TRF SEES POSITIVE RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR FOSTER CARE PARTNERS

TRF SEES POSITIVE RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR FOSTER CARE PARTNERS

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. Under that program, a pasture-sound horse presently residing at one of TRF's 30 Satellite farms will be moved to a nearby foster farm for board and daily care.  TRF will reimburse the farm monthly for vet and farrier services, if requested.  TRF is seeking 100 farms to take between two and five horses for a minimum commitment of one year.

TRF has had a positive response to the announcement.

“Racing industry people and others have contacting us offering assistance.  Many are saying that had they thought of it sooner, they would have offered to foster one or more retired racehorses.” ,  said Hinkle. 

Hinkle said that TRF needs to both increase donations and to reduce herd costs by placing as many as 200 to 300 horses in Foster Care.

"TRF has saved thousands of Thoroughbreds from neglect and slaughter over the last 30 years, and currently supports and cares for more than 1,100 retired horses at 30 satellite farms, including nine of its showcase prison farm programs. While TRF is seeking to simultaneously accelerate its adoption efforts to reduce its herd size, its herd is healthy and even the older horses are in good condition.  Hinkle stated that TRF's charter and mission statement do not permit the TRF to euthanize horses for purely financial reasons, and that farm visits, vet reports and TRF data indicated that the condition of the herd was very good. 

Hinkle and his small staff of five employees will also be calling operators of other well-known rescue operations, of which 80 remain in the current herd to TRF, as well as farm owners throughout the country, asking for their help.   In closing, Hinkle said: "If anyone can help, please contact me at (859) 246-3080 or rhinkle@thoroughbredretirement.org.  You may also contact Sara Davenport or Matthew Williams at (859) 246-3080.”