ATFL News
March 2009
The equine news stories are unsettling. Thoroughbred after Thoroughbred is in need of a new home because they are no longer wanted or their owner cannot afford them. Pictures show that many of these horses are extremely skinny because there is no money to feed them. More and more horses are going through the auction only to be transported, not to a loving home, but to Mexico or Canada. The rescues can't afford to take on more horses because their donations have greatly decreased. How many more Thoroughbreds are living on borrowed time?
After the Finish Line is planning their 2009 "Majesty of Thoroughbreds" Fundraiser. I have already received many responses for silent auction donations, volunteer opportunities and fundraiser information. Our fundraiser will be held on July 30 in Del Mar, Calif. and will coincide with the Del Mar race meet. Help make our fundraiser a success for the Thoroughbreds by donating items, gift cards or services to our silent and live auctions. You can contact me at dawn@afterthefinishline.org. Table sponsorships are also available. If you live out of the area you can attend in spirit by making a donation. More details will follow in upcoming newsletters. Information about our current fundraiser, Equine Designs, can be found on our Fundraiser page.
We should stop and think how the horses are being affected when their owners suffer hardships. The innocent Thoroughbreds are unknowing victims of troubled times. We tip the valet, the waiter, the baggage handlers at the airport and many more. For those who have a passion for the Thoroughbreds and want to be help ensure their welfare off the racetrack please send the Thoroughbreds a tip. No amount is too small or too large. Donations of $5, $10 and higher are greatly appreciated. Donate what you can to help the rescued ex-racers and broodmares. Be proud of your contribution.
A Valentine's Day fundraiser, Special Horses,on the Chronicle of the Horse forum earned After the Finish Line 281"tips" of $5 and more to help three broodmares rescued from a California breeding farm. The large quantity of affordable donations earned these horses enough funding to provide them with proper medical, veterinary and farrier care as well as hay and feed. We also provided a retirement fund for T renamed Tina, the 24 year old broodmare who will remain at the rescue free from harm and neglect. Here are current pictures of RB (renamed Anna) and CM with Tina.
Colorado Thoroughbred Rescue purchased a mare and her new foal at auction that were purposely separated. The rescue reunited the two and brought them home. The mare has been adopted yet Peggy, now two years old, remains at the rescue waiting for her forever home. Peggy is a kind, gentle horse who is in perfect health. Even the perfect horses are not being adopted in this economy. Luckily for Peggy she is being well cared for and will start training to increase her chances of adoption. ATFL will sponsor Peggy to help defray the costs of the rescue.
ATFL also provided emergency funds to the Finger Lakes SPCA in upstate New York. Last September they confiscated 82 Thoroughbreds from a local farm. The SPCA continues to care for 62 of them. Their expenses are so great because each horse needed to be nursed back to health. They are regaining their weight and trust in people. Norman's Girl (graphic picture), foaled in 2005 in Kentucky, was in extremely critical condition. As a two year old she broke her maiden at Philadelphia Park. Today Norman's Girl lives a much happier life. The SPCA explained that the horses were seized at the end of summer after standing in fields with little shelter. Their coats were sun bleached and they suffered major nutritional deficiencies. Their new coats grew in their natural color.
Thank you again for your continued support of our efforts to help the rescued Thoroughbreds. We rely on the generosity of a national community of individuals, corporations and foundations who realize the significance of the work we do. Your donations are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, 
Dawn Mellen, President
After the Finish Line
