Some Sunday smiles from SRF

Cream Ridge, NJ – 4/28/2024–It was just another day at the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF), when it was made aware of an older mare in Peabody, Kansas at risk for slaughter.

After raising some funds and the deadline nearing it secured her safety. Once a shipper and a facility were lined up the mare was on her way to quarantine. On the way the shipper stopped and checked on them. The cutest little faced popped up, the mare had delivered a little filly in the trailer. SRF’s phone rang. The mare was dehydrated, emaciated, had no milk, was sick and would not let the baby near her.

It didn’t sound right to SRF’s Director, Judith Bokman so she requested the freezebrand, but there was no brand or wand to check for a microchip. A photo was sent. The mare was a big but emaciated chestnut with a white blaze. She had no resemblance to a Standardbred. One has to wonder if the wrong mare was sent from the pen, but either way this mare and baby needed help and SRF was not going to walk away. After some untangling of information, it learned that a second mare was on the trailer. The girls were confused. The chestnut was someone else’s rescued horse from the kill pen heading to the same facility. The shipper continued on the trip bringing both mares and the foal to the intended facility for quarantine. She was hoping they would be equipped to manage a very sick mom, and a dejected baby.

When she called the true owner of the horse to share that a filly was now by her side, and was not nursing, she said she didn’t want the foal. With a caring heart, the shipper placed the foal back into the truck, into the front seat! She tucked her long legs carefully under herself and settled her in; she took the little filly home!

SRF has been helping horses in an Oklahoma livestock auction, kill pen. Many have been in rehabilitation since the end of 2023. Several are older, they raced and were used as broodmares. They likely will not be lucky enough to have their own home and will remain under SRF’s care and expense. The great news is that many of the geldings have found a home where pride will be their middle name! The Federal Muscogee (Creek) Nation mounted police unit plans to adopt Doug’s Legacy, Drink At Last Call, a Standardbred Percheron cross and three others. Their new life will be spent patrolling the federal lands. This past December an emaciated mare in foal was found tagged for slaughter in Oklahoma She was named Noelle by SRF donors. Dr. Curtis has checked on her and reports that she appears to be very close to bringing her baby into the world! The facility where she has been in rehabilitative care has offered her a very caring home!

Fortunately, after many months of slow adoptions, many have found their homes. Mky D – a sweet little guy has a loving home as a companion; Broadway Spartan- is joining Mky D! Dragoon K – He found his gal and has a loving life ahead! Force Ten – Is joining another adopted SRF horse and he will be very spoiled. His adopter nearly spoon-fed her 37-year-old horse who lacked teeth. Powerful Patrick – Found his love in Michigan! Fox Valley Silver; Firing Squad, and CR Brigade and Doc Martin all now have a four-leaf clover in their new saddle bags!

Why so many Standardbreds in Oklahoma? Standardbreds at livestock auctions in Ohio and Indiana with no buyer interest have been shipping south to other auctions. It’s not uncommon for horses to ship to numerous sales. Many large loads arrive in Oklahoma. This is due to the great number of Standardbreds in these states where other forms of gambling subsidize purse money. SRF is grateful to the Standardbred farms that have helped in ways for SRF to raise funds. It has also requested help from the horsemens’ associations for these Ohio and Indiana-bred trotters and pacers. The result was disappointing.

SRF’s 31st annual golf outing is four weeks away. To sponsor or register to golf please access the website or contact the office. If shopping is your “thing” we hope you will send an item from our list here! Sporting event tickets, gift cards or other items are much appreciated.

From the Standardbred Retirement Foundation