When the Winning Stops: the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Is Saving Racehorses

Today, Elise is welcoming Kim Weir, the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.   Founded in 1983, the TRF is the oldest and largest equine sanctuary of its kind in the world! Its mission to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter. The sad truth is that over 10,000 American racehorses each year are shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. It is this reality that the TRF is determined to change.   In this episode, Kim speaks about some of the amazing work that the TRF is doing for retired Thoroughbreds, gives her perspective about what it is like to work with these horses every day and be a part of an amazing community, and why you should consider an off-the-track Thoroughbred to adopt in the future. She also speaks about the TRF’s incredible program for inmates called the Second Chances Program. She explains how it helps both the horses and the prisoners, how the inmates get selected for the program, and the profound impact it has on all those participating.   The work Kim and TRF do is absolutely amazing. You won’t want to miss this week’s episode detailing all that they do for retired Thoroughbreds!   Topics of Discussion: [:18] About today’s episode. [:53] Kim elaborates on the sad truth that happens to many Thoroughbred horses born and raised to race after they can no longer run — or, are simply not fast enough. [3:20] Kim gives some insight into what the Thoroughbred racehorse industry is like and what happens to horses after their racing career ends. [7:07] TRF’s history and their first retiree, Promised Road, and how he helped pave the way. [11:24] About EquestFile, the awesome software program that helps you track all your important horse and barn details! [12:11] Some of the practices that TRF employs to ensure the horses’ lifelong wellbeing. [17:11] About TRF’s continued involvement with people who adopt their horses. [21:57] What it is like for Kim to be a part of such a large and passionate community all working on behalf of these horses? [24:38] What Kim wants the world to know about off-the-track Thoroughbreds. [29:07] Why you should consider an off-the-track Thoroughbred: there is, literally, a horse for every need. [31:19] More than just helping horses: TRF’s Second Chances Program for inmates. [36:46] The profound effect TRF’s Second Chances Program has had on participating inmates. [41:04] How do inmates get selected for the program? [43:52] The parallels between the horses and the prisoners. [47:56] About the beautiful relationship between the horses and the men in the TRF Second Chances program. [56:58] How to adopt a horse from TRF! [1:01:05] Why adopting a horse from TRF may be perfect for you. [1:04:38] About next week’s episode of Because of Horses. [1:06:12] Where to learn more about TRF, what Kim is up to, and all the ways to get involved.   Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story! To recommend someone please send an email to [email protected].   Mentioned in this Episode: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation TRF’s Facebook Page The Kentucky Derby The Triple Crown The Preakness The Belmont Penny Chenery Secretariat Monique S. Koehler EquestFile (Use coupon code: BOH10 to receive a 10% discount for two months off your subscription) TRF Second Chances Program Next episode of Because of Horses   Like what you hear? Because of Horses would love to hear your feedback! Please email [email protected] to send Because of Horses your thoughts.   To Support the Podcast: ● Donate on Paypal to help keep Because of Horses running — all amounts are welcome! ● Subscribe: RSS Feed, iTunes, Google Play, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Player FM