Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

Onechaser — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:19:13 GMT

I think paying a nominal fee on every registration is a great idea. However, micro chipping sounds like a logistical nightmare. Imagine, if you have 10 foals to be chipped. Not all the foal kits arrive at the same time, so you need to get your vet up to your farm each time...ah, thats about a 75 dollar trip charge each time. Yea, the chip is cheap, but the vet bill is not. Times that by the amount of trip charges and now its no longer just ten dollars. You also would need enough vets who have the scanners for the chips. That all adds up to $$$.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

sherpa — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 01:18:46 GMT

Jen, your comment of 18 April 1:46 was probably the best of the lot:

"This is the same old, same old. Lots of talk. NO action."

Well-intentioned blogs & comments like this prod the conscience of every horse-lover and we give until it hurts to Old Friends, Re-Run, Our Mims, etc. etc.; or, if possible, adopt, as you did. (I'd love to hear the whole story of your experience!) But the INDUSTRY is not prodded. It's what you call "lip-service" - agree with the good pastor, drop a pittance in the offering-box, but no "tithing." They might as well be designing and manufacturing a crankshaft.

Of all the people who make a living from breeding/racing horses, the ones I never see listed as responsible parties are: 1)Pin-hookers - These are gamblers to an extent, but their profits in general seem to be greater than the breeder's or any but the owners of stakes/graded-winners; and 2) Sales companies/Agents, whose commissions would certainly warrant a decent contribution to their "graduates."

In short, ANYONE who makes a living - in sales, commissions, purses, whatever - from the industry should participate in the retirement funding of every horse they had a hand in.

Somewhere, I'd like to see a complete report on who profits from a given horse's life - from planning the initial pedigree breeding to the final claiming trainer or owner - and what they have given back for that horse's future. Maybe Ms. Hunter will take a look at those statistics for a future blog.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

Jane — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:31:16 GMT

Philadelphia Park Race Track (now Parx Racing) was the first racetrack in the country to institute a mandatory, automatic contribution of $10 from every owner's account each time his/her horse races to help support their rescue/adoption program called Turning For Home to benefit every horse which is either injured or simply not performing well at the track. Severely injured horses which cannot be saved by surgical procedure (vet inspection and surgery paid by the program)are humanely euthanized. Jockeys contribute $5 for every 1-2-3 mount. Needless to say, many ex-racehorses have found new homes and careers thanks to this program which finds them adoptive homes.

Penn National Racecourse in PA has also recently begun such a program with mandatory contribution by owners.

ALL racetracks across the country should follow the lead of the PA tracks.

ALL newly born foals should have to have a microchip implant prior to registration by the Jockey Club (as evidenced by a veterinary certificate)so that that they may be tracked and their breeders located. The device costs $10. The Jockey Club has on record the breeder of the foal with address and phone. All it takes is a phone call. A note on the horse's papers -- or even inclusion of the breeder's address and phone -- would be very helpful.

Registration with the Jockey Club could have an additional small charge -- say $10 -- to be placed in a fund to help rescue horses and overseen by an independent agency which responds especially to emergencies, such as the gross negligence of horses located at farms often discovered throughout America with no funds to feed them. 30,000 foals born each year equals $300,000 in funds right there -- every year.

The practice by rescue organizations of not allowing a filly or mare to be adopted for breeding once in the program must be discontinued. Not every filly is suitable to be a riding horse, and her pedigree and produce record of her family may indeed warrant her being bred. (I had a filly once which was sold on the track and new owner put her into the TRF program because she was not making enough money for him. Negotiations with her new owner broke down and she was put into the TRF program as a tax deduction for her owner. I called to "rescue" her for use as a broodmare since I am a breeder/owner of almost 3 decades, and I was told that she could not be bred.

Likewise, rescue facilities should be more open to adoption of the horses in their care for racing. I was not allowed to race the filly I tried to rescue described above. There was nothing wrong with her physically -- all she needed was a different trainer.

I tried to rescue a weanling last year which had been starved. I filled out the applications (as did the new farm where the weanling would go)and stated that I was adopting the horse to race one day. I was turned down because their veterinarian did not feel that the horse would make it as a racehorse. Now, whose decision should that have been since I was willing to raise the colt and take my chances? And of course in the meantime the rescue facility's expenses in caring for the colt continued.

It would help the sport a great deal if uniform medication rules be instituted in all states, and perhaps having additional state veterinarians inspect horses before they are allowed to leave the starting gate instead of just one.

It would help the sport if equally effective testing devices be available to every track and split samples be automatically drawn at the track's expense.

As for breeding, you cannot legislate anyone's horse to be not bred or gelded. It is their property and investment.

You CAN hope -- and I think this is true today -- that breeders see the increasing competition brought on by higher purses offered at racetracks and have begun culling their mares in earnest. I get 3 calls a week, every week, from people asking me to find a home for their mares and periodically send out "Jane's List" to people I know and trust. Many are worthy of being bred, come from racing families, but are just not stakes performers or producers themselves. And the latter is what commercial breeders seek.

The growth of nicking programs is further evidence that breeders are paying more attention to what they breed, to the stallions they choose as mates for their mares, etc. They see that there is no market for poorly bred horses which they have no money to get to the races themselves. The days of breeding a mare to the stallion around the corner to save money are diminishing. Breeders are beginning to realize that those babies cost the same to raise and race, so why not take a better shot with a better bred sire and dam?

This all takes time, of course, and education of breeders should be added to the list of things which can be done to help produce a sounder, faster Thoroughbred population in the future.

I see the racetracks doing their part. Now I would like to see the Jockey Club do its part. AND, by the way, all the state breeder organizations could also tack on $10 to their registration fees to set aside to help horses in distress in their state, again supervised by an independent organization. Heck, maybe I should volunteer to get this going. We ALL need to step up to the plate.

Jane White

Bensalem, PA

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

Mike Relva — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:43:24 GMT

JAJ

Why is it I'm not suprised by your bias toward rescues? Yeah,just leave them in the desert or where ever to die,right? You're always class all the way!

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

MP — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 01:37:48 GMT

I have said this before, and I will say it again, the tax laws have to be amended. Expeses related to horses were tax write offs up until the 1980's, when the president in office, Ronald Reagan, (a horseman) changed that probably under pressure from the bleeding heart liberals. Horses are considered a business, and yes racing is a business, read the tax laws people, you will see that horses are nothing more than a depriciable commodity, and encouraged to be disposed of if no longer bringing in inccome. Also, do not be fooled into thinking that doing away with all equine medications is for the good of the horse. That is the pro slaughter lobby getting the vote to have a drug-free product to present to their hungry horse meat eating clientele.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

onechaser — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 01:10:12 GMT

diastu, I have one question on your IRA acoount. Where would the money go, how would it be put towards the horses and who would be running this responciblilty? Or would it be just like some of the so called " horse rescues"? I know of several good horse rescues, but I have also seen some really corrupt ones. Those horses ended up in a cattle pot and shipped to Canada or Mexico. We live in a country that can't even take care of the people who are banking on Socical Security and Retirement. Take more money out of the Industry, and there will be no more race tracks and breeders. I do however like the idea of the stamp on the back of all horse papers. Given the chance, I may have purchased a few back myself. Make no mistake, It would be wonderful if every racehorse could have a happy ending, but the industry moves on. Im sure that sounds cruel,but thats part of ANY business. How many horses did you say you have??

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

diastu — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:16:17 GMT

christopherlally: Horses are companion animals that are handled, touched, groomed, talked to and loved on a daily basis. That hardly puts them into a "crop" category as might well be argued with cattle or sheep. The process of slaughter - even in this country - is inhumane and terrifying for an animal that has been bonded with and trusting of humans its entire life.

one chaser: This is the computer age. We can track anything! As for your comment that you don't want to be financially responsible for every mare you bred or foal you sold - I'm sorry, but in my book, that makes you irresponsible and part of the problem. It's like the back-yard dog or cat breeder who never follows the offspring once they leave the house. Two generations removed - they are on the e-list at the local pound.

I love the idea of an IRA account for every registered TB (or any other breed for that matter) and I love the stamp on the back of the papers to contact the breeder/original owner if a horse becomes unwanted.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

Grand Prix Show Jumper — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:54:03 GMT

Donkeyhotee's comment is VERY true. It can be very hard to find horses you are looking for, whether you want to find one you bred or if you want them as sport horse prospects. I have tried to find relatives of horses I have, and it is almost impossible once they stop racing. If they are still racing, you CAN find them.

I found one I was looking for with a very scary trainer (indicted for killing horses for insurance money - and I think also banned for cruelty at some point - but STILL ALLOWED TO RACE) and claimed him. Luckily for me, he's a very sound, talented horse, but I would have had to claim him either way once I found out about the guy who had him.

Mares that get bred can also be tracked down to some extent, but it's harder. I used to think once they were breeding they didn't need help, but I am not so sure anymore.

One more point I firmly believe, a horse's best defense in life is A JOB he can do.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

jen — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:46:04 GMT

BTW. This is the same old, same old. Lots of talk. NO action.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

jen — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:44:37 GMT

I have 2 Ottbs that I bought in a paddock sale at Fairmount park. I was completely sound and one was numbed up to sell. He was a Lanes End bred horse and fortunately his injury was soft tissue and He has completely recovered to become a dressage horse that astounds people with willing attitude and ability to learn. If it had been up to his trainer, he would have been on someones dinner plate. Instead he is a productive horse with a big future ahead of him. I gave him that chance and all those others need the chance too.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

moodygirl — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:01:37 GMT

RE: Donkeyhoteee's comment. Why aren't the TBs tracked through the Jockey Club? When there is a new owner aren't the horse's papers put in the new owner's name??? Does anyone know? and if not, why isn't this done? They certainly charge enough money to register the horse.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

sceptre — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 01:02:53 GMT

Directly after submitting my last post, I visited charts for today's races at Santa Anita. So, take a look at their 3rd race today (Sunday)-horse that finished last-"Tokubetsu" (as favorite). Notice the chart caller's comment-"Broke down of his own accord". (I later learned he was euthanized). What a "sanatized" way of stating that the horse broke down-and is dead! Here was a relatively well-bred 3 yr. old colt, making his 4th lifetime start-he had beaten the eventual SA Derby winner 2 races back. His sire was a top racehorse (many starts), and his dam has been a very successful producer.-so, sire and dam wouldn't have been "rejected" from the breeding pool under any circumstance. So, what's wrong here-was this just a "freak" occurance?-I doubt it, but likely we'll never know. Yes, they may do an autopsy, but we'll never learn the findings. Keep in mind that many respected vets state that well over 90% of all fatal breakdowns had a PREEXISTING PATHOLOGY-discoverable. Remember that comment-"...of his own accord"? Hmm, he didn't run up on anyone's heels, etc. Wouldn't you say, pretty likely he had an existing pathology? Could it have been "uncovered" beforehand?-Probably, if there was a mandate (and the will and $) to do so. These horses must be afforded more oversight (even in Baffert's barn), and we must be made aware of all the details each time this disgusting event occurs. Stop trying to protect the trainers/overseers, and start focusing on the protection of the horse.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

sceptre — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:21:15 GMT

The problem is obvious, but the solutions, albeit needed "yesterday", far less apparent, involving very difficult ethical and fiscal issues, among others. That is why I offered in my earlier post only some very broad suggestions. To those here who offered more specific ideas, while most are good-intentioned, to my mind many are lacking in perspective and/or not well reasoned. I must admit that "the best for the most"-pragmatic argument- is compelling, but see it as debatable, rather than deemed a "given". Most specifically, I OBJECT to the notion that mass euthanasia (and let's not kid ourselves, it would be MASSIVE) is by necessity undeniably part of the solution. Rather, I see it as entirely possible (within the context of a well thought out plan) that the vast majority of the infirm can also be saved- and saved to a life of relative content. Too often it is the observer, rather than the subject, that is "pained" to witness one is in less than ideal form/condition. To the blogger who suggested that these matters are best "reviewed" and decided by vets, allow this annecdote: I had a 9 yr. old cat that was in need of a $10,000 + surgery. I mentioned this to an equine vet I highly respected. Her immediate position was that I forego the surgery (let my cat die), and instead donate those funds to an animal shelter. Yes, hers was the "greater good" argument, and a compelling one, but are we all so certain that a) it would be for the greater good, and b) is "greater good" the determining virtue? That aside, there is also another issue (among many)-whose greater good?- mans or animals? I offer this just as example of some of the ethical issues involved. They are worth pondering before reaching specific conclusions/directives. On a another issue, some have suggested that fewer horses be bred, and/or that those of lesser "quality" be excluded from right of registration (an effective means to eliminate many from production). From the standpoint of saving more lives, it would be preferable to breed only the soundest race horses, but I strongly doubt that we have the present ability (know how) to accomplish this. I feel, rather, that we direct our efforts to far better monitoring of the racehorse in training-far more stringent oversight, and greater use of availabale technology. Also, it is a myth that the "better bred" racehorse stays sounder. For that matter, all else equal, the faster, more talented racehorse, is often in greater jeopardy-since speed and soundness don't go hand and hand, the faster it runs, the more likely the potential for injury. Also, if less racehorses are bred, there will be less horseracing. If less horseracing is fine, how about no horseracing? If no horseracing, far fewer will be injured, the ratio of supply/available homes will be drastically reduced, etc. This then leads to the ultimate question- is it better to have existed than to have not existed at all?...Anyway, these are but a few of many issues to be considered. Yes, there is urgent need to do more now, and swiftly. Some of these larger questions may be beyond answer, but many others can be resolved to good end through those equipped with true perspective, skill at reasoning, and altruistic motives.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

skyfire — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:13:44 GMT

TRF tries to help quite a few horses - cudos to them. I have adopted a retired, failed racehorse who is a lovely companion ...how many horses does Old Friends help?

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

Freetex — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:33:49 GMT

Are horses considered livestock?

Are horses considered as part of this nation's heritage in a very big way?

Do unwanted thoroughbreds have a right to life beyond their racing days (some very limited)?

When will we stop using unwanted horses and for that matter our pets as throwaways?

This questions pose more questions. The facts is that racing has lost much of its fame because people found out the ultimate fate of many, many, thoroughbreds.

The thoroughbred is much more than a racing machine and food for foreign countries.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

R.A.C.E. Fund, Inc. — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:50:36 GMT

Our organization has advocated for a percentage of the gross purse money as not only do the horses deserve it but that is where the money is to fund racehorse retirement and rescue. There must be substantial perpetual funding as racehorse retirement is an ongoing process. There should be mandatory fees for breeders to pay as well as in conjunction with everyone making their living by horses contributing such as the owner of racetracks, jockeys, etc. An endowment is also needed to secure funds for long term retirees. It is the industry's responsibility to take if their own. There would be no racing or jobs for anyone if it were not for the horses. The industry's mindset about funding for racehorse retirement must change as the horses need to be part of the equation every time.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

txhorsefan — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:15:13 GMT

Thank you!! I have always enjoyed your articles on breeding and your exhaustive pedigree research and knowledge, but this blog has to be right up there with my very favorite. Thank you for making clear what needs to be said. Bravo!

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

christopherlally — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 00:21:32 GMT

The truth needs no defense and inhumane conditions have no defense.

Horses are a crop which needs to be humanely harvested. The current situation os an embarrassment. There are federally inspected slaughterhouses right here in America. But there is no harvest of this important food crop here. Instead horses are sent to horrid places over the border. This is the situation which causes a black eye on our industry. It is about time the truth is told. It needs no defense.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

Lone Star Gal — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:39:21 GMT

Fans need to do something to help these horses as well. Donating even $5 to rescue foundations, like LOPE, Remember Me Rescue (a small organization that trainers Dallas & Donna Keen run out of their ranch in Burleson, Texas) and every other organization out there, goes a long way. People think that donations have to be large, but the organizations appreciate even the small donations, as it helps them with feed, vet, farrier, retraining, etc. If someone wins at the betting window, they should be asked right then if they want to make a donation to help ex-racehorses.

Trainers also need to realize that not every horse at their barn is a racehorse. There are 6,7 & 8 yo horses who have only won $10,000 in their career, those horses should have been retired and retrained years ago. No horse should ever race for 3 to 5 years and make that little amount of money and still be on the track. It isn't always the trainer on that, though, the owners need to take a hard look at these horses and just learn when to say "Ok, this horse isn't a race horse, let's retire and find him a home and a new career". Unfortunately, there are times where it seems to be all about the "prestige" of saying that they own a Thoroughbred race horse. :(

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

one chaser — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:25:34 GMT

An IRA for mares? and who would be keeping track of all this? The racing industry is suffering track closures and bankrupcy. First of all, The breeders take all the financial risks anyway, so how is it fair they should have to pay into a loosing foal or a poor broodmare? The industry is what it is, and with a little luck, the only thing that will help is if people BREED RESPONSIBLY. Better bred horses will be sounder and more likely to race longer. I rescued a retired race horse and he is nothing more than a pasture pet. I also breed racehorses, but that doesn't mean I want to be financially responsible for every mare I bred and every foal that was sold.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

racefund girl — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:09:10 GMT

the industry must provide the funding for the retirement of the horses, why should anyone else bare that burden , the people who bring them into this world and those that race them need to insist on funding from purses at every track, every race, everyday. the horses deserve a percentage of what they run their lives for.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

Dawn in MN — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 11:26:59 GMT

Ms. Hunter,

I am in complete agreement with your position. The Thoroughbred horse racing industry needs to address this issue in a practical way. Some viable method for funding the care and re-homing of the healthy retired Thoroughbreds is the best route. A humane end for those horses whose quality of life is diminished by their service to the sport must be provided. The industry needs something like the commissioner of baseball. Viable rules, and consistent enforcement of rules that protect the horses at the track and address the needs of the horses that are too sick or broken to go on to new careers must be enacted for the sake of the horses. The industry needs to create its own positive publicity. The situation with the TRF is only the latest revelation and the tip of the iceberg.

I applaud those in the industry who make the effort to see to the needs of the horses that are no longer money makers. I applaud those who see to it that the horses at the end of their racing or breeding careers find new careers. It is the perception of this racing fan that those persons in the industry are few and far between. It is the opinion of this fan that it would be better to euthanize horses where they live rather than subject them to the fate of traveling to strange places that end in a terrible death at a slaughter house. This issue is so huge that it negatively impacts my perception of the sport and I am a big fan of Thoroughbred horse racing. I wonder how many ex-fans have been created by the industry's failure to create uniform practices and policies on the issues surrounding the treatment of ex-racers.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

christy tate — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:19:59 GMT

i agree with this columnist, especially on not breeding low quality horses,the penalties trainers should face for over medication, and humane ends for older horses. perhaps if reitirement and rescue facilties were allowed to run more like pounds for dogs and cats, then the problem of the unwanted horse might be less of a problem. im also in favor of a spaying and neuturing program for horses. i think that gelding colts who arent stallion material is a great idea,too.

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

donkeyhoteeee — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 05:05:44 GMT

I know that no one is reading comments anymore but i wish they would. KEEPING TABS, how can we do it? I have clients right now that are interested in buying specific horses that raced last year but have suddenly dropped out of sight. They want to buy them right at the end of their productive racing careers, not when they have been shipped around to lesser tracks and trainers and been hardened or injured. How can I find out the staus of these horses, where they are and who owns them? If there were a data base like this more performnce horse people would buy a racehorse before it goes downhill and retrain it. How hard would this be,and I'm just one person, there are many more potential buyers. We could do this, it's just information and helps the owners of the racehorses as well instead of them just going for claimer after claimer until the horse is broken down. Cant someone solve this, it would help a LOT of horses and owners!

re: Neglected Ex-Racers Are a Black Eye on the Thoroughbred Industry

julie — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:18:16 GMT

Thank-you Diana_NV for taking care of your horses and hats off to PomDeTerre for being able to save at least one your whole story though brought tears to my eyes. everyone had some really good ideas.My husand and I were able to rescue an exracer he had been nearly starved to death and had so many parasites the vet thought he would not live through the deworming process well he did make it and he is the best most loving willing horse I have ever had.I do my best to send donations to one of the retirement centers and to my local center as we have many abandoned horses in my state too.I don't know the answer to this immense problem but with folks like those above and the breedes/owners that are and are becoming more responsible each and every one we save is a WIN! Thank-you