The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will host an open house Dec. 3-11 at TRF Sanctuary at Chestnut Hall in Prospect, Kentucky featuring a Holiday Designer Show House to benefit the organization's herd of nearly 500 retired racehorses.
The historic farmhouse will be decorated inside and out with decor in rooms designed by Cherry House Furniture, K.P. Designs, Living Spaces by Lyn, Debhelin Designs, Little Mount Lavender, Abbey Custom Interiors, Jason Jennings Designs and All Lit Up. The event has been spearheaded by volunteer Elizabeth Rosenberg and is being staffed by volunteers and friends of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
The house will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily except Sunday when the hours are 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased at www.trfinc.org or can be purchased for $25 at the door.
The Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Northern California's oldest horse retirement and rehabilitation facility, has overcome so many daunting challenges — from severe drought to threatening wildfires and a global pandemic — since its founding 26 years ago. The non-profit foundation has survived despite rounds of increases in the cost of veterinarian care, feed, hay and other farm supplies.
But the picturesque 8 1/2-acre ranch, nestled in the rural Sonoma Valley hills near Jack London State Park in the heart of the Sonoma County wine region, could be facing its biggest obstacle yet.
The farm's 77-year-old founder and proprietor Pamela Berg is struggling to regain her strength following recent hospitalization with a bout of sepsis, which developed from an infection. Berg, who has faithfully maintained the facility and handled the daily care for GEVA's equine residents — mostly retired Thoroughbreds — with minimal volunteer assistance, is slowly recovering. But she is too weakened by her illness to perform the activities required to keep such an operation going.
Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body and attacks internal organs such as kidneys. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
“I'm home and happy to be alive, but have a long and slow road ahead of me,” Berg, a former California Horse Racing Board steward, wrote in an email.
She added that meeting unexpected expenses and more volunteer help are at the top of GEVA's list of needs. There are about 30 horses currently on the farm.
These needs will be “continuing since I won't be able to pick up where I left off,” Berg wrote. “We would welcome any and all donations for the horses and new help, which is hard to find.”
“She's a fierce bundle of energy in a small package who never quits in her fight for the welfare of her horses,” wrote Jack Shinar. “She's someone I greatly admire.”
People wishing to donate or volunteer may do so through GEVA's website at www.glenellenfarms.com/geva. The farm may be reached directly by phone at (707) 509-9110.
Old Friends Retirement Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, is set to host its 16th annual Homecoming event Sunday, May 2, from noon to 3 p.m. Dubbed 'Homecoming Lite,' the event will be restricted to 125 pre-paid guests owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets are $25 for the general public and will not be available for purchase on site. Members of Old Friends are free and children under the age of 10 are not permitted.
While the traditional silent and live auctions will be missing from this year's event, the art tent will feature photography, framed prints, pottery and more. There will also be a book table, yard sale and a collection of Kentucky Derby glasses. Food will not be served, but beverages will be available.
Reservations can be made online by visiting the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and clicking the booking button or by clicking here.
