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Retirement Farms for Horses© Greg Melikov
Nov 16, 1999
We hear from people who don't believe racing is good for horses. We see thoroughbreds go down who must be destroyed. There are more negatives about this industry than in a photographer's dark room.
But there are many good aspects to this Sport of Kings. Have you ever wondered where horses not good enough for breeding go when their racing days are over?
There's a place in Florida -- a 120-acre farm in Ocala that is receiving up to 50 retired thoroughbreds who have raced in the Sunshine State. Inmates from the Marion County Correctional Institution care for them on a daily basis.
Contributions came from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA), Calder Race Course, Gulfstream Park and the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA).
Each contributor pledged an annual donation over 10 years.
"We feel the Florida farm, including its formation, operation and funding participation from many in the sport of racing, will act as a model for other states," said Monique Koehler, chairman of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
"The FHBPA is proud to participate in a program whose aim is to ensure the well-being of our retired racehorses. We feel it is the responsible thing to do," said Kent Stirling, FHBPA executive director.
Mike Cronin, Calder's vice president in charge of marketing, was named chairman of the farm's executive board. "With the participation from so many organizations, this unified effort will help the horses who make our sport possible while, at the same time, making a positive impact for society through our rehabilitative programs for the horses' caregivers."
This is one of three such retirement farms in the country. There probably will be more.
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