from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation

Millstone Township, NJ — The Standardbred Retirement Foundation is feeling pressure from the demands of their mission. With more than 200 Standardbreds under their full care and expense it is preventing them from helping seven with only one more day before the “kill buyer” ships them to the slaughterhouse.

In the last few weeks, SRF took in six that were in the same situation and they have a waiting list for others that owners are holding.

“We cannot help right now, we don’t have the funds, the facilities, the help, or the potential homes,” says Judy Bokman, SRF’s Executive Director. “It is a painful thing to say, but rather than just turn our heads we are listing these horses so people whose lives they have touched can choose to step up and help directly.”

When slaughter was banned in the US one could only assume that the intent was to humanely euthanize horses. It is a difficult decision to make but rather than send them to this horrific end one might consider a different solution. It is the hope that those who have had some relation to these horses in the past will help, perhaps breeding farms will give one sanction, or even consider taking a babysitter from SRF so they can take one of these well deserving geldings.

Kelly Smith is the contact person who will assist anyone willing to pay the “killer price.” Prices generally run $550-$850 to provide for the horse by offering a home or another means of a safe future. These horses are near New Holland, Pa., and someone offering help should be prepared to quarantine or board the horse in isolation for two weeks, a recommendation per veterinarians.

Kelly has offered her assistance with arrangements.

The seven horses are:

Dr Potts, 10-year-old (Indiana) trotting gelding, Royal Troubador-Super Prissy, earnings $107,586, Tattoo FB 6B745. Price: $950. Tag #132

Major Morgan, 16-year-old (Canada) trotting gelding, Orbel G.G.-N G A Pride, earnings $50,362, Tattoo FB TY825. Price $950. Tag #425

Approximately 15-year-old pacing mare or gelding, unknown at this time, Price $600. Tag #464

Kg’s Raider (Possibly-difficult to read tattoo) (Delaware) trotting gelding, Sir Taurus-Kg’s Sassy, Tattoo FB VC496. Price $800. Unraced. Tag #422

Zulu Gabe, 18-year-old (Canada) trotting gelding, Quickdraw Chip-Karo Gabe, earnings $14,621, Tattoo FB 2DL60. Price $750. Tag 437.

World Beast (Possibly-tattoo difficult to read), 13-year-old pacing gelding, Village Jove-Beauty N The Beast. earnings $46,900, Tattoo FB X9778. Price $600. Tag #463

Aged Gelding, Illegible Tattoo. Price $600. Tag #430

SRF adds that it appears that all have been used as working animals and that most have evidence of prior racing injuries on their hocks and cannon bones. Generally, the Amish community turns their workhorses over at about the age of 11, but this group is a little older. The oldest is a tall black gelding who has lost the glimmer in his eyes and is ready to give up.

“These horses usually take a few weeks to “come down” from their previous lives, appearing stoic for a while, but within a month or so they show their personality and make wonderful pleasure riding horses and companions,” explains Bokman.

Many charities are full right now, the winter has made it difficult to find homes. If you are thinking of saving a horse but must ask another charity to help, SRF suggests asking whether they have a mandatory follow-up program that will protect the horse from this same potential fate.

“Every charity is different, and so is everyone’s level of care,” says Paula Campbell, SRF’s President.

It is recommended that if finding a home on your own that you reference SRF’s adoption agreement on their website at www.Adoptahorse.org for requirements to implement.

Kelly Smith can be reached at 717.324.1644 but she must be contacted quickly as they will be shipping on Thursday (March 26). If you are unable to reach her quickly you may call SRF at 732.446.4422 and they will help.