Tag: Horse Care

Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) was recently advised by the Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) that it would be receiving a 2022 grant in support of FLTAP's work to transition equine athletes to a productive and fulfilling life after their time competing on the track.

FLTAP was determined by the TCA Board of Directors that the grant request upheld the mission of the TCA, which is to fund and facilitate the support of Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. As part of the evaluation process, FLTAP received a designation from Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions.

Additionally, a portion of the grant is made possible by the Race to Give. The Race to Give is an online giving and awareness campaign designed to raise money for Thoroughbred aftercare programs and initiatives, created by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

'We are honored and appreciative of the TCA's continued support of our commitment to give Thoroughbreds a second chance at a productive career after their racing days,' stated FLTAP Board President Kim DeLong. 'These funds will support our daily operations that support the health and well-being of Thoroughbreds currently in our care while we transition them to their next home.'

The grant marks the 11th time that the TCA has recognized FLTAP since its inception.

About Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP): FLTAP obtained 501(c) 3 certification in May 2006. Since its inception, over 700 horses have found new homes and careers as a result of the program, which operates in collaboration between Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR) and the Finger Lakes Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FLHBPA). The Purple Haze Center serves as its headquarters, making FLTAP the first and only Thoroughbred adoption facility on the grounds of a racetrack in North America.

About Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA): TCA is a grantmaking organization that offers a way to give to one organization while helping many. For more than three decades, TCA has provided over $25 million in grants to more than 200 Thoroughbred-related organizations.

About Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack: In operation since 1962, the facility added gaming to its offerings in 2004, and expanded again in 2013 by adding 33,000 square feet of additional gaming space and other amenities. Nearly two million visitors annually visit the facility highlighted by over 1,100 gaming machines, the 448-seat Vineyard Buffet, Remedy Bar & Lounge, as well as live and simulcast thoroughbred racing. Gaming doors open at 8am. Racing doors open at 11:30am daily. For more information, visit fingerlakesgaming.com.

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Pasturing horses can promote better mental and physical health compared to stalling. While pastures allow horses the opportunity to increase their physical activity, factors such as weather may impact whether or not they take advantage of this opportunity. Researchers at Michigan State University evaluated the effects of temperature, humidity, precipitation and wind speed on horse movement in the pasture.

The study was conducted using two groups of mature, adult horses (8 to 19 years old) on similarly managed farms. During the study, the horses had free access to water, shelter and forage (hay during winter and fresh pasture during summer). At five independent times between January and August, 2019, the horses were equipped with trackers that recorded number of steps, standing time, number of lying bouts and lying time.

Researchers found that temperature, humidity, precipitation and wind speed did not directly impact horse movement. Differences in number of steps and lying time were observed between farms and across testing periods. These results suggest that other factors (e.g., ground condition, age, breed, blanketing) may impact horse activity while pastured and warrant additional research.

The post Does Weather Effect Activity Levels of Pastured Horses? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Legendary Pimlico Race Course will once again play host to the popular Canter for a Cause Sunday, Oct. 30, giving the public an opportunity to walk, trot, canter, or gallop their favorite horse or pony on the same track that has hosted legends like Seabiscuit and Secretariat.

Sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, Canter for a Cause is scheduled to run from 10 AM to 3 PM, rain or shine. Registration is $60 per trip, with proceeds going to benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).

Entries will be taken in four groups – Seabiscuit (walk, trot, canter, and gallop), Secretariat (walk, trot, and slow canter), War Admiral (walk and trot) and Ben's Cat (lead line). Each registrant will be assigned a ride time, requests to ride with friends should be made in advance. Participants will also have their picture taken by the official track photographer in the winner's circle.

All horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test within 12 months. All riders must sign a waiver and wear approved helmets, and riders under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No colts, stallions, or ridglings are allowed.

Pimlico is the second-oldest racetrack in the country, opened in 1870. Known as Old Hilltop and home of the Preakness Stakes (G1), Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, Pimlico has seen such stars as War Admiral, Affirmed, Curlin, Rachel Alexandra, Gallorette, and Smarty Jones race over its main track.

Registration closes Monday, Oct. 24 at 5 PM. Don't wait, space is limited, and the entry deadline is firm.

To register and pay by credit card, call the Pimlico Ticket Office at 877-206-8042.

For full rules and event description visit www.usponyracing.com

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A life-size bronze sculpture of Secretariat running in the field at the legendary Claiborne Farm – along with a three-story mural of him winning the 1973 Kentucky Derby – are the centerpieces of a new park planned on Main Street in downtown Paris, Ky., to mark the 50th anniversary of the Thoroughbred's storied Triple Crown Run.

Details of the project were announced Thursday by a group of Bourbon County citizens and the Hancock family of Claiborne Farm. The project is a long-time dream for the community where Secretariat lived most of his life and where he is buried.

The park is an homage to Secretariat's career as the most famous Thoroughbred in history. The project will be completed on Nov. 11, 2023 – exactly 50 years after Secretariat arrived at Claiborne Farm for his breeding career.

“Secretariat will forever have a lasting influence on Claiborne Farm for many reasons,” said Walker Hancock, president of Claiborne. “It is wonderful that people from all around the globe can visit our town with this initiative being a great way to further memorialize a sports legend.”

The project is privately funded by local citizens and businesses, with Claiborne Farm as the presenting sponsor.

“Secretariat is the most famous racehorse of all time – and, for many people, the only Thoroughbred whose name is known worldwide,” said photographer Bobby Shiflet, owner of Frames on Main Gallery in Paris and a member of the committee planning the project. “We are creating this park to honor this hometown legend – and to have a place on Main Street for people to learn about Secretariat for generations to come.”

Blue Grass Federal, based in Paris, has announced a community challenge grant for the project. Blue Grass will donate $25,000 to the project and will match other donors, dollar for dollar, up to an additional $25,000. People who wish to donate and have their dollars doubled may send donations to The Secretariat Park Foundation, PO Box 8, Paris, Ky. 40362.

“Blue Grass Federal is so proud to make this commitment to our Paris-Bourbon County community,” said Blue Grass Federal President & CEO Shanda Smith. “As the local downtown bank, we're excited about the opportunity to help our community thrive by supporting this important legacy project that will draw additional visitors and attention to our special hometown.”

“We hope everyone will consider making a donation of any size,” Smith added. “Working together, we can further revitalize downtown Paris.”

Secretariat Park, at 525 Main Street, will be transformed into a green garden with lush landscaping, benches and accent lighting. The centerpiece is a life-sized bronze of Secretariat romping in the field.

The artist is Jocelynn Russell of Washington state, who also sculpted the bronze of Secretariat in Lexington, Ky. The Paris sculpture will be different from other Secretariat sculptures because it depicts him at Claiborne, where he lived from 1973 to his death in 1989, rather than racing. Russell's inspiration for the bronze is a photo taken by the celebrated thoroughbred photographer Tony Leonard.

The park also includes a three-story mural of Secretariat winning the Derby by celebrated Kentucky equine artist Jaime Corum. It will be painted on the side of the former 1933 Baldwin Hotel, which has been historically renovated.

Work on the mural begins in October. The redesigned park and the bronze will be completed late next year, on Nov. 11, 2023 – exactly 50 years to the day Secretariat arrived at Claiborne for his breeding career.

The project is part of a broader effort to redevelop downtown Paris, the entirety of which is on the National Register of Historic Places. In recent years, numerous Main Street buildings have been renovated and new businesses have opened.

All individuals or businesses who contribute $100 or more will be recognized at the park.

The Secretariat Park Foundation is a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.

People can follow the park's progress on Facebook and Instagram (@SecretariatParkInc)

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