2009
Graduation of our second class, Jan 8, 2009
On January 8, 2009, Reid McLellan of Groom Elite certified four new graduates of our program. This week we are welcoming three new trainees. These men will join three others who have been in the program several months under the direction of Officer Jesse Barker and our graduate teaching assistants. We are finding that each group learns faster than the previous group, thanks to having so many trained professionals in the barn every day. Our next graduation will be in May or June.
Graduates going out on work-release
We have two graduates who are seeking work-release employment, one in Tidewater and one in the Richmond area. We will have others later in the year. TRF-James River herd manager Polly Bauhan has worked closely with these men, and we both feel they are good representatives of the goals of the program. If you know anyone who is looking for trained help, please let us know. There is a tax break associated with hiring these men post-release.
Weathering the cold
During the weekend of Jan. 16-18, when the temperature went as low as five degrees, we had a serious problem keeping the horses watered. With no power in the fields, we can’t put heaters in the troughs. The men went out every few hours to break the ice and rotate the herds so that every horse had periodic access to the one trough with a heater. The horses who have been stall-bound and have thin coats and less body fat also received blankets during the three days of hard freeze. Everyone came through fine.
New pasture, paddocks and classroom
JRWC is fencing a new pasture of 8-10 acres along Route 6. This will enable us to keep about 20 horses and still rotate and “rest” our paddocks. We are doing some re-training for adoption, but we are finding that our labor force and our facilities are especially well-suited for lay-ups and rehabilitation cases. So, additional fencing has been installed near Barn 4 to provide a number of small pens for turning out horses that are coming off of injuries or being let down from racing fitness. In other news, JRWC is building a heated classroom in Barn 4 – a big deal for the volunteers and men who have shivered through classes in the cold open barn. Also be sure to check out our new sign when you drive by the entrance to JRWC.
Adoption and training
Adoption is an important part of our program. We want to move all the sound horses with good dispositions into second careers to make room for more rescues. Our part-time employee with full-time enthusiasm, Debbie Hamman, has been evaluating the herd and working with Jessica Bowen to initiate a training program for the best adoption prospects. We have five horses being ridden and we are scheduling visits by people interested in acquiring a nice horse ready to be schooled in a new discipline. Pictures and video will be posted at www.thoroughbredadoption.com as available.
Wish list
Horse trailer – need not be road-worthy. We would like to have a trailer that we can park permanently in the stable yard and use for practice to train the men (and the horses!) in loading and unloading. Donation is tax deductible, of course. We can pick it up if necessary.
Herd update
We have 17 horses now, but we are hopeful that a couple will be going to new homes shortly. In this economic climate, there is a lot of pressure for all the rescue organizations to accept more horses, and we are preparing to save all that we can. Meanwhile, we don’t want to warehouse attractive, useful horses, so we are actively seeking good homes for our horses who are suitable for adoption. If you want a pasture buddy or a good prospect for trails, hunting or showing, check with us first.
Wild Eyed Dreamer, a handsome bay gelding, came to us with a badly bowed tendon in May and could not walk out of his stall. Will Washington spent months treating him daily with ice and poultices. In October after the tendon was set, the men began hand-walking him. By Christmas Dreamer was telling us he was going to kick down the barn if he didn’t get a little free time outside. The men set up a small round pen with the sides pushed in at angles to prevent the horse from galloping around, gave him some Ace and turned him out. A grateful Dreamer kicked up his heels a few times but settled down quickly, becoming the happy horse we all knew he was inside. He will be ready to go out with the herd in another month. In six months, we will evaluate this good mover and terrific athlete for a second career.
Patti’s Storm is a sweet chestnut mare who is willing to try anything, including jumping. She is being ridden and has folks lined up to come see her.
Dr. Miller is a chestnut gelding with a quiet disposition and a willing manner. A nice mover, he should have a good second career.
Dr. Pamela is our newest member and our first grey or roan. She is five and recuperating from surgery to put screws in her ankle. A very very attractive mare, we expect her to come sound and be a great candidate for a second career after six months of rest and rehabilitation. She raced in the colors of former state Senator Elmon T. Gray, who has made a very generous gift to the TRF in her honor. See photo.
Pro Trader 1993-2009, RIP
Pro Trader, the bold bay gelding by Lyphard who was among the first horses to arrive at Barn 4 on Sept. 6, 2007, was euthanized on Thursday, March 5, 2009. He colicked from an embolism that had severely damaged his digestive system. The winner of $194,609 and seven races out of 32 starts was 16 years old. He is featured in the famous picture from our program in which a bay horse is trading grins with his groom, Will Washington.
There were many teary-eyed grooms and friends at the end. Tom Newton, DVM, who has volunteered many hours teaching classes at JRWC, offered to conduct an autopsy the next day. Though saddened, the men agreed to accept this educational offer. Will Washington, who also arrived at Barn 4 on Day One and was Pro Trader’s original groom, came to pay his respects. The event was very instructional and the men asked many good questions. They braided a lock of Pro Trader’s tail to keep.
The program received many expressions of sympathy from throughout the DOC. Pro Trader was buried on National Guard Hill in an area that will be reserved as a horse cemetery. Work Center Administrator William Crenshaw said he would like to see a memorial marker placed at the site.
Pro Trader was the boss of the “old” herd. I noticed the next day when I walked through the herd that a mare, Romancera, was already establishing herself as the new boss of the herd. The king is dead. Long live the queen.
Herd Update
Debbie Hamman and Jessica Bowen have been hard at work preparing horses for adoption and promoting our list of available horses. Debbie has posted pictures on thoroughbredadoption.com and she has put videos on youtube.com (go to the adoption website and click on “more”). Additionally, Jessica has put pictures on her website, JessBowen.com.
Dr. Miller is adopted
Our first adoption of 2009 was Dr. Miller, a 9-year-old loveable chestnut gelding who has gone to a warm home with Cindy Collins, a DOC employee, thanks to the efforts of our adopter-in-chief, Debbie Hamman.
Dr. Miller, named for one of the country’s pre-eminent lung cancer specialists, is by My Prince Charming. Though seldom a winner, Dr. Miller could usually be counted on to bring home a check. He won $151,580, finishing in the top three in 20 of his 51 races. He raced from ages two through eight.
Dr. Miller came to Barn 4 in June 2008 after some fans, Susan and John Moore, bought him to save him from further races when he was clearly at the end of his career. John is a TRF board member and Susan runs a very successful stable that includes 2008 Breeders Cup runners Zaftig and Doremifasollatido.
Dr. Miller’s special groom at Barn 4, Sean McClure, parted with the horse reluctantly but he was thrilled to see how excited Cindy was to have him and glad to see him go to such a good home. Soon Sean will be leaving, too. One of our most enthusiastic Groom Elite trainees, Sean is headed out on work release soon, hopefully to a job working with horses. A happy ending for man and horse.
See Cindy's Story on Our Horses.
Life Behind Barz fulfills his destiny
When we got an email about taking “Dusty” and learned his registered name – Life Behind Barz -- we figured it was destiny! This 16.3-hand dark grey gelding is as quiet as they come. He ran three times, so far back that he was barely out of the gate when the race was over. His owner and trainer got the message that he was not interested in racing, and they have passed on to us a kind, sound horse who is very adoptable. Jessica says he is bombproof and very kind. She has begun introducing him to ring work. Big and attractive, he would make a great project for someone who wants a nice horse for an inexpensive adoption fee.
Colebrook Lake to compete in DRH Hacker Pace
Colebrook Lake Jessica has had a great time riding this solidly-built dark brown gelding all over the State Farm. On March 21, she will team up with Kelly Hamman and ride him in the Deep Run Hunt’s hacker pace event. Colebrook is a sound, comfortable, 12-year-old Canadian-bred horse who has adapted to his new life as a trail horse quite happily. Look for him at the hacker pace.
Camilla’s Catch becomes newest resident
Our newest resident is a 4-year-old gelding by Not For Love, a leading Maryland stallion. Camilla’s Catch needs to be let down from racing and be nursed through a mild suspensory injury, but we think this handsome bay horse will eventually be a “catch” for someone who wants to train him for a second career.
Wall Street Journal magazine article
Look for the TRF-James River horses and team in the May 2, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal’s new magazine, WSJ. The monthly magazine comes with the paper, but our story with additional copy will also appear online.
TRF Executive Director Diana Pikulski called me on Friday, March 7, just as I was fielding emails about Pro Trader, and asked if we could accommodate a visit from WSJ reporter Will Snyder and photographer Kathrine Wolkoff. We got things cleared with the DOC, and Will made a short visit on Tuesday, followed by an all-day shoot with the photographer on Thursday, March 12. Diana flew in from Saratoga – after the usual airport delays. Also on hand were TRF board members George Grayson and Clay Camp. George, who drove from Washington, was making his first visit to Barn 4, but Clay was checking on improvements made since his last visit. Clay designed the stalls and the layout of the barn and was instrumental in pushing for the establishment of the program at JRWC.
Facilities 
The classroom in the barn is complete, and counselor Brandy Nixon even arranged for a heating AND cooling unit! We were all grateful for the heat on Thursday when the WSJ folks were here and the 80-degree weather was gone. The classroom has interior windows so you can see the horses and activity in the barn. Officer Jesse Barker says we have come a long way since he had to teach classes in the aisleway.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our local board met recently and discussed ideas for giving our volunteers more opportunities to visit Barn 4. As you know, we are greatly constrained by the fact that the program is in a prison. We can’t just ask folks to drop by whenever they want. However, we are exploring some ideas – that we hope will get DOC approval -- to allow occasional visits beyond the annual Open House.
Our 2009 calendar of events are now posted. Please check it regularly to see how you can help ensure that the horses at JRWC continue to get the care they so richly deserve and that the men get the training they so eagerly want.
Position Wanted
With the second class graduated and the third class well into their training, we are developing a good list of professional grooms. Several men are eligible for work-release or are nearing their release dates. We are trying to help them find jobs in the horse industry. Please keep us in mind if you need good barn help. Housing is a plus.
The State will bond the men, and employers are eligible for a $1,500 tax break for hiring one. As we have reported before, the men are low-security, non-violent offenders.
Wish list
In the last newsletter, we mentioned we were looking for a horse trailer. Just recently, we received donation of a two-horse TB trailer from Shirley Taylor Moran. We appreciate this generous gift, which will enable the men to practice loading the horses and learn those all-important loading skills. Since the trailer is road-worthy, we can use it when volunteer help in transporting horses is not available.
Now that the men have all their classes at the barn, we need a TV with a DVD player. The classroom “up the hill” had the equipment but we’ll have to get our own for the barn.
With so many horses coming and going, we are building up a stack of files. Now that we have a climate-controlled room away from the barn dust, we have a place to keep them. We need a four-drawer filing cabinet. NB- We must be able to lock the drawers.
And finally, no more snow in March!!!
Robin Williams, Coordinator
March 15, 2009
A Fabulous Evening in the Winner’s Circle!
Our annual Virginia Derby gala, held the night before the Virginia Derby (July 17) at Colonial Downs, was a festive evening and a successful fundraiser for our chapter, thanks to our great organizers and our lead sponsor, Essex Bank. Last year’s organizer, Wendy Woods, recruited some amazing talent to put on the party this year: event organizer Deirdre Feeney, marketing wizard Liz Culley and media magician Mary Martin – an all-pro team who created unprecedented buzz for the event.
The Goochland Gazette did a big, double-truck story on the program, John Ogle did a wonderful long interview that ran on public radio, and we are in line for more coverage from the Courier, The Post (the Times-Dispatch’s new equine insert) and possibly Virginia Currents.
Mary even arranged for one of our horses to visit the WTVR-Channel 6 studio the morning of the party! Polly Bauhan was a good sport about taking Colebrook Lake to the Broad Street parking lot of the station so I could pose with him while giving an interview. Lake was great although he didn’t understand the part about standing still for the camera, so I found myself trying to calmly tell viewers about our program while a horse dragged me around the parking lot.
See the clip for yourself – http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=59ffed84-44a9-4dbf-860a-a08d860f950d
At the party, jockeys Craig Gibbs and Sheldon Russell chatted with our guests about the life of a race rider. The Virginia Equine Artists put on a fabulous exhibit and donated a portion of their sales to TRF. Many guests took home prizes – the raffle included books, videos, t-shirts, Breeders’ Cup attire and a gorgeous pewter tray commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Breeders’ Cup races.
Doug Daniels, whose Virginia Equine practice provides care for many of our horses, contributed more to TRF by bidding in the top auction item: tickets to the Breeders’ Cup with VIP paddock viewing passes. Steve Delaney was the generous bidder on a year’s “ownership” of our celebrity horse, Covert Action, a grandson of Secretariat. Gary Wirwille bought the suite donated by Colonial Downs, and Liz Culley had a ball with her winning bid on a chance to name a race after herself.
Everyone raved about Joe Defazio’s menu at the 2008 party, but he outdid himself this year. Colonial Downs was very generous in being our partners for the party, providing the space and emailing their patrons, among other things. Shields Jones of Nicholls Auction was a great auctioneer who was fun and effective. We appreciate our other sponsors: Cre-Run Farm, Peebles Golf Cars, Norden Equine, virginiaequestrian.com and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare.
Be sure to check out virginiaequestrian.com for all the news on horse events in Virginia.
If you missed this great party, we hope to see you at our next event –
THE THIRD ANNUAL CENTRAL VIRGINIA BARN TOUR!!!
Check our website for details of this fun tour, Sunday, Sept. 20 in Chesterfield-Powhatan.
Training
Reid McLellan made a training visit the end of July to work with the intermediate class and the new beginner class. He said he was impressed that both groups seem so knowledgeable so early in the process. He credited the teaching assistants for their leadership and complimented the new classes on their work ethic. Current teaching assistants are Chad, Tamio and Craig. Will, a former teaching assistant, helps out part time in Barn 4, as well.
Lee Howell and Polly Bauhan organized a surprise lunch at the barn during Reid’s visit. It was a HUGE success, according to the men.
Officer Shane Clarke joined the crew at Barn 4 in May, and he and Officer Jesse Barker alternate duties at the barn, providing the men (and adoption visitors) the opportunity to be at the barn on weekends as well as Monday through Friday. Officer Clarke has studied the Groom Elite curriculum with the current intermediate class and will take his certification exam in September.
Our volunteer instructors – Tom Newton, Doug Daniels, Lee Howell – continue to give generously of their time. We are enormously grateful for their interest and support.
Additionally, we want to recognize farriers Bill Collins and Bill Lane, both of whom have spent time working with several grooms who want to take up horseshoeing. Tamio, who has been trimming our horses for a year, has progressed to shaping shoes and nailing them on. Meanwhile, Marty and Justin have been studying and practicing hands-on, as well. Lee (whose generosity knows no end) donated an expensive textbook that is the bible of farriers, and the three are all reading it. Daphne Wigg and Cricket Williams each donated anvils, and Bill Lane supplied an apron and a number of tools.
Open House
Traditionally held in the fall, the Open House for volunteers and community guests moved to the spring this year. On June 4, friends gathered at Barn 4 to see the new grooms present their horses and watch Jessica Bowen given a mounted demonstration on several of our candidates for adoption.
Former Sen. Elmon T. Gray came to see the program and visit his great filly, Dr. Pamela. Sen. Gray was pleased to meet Eric and Chad, both of whom claim Dr. Pamela as theirs, and he promised to recommend them to his trainer when they are released.
Dr. Pamela won five races for Sen. Gray and was headed for greater glory when she became injured. After her surgery, Dr. Pamela came to Barn 4 for rehabilitation. A sweetheart who was everyone’s favorite pet, Dr. Pamela did not recover well enough to have a second career. However, Lynda and Rob Bloch fell in love with her and decided to add her to their growing herd of TRF graduates (Veteran, Yayoomel, Ocean Prize, Tucker and now Dr. Pamela).
Deep Run Horse Show
The DRHS again named TRF as its charitable beneficiary this year, and Anne Tucker lined up volunteers to man our booth throughout the event. We shared a tent with TRF’s official photographer, Debby Thomas. Janis Paiva helped organize the volunteer help for the TRF-sponsored exhibitors’ dinner on Friday night. Area restaurants went above and beyond the call of duty in providing a luscious feast for scores of exhibitors and guests.
See how we've progressed:
Facilities
At our request, the DOC farm crew (under Frank Baber and George Nuckols) cross-fenced one of our pastures, providing much-needed paddocks for separating horses into smaller groups. Additionally, they are completing a new run-in shed in the new, far field on Route 6 that was fenced for us earlier this year. We have also installed an insulated, frost-free self-waterer in that field that we hope will make life easier for man and beast next winter.
Adoptions
In addition to Dr. Pamela, Bully Billy found a new home this summer. Billy, who has lovely ground manners and a beautiful disposition, has become a pleasure mount for Larry Snyder to ride with his wife and daughter.
Intakes
Proud Allen came to us early in the summer. A sweet 7 year-old chestnut gelding who was several hundred pounds underweight, “Al” had passed through several hands in a short period since leaving the track in Charlestown, W.Va. We haven’t nailed down his backstory exactly, but he ran 42 times, with six wins and a bankroll of $185,000. He is by Allen’s Prospect, who stood in Maryland and was known to produce winners, out of a Fit to Fight mare. Al is out in the big field, grazing, putting on weight and learning to be a horse. He’ll get a few months of rest and then we will see if he is sound enough for retraining.
Wish list
Please save your Southern States proof of purchase labels off feed bags. The labels will permit us to buy feed at a discount. Send to: TRF-JR, POB 112, Crozier, VA 23039
Local coordinator elected national president
Robin Williams is the co-founder of the James River chapter of the TRF
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announced recently the unanimous election of Robin Traywick Williams as its President and Tom Ludt as Chairman. Williams, formerly Chairman of the National Racing Compact and director of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, succeeds Johnathan Miller of Paeonian Springs, Va., who stepped down as President after a three year term. Ludt is president of the major Kentucky breeding farm Vinery, a member of the Breeders' Cup board of directors, and a member of the TRF?s executive committee.
"I am pleased and honored to be named the next President of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation," Williams said. "Johnathan led the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation through a period of transition and I'm looking forward to working with the Board of Directors in continuing to move this great organization to the next level."
Williams' election as president follows in the footsteps of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's new working relationships with the New York Racing Association (NYRA), Jockeys' Guild, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and The Jockey Club.
"It is a new era for horse retirement," said TRF's executive director Diana Pikulski. "TRF's success over the last 26 years is now front and center in racing, and this new executive team is perfect to establish the funding and infrastructure we need to fulfill our mission going forward."
Williams, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia and graduate of Hollins University, served for 10 years on the Virginia Racing Commission, six as chairman, where she helped oversee the advent of horse racing. During that time she also served on the board of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and on the board of the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association.
Williams is credited with initiating the national racing license project and served for four years as chairman of the National Racing Compact, which issued the first national license in 2000.
August 2009
Local coordinator elected national president
Robin Williams is the co-founder of the James River chapter of the TRF
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announced recently the unanimous election of Robin Traywick Williams as its President and Tom Ludt as Chairman. Williams, formerly Chairman of the National Racing Compact and director of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, succeeds Johnathan Miller of Paeonian Springs, Va., who stepped down as President after a three year term. Ludt is president of the major Kentucky breeding farm Vinery, a member of the Breeders' Cup board of directors, and a member of the TRF?s executive committee.
"I am pleased and honored to be named the next President of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation," Williams said. "Johnathan led the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation through a period of transition and I'm looking forward to working with the Board of Directors in continuing to move this great organization to the next level."
Williams' election as president follows in the footsteps of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's new working relationships with the New York Racing Association (NYRA), Jockeys' Guild, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and The Jockey Club.
"It is a new era for horse retirement," said TRF's executive director Diana Pikulski. "TRF's success over the last 26 years is now front and center in racing, and this new executive team is perfect to establish the funding and infrastructure we need to fulfill our mission going forward."
Williams, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia and graduate of Hollins University, served for 10 years on the Virginia Racing Commission, six as chairman, where she helped oversee the advent of horse racing. During that time she also served on the board of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and on the board of the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association.
Williams is credited with initiating the national racing license project and served for four years as chairman of the National Racing Compact, which issued the first national license in 2000.
August 2009
A Fabulous Evening in the Winner’s Circle!
Our annual Virginia Derby gala, held the night before the Virginia Derby (July 17) at Colonial Downs, was a festive evening and a successful fundraiser for our chapter, thanks to our great organizers and our lead sponsor, Essex Bank. Last year’s organizer, Wendy Woods, recruited some amazing talent to put on the party this year: event organizer Deirdre Feeney, marketing wizard Liz Culley and media magician Mary Martin – an all-pro team who created unprecedented buzz for the event.
The Goochland Gazette did a big, double-truck story on the program, John Ogle did a wonderful long interview that ran on public radio, and we are in line for more coverage from the Courier, The Post (the Times-Dispatch’s new equine insert) and possibly Virginia Currents.
Mary even arranged for one of our horses to visit the WTVR-Channel 6 studio the morning of the party! Polly Bauhan was a good sport about taking Colebrook Lake to the Broad Street parking lot of the station so I could pose with him while giving an interview. Lake was great although he didn’t understand the part about standing still for the camera, so I found myself trying to calmly tell viewers about our program while a horse dragged me around the parking lot.
See the clip for yourself – http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=59ffed84-44a9-4dbf-860a-a08d860f950d
At the party, jockeys Craig Gibbs and Sheldon Russell chatted with our guests about the life of a race rider. The Virginia Equine Artists put on a fabulous exhibit and donated a portion of their sales to TRF. Many guests took home prizes – the raffle included books, videos, t-shirts, Breeders’ Cup attire and a gorgeous pewter tray commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Breeders’ Cup races.
Doug Daniels, whose Virginia Equine practice provides care for many of our horses, contributed more to TRF by bidding in the top auction item: tickets to the Breeders’ Cup with VIP paddock viewing passes. Steve Delaney was the generous bidder on a year’s “ownership” of our celebrity horse, Covert Action, a grandson of Secretariat. Gary Wirwille bought the suite donated by Colonial Downs, and Liz Culley had a ball with her winning bid on a chance to name a race after herself.
Everyone raved about Joe Defazio’s menu at the 2008 party, but he outdid himself this year. Colonial Downs was very generous in being our partners for the party, providing the space and emailing their patrons, among other things. Shields Jones of Nicholls Auction was a great auctioneer who was fun and effective. We appreciate our other sponsors: Cre-Run Farm, Peebles Golf Cars, Norden Equine, virginiaequestrian.com and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare.
Be sure to check out virginiaequestrian.com for all the news on horse events in Virginia.
If you missed this great party, we hope to see you at our next event –
THE THIRD ANNUAL CENTRAL VIRGINIA BARN TOUR!!!
Check our website for details of this fun tour, Sunday, Sept. 20 in Chesterfield-Powhatan.
Training
Reid McLellan made a training visit the end of July to work with the intermediate class and the new beginner class. He said he was impressed that both groups seem so knowledgeable so early in the process. He credited the teaching assistants for their leadership and complimented the new classes on their work ethic. Current teaching assistants are Chad, Tamio and Craig. Will, a former teaching assistant, helps out part time in Barn 4, as well.
Lee Howell and Polly Bauhan organized a surprise lunch at the barn during Reid’s visit. It was a HUGE success, according to the men.
Officer Shane Clarke joined the crew at Barn 4 in May, and he and Officer Jesse Barker alternate duties at the barn, providing the men (and adoption visitors) the opportunity to be at the barn on weekends as well as Monday through Friday. Officer Clarke has studied the Groom Elite curriculum with the current intermediate class and will take his certification exam in September.
Our volunteer instructors – Tom Newton, Doug Daniels, Lee Howell – continue to give generously of their time. We are enormously grateful for their interest and support.
Additionally, we want to recognize farriers Bill Collins and Bill Lane, both of whom have spent time working with several grooms who want to take up horseshoeing. Tamio, who has been trimming our horses for a year, has progressed to shaping shoes and nailing them on. Meanwhile, Marty and Justin have been studying and practicing hands-on, as well. Lee (whose generosity knows no end) donated an expensive textbook that is the bible of farriers, and the three are all reading it. Daphne Wigg and Cricket Williams each donated anvils, and Bill Lane supplied an apron and a number of tools.
Open House
Traditionally held in the fall, the Open House for volunteers and community guests moved to the spring this year. On June 4, friends gathered at Barn 4 to see the new grooms present their horses and watch Jessica Bowen given a mounted demonstration on several of our candidates for adoption.
Former Sen. Elmon T. Gray came to see the program and visit his great filly, Dr. Pamela. Sen. Gray was pleased to meet Eric and Chad, both of whom claim Dr. Pamela as theirs, and he promised to recommend them to his trainer when they are released.
Dr. Pamela won five races for Sen. Gray and was headed for greater glory when she became injured. After her surgery, Dr. Pamela came to Barn 4 for rehabilitation. A sweetheart who was everyone’s favorite pet, Dr. Pamela did not recover well enough to have a second career. However, Lynda and Rob Bloch fell in love with her and decided to add her to their growing herd of TRF graduates (Veteran, Yayoomel, Ocean Prize, Tucker and now Dr. Pamela).
Deep Run Horse Show
The DRHS again named TRF as its charitable beneficiary this year, and Anne Tucker lined up volunteers to man our booth throughout the event. We shared a tent with TRF’s official photographer, Debby Thomas. Janis Paiva helped organize the volunteer help for the TRF-sponsored exhibitors’ dinner on Friday night. Area restaurants went above and beyond the call of duty in providing a luscious feast for scores of exhibitors and guests.
See how we've progressed:
Facilities
At our request, the DOC farm crew (under Frank Baber and George Nuckols) cross-fenced one of our pastures, providing much-needed paddocks for separating horses into smaller groups. Additionally, they are completing a new run-in shed in the new, far field on Route 6 that was fenced for us earlier this year. We have also installed an insulated, frost-free self-waterer in that field that we hope will make life easier for man and beast next winter.
Adoptions
In addition to Dr. Pamela, Bully Billy found a new home this summer. Billy, who has lovely ground manners and a beautiful disposition, has become a pleasure mount for Larry Snyder to ride with his wife and daughter.
Intakes
Proud Allen came to us early in the summer. A sweet 7 year-old chestnut gelding who was several hundred pounds underweight, “Al” had passed through several hands in a short period since leaving the track in Charlestown, W.Va. We haven’t nailed down his backstory exactly, but he ran 42 times, with six wins and a bankroll of $185,000. He is by Allen’s Prospect, who stood in Maryland and was known to produce winners, out of a Fit to Fight mare. Al is out in the big field, grazing, putting on weight and learning to be a horse. He’ll get a few months of rest and then we will see if he is sound enough for retraining.
Wish list
Please save your Southern States proof of purchase labels off feed bags. The labels will permit us to buy feed at a discount. Send to: TRF-JR, POB 112, Crozier, VA 23039
Congratulations to New Graduates
Reid McLellan made a visit in October to work with the new trainees and to test three men for certification. We are proud to announce all three men passed with flying colors. Our new Groom Elite graduates are: Eric McMillan, Justin Darden and Marty Sepulveda.
Additionally, we have several graduates who have been released from JRWC. We wish them well. Two men are seeking employment in the horse industry, one in Northern Virginia and one in the Lynchburg area. We also have a graduate who is available for work release in the Tidewater area.
The men are bonded by the state for their first year of employment, and employers can claim a tax break for giving them a job.
If you know of a possible job opening, please contact us immediately at StateFarmHorses@aol.com.
A Happy Ending for Wild Eyed Dreamer
Dreamer was rescued in May 2008 when a compassionate groom at Delaware Park called us about the lame horse. He came to us with an old bow in his right front and a newly-bowed tendon in his left front. Will Washington iced and poulticed the leg every day for four months, then hand-walked the horse until he could be turned out. After several months of turnout, Dreamer was tacked up and ridden lightly. Last weekend, a 13-year-old girl named Claire Schiefer emptied her own piggy bank and adopted Dreamer. He is, she says, her dream horse, and the horse seems to return the girl’s affection. Dreamer and Claire will be under the supervision of trainer Crystal Rivers. Crystal is the coach for the Liberty University riding team and runs a boarding and training barn in Forest, VA.
Barn Tour III a Great Success
Jennifer Khoury, Marshie Davis and Wendy Lipscomb organized a host of other volunteers to make the Central Virginia Barn Tour III bigger and better than ever. The Tour this year showcased 10 barns in Powhatan and Chesterfield counties. As in other years, host barns outdid themselves with decorations, displays and raffles to support TRF.
Media pro Mary Martin helped generate earned media coverage in numerous local outlets, which contributed to the largest attendance ever for the event. A full page ad with a map of the Tour appeared in The Post, a monthly Times-Dispatch equestrian supplement, courtesy of Jennifer Khoury & her business partner, Peter Walls (at Merrill Lynch) and Campbell Springs Farm in Chesterfield.
Trainers’ Exhibition Day
Over the past year, Debbie Hamman’s enthusiastic and untiring efforts to promote the TRF horses have created a lot of momentum for the adoption side of our program. The TRF-James River recently adopted out its 10 th horse this year – a wonderful record considering the small size of our herd. In September, Debbie, Polly Bauhan and Anne Tucker organized an exhibition day designed to educate area trainers, instructors and barn managers about the kind of horses we have available. Jessica Bowen, who rides our horses to prepare them for second careers, put each horse through his paces for the visitors. The event was successful – leading to the immediate adoption of one horse and the eventual adoption of two others, not to mention raising the visibility of TRF as a source for modestly-priced, useful horses.
Poster Boy Covert Action Goes to the Fair
Covert Action, grandson of Secretariat, made his second appearance at the State Fair of Virginia. The fair was held for the first time in its new home at The Meadow, the farm where Secretariat was foaled in 1970. Janis Paiva organized the volunteers who manned our display table in front of CA’s stall. Thanks to all, including Greer and Celeste Fullerton, who spent almost as many hours at the Fair as the horse did. Keeping CA company in the next stall was the Fair’s descendant of Secretariat, Rainaway. The two horses drew an incredible amount of attention, including former employees of The Meadow, who stopped by to reminisce about “Big Red.” The temporary stalls were made of round-pen panels, allowing visitors to reach through the bars and touch the horses. CA doted on the attention, accepting with great aplomb many pats of his knees by small children.
Southern States Equine Days
Southern States invited us to exhibit at their Equine Days this fall. Janis Paiva and Polly Bauhan set up our full display at the SS Broad Street store, and the SS Goochland Store put some of our materials on display for their event. Many thanks to Laura Stopper, Jahn Pearsall and SS for their continuing efforts to promote and support the TRF.
Art in the Barn
The TRF-Montpelier chapter held its annual fall event, Art in the Barn, on a glorious fall afternoon in early October. TRF-James River’s Debby Thomas exhibited her artwork, donating a piece for auction and donating a portion of the proceeds of her sales to the TRF. Liz Culley, Alice Baker and I went to the event, a casual wine-tasting dinner and auction in the barn. It was a lovely and successful afternoon for the TRF. Kim Wilkins, who manages the barn, and Sue Hart, who works on the fundraising, and I have been talking about ways the two chapters can work together more closely to raise money and awareness of the TRF.
New Horses and Adoptions
Because of our success in retraining and adopting out horses, the national office transferred five sound horses to James River from Walkill, NY in September. Walkill is a regular security correctional facility that serves as the intake point for most of the horses TRF takes in from racetracks. Walkill does not have a riding/retraining program, so sound horses are transferred to TRF herds at Montpelier, James River or Lexington, KY.
Cheap as a Penny was adopted the day of the Trainers’ Exhibition. Additionally, King of the Blues and Seeking the Money are going well under Jessica Bowen, walk-trot-canter and beginning jumping.
Ace of Hearts, a sound, adoptable mare, is arriving this week from Walkill. With her will be Not a Second Time, a gelding who was notoriously part of the herd rescued last summer from Ernie Paragallo in Center Brook, New York. The horse was one of more than 100 horses turned out in an 80-acre field with only a limited supplement of hay.
Keep an eye on The Adoption Network, the site where we post our adoptable horses, as we have an ever-changing offering. The national office is sending us five horses from Kentucky in mid-November, and we will have them posted as soon as we can evaluate them. Go to JamesRiverHorses.org and click on the starburst that says Adopt a Horse.
Life Behind Barz, aka “Dusty”
Dusty is a big handsome gray gelding who could not have been less interested in racing, finishing 30 and 40 lengths behind the field at Charles Town, WV. But he quickly found a new owner who wanted to train him for eventing. However, before she could pick him up, he injured himself in the pasture. Tamio and Kevin – and most of the rest of the crew under close guidance from Tom Newton – spent four months cleaning the wound and rebandaging it daily. When at last the injury healed, Dusty went back into training just in time for the Trainers’ Exhibition. Happily, Dusty was adopted by Hilary Keller and has embarked on a new training program in a wonderful home where he gets lots of love.
National News
Since taking office as the national president of the TRF, I have been working with executive director Diana Pikulski to learn more about our other herds in 13 states, including the four other herds in Virginia and the seven other “Second Chances” programs in prisons. I am scheduling visits to as many herds as possible.
It is my goal for the TRF, as the largest and oldest organization devoted to equine rescue, to develop a more formal relationship with the racing industry. Momentum is building in that direction. We have arrangements with a growing number of racetracks to intercept potentially homeless horses at the end of their careers. Additionally, The Jockey Club has instituted a checkoff in their foal registration process that provides significant funding – which TJC matches.
I have been going to Lexington, KY, headquarters of many racing organizations, to meet with other TRF Board members and to meet with racing industry leaders to discuss a comprehensive approach to aftercare for racehorses. Earlier this month, I wrote a commentary piece for the Thoroughbred Times in response to a column advocating humane slaughter. You can read my response at our website, JamesRiverHorses.org.
---Robin Williams
November 4, 2009
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