from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation

Millstone Twp., NJ — Standardbred Retirement Foundation recently asked the ASPCA of Delaware to assist when the adopter of Kokorama, a 13-year-old gelding, stopped complying with his agreement to produce a semi-annual veterinary follow-up form.

Bryan Bare of Delmar, Md., adopted the gelding in July 2012 and complied until recently. Upon numerous efforts on SRF’s part by telephone, letters, and finally with the help of the ASPCA, SRF was able to determine that Kokorama was in a condition 3-4 on the Hennekke scale, 5-6 is what is required.

This was Kokorama’s third home since he came to the program in 2009.

“Much goes into protecting these horses because the average home is just under four years. People have a change of lifestyle, financial issues, there are many reasons a horse is left uncared for. SRF knows that without being there to follow-up for life the risk is great that their initial effort to help a horse will easily result in risk for slaughter,” remarked Paula Campbell, President of SRF.

Kokorama was trailered from Maryland to New Jersey to a safe facility and is under SRF’s care. It is expected that it will take a few months to get him healthy and at a good weight again, get his feet shaped properly after a few trims and then back under saddle. With all that time winter will be upon us and with adoptions slow during that season the gentle giant may be with SRF until next summer. To offer Kokorama a foster home, or to adopt him, please contact SRF at adoptions@srfmail.com.

SRF is 25 years old, unique in its mission as it provides for Standardbreds only, never relinquishes ownership, and follows every horse for life. Some 195 Standardbreds are under SRF’s full care, all hoping for a safe home; 115 are retired for life due to age or injury. To send a tax-deductible gift kindly see SRF’s website at www.Adoptahorse.org.