Old Friends Retirement Farm
When California Chrome left for Japan, a group of friends jumped in to try to make a difference in the lives of rescued horses. We were new to fundraising and fortunately we chose Old Friends as our first project because they were wonderful in their advice and assistance. Our first fundraiser’s goal was to raise money for a run-in shed. Not expecting to raise enough to complete the shed, we were overwhelmed by the generosity we received. The shed was entirely paid for using your donations.
When we were in touch with Old Friends, they let us know that Fighting City Hall and his pasture mate, Arson Squad, needed a new shed.
Photo credit Marianne Malczewski
Be sure to stop by and visit Old Friends the next time you are in Kentucky. They are located in Georgetown just a short trip from Keeneland Racetrack!
Photo credit Marianne Malczewski.
In 2003, Old Friends thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, put a new face on the concept of Thoroughbred aftercare. Former Boston Globe film critic, Michael Blowen, started our organization with a leased paddock and one horse. Over the years we have expanded to a 236-acre farm, three satellite locations and a herd of over 240 retired former racehorses and breeding stallions.
We opened our doors to the public, inviting fans to visit their turf heroes. As a result, Old Friends is now the “living-history museum” of horse racing. Annually, our horses attract nearly 20,000 visitors, who come to get up-close-and-personal with racing’s superstars, and also meet a few who never saw the inside of a winner’s circle.
While rock stars like 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm draw crowds, the revenue they raise supports hard-knockers like Popcorn Deelites, a one-time claimer who made a name for himself by starring in a Hollywood movie. Every horse at Old Friends has a story to tell, and our volunteer tour guides enjoy sharing them with their fans.
Photo credit Marianne Malczewski.
Kentucky Equine Adoption Center
Our second fund raiser honored California Chrome’s 9th Birthday by supporting his filly, Colerful Chrome who is out of the mare Colerful Bride. She had been through a lot in her first year and a half of life! After she lost an eye in a pasture accident and then needed tracheal surgery, Taylor Made Farm placed Colerful Chrome at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, where she will live for a minimum of twelve months. We were able to raise enough money to give this sweet two year old filly a leather halter, a cooler, a winter blanket, a summer fly sheet, hay and oats as well as routine hoof and veterinary care. We all look forward to seeing what career path she will have in her future.
The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center (KyEAC) is the largest all-breed equine rescue in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Nestled on 72 acres in the rolling hills of Jessamine County, KyEAC is the home and training ground for approximately 50 equines at all stages of rehabilitation and retraining. We are not a sanctuary; part of our mission is to find the perfect home and purpose for all of our horses - from high level dressage to therapeutic equine companions, from trail horses to pasture ponies.
OUR MISSION
To provide humane treatment and shelter while seeking adoptive homes and providing second chances for Kentucky’s equine, regardless of breed.
To educate the public and raise awareness for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis.
To work with and serve as a model for organizations with the same mission in other states: to save America’s equines from inhumane treatment
Photo credits to Marianne Malczewski.
Unbridled Spirits Thoroughbred Retirement Ranch
Our fundraiser for Unbridled Spirits was a spectacular success! We surpassed our goal by over $1000.00. Thank you to all our donors with the variety of support you gave. We witnessed so much generosity via a combination of the FB donation link, the Smile Amazon program, personal checks, the Amazon Gift Registry and later through a t-shirt campaign. Mucho Chrome thanks you, his herd mates thank you, the Unbridled Spirits team thanks you and we thank you. Campaign
Second careers mean lessons for horses and kids. Photo credit Karen Garland
Mucho Chrome enjoying his new home. Photo credit Tina Norris, Executive Director Unbridled Spirits.
At Unbridled Spirits our thoroughbred horse sanctuary is committed to providing retired horses with the comfort and care they need. Our horses are given plenty of love and attention, especially with equine enthusiasts visiting us so frequently.
After a racing horse retires, they often still have a sizable fan following. Now, fans can come visit their favorite stars in a peaceful, relaxing environment. Our farm gives horses the comfort and affection they deserve.
A new type of saddle brings the beginning of a new career for Mucho Chrome. Photo credit Tina Norris, Executive Director Unbridled Spirits
Race to Freedom Series. The U.S. herd at pasture Fall 2019. Photo credit Karen Garland
United Pegasus Foundation
Photo courtesy of United Pegasus Foundation
The mission of the United Pegasus Foundation is to provide a safe haven for equines coming off the racetracks. The United Pegasus Foundation believes that no equine should be denied a second career or a dignified retirement, no matter the reason. Since 1994, we have proudly provided retirements, rehabilitation and adoptions to hundreds of former race horses and thousands of other breeds, keeping them from an uncertain destiny.
CANTER Chicago
IN MEMORY of DENISE MARTIN, California Chrome’s Legacy of Love respectfully dedicated our fifth fundraiser to this remarkable woman.
California Chrome fans were shocked and deeply saddened at the recent passing of Denise Martin, one of Chrome’s original owners and co-breeders. She was instrumental in the success of this beloved thoroughbred, helping him to reach grand heights of fame, earnings, and prestige. A kind and gracious person, Denise always took time to mingle with Chrome’s legion of fans, sharing him, as well as herself, with an adoring public. To honor her memory, California Chrome’s Legacy of Love chose one of her favorite horse charities.
California Chrome, under the watchful eye of owner Denise Martin. San Pasqual Stakes, January 9, 2016 Santa Anita Park.
Photo credit Sharon Dominey
CANTER Chicago is your trusted resource for retiring racehorses in the greater Chicago area. Through our website and social media channels, CANTER Chicago provides the means for the public to view retiring racehorses that are located at Hawthorne Race Course and Arlington Park. This service is provided free to racing trainers and owners. CANTER is a volunteer-run organization, with all donations directly benefiting the horses.
CANTER Chicago volunteers are OTTB advocates. We believe in the tremendous heart, versatility, spirit and athleticism of thoroughbreds. We work closely with the Chicago-area racing and equestrian communities to promote the responsible retirement, retraining, rehabilitation and rehoming of these beautiful animals.
We believe – and work towards – finding a home for every horse. We love seeing CANTER Chicago alumni excelling in new careers such as jumping, eventing, cross country, polo, dressage and pleasure riding.
Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare
Victor Spider and a young friend. Photo courtesy of CTA
At Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, our mission is to provide a compassionate pathway for the retirement of racing thoroughbreds throughout the Caribbean. We believe that every horse deserves a chance at a peaceful and comfortable retirement, surrounded by people who cherish them. As the only horse rescue organization solely devoted to this cause, we are proud to make a difference in the lives of these magnificent animals.
Annually, roughly 500 Thoroughbreds are imported into Puerto Rico, ready to showcase their talent at Camarero Racetrack, which is currently home to over 1,600 thoroughbreds, making the demand for retirement services for these majestic Thoroughbreds more crucial than ever.
Beyond the Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement
Beyond The Roses Equine is an all volunteer group whose mission is to provide racing thoroughbreds, and other breeds of horses, an alternative to being sent to slaughter for human consumption or ending their careers being abandoned or neglected and to educate people in their care and welfare. Beyond The Roses Equine offers horses of all age’s rehabilitation, retraining and placement into approved homes that will offer them second careers.
When most people think about Thoroughbreds, they think of race horses running down a track, but how many think of what happens when they can no longer race? Some are lucky and move to the breeding shed, but not all race horses are so lucky. Some are sent to auctions where they are picked up to be sent to slaughter. However, thoroughbreds can and have become more, off the track than on the track. They can be retrained as eventers, jumpers, hunters, dressage horses, trail horses, or simply grateful companions. You name it, these OTTBs can do it! There is Life after the track. Own an OTTB!
Fleet of Angels
Fleet of Angels is a grass roots not for profit organization that was originally created to get more at-risk equines rescued and adopted by making transporting them more affordable. Now, Thousands of trailer owners, over 2300 layover hosts, over 500 quarantine providers, and hundreds of other service providers have joined our network. As a result, FOA has been able to help thousands of at-risk equines. Fleet of Angels has expanded its services to include providing emergency grants for 5000 +/- horses a year in response to natural disasters and other critical situations that put equine at serious risk. We are also frequently asked to take on the management of large equine crises occurring across the country to insure that at-risk horses get the help and safe haven they need.
South West Florida Horse Rescue
South West Florida Horse Rescue
MISSION: Dedicated to saving the lives of our local horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter; by providing the best vet, farrier, and feed to bring these horses back to health in a safe and positive environment. With the community in mind, we strive to gain an excellent standing with all we come in contact with. Finding “forever homes” for these horses is our priority.
VISION: To make the lives of equines in our local region of Florida better off by educating our community, providing action when warranted, and advocating owner responsibility.
MOTTO: Horse before Human.
Tierra Madre Horse and Human Sanctuary
Tierra Madre Horse & Human Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Cave Creek, Arizona that provides a forever home to previously abused, neglected, injured, abandoned, or surrendered horses. Founded in 2006, we have been saving horses for nearly two decades. We have one job: to give our horses healing, hope, and happiness. And our horses only have one job: to live the best lives they could have ever imagined.
Over the years, the humans at Tierra Madre began to recognize that while the horses were being healed, the humans were receiving healing, too. Today, the horses of Tierra Madre serve as healers in a variety of programs, continuing our mission of promoting a circle of healing between human and horse that has existed for centuries.
Our vision is that all horses will have a safe place to retire at the end of their working years and be provided a forever home in which they can live out their years in happiness. Our mission is to save each and every horse with nowhere else to go, one horse at a time.
