Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF)

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is the largest equine sanctuary in the world devoted to the rescue, retirement, rehabilitation and retraining of Thoroughbred racehorses no longer able to compete on the track. We currently care for over 1,050 retired and rescued racehorses and have adopted out more than 800 to loving homes. At re-training farms around the country, we prepare racehorses for adoption as riding and companion horses. At eight correctional facilities, inmates build life skills while participating in a vocational training program as they provide supervised care to our retired horses.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a place that offers a humane alternative to the dire possibilities that have long faced a great majority of ex-racers - neglect, abuse and slaughter. It is a place, built on love and caring, that is befitting such noble and deserving animals. As a registered 501(c)3 organization, the TRF receives no public funding and is entirely dependent on the generosity of private individuals. Hor

Saylor Challenge Surpasses Halfway Mark & TRF Launches Olivia’s Herd Website

March 7, 2012 -- Last month, Thoroughbred owner and breeder Paul Saylor issued a $50,000 matching gift challenge to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Saylor agreed that if the TRF could raise $50,000, he would personally match the entire amount.

We have surpassed the halfway mark and hope that our friends and supporters will help us reach our goal by March 31!

Last year, Mr. Saylor created the Olivia Saylor Memorial Fund in memory of his daughter, who died in January 2011. The fund supports a group of TRF horses that are most in need of special care because of age or other infirmity. The TRF has launched a new website at www.oliviasherd.org, where you can learn more about this meaningful fund and follow the Thoroughbreds it supports.

Please make a gift today to help us meet the Saylor Challenge and continue providing dignified retirement for unwanted Thoroughbreds. Please click here to make a gift and make sure to specify that your gift is for the Saylor Challenge.

Thank you for your support!

Homestretch Screening on March 24 in Malibu

The public is invited to a free screening of Homestretch on Saturday, March 24^th in Malibu, California. Created and produced by Sheri Bylander, Homestretch is a documentary about the redemption possible when used-up racehorses meet prison inmates. The film chronicles the TRF vocational training program that began 30 years ago in New York and has since expanded to eight states.

This screening is part of the Horses & the Human Psyche series at Pepperdine University and will be immediately followed by the complimentary film, Path of the Horse. The event wraps up with a 30 minute Q&A with Ms. Bylander.

A light welcome reception begins at 3 PM and the screening is at 4 PM. All events take place at the Elkins Theater, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263. Please click here for directions.

Visit www.homestretchthemovie.net for more information about the film.

TRF Loses a Friend and Ipswich Horse World Loses Longtime Leader

February 29, 2012 - Longtime Ipswich, Mass. resident Donald Little, 77, died today from injuries suffered in a fall from his horse while competing at the Masters Classic Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla. Little’s horse stumbled while approaching a jump, bringing down both horse and rider.

Little was an equestrian of national stature, involved deeply in local equestrian competitions as well. His memorial service will be Thursday, March, 8, noon, at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, 188 Elliott St., Danvers.

"I will miss him so much. Donald died doing what he loved,” Judith A. Little, Don's wife of 57 years, said in an obituary the Winder Equestrian Festival released. “He was loved and respected by so many people, including his fellow competitors, partners and team members in the horse worlds of polo, field hunting, show jumping and thoroughbred racing as well as in all other aspects of his life."

In lieu of flowers, mourners can make donations to:

· The Fisher House Boston, P.O. Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071

· The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445

· The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, P.O. Box 3387, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Racing Legends Visit Inmates

February 21, 2012

Hall of Fame Jockey Pat Day and Dr. Peter Hall, recently retired veterinarian from Keeneland Race Track, recently stopped by the TRF farm at Wateree Correctional Institute in South Carolina to speak to the students/inmates in the Groom Elite program.

Special thanks to Kip Elser for making this visit possible, and also to Janice Coley and our friends at The Camden Equestrian. Please click here to read the full article in the February/March 2012 issue of The Camden Equestrian.

West Point Thoroughbreds Establishes Congie Black and Gold Fund

Press release by West Point Thoroughbreds:

February 16, 2012 - One year ago today, West Point Thoroughbreds lost a cherished friend and faithful employee when Congie DeVito passed away due to complications from Osteogenesis Imperfecta (also known as brittle bone disease). In his honor, we’ve created the Congie Black and Gold Fund to secure the retirement of past, current, and future horses purchased and raced by WPT.

Congie was our first employee. He bravely faced his physical challenges, was a real inspiration to all of us, and absolutely loved horses - they were a huge part of his life. I can’t think of a better way to honor his memory than to secure a safe future for all runners that carry the black and gold.

Financial aspects of the Congie Black and Gold Fund will be administered by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF). These funds will go toward re-homing, re-training, shipping, and daily care and maintenance for West Point horses no longer competing on the track. All donations are tax deductible. WPT will also allocate resources to monitor horses lost by sale or claim, ensuring their safe retirement to the fullest extent possible.

We’ll raise funds for the initiative in three ways:

Beginning in 2012, financials for each new partnership formed by West Point will include a $1,000 donation to the fund.

Going forward, $10 per start per horse will be drawn from the partnership to be placed into the fund on behalf of that runner’s future, with WPT matching this amount.

Individual donations to augment the fund may be mailed to:

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Congie Black and Gold Fund
PO Box 3387
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

**Please be sure include Congie Black and Gold Fund in your check memo.

Why did we form the fund and why now? Here’s our take - we can evaluate and analyze the horse retirement situation this country until the cows come home, but the bottom line is that individual owners have to step up and take the vast majority of the responsibility for the retirement of horses that carry their colors. In a fragmented industry, I don’t see this issue being solved on a national basis any time soon, but that doesn’t diminish owners’ responsibility to their equine athletes.

(Webmaster's note: Gifts may also be made online by clicking here. Be sure to type "Congie Black and Gold Fund" in the comments box.)

TRF Announces Racehorse Retirement and Retraining Program for NY

January 31, 2012 - Organizations from every aspect of the New York Thoroughbred industry have come together to support a new program created by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation to provide retirement options and second careers for horses racing at New York Racing Association tracks. The program, forged from a $225,000 start-up grant from the California based Harriet E. Pfleger Foundation, will provide rehabilitation and retraining for as many as 100 horses a year. A portion of the grant is also earmarked for the care of the existing population of retired racehorses at Wallkill. NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and The Jockey Club, as well as the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. and The Jockeys’ Guild, have all stepped forward with commitments to fund the initiative. Read Entire Story

Paul Saylor Issues Challenge to Benefit TRF

Saratoga Springs, NY (January 23, 2012) -- Thoroughbred owner and breeder Paul Saylor has issued a matching gift challenge to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. From January 30, 2012 through February 29, Saylor will match any gift, of any size, to the “Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Saylor Challenge”, up to $50,000.00 in total. The funds will be used specifically to support the daily needs of more than 1,000 former racehorses currently under the TRF’s care. Donors may specify that their gifts be earmarked for “Olivia’s Herd” which represents the organization’s horses that are most in need of special care or feeding because of age or other physical condition.

“I am issuing this challenge to motivate people in the racing industry and Thoroughbred lovers to donate to the TRF,” said Saylor. “Thoroughbred racing as a business needs to show that caring for retired racehorses is a priority. I am pleased to be doing this work through the TRF, which I have found to be under sound management and on reasonable financial footing given the difficulties that most charities are experiencing raising money in these times.”

This announcement coincides with the upcoming launch of a web page dedicated to the horses which are a part of “Olivia’s Herd”. “Olivia’s Herd” was created in memory and honor of Olivia Saylor, who died January 1, 2011 in Charleston, SC. Olivia was very involved with her father and siblings in the Thoroughbred racing business. She is credited with naming Ashado, two time champion filly raced by the Saylor family in partnership with Starlight Stables. This partnership also campaigned Grade I winners Purge and Monba. Olivia with her siblings and father also owned and raced Grade I winner and champion Fleet Indian.

“We are immensely grateful to Paul for this generous demonstration of support and confidence in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation,” stated Diana Pikulski, TRF's Director of External Affairs. “Paul's actions bring needed funds and awareness for the important work of the TRF.”

New York Thoroughbred Breeders Donate $10,000

January 23, 2012 - Today, the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. made a generous $10,000 donation to the TRF. The newest NYTB board member, Michael Lischin of Dutchess Views Farm, has also added $5,000 to that total. The TRF opened our very first farm in Wallkill, NY, nearly three decades ago, and currently cares for 96 retired horses in the state.

We're proud to partner with industry leaders like NYTB to promote and care for these horses when their days on the racetrack are over. Special thanks to NYTB executive director Jeffrey Cannizzo for his ongoing support.

We Love Hearing From Adopters!

January 18, 2011 - Before coming to the TRF, Top Of The Pyramid raced 37 times and won $68,107. On the retirement application, his trainer, Jan Ripley, noted that "he's one of the quietest, kindest racehorses I've ever been around. He's running at the bottom and does his best but it's time to retire. He loves people and I want to find him a best friend."

Last year, Evelyn Turner adopted Top Of The Pyramid from the TRF herd at Polly Bance's Byrd Hill Farm in Virginia. The 8 year old gray gelding has primarily been ridden by Evelyn's daughter, Emily, and Evelyn's mother, Mary, is now learning how to jump on him. Ninja recently competed at his first horse show and was champion in his division! He's at the far right in the group photo and is posing with Emily, Mary, and the family's two other equines. The whole family obviously had a great day at the show!

The TRF always has a number of adoptable horses like Top Of The Pyramid in training. Click here to browse our available Thoroughbreds and find your next horse!

Adoptions to Start the New Year

January 13, 2012 - This was a big week at the TRF farm at Wateree Correctional Facility in Rembert, South Carolina. Dr. Larry Milham had initially been interested in fostering a horse, but decided to jump right in and adopt On A Crusade (pictured) and Beth's Groovy Guy. On A Crusade is 18 years old, raced 61 times and earned $95,927. Beth's Groovy Guy is 17 years old and raced 63 times with $77,318 in winnings.

Additionally, Sheli Rose - who already had one TRF horse at home - adopted Superego, an 8 year old mare with 12 starts and $13,330 under her belt. Congratulations to Dr. Milham and Sheli, and we wish you and your new horses the best of luck!

The TRF always has a number of Thoroughbreds who are ready for new careers as anything from pasture pets to trail buddies to show horses. Check out our "Adopt A Horse" page to learn more.

TRF Files Libel and Slander Suit

January 5, 2012

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation filed suit in Manhattan state Supreme Court today against Frederick A. Terry Jr., of counsel at Sullivan & Cromwell, in his capacity as executor of the Paul Mellon Estate. The foundation claims that Terry "engaged in a campaign of vilification". Read Entire Story and view complaint.

Battle Lines Being Drawn on Horse Slaughter Issue

December 23, 2011 - The Saratoga Springs, NY-based Saratogian newspaper interviewed TRF Director of External Affairs, Diana Pikulski, about the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. The TRF always has - and always will - hold a firm anti-slaughter stance on the issue. Please click here to read the full article.

New Novel Chronicles Tale of Unwanted Thoroughbred
and Author Donates Portion of Proceeds to TRF

Here’s what Three-day eventing Olympian Denny Emerson has to say about Raja: Story of a Racehorse:

“Anne Hambleton’s enchanting book is fiction, but it might in actuality be true. There is a dark, hidden secret behind the surface glamour of thoroughbred racing. Once a racehorse, especially a gelding, proves insufficient on the racetrack, it becomes unwanted, unappreciated, and unlikely to find a safe harbor. Such is Raja’s fate. One moment, a pampered darling, the next a reject throwaway who spirals down, down, down, through a series of failed second chances, until he’s face to face with the saddest reality of all, the kill pen at the last chance auction.

How he is miraculously saved, and how he struggles back to reach the pinnacle of another racing world is the climax of this ultimately uplifting story of destiny lost and destiny regained.”

Order your copy at www.oldbowpublishing.com and enter coupon code RAJATRFNOVEMBER2011 to receive a discount and have 20% of the sale donated to the TRF.

Lakow Accepts CEO Position

December 8, 2011

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announced today that Michael Lakow will take over the position of CEO.

Lakow has been an integral part of the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry for over 35 years. He has served the industry from New York to Dubai in a number of official capacities and was Director of Racing at NYRA for 12 years. He has also held official positions in Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Dubai. From 2005-2010, Lakow managed administrative operations for Hill ‘n Dale Farms, a leading Kentucky stallion breeding farm, sales consignor and boarding farm.

“I am looking forward to putting all of my experience in the racing and breeding industry to work on behalf of the horses and I would like to thank the TRF board for putting their trust in me,” Lakow said. “I have long admired TRF's innovative programs and their mission as a lifetime retirement home for former racehorses. One of my goals will be to substantially expand TRF’s correctional facility-based farms.” Lakow will be based at the TRF’s office in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Rob Hinkle is leaving the CEO position and will remain a member of the TRF Board of Directors. “My tenure at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has been immensely satisfying”, said Hinkle. “I plan to work with the Board on a variety of matters.”

“We are grateful to Rob for coming on board at a critical time,” said John Moore, Chairman of TRF's Executive Committee. “The condition of the TRF herd is excellent and our relationships with satellite farms and correctional facilities have never been better. I look forward to working with Rob on our Herd Committee and on a new Committee that Rob will Chair with the goal of expanding our corporate sponsorships, as he did at the World Equestrian Games.”

Machmer Hall Joins Foster Care Program

November 30, 2011

Something wonderful happened today in Paris, Kentucky. Retired racehorses Submediant, Voladero and Instantpersonality arrived at their new home at Machmer Hall Thoroughbreds, a broodmare facility that happened to have an empty pasture and an owner who wanted to help.

The 9 year old geldings have spent several years at the TRF farm at Blackburn Correctional Facility, and moved to Machmer Hall as part of the TRF Foster Care Program. The horses will enjoy a pampered life while saving the TRF about $6,000 each year in feed, veterinary, and farrier costs. Farm owner Carrie Brogden reported today that all three are settling in well. Thank you to Machmer Hall for opening your barn doors and welcoming these deserving former racehorses.

To learn more about fostering a retired Thoroughbred, please click the "Foster A Horse" button at left.

After A Decade, Retired Thoroughbreds Head Home

November 17, 2011

It has been 11 years since Ishkoodah was a foal exploring the fields at Bonnie Heath Farm in Reddick, FL. And more than a decade has passed since Oakland Boy and Lunar Storms frolicked alongside their dams in the pastures at Whisper Hill Farm in Citra, FL. But after years with the TRF, all three Thoroughbreds are heading home for good.

When both farms learned that the TRF was redoubling our efforts to find permanent homes for our pasture-sound retirees, they didn't hesitate to answer the call. Kim Keith of Bonnie Heath Farm has been leading this effort and hopes that other breeding operations will follow suit.

The TRF extends our deepest gratitude to these farm owners who, despite feeling the same financial strain as the rest of the industry, are simply doing the right thing.

TRF Expands Foster Care Options

November 10, 2011

So, you want to foster a retired racehorse, but you don’t have a farm? That is what a number of TRF supporters said when we announced the Foster A Horse campaign.

So, Johnathan Miller and his wife Lisa came up with an idea.

“I wanted to help because I love the horses but our farm is full.” said Miller, “And, I thought there must be many people out there who live in cities or suburbs and who want to help as well. So, I suggested I pay the daily cost of caring for a horse, and the TRF calls the horse mine.”

We call it “Full Sponsorship” and it’s like virtual fostering. For $5 a day, billed monthly, quarterly, or annually, you are the virtual owner of your horse and the sole supporting sponsor. And, your financial support assists with the horse’s farrier needs and veterinarian costs.

“This helps the TRF and saves the horse having to be moved away from his pasture mates.” continued Miller. “I think that is important, especially with the older horses. It is a win-win situation.”

TRF is still actively promoting its Foster A Horse program for those people who do have room at their farms and would like to have their foster horse live at their farm. Begun in 1993, the Foster Care program allows horse lovers to take on retired racehorses that are pasture sound and healthy, but not sound for regular riding. Currently there are 60 TRF horses placed at foster farms. This year however, the TRF hopes to increase the number of horses that are fostered, or fully sponsored by 300.

“The Full Sponsorship program could help TRF reach its goal and also provide a more meaningful way for current and potential supporters to donate to the TRF.” said Rob Hinkle, President and CEO of the TRF.

If you are interested in the Full Sponsorship program, please visit the new TRF Sponsorship webpage by clicking HERE.

TRF Second Chances at James River In The News Again

November 7, 2011

In & Around Horse Country magazine features a compelling new piece about the value that the TRF Second Chances vocational training program at James River has for equine and human participants alike.

Thank you to Betsy Burke Parker for writing the article and bringing more attention to this life-affirming program. Copyright 2011, In & Around Horse Country. Reprinted with permission. Please CLICK HERE for the full story.

TRF SEES POSITIVE RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR FOSTER CARE PARTNERS

October 28, 2011

Rob Hinkle, President and CEO of The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) issued an urgent request yesterday to horse lovers and farm owners throughout the United States to participate in the TRF’s Foster Care program.

Go directly to our Foster care page

Hay Now: Bad Weather Drives Up Costs for Farms...

October 22, 2011 By Lucas Marquardt, courtesty of The Thoroughbred Daily News

From Hurricane Irene’s impact on the East Coast to Texas’s worst-ever drought, drastic weather conditions this year have presented unique challenges to farms across the country. Many operations are feeling the pinch in the form of rising hay prices.

Read Entire Article

TRF Program helps inmates find jobs in the horse industry

October 3, 2011 By Renee Standera WISTV.COM, Columbia, SC

REMBERT, SC (WIS) - When their racing careers are over, retired race horses are finding homes right here in South Carolina. And the people caring for them, have a lot of time to give. The fields look like the heart of Kentucky horse country. But more than horses are kept behind these fences. This is the Wateree River Correctional Institution in Rembert, where not only the horses, but the inmates get a second chance. Read More or Watch the Video

TRF Program at Putnamville County Correctional Facility

Last week, the TRF program at Putnamville County Correctional Facility was highlighted on Indiana Public Television. This 6 minute video includes interviews with inmates, prison officials, and farm manager Barbara Holcomb.

TRF at James River Announces 2011 TRF Winners Circle Award Honorees

Read entire story...