There are many fine retirement communities for horses, both Thoroughbred and other breeds.

Please consider supporting them in their efforts to provide safe haven for the retirees,

or  if you are  looking for that special companion who would like another opportunity.

Below are links to some of them.

Guides to charitable giving

Verify charitable status of organization with IRS In addition, you may verify an organization's tax-exempt status and eligibility to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions by asking to see an organization's IRS letter recognizing it as tax-exempt. You may also confirm an organization's status by calling the IRS (toll-free) at 1-877-829-5500.   When considering your charitable donations, take the time to research the organization to make sure that what you intend to support is actually the platform of that organization.  Names of organizations can be deceptive.  If you are unsure of their stance on an issue, ask directly.  If you are uncertain of what the funds will be used for, and/or what percentage will actually be used for the cause, ask for specifics.   Check Up on Your Charity - by Bill Bischoff Charity Navigator - independent charitable organization  evaluator GuideStar - (free registration) collects financial data and Form 990 for  online access/verification of charitable status Network for Good - charitable organization reports and/or make multiple donations Verify charitable status of organization with IRS EasySponsorship.com - enables charitable giving with tracking for full disclosure. IRS regulations regarding non profits and lobbying practices: Nonprofit Lobbying Laws Exemption Requirements Political and Lobbying Activities Lobbying Issues Election Year Issues

• Finger Lakes unveils The Purple Haze Center on April 18, 2008.  The center is a track based Thoroughbred adoption facility and is run by the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program.  It is the first center to be built upon the grounds of a track.

• Louisville Thoroughbred Club raises awareness and financially supports the retired Thoroughbred by formation of  My Racing Heart, a foundation which kicks off with Kentucky Derby Preview Party, Saturday, April 26th at the Kentucky Derby Museum.  Reservations

• Making horse cents - Retired racehorses good for agribusiness, by Paul Post, The Saratogian.

• New York creates Task Force on on Retired Race Horses to explore employment opportunities for retired horses.

• A great idea for supporting rescue horses with local support.  Higher Dreams for Horses and Children in Frederick, MD offers monthly sponsorship in exchange for riding and hands on instruction.

• Old Friends knows how to run the rescue operation.  They remember some very important things that should be standard protocol for any rescue organization: positive media communication, say "thank you" to your supporters.

• Adena Springs Retirement Program -  A responsible program assuring a lifetime of care and commitment for retired race horses.

• Old Friends and Media Thoroughbred Group unite to assure a retirement home for the racing partnership's horses when their careers are over.

• Homestretch, a documentary featuring the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's work with horses and inmates is the Official Selection of the Sonoma Valley Film Festival 2007.

• Interview with Diana Baker, equine massage therapist and TRF volunteer.

• Wrap That Rascal was a lucky one.  Rescued from a kill pen in New York, he was saved through the grace of individuals and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation on 4/10/07.  Still in leg wraps from his last race which was only 10 days earlier at Charles Town, Wrap That Rascal was one of the fortunate ones after apparently being discarded by previous connections Autumn Stable when he no longer had what they must have defined as a useful purpose.  He is now in the care of MarliFarm.

• Opening in January: Kentucky Equine Humane Center.  Rehoming of horses of all breeds and providing education and awareness of responsible equine ownership.

• Julie Trzcinski helps horses and teenagers help each other:  Animal Lovers for Infinity, by Bill Finley.

• 1992 Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Thirty Slews enjoys his working retirement at the track.

• Thoroughbred Adoption Center to be built at Fingers Lakes.  The location will enable the public to directly access and facilitate the placement of retired horses.  The Fingers Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program is already active and is looking for homes for a few sweet faces.

• The Thoroughbred Racehorse Retirement Alliance MidAtlantic Region has set up a forum for discussing the placement of Thoroughbreds at the end of their careers.    All are welcome to join and work toward a solution.

• New Vocations Charity Show in Delaware, Ohio on July 29 - 30 to feature Seabiscuit star Rich in Dallas competing.  UPDATE:  Successful show raises $28,000.

• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation awarded highest rating by Charity Navigator two years in a row.

"Saving Leslie Jones" (reviewed by Jay Hovdey for Daily Racing Form) by Dave Joseph, photography by Jon Kral. Available through the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. This book will be a welcome addition to your library. The photographs are beautiful, the text is profound and inspiring, and the proceeds benefit retired Thoroughbreds.

North Florida Horse Rescue