Many racehorses suffer a needlessly sad fate after their racing career. The plight of racehorses is receiving more attention from the media and public, shedding some negative light on racing and causing authorities to act. Fortunately, it's possible to retire a racehorse in a humane, legal and ethical way.
The current economic set-up and taxation on horse racing works against many of the horses that make the sport possible. While some horses are retired to plush and fancy breeding farms to produce the next generation, there are many hard working horses that are discarded like a used lottery ticket. Breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys, racetracks, and our government make money on these horses but make almost no provisions for many of these horses at the end of their careers.
Just because a horse cannot race, does not mean it is of no value. We accept horses in all facets, but especially retiring race horses. Rather they be Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds, lame or sound, we accept them all. With nonprofit status coming this year (2011), we will also be able to provide tax benefits for the owners of the donated horses ! While some of these horses will be kept for our upcoming therapeutic and Hippotherapy uses, most of these horses will be placed in appropriate homes for their retirement. Though they will no longer be available for racing, there will be mares and fillies for breeding available.
The current economic set-up and taxation on horse racing works against many of the horses that make the sport possible. While some horses are retired to plush and fancy breeding farms to produce the next generation, there are many hard working horses that are discarded like a used lottery ticket. Breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys, racetracks, and our government make money on these horses but make almost no provisions for many of these horses at the end of their careers.
Just because a horse cannot race, does not mean it is of no value. We accept horses in all facets, but especially retiring race horses. Rather they be Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds, lame or sound, we accept them all. With nonprofit status coming this year (2011), we will also be able to provide tax benefits for the owners of the donated horses ! While some of these horses will be kept for our upcoming therapeutic and Hippotherapy uses, most of these horses will be placed in appropriate homes for their retirement. Though they will no longer be available for racing, there will be mares and fillies for breeding available.
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Please read this story: http://www.goodhorse.org/nodayoff.htm
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In memory of all the horses who have suffered the inhumanity of man, and in honor of all who fight so hard to protect them, I offer you this poem written by Lucille Matte and offered with our heartfelt gratitude to all of you, who fight so hard to protect horses.
A Letter from God about No Day Off
I want you all to know, I saw them hit her too.
I was standing right there by her, with every one of you.
Believe me when I tell you, it broke my heart in two and
It was then that I knew, exactly what to do.
That’s why I’m writing this letter, to try and comfort you.
To let everyone know her treatment was not what I would choose.
I stood there next to her, as she tried to run away.
I told her that I loved her and she was coming with me that day.
So long before the sun went down, I took No Day Off home.
She is here with me in heaven and has miles of fields to roam.
Like all the other horses, that are here in heaven with me,
No Day Off is in paradise, she’s young and wild and free.
I want you all to know, I see you all each day.
I cry with you in anger and my heart breaks in the same way.
I love you all for trying, to save them one and all.
I want you to know I am here, to catch you if you fall.
I want you each to give to me, all the pain that this has caused
And trust me when I tell you, I will save them all without pause.
I need you all to hold, your head up high and strong, and protect those who need us, till you are all safe with me at home.
I love you!
God
Lucille Matte
April 25, 2008
In memory of all the horses who have suffered the inhumanity of man, and in honor of all who fight so hard to protect them, I offer you this poem written by Lucille Matte and offered with our heartfelt gratitude to all of you, who fight so hard to protect horses.
A Letter from God about No Day Off
I want you all to know, I saw them hit her too.
I was standing right there by her, with every one of you.
Believe me when I tell you, it broke my heart in two and
It was then that I knew, exactly what to do.
That’s why I’m writing this letter, to try and comfort you.
To let everyone know her treatment was not what I would choose.
I stood there next to her, as she tried to run away.
I told her that I loved her and she was coming with me that day.
So long before the sun went down, I took No Day Off home.
She is here with me in heaven and has miles of fields to roam.
Like all the other horses, that are here in heaven with me,
No Day Off is in paradise, she’s young and wild and free.
I want you all to know, I see you all each day.
I cry with you in anger and my heart breaks in the same way.
I love you all for trying, to save them one and all.
I want you to know I am here, to catch you if you fall.
I want you each to give to me, all the pain that this has caused
And trust me when I tell you, I will save them all without pause.
I need you all to hold, your head up high and strong, and protect those who need us, till you are all safe with me at home.
I love you!
God
Lucille Matte
April 25, 2008