Every SRF adoption is like a gift from Santa

Yesterday, the NJ State Police Mounted unit welcomed another Standardbred Retirement Foundation, (SRF) horse. Hokey Pokey was rescued from the slaughter pipeline and is now so proud to join the force! This was a big gift from Santa, every adoption is like a sack full of them.

The police spent a few hours testing his response to several things. Hokey Pokey didn’t blink, he just sniffed! The ball smelled the best, the flags not so much but they didn’t faze him at all when they waved in the wind. The sounds similar to gunshots nearly drew a yawn, and stepping him into a person was of no concern.

When the Police granted our request to provide a demonstration for our Holiday at the Farm, it showed a whole lot of people that this breed is so well-mannered, quiet, smart, steady, gentle, and tough. That prompted another officer to come out to find one for herself. Hokey is by Armbro Tropicana. He had a very short career but had earned $52,293. When SRF found him tagged for slaughter this year, it raised his funds and opened the barn door to this big handsome gelding who looked pretty rough at the time. He likely had been a workhorse in the rural area since his last race in 2011.

Adoptions have slowed, likely due to the holiday but, horses’ needs never slow down. SRF asks if you will include a gift on your list for one of the 520 horses like Hokey Pokey hoping for a home.

Here is the SRF’s 12 Days of Gifting Update:

1. The mare field with 14 ladies are asking for grain, they are whining! Send some grain please just for them for January. $1,400.
2. A pair of shoes for one with ouchy feet. $225. ONE PAIR GIFTED, THANK YOU CLIFF P.
3. 3. A tub of Bute to ease the pain. $27.50.
4. A tube of Banamine, especially for the colicky days. $27.50.
5. A basket of ointments, wraps, cottons, bandages, etc. $225.
6. A bottle of Antibiotics SMZs. $65.95
7. Wormer-a tube $10.99. 12 TUBES RECEIVED, THANK YOU JEANNE B, and MAUREEN B.
8. Trim the toes $50. TWO TRIMS RECEIVED. THANK YOU MEGAN KILMARTIN
9. Unique-SRF follows up every horse for life-we can only do this through software. Ours needs an upgrade or it will no longer operate. $1,000.
10. The geldings love to eat just like growing boys! We refill the hayloft just for them several times during the winter. Please fill it once. $2200.
11. Presence at the Harrisburg Horse Expo. $2,000. $500. TOWARD THE $2,000 GIFTED. THANK YOU TO SHERRY ABEL.
12. Confining hay without proper racks produces so much waste. Several of our older ones have retired for life. They don’t even look like hay racks any longer are are becoming dangerous. A hay rack or hay basket is a great gift. $599.
13. Sponsor a horse monthly in any amount.

Spread the cheer and the kindness as we get closer to the big day! The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, (SRF) hopes you will be so kind. Whether you can send a wormer or fill a hayloft, every wish granted is a gift truly appreciated!

We wish you very happy holidays!

From the Standardbred Retirement Foundation