On June 12, the newly created Lexington-based We Are Here Initiative (WAHI) will begin accepting Thoroughbreds that have been retired from horse racing due to financial and economic strain brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We Are Here, which is not an aftercare or adoption program, will serve as a layover destination for Thoroughbreds before being placed in an approved aftercare facility, so as not to inundate aftercare and adoption organizations with an influx of horses.
In the spring of 2020, the horse racing industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in many racetracks throughout the United States postponing or shortening their race meets. With limited races available for horses, many owners and smaller training operations and have suffered a financial hit, resulting in the need to retire some of their runners. Due to the possibility of historical numbers of horses needing to be placed in aftercare the We Are Here Initiative has been proactively created for the horses to facilitate their journey from the track to various aftercare organizations nationwide.
Thoroughbred owners and trainers needing to rehome their horses can contact the We Are Here hotline at 833-924-6882 (833-WAH-OTTB), which will provide information regarding the initial steps to be taken.
Thoroughbreds being rehomed to We Are Here must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this program. Horses must be registered Thoroughbreds trained by a licensed trainer in the United States; horses much be located at a US licensed racetrack or training facility, or verified to be eligible for the 2020 racing season; and horses will need a current Coggins, health certificate, and the completed “We Are Here” documentation.
“When racetracks closed down, I began to worry that the horses and their wonderful caretakers were going to need us at the very moment most aftercare facilities were either closed or dealing with severe financial strain. The Kentucky Horse Park stepped up to the plate to offer 100 stalls, and a partnership was formed with the Secretariat Center to provide a place for these horses to go until such a time as space opens in the various Aftercares nationwide,” says Dorothy Crowell, Deputy Director of We Are Here Initiative and Secretariat Center Board President.
“Horsemen and horsewomen are inherently resilient and supportive of each other in tough times. We all believe our industry will survive the crisis we are currently under, but we recognize these are threatening times in horse racing, not only financially, but in other ways that affect our day to day lives. The We Are Here initiative was put in motion to ensure race horses in need will be safe, cared for and transition to new careers. Most importantly, through this initiative we hope all horsemen and horsewomen know and understand, We Are Here to support you,” says Eric Hamelback, Executive Director of We Are Here Initiative and CEO of The National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA).
For more information about the We Are Here Initiative, to donate, or to learn more about surrendering Thoroughbreds in your care, please visit www.wahi.info. To contact the We Are Here Hotline, please dial 833-WAH-OTTB (833-924-6882).
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