ATFL News
November 2008
Dear Friends,
Unfortunately, too many Thoroughbreds are discarded by those who no longer
reap their financial gains. The rescues are having a difficult time due to
the downturn in the economy. After the Finish Line can only help as many
horses as our funds allow. We can accomplish our goals with your help. This
year your
donations have benefited
countless horses at over twenty rescue organizations in California and
across the United States. Each month we are able to give more and
more funding to the Thoroughbreds because of your generosity. Remember, ATFL
board members are not salaried. All the donations we receive directly
benefit the Thoroughbreds. Thank you for your continued support.
Our newsletters are also intended to educate the public about the health,
protection, preservation and alternative career options for the
Thoroughbreds. After the Finish Line helps these Thoroughbreds
transition off the track and out of the breeding shed into a second career
where they will learn to just be a "horse" again. These Thoroughbreds are
amazingly talented and have a will to learn, succeed and please. It is very
gratifying to be able to help horses that we will never meet, yet know they
are living a better life because of After the Finish Line.
After the Finish Line understands that Thoroughbreds need our help everyday.
Our emergency fund was established to provide year round assistance to
Thoroughbred rescue organizations to help support the horses in their care
and to rescue additional horses. November's emergency funds are being
used for a variety of reasons. After
the Finish Line will provide emergency funds to United Pegasus Foundation in
California. UPF supports 66 Thoroughbreds. As you can imagine, the monthly
hay cost for these champions is steep. ATFL will assist this rescue with
their monthly hay expense.
Later this month ATFL will save another Thoroughbred at New Holland
auction. Whimsical Horse Rescue, located in Delaware, will attend this
Pennsylvania auction and bring home one lucky horse. This horse will have
the opportunity to transition off the racetrack and show its potential in a
second career. ATFL was created for Thoroughbreds that have no means of
support when their racing and breeding careers are over. They should never
be sent to an auction. There are alternatives to slaughter. We will update
this story in next months newsletter.
ATFL will also donate funds to Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR).
WannaCruz
(aka "Cruz"), a 26 y.o. Thoroughbred mare, came to CHR because her guardian
of the past 14 years fell on hard times after leaving a domestic violence
situation. Cruz had previously ran in claiming races, then transitioned into
a jumping career, a lesson program and then a broodmare. While at a safe
house, Cruz's owner was unable to oversee her horse's care. Cruz was put on
pasture over the summer and lost about 300 lbs. Cruz's
front teeth are so broken and worn that she could not graze
causing her weight loss. Her owner donated Cruz to the rescue because she
knew she had to do right by the horse. At CHR, Cruz is on a vet prescribed
weight gain diet and is receiving the care she needs to bring her back to
full health.
Have you ever seen a horse paint? I recently assisted
Turkoman,
a graded stakes winner of over $2 million dollars, as he painted to raise
funds for Our Mims Retirement Haven in Kentucky. This painting is donated by
CERF. Our Mims specializes in restoring the health and spirit of aged
broodmares. Turkoman has a special connection to Our Mims. Taba, Argentina's
1975 Champion two year-old filly, was the dam of Turkoman. She resided at
the facility for four months before she passed away at the tender age of 32.
Turkoman's sire Alydar was Our Mims younger brother. Our Mims will auction
the painting for a fundraiser.
Here is some additional press that ran last month. An article called
After the
Finish Line: Off and Running appeared in the Fairplex
Park blog. Scroll down to read this story. Also, Paul Moran, who has covered
Thoroughbred racing for over 30 years posted our October newsletter on
his blog,
Paul Moran at the races: News from the rescue front.
Please continue to be a messenger for the Thoroughbreds. Forward our
newsletters to your contact lists. After the Finish Line has the attention
of racing fans and equine supporters throughout the United States.
Please consider a year end charitable
donation to save
the Thoroughbreds.
Sincerely,
Dawn Mellen, President
After the Finish Line