A Note from Norah Pollard

My dad, Red Pollard, loved horses—especially Seabiscuit, the Thoroughbred he rode to recovery and raced to victory.  Red would be so glad to know that there are now horse rescues for the Thoroughbreds and broodmares that have given so much to us and now need us to give them love and care in return.

Dawn Mellen and Friend
After the Finish LineTM President Dawn Mellen and friend.

 

 

ATFL NEWS

October 2007

Dear Friends,

It's official!  After the Finish LineTM is no longer a dream but a reality.  We have worked hard to reach this point and intend to work even harder for the Thoroughbred racehorses and broodmares that can no longer race or breed. Your donations will help rescue these horses and will help support the rescue and retirement organizations that will take the horses into their programs.

The response to the launch of After the Finish LineTM has been tremendous. Like minded people like yourselves have filled our email boxes with well wishes and notified us of donations.  We encourage you to Get Involved.  By donating to After the Finish LineTMTM you are acknowledging your commitment to Thoroughbred horses.  Our goal is to establish a National community of supporters that realize the significance of the work we do.

After the Finish LineTM has been published in The Bloodhorse, New Nonprofit to Aid Retired Thoroughbreds.  We will be on "Focus in the Mix with Denise Ames" on Burbank TV throughout the month of November. I was a guest on the radio show Today @ the Races hosted by Joey Adams in Louisville, KY.  If you read the racing forums you will see me post as After the Finish LineTM.

When you are at the racetrack you watch these noble racehorses parade through the paddock.  You stand in awe of their majesty.  Their coats shine and their tails glisten.  They prance past you with their heads up and nostrils flared.  Just when you think you have seen the most beautiful horse  another goes by that takes your breath away.  As the horses approach the racetrack your heart starts to race.  You grin from ear to ear.  Your emotions make you tremble ever so slightly.  On the track your eyes are glued to the starting gate as the horses burst forward.  Their hooves thunder past your seat.  You shout, Come on! Go! Go! Go!  And then the thrill of the chase at the wire.  Who will win?  The front runner?  The closer who comes from 8 lengths behind?  It’s anyone’s guess.

Please remember to share your winning tickets with the horses that give you so much excitement.  The horses that give it their all on the racetrack to provide you with a thrill of a lifetime. I hope our cause compels you to make a difference in the lives of Thoroughbred racehorses and broodmares.  As our donations increase, our ability to rescue more horses also increases. 

So often we expect something tangible in return for our good deeds.  The meaningful reward for your act of kindness is the ability to give life to an animal that is less fortunate.  Please recommend After the Finish LineTM to your friends, family and co-workers.  Together we can spread the word to help Thoroughbred racehorses and broodmares.

To learn more, ask questions or Get Involved please contact After the Finish LineTM at
dawn@afterthefinish-line.org.   

Sincerely,

Dawn Mellen, President
After the Finish LineTM