBs are provided maintain trusting relationships with horse- @racingforhome sanctuary with Racing for Home, and given a men and women looking to retire their horses @racingforhomeinc place to spend the rest of their lives after their or support aftercare initiatives. days on the racetrack have ended. This indi- The pair use social media to share photos and AVERAGE NUMBER OF vidualized approach is something Racing for updates of each of Racing for Home’s members THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Home prides itself on. and put an emphasis on keeping donors and It all started in 2009 when Sherrie and Acacia fans updated on the work they are doing daily, 11 adopted their first OTTB from the Suffolk as they continue to grow and give the highest Downs backside, Palace Diva, a spirited, chest- quality care to their OTTBs.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 79 Redwings SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Horse Sanctuary RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Redwings Horse Sanctuary is grateful to TAA for its generous support. TAA has helped us develop and improve our retraining program and has enabled us to provide sanctuary and approved foster/ adoptive homes to many off-the-track Thoroughbreds.”

FOUNDED: 1991 Ernest Shackleton enjoys his morning gallop in one of Redwings’s large community pastures. ADDRESS: P.O. Box 58 Redwings Horse Sanctuary rescued its before being allowed to foster a Redwings horse. 47240 Lockwood-Jolon Rd. first horse in spring of 1991 after the Fresno A mandatory one-year foster period enables Lockwood, CA 93932 Humane Society reported finding a young Redwings staff to keep a close eye on the foster Thoroughbred with a fractured shoulder in an horses to ensure they are happy, healthy, and a PHONE: auction yard. His registered name was Island good fit in their new homes. After 12 months of (831) 386-0135 Fighter, but the staff renamed him Sam, and successful fostering, a horse will become avail- after a long rehabilitation he made a full and able for adoption by its foster family. MAIN CONTACT: successful recovery. Redwings does not charge adoption fees and Sara Ruggerone Redwings Horse Sanctuary is now home to is always willing to take back a horse for any WEB ADDRESS: 78 equines, including 13 Thoroughbreds, with reason. Those horses that are unadoptable due 21 other horses in foster homes. Redwings to age, illness, or injury are given a permanent redwingshorsesanctuary.org accepts all breeds, from the smallest mini to the home at the sanctuary in Lockwood, Calif. SOCIAL: largest draft horse; it also accepts mules and Redwings recently began a retraining burros. The mission of Redwings is to rescue program for off-the-track Thoroughbreds to redwingshorses abused or neglected horses, provide permanent prepare them for second careers and also offers @redwingshorses sanctuary or suitable foster/adoptive homes rehabilitation to horses retired from racing due AVERAGE NUMBER OF for those animals, and to eliminate the causes to injuries. of equine suffering through education and Redwings received a donor gift to purchase THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: community outreach. acreage in Paso Robles, and it plans to move its 15 Redwings has a foster-to-adopt program to operation there in the future. A lot of work needs ensure that all of its horses go to approved and to be done to prepare the site, making it safe and loving homes. Prospective owners must fill out secure for all of horses, and Redwings looks a foster applications and have a home inspection forward to finally having a permanent home.

PAGE 80 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Remember Me Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Being a part of the TAA has allowed us to help more horses than ever before. We have expanded our training capabilities and our volunteer programs. We also have added a new therapy program to help rehabilitate injured horses more quickly.”

FOUNDED: 2008 Terri Cage Flying Open and Remember Me Rescue volunteer Mary Cage doing some round pen work. ADDRESS: 4100 Conveyor Dr. Remember Me Rescue was started in 2008 with horses are started on the basics. Burleson, TX 76028 the mission to rehabilitate, retrain, and re-home Sometimes racehorses pick up a few undesir- retired Thoroughbred racehorses. In the begin- able habits at the track, which is why ground PHONE: ning, the main focus was to give owners and work with the ex-racehorse is stressed and so (817) 689-1214 (Donna Keen) trainers a place they could trust to help find a important. Remember Me utilizes a ground agil- (682) 647-5145 (Vicki Morgan) safe place to retire their horses. Since then, the ity course to help horses learn new skills, gain goals of Remember Me Rescue have expanded confidence, and become desensitized to many of MAIN CONTACTS: because there are many other issues facing the things that might startle the average horse. Donna Keen, Vicki Morgan retired racehorses, with the organization now The horses are given every chance to have a helping in such areas as large-scale breeding successful second career by being taught basic WEB ADDRESS: farm rescues and slaughter intervention. skills to help prepare them for the person who teamkeen.com Remember Me Rescue is a 20-acre facility can take them to the next level. located in Burleson, Texas. It has a 20-stall Remember Me was one of the first organi- SOCIAL: barn and a two-stall quarantine barn that was zations to successfully defend its adoption REMEMBERMERESCUE donated by Midwest Thoroughbreds. It also has contract in court after an adopter defaulted on RememberMeOTTB several paddocks, a round pen, and riding areas. the responsibility to which they agreed. Remem- Horses at Remember Me receive the highest ber Me prides itself in not only giving horses AVERAGE NUMBER OF quality of care while being prepared for the next the best chance to be successful, but it is also THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: chapter in their lives. committed to following them after they are 35 Upon entering the program, horses are eval- adopted and doing whatever is necessary to uated for soundness and given the time they ensure their safety. need to rest or rehabilitate. They are weighed, When adopting from Remember Me, the measured, and have specialized nutritional adopter can be certain they are getting a horse programs designed to benefit their individual that has been thoroughly evaluated by profes- needs. They are evaluated for soundness and a sional trainers, properly vetted, and given the plan is put in place for their future. Once they basic skills to provide a successful lifelong rela- are ready to begin a retraining regimen, the tionship for their new owner.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 81 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION ReRun Inc. EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “Having the oversight of TAA has allowed us to expand within a dynamically changing industry with more horses benefiting from our services than ever before. Providing financial support along with national recognition, TAA has been invaluable to the efforts of those helping Thoroughbreds. TAA is allowing more horses Fastidious never won in four starts on the track but now successfully competes in eventing. than ever to turn for home.” ReRun Inc. is a renowned, pioneering organi- oughbred Breeders, and takes in more than 100 zation in Thoroughbred rescue and adoption, horses per year and boasts a low adoption return having been founded in 1996 by Shon Wylie and rate of less than 2 percent. FOUNDED: 1996 Lori Nagle originally as a division of the Humane In 2016, ReRun received the Award of Merit Society of Kentucky. from Thoroughbred Charities of America. Veri- ADDRESS: Its mission ever since has been to retrain, fied by GFAS, ReRun also operates a sanctuary 236A Waters Rd. reschool, and rehabilitate ex-racehorses and to farm in Maryland, home to one-time New York- East Greenbush, NY 12601 find them loving homes and new careers. The bred Turf Horse of the Year Dave and graded focus has been largely on horses coming directly stakes winner Marco Be Good. PHONE: (859) 595-6660 off the track, primarily those retiring from New The ReRun board has broad industry represen- York and East Coast tracks. tation, its directors including a leading equine MAIN CONTACT: ReRun operates the premier facility in New orthopedic surgeon, a successful trainer, a turf Lisa Molloy York, a state-of-the-art facility with extensive journalist, and a top horse player. WEB ADDRESS: rehab capabilities – taking in and adopting out The 24-year-old organization works with part- more horses in the state than any other char- ner programs to assist as many horses as possible rerunottb.com ity. ReRun also offers equine-assisted therapy and is sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred SOCIAL: services to veterans via Saratoga Warhorse and Breeding and Development Fund, and supported to those in local hospice. by donations from individuals and businesses. rerunthoroughbredadoption Located in the Capital Region close to major ReRun also operates the nationally known @ReRunOTTB tracks and interstates, ReRun has a capacity for “Moneigh” program. Moneighs are works of AVERAGE NUMBER OF 45 horses and is the permanent home of fan favor- art created by racehorses, both famous (such ite Saratoga Snacks. as Zenyatta, American Pharoah, California THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: It partners with New York Thoroughbred Chrome, Songbird, and Storm Cat) and the not- 80 Development Fund, the New York Thoroughbred so-famous, and their artwork is auctioned off, Horsemen’s Association, and the New York Thor- with proceeds benefiting ReRun.

PAGE 82 DAILY RACING FORM REHABILITATION RVR Horse Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Accreditation from the TAA gives owners and trainers peace of mind that RVR Horse Rescue will provide the highest quality care when it comes to rehabilitating and re-homing injured horses. We are proud to be affiliated with TAA’s mission to provide a secure future for off-the-track Thoroughbreds.”

Marji Lexton Playful Preacher, who went through rehabilitation at RVR, is now with a loving family. FOUNDED: 2004 ADDRESS: RVR Horse Rescue is an all-volunteer organi- In 2017, RVR was honored to become accred- 12611 Hayes Clan Rd. zation that provides rescue, rehabilitation and ited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and re-homing to horses and donkeys in need. verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanc- Riverview, FL 33579 From its beginning as a rescue serving the tuaries. PHONE: Tampa Bay area, RVR is recognized and called While adoption into a loving home is the hope upon by law enforcement agencies and other for every horse, there are no deadlines or expira- (813) 280-9299 rescues throughout the state of Florida when tion dates for horses whose adoptability has been MAIN CONTACT: horses need help. RVR volunteers have the dedi- lessened by age, health issues, or emotional chal- Lisa Gold cation and expertise to handle the worst cases lenges. No matter what the circumstance, RVR of starvation, injury, and abuse, and are able to will provide top-notch care, along with a hefty WEB ADDRESS: provide 24-hour critical care when necessary. dose of loving attention from volunteers. rvrhorserescue.org RVR recognizes that it is not only abused RVR is committed to enriching the Tampa horses that need a second chance. The organi- Bay community through its love of horses. RVR SOCIAL: zation’s primary veterinarian is Richard Gold, offers educational programs for children, school RVRHorseRescue who works in the racing industry and has a and senior community visits, and hosts events at @RVRHorseRescue private practice. Affiliation with Dr. Gold enables the rescue for Scout troops and other groups. It is RVR to maintain ties to the local racetrack and keenly aware that fostering engagement between @RVRHorseRescue surrounding horse farms and connect with humans and horses increases the awareness of AVERAGE NUMBER OF owners and trainers when a horse’s career ends equine needs. due to injury. Under Dr. Gold’s expert guidance, RVR Horse Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: RVR rehabilitates these injured racehorses to and its programs are supported by donations, 10 provide them with a quality post-racing life. sponsorships, fundraisers, and grants.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 83 Second Chance SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Thoroughbreds RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Second Chance Thoroughbreds is proud to be a TAA-accredited organization. Accreditation means national exposure among a group of nonprofits held to higher standards with rigorous requirements. Accreditation also provides needed funding that helps us expand our mission Naimark Photography Hiclass Tenpin, who was adopted in 2017 by rider Makenna Walrath, competing at Second and allows us to rehab, Chance’s Thoroughbred Jubilee Benefit Horse Show in 2019. retrain, and rehome more Thoroughbreds In September of 2011, Collette Duddy made her awards exclusively for Thoroughbreds at these first trip to the backside of the Finger Lakes race- shows. into new careers.” track and was in awe of the quality of the horses Thoroughbreds are known for their athleti- and their bargain prices. Six horses traveled to cism, willingness, and desire to please. Second Second Chance Thoroughbreds in Spencer, N.Y., Chance Thoroughbreds is proud to showcase FOUNDED: 2012 that year to be retrained and re-homed. Second those qualities when representing its horses in ADDRESS: Chance Thoroughbreds board members Duddy, the community. Robyn Null-Hancock, and Candace Kelly are all TAA accreditation is the gold standard in Thor- 121 Dawson Hill Rd. experienced horsewomen and volunteer their oughbred aftercare, and its accreditation has Spencer, NY 14883 skills to the organization. opened up more sponsorship opportunities for PHONE: (607) 589-7669 Besides retraining off-the-track Thorough- our organization to provide the absolute best care breds (OTTBs), we also teach riding lessons and for our beloved Thoroughbreds while they await MAIN CONTACT: run a summer horsemanship program for youth. their forever home. Collette Duddy We attend community events such as parades, Now in our seventh year, our mission remains school programs, and local horse events. We the same: to provide OTTBs with a soft landing WEB ADDRESS: demonstrate how versatile and trainable Thor- after the end of their racing careers by giving secondchancethoroughbreds.org oughbreds are. Hosting two horse shows a year them ample rehabilitation and retraining, transi- provides added funds to our budget, and with the tioning them to a new career. Thoroughbreds are SOCIAL: sponsorship of The Jockey Club Thoroughbred known for their athleticism, heart and desire to SecondChanceTBs Incentive Program, we offer classes and hig-point please. Ride an OTTB today! @SecondChanceTBs @SecondChanceTBs AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 11

PAGE 84 DAILY RACING FORM REHABILITATION Second Stride RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “The support of TAA has allowed Second Stride to increase the number of horses we care for. Through the TAA application process, evaluations, and site visits required for accreditation, our administrative procedures improved with TAA feedback. This process helps ensure the best ongoing care for horses, donors, and adopters.” Kentucky-based Second Stride has placed hundreds of former racehorses into new homes.

FOUNDED: 2005 Second Stride is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, colts and stallions and take in and rehabilitate ADDRESS: nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to horses who have been injured. Second Stride provide professional rehabilitation, retraining, breaks unraced horses to ride and even restarts 7204 Highway 329 and placement for retired Thoroughbred race- retired broodmares under saddle so they may Crestwood, KY 40014 horses in qualified homes so that they may reach have a productive career after breeding. PHONE: their full potential in a productive second career. Second Stride donors have included such Second Stride is based on volunteer advisers, high-profile racing names as Hall of Fame (502) 241-8440 board members, and individuals who are active trainer Carl Nafzger, Claiborne Farm, Taylor MAIN CONTACT: in other areas of the racing industry, including Made Farm, and Lane’s End. Second Stride also owners, partnership managers, handicappers, receives support from regional racetracks, train- Susan Brown and trainers. ers, horsemen’s organizations, many local busi- WEB ADDRESS: Second Stride has placed hundreds of horses nesses, and individual horse lovers from all over. secondstride.org in new homes over the years. Success stories A Kentucky Derby Week party is held each include many retired sound “war horses” with spring in Louisville to benefit Second Stride, SOCIAL: more than 50 racing starts, and also many stakes complete with live and silent auctions and celeb- secondstride winners. rity guests. Adoption fees typically range from free to Second Stride participates in several other @secondstride approved applicants to up to $2,500 for horses community-based fundraising events through- @secondstride ready to compete in sports such as hunters, show out the year and applies annually for several AVERAGE NUMBER OF jumping, and eventing. prestigious grants that have rigorous application Second Stride is able to castrate and socialize processes. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 150

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 85 Second Wind SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Thoroughbred Project RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “We are committed to continue our top- quality horse care, and financial assistance from the TAA makes this possible. We can proudly tell potential grantors that we are an accredited program with the highest industry standard, and this enables us to enhance our fundrais- A young rider after an enjoyable lesson on an off-the-track Thoroughbred mare named Fledge. ing efforts to expand the program to help Second Wind Thoroughbred Project’s Since Eldredge is a USEF-licensed hunter/ founder and president, Dayle Eldredge, has jumper judge, the focus of Second Wind is OTTBs.” been retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds retraining for that discipline, but Northern since she was a teenager. She estimates she has Virginia riders are a diverse group, and people FOUNDED: 2015 retrained and sold some 75 Thoroughbreds. are interested in horses for fox hunting, event- When she heard about the TAA, she decided to ing, and polo as well. We felt the adoption ADDRESS: form a nonprofit so she could help more horses network in Virginia would be more broad than 1405 Kennel Rd. after their racing days are over. it was in Florida. Boyce, VA 22620 Second Wind offers rehabilitation, retrain- We are fortunate to be in such a horse- ing, adoption, and permanent retirement. focused community, and have been made to PHONE: About half of its horses are retired and half feel very welcome. Volunteers have been eager (910) 986-8725 are being retrained. We are very proud of the to help. Some volunteers are “horse people,” horses that have gone on to new homes – they and others come from the city to be near the MAIN CONTACT: are loved by their owners and are being ridden horses and help with grounds maintenance. Dayle Eldredge as show hunters, jumpers, dressage, or plea- Second Wind is close to Charles Town race- sure mounts. Our potential adopters are thor- track in West Virginia, as well as the newly EMAIL ADDRESS: oughly screened. reopened Colonial Downs near Richmond, Va. [email protected] Eldredge started Second Wind in Ocala, Steeplechasing and point-to-point races are WEB ADDRESS: Fla., with her mother and a lifelong friend who popular in the area, and there are hundreds of also had owned and competed on Thorough- Thoroughbred breeding farms in Virginia. secondwindtbs.org breds. In 2019, the operation moved to North- The board of directors is a dedicated group of SOCIAL: ern Virginia, and leased a 60-acre farm that mature women made up of a horse show judge, includes 50 acres of lush grass in several large steward, equine vet, Reiki master, competitive secondwindthoroughbredproject fields with oversized run-in sheds and a beau- amateur hunter/jumper rider, and a farrier. @secondwindthoroughbredproject tiful vintage barn. The farm is located in the We are all proud of this aftercare program, AVERAGE NUMBER OF heart of Virginia horse country, near Middle- and love working with these deserving, amaz- burg, an hour from Washington, D.C. ing Thoroughbreds. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 12

PAGE 86 DAILY RACING FORM REHABILITATION South Florida SPCA RETRAINING/ADOPTION

“The importance of TAA’s support cannot be overstated. The funds we receive allow us to save more horses, while the rigorous accreditation standards give SFSPCA the credibility and respect required by important donors and potential adopters. The value of relationships created and strengthened by our TAA accreditation is incalculable.” Never Lie, who raced at Calder, was left at South Florida SPCA’s facility in the middle of the night. She has undergone professional retraining and is succeeding in a new career. FOUNDED: 1992

Founded in 1992, South Florida SPCA Horse prevent their horses in transition from falling ADDRESS: Rescue is the last line of defense for abused and through the cracks and into peril. Homestead, Fla. abandoned horses in Miami-Dade, Fla. South Florida SPCA is also dedicated to educat- PHONE: South Florida SPCA is the only organization ing the public and promoting the humane treat- qualified to rescue, rehabilitate, retrain, and ment of equines through its outreach, member, (305) 825-8826 re-home horses in Miami-Dade. South Florida and volunteer programs, as well as its social MAIN CONTACT: SPCA works with Miami-Dade Animal Services media channels. Events such as its “A Day at the and responds 24/7 to local law enforcement to Races” fundraiser at Gulfstream Park, with a Chris Septer, investigate cruelty and abandonment cases, and portion of race sponsorship proceeds benefiting executive director to seize and care for those victims at its facility in the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, also WEB ADDRESS: Homestead, Fla. help raise awareness. The horses South Florida SPCA rescues, includ- South Florida SPCA rescues all breeds, but its spca-sofla.org ing off-the-track Thoroughbreds, are sometimes Thoroughbreds are among the most dramatic SOCIAL: found in some of the worst conditions imaginable. and gratifying transformations and transitions. Often, the horses require extraordinary life- South Florida SPCA grads have won ribbons in southFloridaSPCA saving measures involving extensive veterinary local shows, participated in the Thoroughbred @HelpTheHorses treatment, a refeeding program, and intensive, Makeover, and maintained public safety in a @spca_sfla specialized labor by staff and volunteers. mounted police unit. The organization also works with Thorough- Their resiliency and versatility never cease to AVERAGE NUMBER OF bred owners, breeders, and trainers to help amaze and inspire. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 10-15

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 87 SANCTUARY Southern California REHABILITATION Thoroughbred Rescue RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “TAA has initiated significant improvements in our protocols and practices through its accreditation process. It also represents an invaluable source of grant monies through funds raised from within the racing industry for sanctuary care of our Thoroughbreds. This has freed us to dedicate fundraising, donations, and other grants to improvements Laurie Taylor Photography Just Fishin (aka Justin), with Jessica Abbott of Showcase Training Stables, competing at the in rehabilitation, Thoroughbred Classic at Galway Downs in Temecula, Calif. retraining, and adoption.”

Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue stakes winner Place Cowboy, now training provides a safety net for Thoroughbreds of as an eventer; Persistent, who once sold for FOUNDED: 2008 all ages and backgrounds who have run out of $120,000; and Free Sammy, who brought $77,000 options. as a 2-year-old. All were acquired from Southern ADDRESS: Started in 2008 by Caroline Betts, SCTR has California livestock auctions. P.O. Box 5 helped more than 100 horses in need, most taken Prospective new homes are carefully Norco, CA 92860 directly from livestock auctions. SCTR repre- screened, and most program horses are adopted sentatives attend local auctions to identify Thor- out to experienced riders or those with quali- PHONE: (951) 768-2043 oughbreds potentially at risk. Rescues are made fied trainers. The adoption contract provides based on need rather than adoptability or ride- lifetime protection – adoptees may not be resold MAIN CONTACT: ability. or transferred by adopters but must return to Jackie Poe The SCTR philosophy is that all Thorough- SCTR. WEB ADDRESS: breds are winners, regardless of pedigree, Rescues can only be achieved when space and performance, or physical condition. Once funds are available, thus the need for income is sctbrescue.org acquired, horses undergo a minimum of 30 days ongoing. All donations are welcome, and horse SOCIAL: of quarantine at a facility in Apple Valley, where sponsorships range from $10 to $250 per month. they are handled, evaluated for health, and Prominent equine artists such as the late socaltbrescue given necessary veterinary and farrier care. Fred Stone and the late Christine Picavet have @socaltbrescue Many will then be “re-started” by a professional donated proceeds from their work, while the @socaltbrescue trainer. SCTR has about 18 Thoroughbreds, organization has received support from Blue ranging in ages from 5 to 26. Horse Charities, ASPCA, The Exceller Fund, AVERAGE NUMBER OF Past and present SCTR horses have included and Thoroughbred Charities of America, as well THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: a daughter of the great Alleged; Santa Anita as the TAA. 18

PAGE 88 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Square Peg Foundation EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “When I am on my horse, only God is taller than I.” – Spanish proverb “That’s the empowerment Square Peg horses give autism families. When a mother hears her silent child laughing, you have changed the world for that family. TAA’s commitment to aftercare brought these horses a second chance. Robyn Peters Kemma Peters with Extra Fifty, by Afleet Alex, left, and Irresponsible King, by Kingmambo. What they give in return is priceless.” Square Peg Foundation was established in 2004 of character, a unique example of gentleness and as an adaptive riding program for children with power who responds to all people according to learning and/or developmental disabilities such their intentions – not to their age, size, race, or FOUNDED: 2004 as autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s Syndrome. social status. We focus on building self-image, ADDRESS: The innovative organization, headquartered one student at a time.” in Half Moon Bay, Calif., offers a creative, heal- The 22 Square Peg horses, ranging in age from PMB 402, 80 Cabrillo Hwy North ing approach to teaching students and training 3 into their 30s, found their way to the program Suite Q horses based on mutual need – the horses, some in need of second – or third – chances. Many are Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 of whom were rescued from undesirable circum- Thoroughbreds who have been integrated into stances, benefit as much as the people involved. this adaptive horsemanship program for chil- PHONE: (650) 440-5064 Square Peg’s simple but powerful mission state- dren, among them stakes-placed Momotombo; MAIN CONTACT: ment is: “We turn ‘I wish’ into ‘I can.’ ” Children the aptly named Autism Awareness; Irrespon- learn to ride and care for animals much larger sible King (aka “Stanley”), a royally bred son Joell Dunlap than themselves and in the process become advo- of Kingmambo and grandson of champion Eliza WEB ADDRESS: cates for those who have no voice, thus gaining a who knows tricks in addition to jumping, trail squarepegfoundation.org sense of confidence and empowerment. riding, and performing dressage; and Mythical Executive director and co-founder Joell Storm, a son of Fusaichi Pegasus who raced in SOCIAL: Dunlap described Square Peg as providing a Southern California and won at Santa Anita in everyonefits “yes” environment, “an intense experience that his debut. shows students they are capable of so much more Square Peg offers specialized private or group @SquarePegRanch than they imagined. The horse is a gentle judge classes for basic riding. @squarepegfoundation AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 15

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 89 Susan S. Donaldson SANCTUARY Foundation/Mereworth Farm

TESTIMONIAL: “The Susan S. Donaldson Foundation strives for excellence in all aspects of its aftercare operation and is proud to be recognized with TAA accreditation. The TAA is an outstanding resource for providing the best care possible to the Mereworth Farm residents.”

FOUNDED: 1989 EquiSport Photos Thoroughbreds enjoy the paddocks of the 1,200-acre Mereworth Farm in Lexington, Ky. ADDRESS: 4999 Bethel Rd. Mereworth Farm was established in 1924 by permanent home in their final years. Lexington, KY 40511 Walter Salmon Sr., a New York real estate devel- The credit for implementing Susan Donaldson’s oper. It has a storied history of remarkable breed- vision goes to the farm manager, James T. Boyd, PHONE: ing and racing success in the Thoroughbred and the loyal employees, most of whom worked (859) 552-7118 industry under the direction of three generations for her for many years and understand exactly of the Salmon family. what she wanted to create. They, too, share her MAIN CONTACT: Salmon’s granddaughter Susan Salmon love of horses. James T. Boyd Donaldson was the last to operate the Lexing- It is the belief of The Susan S. Donaldson Foun- AVERAGE NUMBER OF ton, Ky., farm commercially, and upon her death dation that Thoroughbreds should be retrained in 2011 she bequeathed Mereworth Farm to a and re-homed if at all possible, and there are THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: foundation she created in 1989 for the purpose of many fantastic organizations accredited by TAA 120 providing care to horses that otherwise would be which do exactly that. But many of those facili- euthanized. ties are not equipped to provide a permanent Since 2011, The Susan S. Donaldson Founda- home for those horses that cannot be retrained tion has worked tirelessly to restore and upgrade and re-homed. Mereworth Farm to best achieve her goals. All It was Susan Donaldson’s desire to create a the pastures and paddocks have been renovated, facility that could house and care for those horses all fencing has been replaced, and the seven barns that cannot be retrained, whether due to age or have been rehabbed. The 1,200-acre Mereworth injury. Farm is a first-class equine operation, designed Thanks to her generosity and the devoted staff, to provide the finest care to horses needing a Mereworth Farm is such a place.

PAGE 90 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION The Exceller Fund RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “In addition to bringing together several dedicated organizations, TAA has been extremely instrumental in expanding aftercare awareness and support throughout the racing industry.”

FOUNDED: 1997 ADDRESS: P. O. Box 4237 Lexington, KY 40544 EMAIL CONTACT: [email protected] The Exceller Fund’s horses enjoy retirement at approved facilities located in five states. MAIN CONTACT: Nicole Smith In the beautiful springtime of 1997, American their support. Approved facilities in five states WEB ADDRESS: Hall of Fame champion Exceller was led to his have been selected for the quality of their care death in a Swedish slaughterhouse. Five months in various areas, including rehab from injuries, excellerfund.org later, a group of concerned racing fans came retraining, and dealing with geriatric cases. SOCIAL: together to form an organization they hoped A major campaign called “Racing Warriors” would make a difference in saving other Thor- has focused on hard-raced runners with 50 or TheExcellerFund oughbreds from that dark fate. They would call it more career starts who are no longer competi- @ExcellerFund The Exceller Fund. tive, horses The Exceller Fund describes as the AVERAGE NUMBER OF The Exceller Fund has since become one of the “unsung heroes of racing.” Because of wear and best-known, most proactive horse-rescue agen- tear from long years on the racetrack, many THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: cies in North America, having worked – some- simply have no future as riding horses, so The 50 times in conjunction with other nonprofit rescue Exceller Fund networks to provide these perma- groups – to provide a future beyond the finish line nent retirees sanctuary for life. for innumerable ex-racehorses and to transition Current “Warriors” include Cumberland them into successful second careers. The Lexing- Gap, Korbyn Gold, and Ww Conquistador, who ton, Ky.-based organization today has a nation- together raced a combined 31 seasons, made 365 wide membership, with monthly pledges begin- starts, and earned nearly $1.3 million. All three ning as low as $15. It is also supported by grants, had descended to bottom-level claiming races tax-deductible donations, and money garnered before finding their forever homes with The through major fundraisers. Exceller Fund. The Exceller Fund population, generally The organization also provides sanctuary for between 45 and 50 horses, boards at private farms, horses with low adoption potential, as well as with a per diem paid through the organization for helping to re-home them.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 91 SANCTUARY REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION The Foxie G Foundation EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “Thanks to our accreditation by the TAA in 2016, we have been able to help more horses each year find adoptive homes. The TAA also has offered us resources to improve our organization, access to a larger donor base, and prospective adopters.”

FOUNDED: 2012 Doctor Doss, a winning son of Hard Spun, is in The Foxie G Foundation adoption program. ADDRESS: 14024 New Windsor Rd. The Foxie G Foundation was established to Although entry into the facility is not based Union Bridge, MD 21791 honor the memory and zest for life of a charis- on success on the track, The Foxie G Foundation matic racehorse named Foxie G. has a few well-known residents. Ravalo, a graded PHONE: (301) 667-2553 Foxie G was graded stakes-placed and a multiple stakes winner of $1,348,769, and Fireside Brass, MAIN CONTACT: stakes winner of $392,568. After suffering from a a multiple stakes winner of $444,993 in 89 starts, severe case of laminitis while in training, the are two of the 38 permanent retirees. Laurie Calhoun Maryland-bred son of Horatius was able to enjoy Foxie G relies on donations and sponsorships to WEB ADDRESS: his retirement at Summer Wind Farm in Union provide the retirees with the care they deserve. thefoxiegfoundation.org Bridge, Md., where the organization is based. Foxie G seeks permanent, adoptive homes for Recognizing that some retired Thoroughbreds those horses that can be adopted out. Since Foxie G SOCIAL: do not have the option for a place to retire or be is based on a commercial Thoroughbred farm, TheFoxieGFoundation trained for a second career, The Foxie G Founda- the organization is able to provide rehabilitation tion was formed to help others like its namesake. or retraining for a horse after it is finished racing. @TheFoxieG While the primary goal for horses entering When a horse is ready to enter into the @TheFoxieG the program is adoption, some are not deemed program, it is evaluated under tack and care- AVERAGE NUMBER OF adoptable due to physical limitations or age and fully matched with the right adopter. are provided permanent retirement on the farm. Many of the adopted horses go on to a show THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: Beginning in 2018, some of the permanent retir- career, while some are content to just become a 84 ees have been used in various equine therapy member of their new adopted family. Any horse programs that benefit the horses as well as the adopted out by The Foxie G Foundation can program participants. return to the farm at any time for any reason.

PAGE 92 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Thoroughbred Athletes RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Accreditation of our organization has definitely helped us further our mission. The TAA accreditation seal documents our legitimacy to grantors and donors as well as potential adopters. They know that the facility has been inspected and that business practices have been closely examined to

Arden Moad ensure that it is being Zee Oh Six, the 2005 Oklahoma-bred horse of the year at Remington Park who retired after earning $442,311, now competes in English dressage, hunter/jumper, and cross-country events. run in a professional, efficient manner.” Established in 2011 by former racehorse trainer racehorses are capable of success at a variety of Lynn Sullivan, Thoroughbred Athletes is a tasks. The organization is a leader in expanding FOUNDED: 2011 Thoroughbred retraining facility for both the demand for ex-racehorses by virtue of its very donated and rescued horses. successful adoption program as well as host- ADDRESS: Since its inception, more than 170 horses have ing multiple well-attended horse shows, which 2851 S. Midwest Blvd. been part of the program, and more than 150 have provide a venue for showing off the skills of their Guthrie, OK 73044 been adopted into new homes. graduates. Many Thoroughbred Athletes “graduates” Thoroughbred Athletes is staffed by a group of PHONE: (405) 802-1312 are successfully competing at high levels in a dedicated, hardworking volunteers. The board of variety of disciplines. They are known for being directors is a diverse group that meets monthly. MAIN CONTACT: tough, athletic, willing, and always ready to Thoroughbred Athletes mentors community Lynn Sullivan move forward. A number have been adopted as youth by offering supervised learning opportu- pleasure horses and are proving to be eager trail nities. Additionally, a “work-to-ride” program for WEB ADDRESS: mounts. Thoroughbred Athletes also has been horse-savvy adults is available. thoroughbred-athletes.com successful at finding pet or companion homes for Thoroughbred Athletes is recognized as a top horses not sound enough to be ridden. The orga- charitable organization, having been honored SOCIAL: nization’s Facebook page is full of photos from with the Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits as ThoroughbredAthletes proud and loving owners. well as being endorsed by GiveSmart Oklahoma @TBAthletesInc Thoroughbred Athletes is proving that retired and receiving gold status from GuideStar. @ThoroughbredAthletesInc AVERAGE NUMBER OF THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 50

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 93 SANCTUARY Thoroughbred REHABILITATION Placement Resources RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Being accredited by the TAA has given Thoroughbred Placement Resources and the horses we serve so very much. The credibility makes us a stronger organization, and the funding allows us to assist many more horses. This is a good platform for our organization to

Katherine Turnbull Photography expand and grow Kimberly Godwin Clark, executive director of TPR, with retired racehorse Sand Save, who upon.” started 19 times, never finished in the money, won only $519, but earned a dignified retirement.

FOUNDED: 2008 Thoroughbred Placement Resources was ing program, with many launching successful established in 2008 by hands-on horsewoman second careers as eventers, show jumpers, and ADDRESS: Kimberly Godwin Clark and her husband, dressage performers. And while most “gradu- 13130 Molly Berry Rd. William Clark, and is based at Leighton Farm ates” were themselves unremarkable racehorses, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 in Upper Marlboro, Md. there have been exceptions, among them Grade 3 A licensed trainer and exercise rider with winner Foufa’s Warrior, who finished seventh in PHONE: (410) 802-8425 more than 25 years of experience, Kimberly the 2003 Preakness and later became bored with Clark has since been dedicated to providing retirement; $505,591-earner Barcola, third to MAIN CONTACT: ex-racehorses with bright futures while retrain- champion Curlin in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster; Kimberly Godwin Clark ing them for second careers. and multiple stakes winners Frisky Spider and The organization advocates on behalf of off- Network. WEB ADDRESS: the-track Thoroughbreds while directly assist- It is known that animals possess therapeutic goodhorse.org ing owners and trainers in appropriately placing healing qualities, thus in 2015 Thoroughbred horses whose racing days are over. Education Placement Resources launched “Hero Horses,” SOCIAL: has been a significant component of Thorough- bringing military veterans to Leighton to inter- ThoroughbredPlacementResources bred Placement Resources’s work – informing the act with the Thoroughbreds. In some cases, both public and prospective owners as to the advan- human and equine need to rebuild lives and AVERAGE NUMBER OF tages of ex-racehorses through clinics, books, learn to trust again. “Everybody wins with this THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: and newsletters. While Thoroughbred Placement program,” Clark said. 40 Resources has engaged in rescue work, Clark As a nonprofit, Thoroughbred Placement notes that the point of their effort has been to Resources is 100 percent volunteer run and avoid reaching those situations. largely dependent on tax-deductible donations. Since its inception in 2008, some 900 former Clark’s e-book “New Track, New Life” explains racehorses have been safely transitioned through the advantages of owning off-the-track Thor- Thoroughbred Placement Resources’s retrain- oughbreds and is available online free of charge.

PAGE 94 DAILY RACING FORM SANCTUARY Thoroughbred REHABILITATION RETRAINING/ADOPTION Retirement Foundation EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL: “The work of TAA has helped our organization because of racing’s increased level of awareness and sense of responsibility. We are inspired to be part of a team to establish funding from new sources so that all those who benefit from Thoroughbreds will contribute to the many thousands that need care.”

Chelsea O’Reilly The Second Chances Program at Lowell Correctional pairs incarcerated women with rescued FOUNDED: 1983 and retired racehorses. The horses make a positive impact on the women who care for them. ADDRESS: 10 Lake Ave. In the late 1970s, tens of thousands of Thor- inmates to build self-esteem and empathy as they Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 oughbreds were heading to slaughter each year, developed useful life skills. with no organized efforts to stop the practice. The Human graduates have gone on to successful PHONE: (518) 226-0028 Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, whose careers as farriers, veterinary assistants, and MAIN CONTACT: founding board members included such noted caretakers. industry participants as the late Penny Chenery, In its 37th year, this mutually beneficial Jennifer Stevens Allaire duPont, and Martha Gerry, was launched program is now in eight correctional facilities jennifer@thoroughbredretirement. in 1983 to take in horses who could no longer and continues to expand. org compete and had run out of options. Initially established to provide lifetime care for In 1984, the newly incorporated organization retired racehorses, adoption was added to TRF’s WEB ADDRESS: became an innovative pioneer in Thoroughbred charter in 1996. Fees today generally range from trfinc.org aftercare when it formed a partnership with $500 to $5,000 depending on age, soundness, and New York’s Department of Corrections to create perceived potential of any given animal. SOCIAL: “TRF Second Chances Program,” a life-affirming Horses that cannot be adopted out as riding or ThoroughbredRetirementFoundation vocational training program in equine care and show stock may still enjoy meaningful lives in @trfinc management for inmates. corrections-based and/or equine-assisted ther- @thoroughbredretirement A former $3,500 claimer named Promised apy programs. Others join the sanctuary herds at Road became TRF’s first official retiree when 10 farms across the country where they live their he arrived that year at the Wallkill Correctional natural lives while receiving full care. Facility in upstate New York. This program The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is AVERAGE NUMBER OF quickly became a win-win situation for both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, entirely depen- THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: horses and members of the prison communities dent upon tax-deductible donations from individ- 650 – providing safe equine sanctuary while enabling uals, businesses, and foundations.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 95 SANCTUARY Thoroughbred Retirement REHABILITATION Network of Louisiana RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “We are so privileged to be a part of the TAA. Accreditation provides TRNL with greater credibility in the horse community and the opportunity to do so much more for horses in the area.”

FOUNDED: 2009 ADDRESS: 77606 Hwy. 21 Covington, LA 70435 Thoroughbred Retirement graduates (from left) unraced Tia Tejano, Untameable, who made 51 starts, and Malibu Classic, who made 15 starts, take a schooling break at a local dressage show. PHONE: (504) 858-3875 MAIN CONTACT: Cynthia Morgan-D’Atrio, Ph.D., founded the introduced to a new stage of life and job. Cindy D’Atrio Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana Horses in the TRNL program come from in 2009. Its mission is: 1) To offer owners, breed- various sources, including owner, trainer, and WEB ADDRESS: ers, and trainers of Thoroughbred racehorses a breeder donations; auction houses and slaughter www.thoroughbrednetwork.net retraining, retirement, and respite facility; 2) To pens from which horses have been bailed out by rescue Thoroughbreds who have been neglected, private individuals; animal shelters; and animal- SOCIAL: harmed, abused or who are at risk of going to control cases. TRNL has a few special horses that ThoroughbredRetirementNetworkOfLouisiana slaughter; and 3) To educate the public and those are residents as well as a couple of select horses @trnl_horses in the racing industry about ways to retire their that serve as ambassadors of the breed and are horses successfully and to teach others about shown at local and recognized shows. AVERAGE NUMBER OF retraining ex-racers. The most important part of our adoption process THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: TRNL is committed to establishing a quality is that there is an excellent match between horse foundation for each horse with whom it works. and adopter. We prefer that our horses are placed 8-12 Our retraining efforts focus on each horse’s indi- in forever homes with individuals and families vidual strengths and on developing horses that who will love and spoil them for the remainder of are safe to work with, balanced, and communica- their lives. At the time of adoption, we do our best tive. Horses are allowed as much time as needed to disclose as much information as possible to our to “come down” and to overcome psychological adopters so that all needs of each horse may be and physical barriers that may be present when met successfully in their new home.

PAGE 96 DAILY RACING FORM Thoroughbred SANCTUARY REHABILITATION Retirement of Tampa RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “We are honored to be a TAA-accredited partner and grateful for the racing industry’s support of Thoroughbred aftercare. The due diligence of the accreditation process ensures that organizations meet or exceed specific standards, which motivates us to look for ways to make things even better for TROT’s four “Thoroughstangs,” Rose Classic, Dancing Saints, Mambo Appeal, and Summertime Groove, have lived as a herd for 7 years but each is available for adoption as a companion horse. our horses.”

FOUNDED: 2003 Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, to adjust to life after racing. The feed program is commonly referred to as TROT, got its start in tailored to meet the needs of each horse, and all ADDRESS: 2003 under a different name. In May of 2009, the have constant access to forage. P.O. Box 1621 organization’s name was legally changed to what TROT believes in the power of the herd and Oldsmar, FL 34677-1621 it is today and turned its focus to Thoroughbred socialization. New arrivals are exposed to all aftercare. Ten years later, it continues its mission types of experiences and animals – such as cows, PHONE: (352) 356-8768 to provide retirement, rehabilitation, retraining, goats, pigs, chickens, dogs, children, and lawn- and re-homing for off-the-track Thoroughbreds mowers – which helps them become good equine MAIN CONTACT: that raced at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla. citizens. Christine Tutcher Staffed entirely by volunteers, TROT is not a Retraining is specialized for each individual as rescue operation. All its horses have been donated well, with a focus on the basics. WEB ADDRESS: by their racing connections, and all eventually Potential adopters are thoroughly vetted, with tampatrot.org become available for adoption for various sport- an adoption contract requiring regular updates ing and riding purposes. Those that are pasture- during a probationary period. The horse may be SOCIAL: sound only are guaranteed sanctuary until that returned to the program for any reason during its tampatrot perfect home is found. Pure Pulpit is the organi- lifetime, as long as the organization has room at @Tampa_TROT zation’s only permanent sanctuary horse. its facility. Once a TROT horse, always a TROT Once in the program, each horse is treated as horse! AVERAGE NUMBER OF an individual, as TROT does not adhere to a one- Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, a 501(c)(3) THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: size-fits-all approach in aftercare. All newcom- nonprofit, is funded through tax-deductible dona- ers receive a minimum of 30 days of downtime tions, fundraisers, grants, and adoption fees. 9

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 97 Tranquility Farm SANCTUARY

TESTIMONIAL: “The commitment to provide lifetime retirement care for Thoroughbred racehorses is not for the faint of heart. It requires great dedication and, above all, a support network. The TAA has substantially helped Tranquility Farm to provide the very best care for our horses and to give them a secure future.”

Tranquility Farm now focuses solely on providing sanctuary for retired Thoroughbreds. FOUNDED: 1998 ADDRESS: Tranquility Farm, the Harry A. Biszantz wood in rural Northern California. While many 3850 Hacienda Rd. Memorial Center for Thoroughbred Retirement, past Tranquility Thoroughbreds have gone on to began with the 1998 purchase of an abandoned successful careers in new and loving homes, the Cottonwood, CA 96022 property in the Tehachapi Mountains of south- present focus of the organization is to provide PHONE: central California – the brainchild of nationally sanctuary for former runners to simply and noted owners and breeders Gary Biszantz and happily live out their days. (530) 347-3040 John Amerman and longtime horse rescuer Pris- Those provided lifetime retirement at Tran- MAIN CONTACT: cilla Clark, and established in the memory of quility have included such racing stars as Grade Priscilla Clark Biszantz’s late father, Harry. 1 Santa Anita Derby winner Buddy Gil, million- Believing the racing industry had a respon- aire and 12-time stakes winner Full Moon WEB ADDRESS: sibility for the horses on whose backs it so Madness, and graded stakes winners such as tranquilityfarmtbs.org depended, their plan was to celebrate these Thor- Invited Guest, Areyoutalkintome, Mananan oughbreds while helping those who were injured McLir, Publication, Snipledo, Marvin’s Faith, AVERAGE NUMBER OF or in need of a home, and at the same time bring Three Peat, and Southern Wish. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: broader public awareness to aftercare. Launched by prominent horsemen, throughout The organization, now more than two decades its history Tranquility Farm’s board of direc- 20 old, has been a resounding success in doing what tors has included many well-known industry it set out to achieve: rescuing, rehabilitating, and members, including Eclipse Award-winning retiring Thoroughbreds once their days on the journalist Jay Hovdey, bloodstock agent Gayle track are over. More than 500 ex-racehorses have Van Leer, and Del Mar race-caller Trevor passed through its program, the base for which Denman. Program sponsors have included some was relocated in 2014 from Tehachapi to Cotton- of West Coast racing’s most notable names.

PAGE 98 DAILY RACING FORM

SANCTUARY United Pegasus REHABILITATION Foundation RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Because of TAA funding, United Pegasus Foundation has been able to continue providing adoption and retirement programs to Thoroughbreds coming off the track permanently.”

FOUNDED: 1994 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 535 San Jacinto, CA 92581 PHONE: (626) 773-6016

Helen Meredith United Pegasus is one of the first programs in the country established to rescue horses. MAIN CONTACT: Helen Meredith

Helen Meredith is the founder and president of week as well as attending other local livestock EMAIL ADDRESS: the United Pegasus Foundation, established with auctions with the goal of rescuing and providing [email protected] the mission of helping unwanted Thoroughbred safe haven for at least some of these horses. racehorses. Meredith, involved in racing for most She began talking to owners and trainers, WEB ADDRESS: of her life, set up the nonprofit organization in informing them what was happening to many unitedpegasus.com 1994 upon realizing the unhappy fate of so many of their former racehorses, knowing that with racehorses at the end of their racetrack careers. financial help she could provide a retirement, SOCIAL: United Pegasus Foundation, one of America’s rehabilitation, and adoption program. The horses unitedpegasus largest and longest-running rescue programs, is came to her quickly, and within two years some @unitedpegasus now in its 26th year of operation. 85 Thoroughbreds were under Meredith’s loving Meredith recalls how it began the day she care. AVERAGE NUMBER OF met a woman already involved in equine rescue In 2001, United Pegasus Foundation set up THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: at a Southern California auction. There they its operation in Tehachapi, Calif., but recently 75 observed a number of Thoroughbreds – some who relocated to 20 acres in San Jacinto, Calif. Over had never raced, others who had won significant the years, the United Pegasus Foundation adop- money for their owners – all in need of a second tion program has successfully placed numerous chance. horses into new careers. Meredith began visiting that auction every Meredith’s motto: “Hard work gets results.”

PAGE 100 DAILY RACING FORM

War Horses SANCTUARY REHABILITATION at Rose Bower RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Before War Horses at Rose Bower earned its TAA accreditation I was honest with our potential donors, suggesting they look into accredited programs, or those that the donors themselves have researched. I knew prior to our accreditation that we had a great, responsible program, but now everyone else knows, too, and the Barbara Luna Virginia-bred Miss Monty, retired disabled Marine veteran Andrew King, and his 6-year-old son support we’ve gained Arian at War Horses at Rose Bower. from the racing industry now has been War Horses at Rose Bower accommodates the an old bow, suspensory, or obvious freeze-fire immeasurable.” special needs of older retiring Thoroughbred marks, make no difference to the human with geldings. Founder and president Barbara Luna a brush and hoof pick in hand who can gain the is an experienced writer, horsewoman, and publi- confidence and affection of a 1,100-pound animal. FOUNDED: 2012 cist who started War Horses in 2012 to return to War Horses is a 501 (c)(3) organization and the hands-on care of racehorses after she worked requests, but does not require, a donation for ADDRESS: as administrator for the Turning For Home after- accepting an older horse directly from the race- 8367 Old Courthouse Rd. care program at Parx Racing for five years. track into its program. A veterinary evaluation Appomattox, VA 24522 War Horses at Rose Bower is located in rural and foal papers must accompany a potential Virginia and works closely with racetrack retiree. PHONE: (434) 352-5058 programs such as the New York Thoroughbred All adopters sign contracts, pass reference MAIN CONTACT: Horsemen Association’s TAKE THE LEAD and checks, and understand that if no longer wanted, private owners to provide rehabilitation, retire- the horse must return to the program, although Barbara Luna (215) 272-6716 ment, and frequent adoptions for veteran horses the goal is always to find a forever home. WEB ADDRESS: of the racing world. Many of its retirees are “With the wonderful renewed interest in Thor- www.warhorsesottbs.org stakes winners, such as Gimme Credit, Banjo oughbreds as show and pleasure horses, these Picker, and Hermosillo, each of whom earned older geldings should not be overlooked as honest, SOCIAL: more than $600,000 while racing and enjoyed been-there-done-that kinds of mounts,” Luna warhorsesottbs their own Facebook pages and a large following said. “While 12 years of age may be old for a race- of fans before coming to War Horses. horse, it’s just a new beginning for a show hunter @at_horses Some of the geldings work with children or or Western trail horse, or even a companion to an @warhorsesatrosebower adults who gain from the therapy that an older older horse lover who now wants a quieter ride or AVERAGE NUMBER OF horse can provide. Their battle scars, such as companion that was a former star.” THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: 10

PAGE 102 DAILY RACING FORM

REHABILITATION Win Place Home RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL: “Becoming accredited with the TAA and being a part of their community is invaluable. We are so grateful to be working with an organization that feels the same way that we do: Horse care is first and foremost.”

FOUNDED: 2015 ADDRESS: 8306 Wilshire Blvd. #507 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 David Potter PHONE: Travel Bound, a gelding by Midnight Lute, was the first horse to go through Win Place Home. He is now enjoying a second career as a jumper with his new owner. (818) 970-2596 MAIN CONTACT: Win Place Home, founded in October 2015, is partners has been the foundation of its early C.J. Marinaccio a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates success. opportunities and hope for retired racehorses C.J. Marinaccio, founder and trainer, says WEB ADDRESS: in Southern California. that it is the knowledge and care for horses that winplacehome.org Win Place Home’s unique skill set allows it comes first. to rehab almost any injury and to intensively “There is nothing which makes me happier SOCIAL: retrain horses. The organization spends the than helping animals,” Marinaccio said. “I am winplacehome time to assess each horse’s potential, deter- very passionate in my work with retired race- @winplacehome mine the appropriate new lifestyle that will horses and helping them to maximize their match their skill and interest (such as trail potential to bring warmth and happiness to AVERAGE NUMBER OF riding, jumping, dressage, etc.), and train them others. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR: for that new career. “I have been riding since 1983 and working Win Place Home focuses on the whole horse, with horses since 1997. I have worked with 13 retraining not just their bodies but also their trainers, owners, and vets from all equine minds, moving them slowly away from the disciplinary backgrounds and to be able to give hyperactive life of a racehorse into their unique back to these horses who have done so much for futures. The organization also spends time to us is a dream come true.” ensure successful placement, with extensive Combating society’s views that racehorses interviewing and tryouts to be sure that each at the end of their racing careers are “done,” horse finds its perfect match and home. Win Place Home brings a nurturing, disci- Win Place Home’s blend of broad expertise, plined approach to ensuring these horses have deep contacts in the local racing community, a productive and successful post-racing life. and collaborative approach with its growing Win Place Home believes every horse can have community of supporters, donors, peers, and a great future.

PAGE 104 DAILY RACING FORM WHAT’S PROTECTING YOUR EQUINE INVESTMENT?

RED BRAND FENCE IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF JOCKEY DRAYDEN VAN DYKE

Red Brand is a Proud Supporter of

RedBrand.com Dear Fellow Horsemen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance magazine is an extremely important marketing tool, both for stimulating positive public awareness of the tireless efforts being put forth daily by our entire Thoroughbred industry as well as the entire Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) team’s commitment to ensuring that our Thoroughbreds are properly taken care of upon retirement. The magazine also acts as a stimulus reaching current racing operations in hopes of improving all owners’ awareness of the feasibility of future careers for our racing athletes and the need for proper accreditation for our aftercare facilities. The National HBPA, which represents nearly 30,000 owners and trainers across North America, feels that this magazine provides a showcase for team TAA’s efforts and truly highlights all that the Thoroughbred can achieve after its racing days are behind them. Additionally, we understand the magazine will play a role in helping reach out and sustain much needed industry funding to support TAA operations. I would ask each of you, as afﬁ liates and members of the National HBPA, to please make a copy of this magazine available to as many owners, trainers, breeders and board members as you possibly can and show your support for the TAA. The importance of proper accreditation for aftercare facilities and the take-home message that the productivity of a Thoroughbred does not have to end at the track is a two-part message we all need to continue to deliver in order to stop the term unWanted horse. Please join the National HBPA in support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance magazine. Sincerely, Eric J. Hamelback National HBPA, Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer