Equine Aftercare

For Andrea Cerofolini, the love of the horse was ignited later in life. But his passion for the Thoroughbred has taken center stage over the past decade, highlighted by an ever-deepening involvement with off-the-track race horses. "When I'm on a Thoroughbred, I feel like I am flying on a cloud," Cerofolini said. "I just don't feel that way on other types of horses. It's just magical." Through his connection with the Thoroughbred, Cerofolini became involved with TAKE2, a non-profit committed to promoting and developing second careers for racehorses following their...

Kim Weir, former major gifts fundraiser at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, has joined Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) as Director of Strategic Growth. Weir will work closely with Dr. Erin Sisk, Co-Founder of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, and the THS Board of Directors and staff to develop and implement a strategic growth plan for the Saratoga Springs-based impact sector organization. Weir duties will include development the THS fundraising strategy and expanding the engagement of the organization's herd of retired racehorses through therapy and program utilization "I am certain that our...

For the fourth consecutive year, Au-Dela Des Pistes hosted its fundraiser 'Arc Promise' during the weekend of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Supported by France Galop, the fundraising effort drew almost €45,000 in donations for Au-Delà Des Pistes, which finances the convalescence and retraining of retired racehorses, while seeking to promote the versatility of the Thoroughbred. The funds were generated by donations from the connections over Arc weekend, including Aga Khan Studs, Al Shaqab Racing, Godolphin, Wertheimer et Frère, Juddmonte, Arqana, Coolmore, l'Association des Entraineurs de Galop, Haras...

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program raised over $72,000 for racehorse aftercare on 'Giving Tuesday'. Breeders' Cup winning owners of Wonder Wheel, DJ Stable, LLC, generously pledged to match the first $30,000 raised by New Vocations in honor of the organization's 30th anniversary. Courtesy of over 100 supporters in the equestrian and racing communities, funds were raised late into Nov. 29, and pushed over the goal thanks to a $10,000 donation made by Oak Grove Racing Gaming and Hotel, a Churchill Downs property. "We were blown away by the tremendous response...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will open the doors of Chestnut Hall at TRF Sanctuary Farm this December for the second annual Holiday Designer Show House to benefit the organization's herd of nearly 450 retired racehorses. The farmhouse will be decorated with exquisite decor in rooms designed by Cherry House Galleries, KP Design, Hound & Hare LLC, Jason Jennings Interior, Debhelin Designs, Living Spaces, Little Lavender Company, Julia Carstanjen, Mandeline Hetzel Interiors and All Lit Up. The event is being staffed by volunteers and friends of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The...

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame hosts Celebrating Equine Sanctuary: Saratoga's Thoroughbred Aftercare, Saturday, June 18. The free event is presented by the Museum, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Old Friends at Cabin Creek. The event will feature numerous activities, including: Equine residents from Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga and demonstrations A presentation from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Impressions of Saratoga's Maddy Zanetti will be doing a book reading at 11:30 a.m. with Upset the miniature horse, who will be in attendance all day. Renowned...

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) will award the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) $5,000 to be used for educational purposes. The TRF, whose mission is to rescue ex-racehorses, no longer able to compete at the racetrack, from neglect, abuse, and slaughter, collaborates with correctional facilities in eight states to provide vocational training to inmates who, in turn, care for horses that are not suitable for second athletic careers. TRF will use the funds to implement the Second Chances Farm Groom Elite (SCGE) Vocational program at all TRF Second Chance...

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announced the launch of its 2020 Hay Drive challenge--Hay, Oats and Water with a $60,000 matching gift from the Santulli Family Foundation. The Santulli's will match every dollar donated to the TRF up to $60,000 for this campaign. The TRF's goal for the 2020 Hay Drive is $120,000 to cover the cost of hay for hundreds of former racehorses. The TRF is in its 37th year of providing sanctuary, retirement and second chances for Thoroughbreds no longer able to compete on the racetrack. The campaign...

Beginning with opening day of Santa Anita's 16-day Autumn Meeting Friday, Sept. 25 and running through the final day Oct. 25, fans can have their personalized cut out images appear in Santa Anita's Runhappy Winner's Circle for a donation of $200, with 100% of proceeds going to support the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) and the Permanently Disable Jockeys Fund (PDJF). Santa Anita will submit individual pictures within 48 hours of receipt. For more information on CARMA visit https://www.carma4horses.org/  and for additional information on the PDJF, visit https://pdjf.org/ For more...

Group winner Gold Round (Ire) (Caerleon-Born Gold, by Blushing Groom (Fr)), a half-sister to three-time GI Breeders' Cup Mile heroine Goldikova, and Mystery Trip (Belong to Me-Weekend Surprise, by Secretariat), a half-sister to Classic winners A.P. Indy and Summer Squall, have been retired to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility based in Georgetown, KY. Represented by Alex Solis II and Jason Litt of Solis/Litt Bloodstock, the Roth family--Larry, Nanci, and Jaime-the owners of LNJ Foxwoods approached Old Friends about securing aftercare options for several broodmares. LNJ has donated the construction...

While most organizations, racing or otherwise, experienced a stagnation in business during the midst of the Coronavirus shut-down, Thoroughbred aftercare programs confronted quite the opposite. When racing in most states was a giant question mark for months on end, for many horses that would have otherwise stayed in training throughout the spring season, the decision was made to enter them into retirement. Since the first of the year, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program has brought in 240 horses to their rehabilitation and rehoming program, a 23% increase from last year's...

As a yearling, Exploding Star (Exploit) showed all the early potential to become a successful racehorse. Her dam Star Minister (Deputy Minister) won the 1992 GII Cotillion H. at Philadelphia Park and claimed six additional stakes races over her three-year career. Her half-brother, Concerned Minister (Concern), also won several black-type races. Exploding Star was purchased as a yearling at the 2002 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale by the late F. Eugene Dixon Jr. for $450,000. After three career starts where she ran in the money twice, Exploding Star retired under the...