Update-Rescue to Recovery-SRF

Cream Ridge, NJ – 10/25/21 – This was the most drawn-out effort to help a large herd of Standardbreds in the history of the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, (SRF). Tonight, the work moves from rescue to recovery-recovery to health and dignity.

All but $3,415 needed to remove them from a pen full of manure and urine has been gifted to make this happen.

A couple of wonderful donors expressed the offer of further help should a few still be left without enough to escape the truck to slaughter. SRF will be reaching out to them tomorrow.

Separate from this, recovery support remains a great need as so many need homes and their care expenses are now the responsibility of SRF. Heartfelt giving by way of homes, foster homes, and generous donations came from very special people who can no longer stand the brutal treatment these noble animals face.

SRF shares that a few of these horses were taken back by their racehorse owners who had thought the good home they had found, was for life.

Tomorrow, shippers will be ready to move them to quarantine facilities. Those injured, and sick will get medical care. All will go on a refeed program. SRF expects a few will be sick and will need daily treatment. Fungus will be attended to, worming done, and farriers and equine dentists will be called in.

Shoes need to be pulled, feet trimmed, thrush attended to, and the start of new angles on misaligned hooves will start. The dentist will examine each horse, file points that are causing tears in the mouths of some, and likely a few teeth will be pulled.

All of this care will not end with one visit, some need slow and spaced-out treatment. After a month of quarantine and rehabilitation, some will be transported to other boarding facilities to continue their rehabilitation (SRF does not own a farm). Recovery from poor nutrition takes time, the need for a few months of rehabilitation will be necessary for most.

Like buying a farm, the least expensive part is the purchase, the maintenance is where the money is most needed.

Such is the case for these horses. Pulling them out of this situation without the bulk of the funds available for their care is concerning, SRF hopes the generosity will continue for their immediate needs and ongoing care.

SRF will continue to ask for homes and foster homes, and sponsors. Please donate here for the recovery effort. www.adoptahorse.org/ or email SRFhorsesandkids@gmail.com or call the office at 609-738-3255. The link to become a horse sponsor, a new foster home, or to adopt is www.adoptahorse.org/applications-forms-volunteer If already approved as an adopter or foster home please email SRF at SRF.socialmedia@gmail.com.

SRF is the only organization providing help of this magnitude for this breed. It is leading the way in other efforts to bring change to how these horses are treated and disposed of and asks individuals and companies to step in and contact SRF to help get this work done.

From the Standardbred Retirement Foundation