Offspring of Famous Horses Bring Hope to Cancer Patients

( Calvin, a 14 y.o. thoroughbred ex-race horse at Heaven Can Wait)

Discarded Offspring of Famous Racehorses Bring "HoPE" to Cancer Patients in New Program

Abandoned offspring of famous racehorses and other equines form unique healing bond with cancer patients in new program at horse sanctuary in Central California.

San Miguel, CA (PRWEB) October 28, 2009 -- HoPE - Horse Passion for Everyone - at the Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue and Sanctuary in San Miguel, California, is uniting cancer patients and survivors with the discarded offspring of famous racehorses and other equines in a successful, free program that helps both patients and horses.
"The patients and the horses, in their own way, can relate to being sick and, sometimes, feeling abandoned," states Susan Schwartz, the hands-on founder of the Sanctuary. "When the patients see these beautiful creatures that need their love, the pain of their own illness temporarily dissolves. In turn, the horses have a powerful energy they want to share and reach out to the patient."
Pair O'Docs, a grandson of Secretariat, lost 3 races and ended up a pack horse, eventually falling off a cliff - but doesn't care if the person brushing his mane has no hair. Princeton, a great grandson of Seattle Slew, was a loser as a racehorse. Discarded due to a leg injury, Princeton is now a winner in the eyes of a cancer patient who, while recuperating from chemotherapy, leads him around the ranch.
Psychotherapist Leigh Shambo, the director of H.E.A.L. (Human Equine Alliances for Learning) worked with Heaven Can Wait volunteers, providing training and developing a plan to make each session safe, inspiring, and healing for all.
The Sanctuary is an incredibly clean and peaceful environment currently housing 26 horses and donkeys. While not all of the horses in the HoPE program are ex-racehorses, all are rescues. "Many of these animals have been horribly abused," adds Schwartz, "and housing and treatment are very expensive." Yet, it is a labor of love for Schwartz who hopes that those who have racehorses, bet on them or just enjoy their own horses will make a donation to the non-profit to both help the horses find comfort and peace and to aid the cancer patients who visit them.
"All ages are welcome and no prior horse experience is required to take part in the HoPE program," notes Schwartz, "just a willingness to share your love and feelings with an animal that, somehow, knows exactly how you feel."
To make a tax-deductible donation or to find out more about the HoPE program go to: http://www.heavencanwait.us/.

Retraining a Race Horse-- A Handbook

Congratulations! You have adopted a race horse fresh off the track. You now have lifetime commitment to both the horse and to yourself to 'retrain' the "race" out of your horse.

Tranquility Farms in Tehachapi, CA has developed a 17 page tool to help the experienced as well as novice off the track thoroughbred owner to transition their ex-racer into a pleasure riding horse.

Several helpful topics are discussed such as grooming, tying the horse, lunging, saddle work and confidence building tools.

Practical insight into what a race horse knows on the track is discussed including wash racks, grooms, exercise riders and how a jockey receives a "leg up" on race day. These subjects are useful in letting your newly acquired race horse learn to unwind, relax, bond with you his adopter or trainer, and build his confidence.

Additional items in the handbook, are the subjects of ulcers, diet, hoof care along with socialization and reminders that are good to know when your race horse arrives at your barn.

http://www.tranquilityfarmtbs.org/pdf/retraining.pdf

About Tranquility Farms:

Priscilla Clark is the President of Tranquility Farms and is a lifelong horse professional. Since her earliest involvement in racing she has taken in Thoroughbreds that were injured or unwanted, and for the last ten years advocacy for humane retirement has been the main focus of her working life.

Harry A. Biszantz Memorial Center for Thoroughbred Retirement has grown to care for a constant population of 100 horses in rehabilitation, retraining, or comfortable retirement. Now known simply as Tranquility Farm, this special place of spacious barns and pastures is dedicated solely to the welfare of the Thoroughbred horse, where retiring runners enjoy the peace and appreciation they deserve, and where an unwanted broodmare or yearling can find shelter while awaiting a new life in an adoptive home.

To learn more about Tranquility Farms or to visit the ranch go to www.tranquilityfarmstb.org

Tampa Bay Downs and T.R.O.T. Partner Together for Racehorses

Bloodhorse.com announced today that Tampa Bay Downs and T.R.O.T. (Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa) have partnered to transition race horses from it's race track to T.R.O.T. The main function will be to educate the trainers of Tampa Bay Downs on the option to have their horses surrendered at the end of their racing careers either due to injury or because they can no longer be competitive as a means to re-train, rehab and/or re-home them. I applaud the efforts of both to ensure the safety of the horses. My hope is that more race tracks will follow suit.

I visited the T.R.O.T website and found this article to share:

(Reprinted from www.tampatrot.org)

The life of a racehorse is not an easy one. While the industry of horseracing is controversial amongst the general public, we recognize the courage that these horses have to go out and risk their lives in every race. Many run with known injuries; others run for years on strength and heart until their bodies are just tired and worn out. For those who run the dozens of races and make their earnings dollar by dollar, life tends to be long and difficult. These horses deserve a dignified retirement to loving homes, where they can live the rest of their lives as a friend and companion.
Unfortunately, too many of our country’s noble Thoroughbreds are ending up in poor conditions and auction lots. This is often the end of the road for these horses as many are sold to kill buyers who send them off to slaughter. Horses like Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand and the great Exceller both met their unfortunate fates in slaughterhouses. While we stand against the practice of equine slaughter, we understand that curbing these atrocities starts at home and on our local racetracks. Our goal is to offer trainers a safe means of retirement for unwanted Thoroughbreds, and the public the opportunity to welcome one of these brave horses into their homes. While the endeavor to save all of them is seemingly impossible, we will strive to help those we can to ensure their second chance at life.
Anyone who has been around Thoroughbreds knows that they have unique personalities all their own. Anyone who has accepted them into their home after racing understands the challenges, but gratitude that they exude for changing their life. All of those involved with TROT have personal experiences with OTTBs. From learning to ride, to rehabilitating a brave Thoroughbred pulled from the slop of a kill pen, and others working daily to ensure the health and safety of those who are still employed as racehorses… We understand their value, we honor their bravery, and we are committed to their safety.