November 10, 2020
Contact: Jennifer Stevens
jennifer@thoroughbredretirement.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Announces Three New Board Members
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is pleased to announce the election of Anita Motion, John B. Cannie, Esq., and Sarah Stein to the organization’s Board of Directors. The TRF Board provides leadership for carrying out the Foundation’s mission to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter. These new appointments to the TRF Board maintain the organization’s commitment to an active, relevant, and varied group at the helm of the oldest and largest Thoroughbred aftercare organization in the United States.
“On behalf of the TRF Board of Directors, I warmly welcome Anita, John and Sarah” shared Patrick H. Mackay, Chairman of the Board. “Each of them is a valuable addition to the TRF’s leadership. We appreciate the diversity and perspective they each bring to the organization. Their experience and backgrounds will most certainly strengthen our Board.”
Anita Motion was born in Colchester, England. After a career as an exercise rider in England and France where she specialized in the early training of young Thoroughbreds, she emigrated to the U.S. with her future husband Graham. Her riding career ended after a back injury, so she now concentrates on the business aspect of Herringswell Stables. “I am thrilled to join the board of an organization that is very close to my heart and looking forward to becoming more involved.” says Anita “ I am very impressed with the direction the TRF has gone in the last few years and I am proud to add my name to the foundation that takes a lead role in Thoroughbred retirement and lifelong care.”
Sarah Stein resides in Baltimore, Md. and is an accomplished horsewoman. She grew up riding and showing horses and has long been involved with training and riding steeplechase horses and foxhunters. Sarah managed Green Spring Valley Hunt Club Stables from 2000-2009. She earned a degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling in 2014. Sarah was the Program Manager for the TRF Second Chances Program in Sykesville, Md. from 2016-2020. “I am honored to be a part of an organization that not only serves horses, but also serves people. I have seen the profound impact the horses have had on the participants of the Second Chances Programs. I look forward to being a part of expanding the ways in which TRF can reach and change more people’s lives.”
John B. Cannie, Esq. is an attorney with the Law Office of Snyder, Kiley, Toohey, Corbett & Cox, LLP in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He and his wife Brooke reside in Saratoga, they are both passionate about horses and have spent many years around the Thoroughbred industry. Her family has been involved in thoroughbred racing for generations; her father is Billy Badget and her stepfather is Mark Hennig. John earned his law degree at the University of Kentucky College of Law. He made many friends in the racing industry during his time in Lexington. “Horses and horse racing have been a lifelong source of joy for me and my family. Joining the TRF Board enables me to return some of that joy to the equine athletes who have worked so hard to support this industry and deserve a long, safe and happy retirement from the racetrack.”
About TRF: Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to saving Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete at the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. As the oldest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their lifetime.
Best known for its pioneering TRF Second Chances program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program. At six correctional facilities across the country this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for inmates upon release from prison.
TRF cares for more than 500 rescued and retired Thoroughbreds at TRF Second Chances prison farms and Sanctuary Farms across the country. The organization is funded entirely by private donations. The TRF is accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and has a Platinum rating with Guide Star. For more information visit: https://www.trfinc.org/
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