2011

TRF Requests New Year Donations!

Consider making a tax-deductible contribution to TRF James River this new year. Currently, we are in need of the below-listed items for Barn 4. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact Polly at polly.bauhan@gmail.com.

Support the TRF Herd:
Join the Southern States Feed Program

“Please don’t throw your empty feed bags away.
Help us turn proof of purchase labels into hay!

Turning your empty feed bags into cash for TRF is easy. Southern States donates 25 cents to TRF James River for every proof of purchase we collect from participating feed brands. All you have to do to help the herd is save the proof of purchase labels on your feed bags, stick them in an envelope and mail to: Sherwood Sackett, P.O. Box 112, Crozier, VA 23039.

For this program, TRF offers ‘barn service’: we’ll keep your barn stocked with feed-label collection envelopes!

A handful of large and small barns in Goochland participate in the TRF Southern States Feed Program to support TRF. So far the program has raised more than $600. If you’re interested in helping us feed the herd at James River Work Center, please join-in. Further information call: Sherry Sackett at 690-5320.

Southern States Participating Feed Brands

Run for the Horses Brings Out the Support!

Runners celebrating at Keagan’s after the race

The first annual “Run For The Horses” event took place at the Richmond/HCA 8k on Saturday, November 12, 2011. This event was a great success as the team raised over $3,000 to support the feeding, care and re-training expenses for the Thoroughbred ex-racehorses located at the James River Correctional Center in Goochland, VA.

The running team had a 32 degree race start at 7am on Saturday, but warmed up by the time they all crossed the finish line. A team After Party Brunch for runners, sponsors and family was held at Keagan’s immediately following the race. A special thank you to Keagan’s Irish Restaurant for being our t-shirt sponsor! Thank you also to Jennifer, Bruce, Kim and our many other supporters, who helped make this event such a great success!

READ GIGI’S BLOG!

To learn more about barn safety, and to see photos of Happy restoring harmony at TRF’s Barn 4, go to Gigi Amateau’s blog at http://bufflehead.wordpress.com.

Happy, Island Hero and Saratoga Harbor
Are Up for Adoption!

Haps Online (Happy), Island Hero and Saratoga Harbor are all Working Under Saddle and are Ideal Adoptees!

Currently, TRF has several horses working under saddle and which are ideal adopteees. Happy, a five year old chestnut mare, is flashy and a real looker! She is 16H, has a large blaze down her face and three white socks. She is a beautiful mover and is going well under saddle (walk and trot). She is also now going over cavaletti. Happy is shy and needs a patient owner who would take their time to gain her trust.

Island Hero is a fifteen year old Irish bred gelding and very handsome! He is a 15.3H dark bay. He has shown locally several times and been in the ribbons (2010 and 2011). In addition to going well under saddle (walk, trot and canter) and a talented jumper. Island Hero is also performing well in dressage (Training Level); he is your next eventing or combined training star!

Saratoga Harbor is an eleven year old gelding. He is a handsome15.3 dark bay with a star and snippet facial markings. He is wonderful both in the ring and on trails (flatwork only). Saratoga is super sweet, safe and kind—he would be ideal for an adult or a child.

WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF INTEREST IN THESE TALENTED HORSES! PLEASE HELP US FIND THEM GREAT HOMES! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT HAPPY, ISLAND HERO OR SARATOGA HARBOR , PLEASE CONTACT OUR ADOPTION COORDINATOR, MEGHAN (StateFarmHorses@aol.com).

Prison Inmates, Thoroughbred Horses Form Symbiotic Bond Through Second Chances Program

Click the link below for the In & Around Horse Country article "Prison Inmates, Thoroughbred Horses Form Symbiotic Bond Through Second Chances Program". It is copyright 2011, In & Around Horse Country and is reprinted with permission. You may visit the website of In & Around Horse Country at www.HorseCountryLife.com.

Prison Inmates, Thoroughbred Horses Form Symbiotic Bond Through Second Chances Program - opens to a new window, close to return to this page.

“Run for the Horses” Fundraiser to Help Retired
Racehorses in Need

Nonprofit group, James River Chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, is
coordinating a fundraiser run/walk to help care for ex-racehorses

STATE FARM, Va., Oct. 28 – The James River Chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing lifetime care and adoption services for ex-racehorses, is coordinating a “Run for the Horses” fundraiser. All proceeds from the event will be used to care for the TRF James River Chapter’s herd of 26 ex-racehorses.

A team of volunteer runners and walkers will participate in the fundraiser, to be held in downtown Richmond Saturday, Nov. 12 in conjunction with the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, the McDonald’s Half Marathon, and the HCA Virginia Health System 8k.

“Since we opened our barn doors in 2007 we’ve provided permanent housing and adoption services for a total of more than 50 retired racehorses who might otherwise have been neglected or even slaughtered,” said TRF James River Chapter board president, Anne Tucker. “With the downturn in the economy and tough weather conditions creating hay shortages as we head into the winter months, this fundraiser is especially timely.”

Charitable donations can be made to the “Run for the Horses” event based on each mile completed by a volunteer. Flat donations of any amount are also accepted. To donate to the “Run for the Horses” event, visit www.jamesriverhorses.org/#02.

Those interested in joining the “Race for the Horses” team of runners and walkers can email Jennifer Berdell at jennifer.berdell@ml.com, or call (804) 780-1420. All runners and walkers will receive a free “Run for the Horses” t-shirt.

To register for the race, and for race location, start times, and other details, visit www.richmondmarathon.org.

For those donating, running/walking, or simply interested in the “Run for the Horses” cause, also be sure to stop by the celebration brunch on race day at Keagan’s Restaurant at 2251 Old Brook Rd. in Glen Allen from 10 a.m. to noon. Keagan’s, the official “Race for the Horses” sponsor, will provide a special menu and private table for all who join.

About the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 with the mission of saving ex-racehorses from potential neglect, abuse, and slaughter. The TRF accomplishes its mission by providing ex-racehorses with lifetime care through rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, retirement, fostering, and adoption services. Today the program has more than 20 facilities in 13 states throughout the U.S. housing more than 1,100 ex-racehorses. Among these facilities are eight correctional farm facilities operated under a unique Second Chances program that gives inmates vocational training while they provide supervised care to the TRF horses. The TRF is the world's largest charitable organization devoted to equine rescue. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded entirely by donations from the general public, private grant sources, and the thoroughbred racing industry. The TRF is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky and can be reached at (859) 246-3080; by email at info@trfinc.org; or on the Web at www.trfinc.org.

About the TRF James River Chapter
The James River Chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation began in 2007. It operates a Second Chances program in conjunction with the James River Work Center, a Virginia correctional center located in Goochland County. The TRF James River Chapter stables more than 25 horses cared for by offenders participating in its Groom Elite and stable management certification program. For more information, visit www.JamesRiverHorses.org. For general inquiries, or to be added to the TRF James River Chapter news and events distribution list, email statefarmhorses@aol.com. You can also follow the TRF James River Chapter on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Christine Holley, Media Relations, Volunteer
The James River Chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
(804) 986-7184
christine.holley@inin.com

“People helping horses … Horses helping people”
www.jamesriverhorses.org

If you would like to donate to the TRF Run/Walk Team, you are free to determine your own total contribution amount. To make your charitable contribution online by clicking the below Donate Now button bar; your online charitable contribution is supported by Paypal to protect your privacy and security of the transaction.

On Saturday, October 8, TRF’s Covert Action attended the Community Horse Expo. Covert had a lovely time and made many new friends! Next to Covert’s paddock, TRF set-up its welcome booth, where Woodside Expo attendees were able to read TRF’s new brochure, ask questions about TRF and learn about our horses available for adoption. Attendees were also able to pet Covert Action, who enjoyed soaking up the extra attention! Thank you to Anne, Janis and Dawn for helping out!

TRF Open Barn a Great Success!

TRF's Open Barn was a smashing success! We had a great turnout and our visitors really enjoyed the event. For all of you who came out to support TRF, we thank you and appreciate your support! A big thank you also goes out to all of our volunteers, especially Jennifer and Marshie for all of their hard work. Thank you also to Polly, Linda, Laurie and our Program participants for making sure the barn and the horses looked so great. Thank you also to Deirdre for her tack sale support, to Meg and Jess for showing off the horses so well, to Christine for her great promotion efforts and everyone who came to help and support us We enjoyed our visiting guests, including Carl, Lauren, Charlotte, Nancy, Jennifer, Lynn and our hunt club supporters! The crowd watching Jess is shown in the related photo. Thank you and great work team!

Read about TRF in the Richmond Magazine!

TRF's Second Chances Program was featured recently in the Richmond Magazine. To read the article, go to the Richmond Magazine site. The article Second Chances dated July 15 is available at:
richmondmagazine.com/?articleID=5e1b57f6776446b457e6d196c99e93e8

TRF OPEN BARN: ADOPT-A-THOROUGHBRED DAY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
HERD MEET & GREET AND RING EXHIBITION

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) at James River is opening its barn doors at the James River Work Center (JRWC) on Sunday, Sept. 18 for Adopt-A-Thoroughbred Day, a new annual event to showcase TRF's herd of ex-racehorses and its nationally-acclaimed Second Chances program -- saving horses and men.

Since its founding in 2007, 54 Thoroughbreds have passed through TRF’s Barn 4 gates at JRWC, 22 horses have been adopted, and 35 inmate caretakers have been certified through the Groom Elite equine management training program. TRF’s Open Barn event is designed to offer TRF supporters, equine enthusiasts and the local community a glimpse into its Second Chances program and to promote adoption of its ex-racehorses ready for second careers.

During the Open Barn, visitors will have an opportunity to meet-and-greet most of TRF’s 28-horse herd and talk with inmate caretakers, as well as TRF herd management and volunteer staff. A TRF Thoroughbred ring exhibition will showcase TRF horses that are rehabilitated, retrained and ready to move on to the show ring, hunting field and riding trails. In addition, visitors will have an opportunity to get into the TRF Winner’s Circle and take photos with some of TRF’s celebrity Thoroughbreds, including:

•     Covert Action, Secretariat’s grandson
•     Multiple Choice, Secretariat’s great-grandson who won nearly $1 million dollars in his racing
      career
•     Pattie’s Storm, 2011 Miss TRF winner and TRF VA “spokeshorse”

“Every year, thousands of Thoroughbreds who are no longer able to compete on the track are at risk for abuse, neglect, or slaughter,” said TRF James River Chapter’s board president, Anne Tucker. “TRF’s mission is to rescue these Thoroughbreds and help them move on to second careers. Caring for a horse is expensive, but saving a Thoroughbred’s life is priceless. On ‘Adopt-A-Thoroughbred Day’ we want people to see our herd, fall in love, and adopt. Together, we can save more Thoroughbreds.”

TRF's Barn 4 at JRWC in Goochland County is open to the public only once a year, so mark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is free. Please RSVP to Jennifer.berdell@ml.com.

OPEN BARN: ADOPT-A-THOUROGHBRED DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00 AM – NOON: BARN 4 FACILITIES OPEN TOUR
•     Learn about TRF’s Second Chances program
•     Meet many of TRF’s 28 ex-racehorses and hear their stories
•     Talk to inmate caretakers about TRF’s Groom Elite training program
•     Meet Goochland’s newest farrier – a former TRF inmate caretaker
•     Engage with veterinarian and herd management staff about how TRF rehabilitates and retrains
      Thoroughbreds
•     Visit the TRF Thoroughbred Adoption Center: Thoroughbred profiles, process, and price
•     TRF fundraising tack sale – New and used

NOON – 1:00 PM: ‘TRF WINNER’S CIRCLE” PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
•     Bring your camera and get in the “TRF Winner’s Circle” with celebrity ex-racehorses

•     Covert Action: Secretariat’s grandson
  
•     Multiple Choice: Secretariat’s great-grandson and TRF’s million-dollar winning Thoroughbred
  
•     Patti’s Storm: Voted “2011 Miss TRF” and TRF VA “spokeshorse”

A MESSAGE FROM ANNE TUCKER TO TRF’S GENEROUS DONORS

Dear TRF Supporter,

We hope you’ll join us on Sept. 18 at Barn 4 for TRF’s Open Barn. This event is about showcasing our herd and promoting Thoroughbred adoptions and also a small way for us to say thank you for your generous support. We want you to see the TRF horses you’ve helped save, to hear from TRF’s inmate caretakers how the Second Chances program has helped change their lives, and to meet our volunteers who work hard to make sure your dollars are put to good use saving horses and men.

This event is only possible because of you, so please visit us at Barn 4 and help celebrate second careers for ex-racehorses. We know our Thoroughbreds will want to meet you!

Anne Tucker
President of the Board
TRF James River Chapter

HOW TO GET TO TRF’S BARN 4 AT JAMES RIVER WORK CENTER

Google or Mapquest:
James River Work Center
1954 State Farm Rd.
State Farm, VA, 23160

TRF at James River is located off Route 6 between Crozier and Maidens, VA at the James River Work Center, which is within the former James River Correctional Facility. Look for the TRF Greener Pastures program sign and yellow banner, “TRF OPEN BARN: Adopt-A-Thoroughbred Day,” along Route 6 for the exact entrance location. Parking will be on the right when you turn into to the correctional facility. Transportation to Barn 4 will be provided.

TRF ANNOUNCES “2011 TRF WINNERS CIRCLE AWARD”
HONOREES AT ANNUAL COLONIAL DOWNS EVENT

Authors and Publisher of Secretariat’s Meadow Recognized for
Extraordinary Contributions to Thoroughbred Aftercare

On Saturday, July 30th, the James River Chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) presented its “2011 TRF Winner’s Circle Award” honoring extraordinary contributions to Thoroughbred aftercare to Kate Chenery Tweedy, Leeanne Meadows Ladin and Wayne Dementi, the co-authors and publisher of the nationally-acclaimed book, Secretariat’s Meadow: The Land, The Family, The Legend.

The “2011 TRF Winners Circle Award” was presented during TRF’s annual fundraising event at Colonial Downs, this year themed “A Celebration of Virginia Thoroughbreds” in honor of the Virginia-Bred stakes races during Colonial Downs’ Commonwealth Turf Fest. Co-hosts of TRF’s event were Colonial Downs, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA).

“Kate, Leeanne and Wayne have been tremendous supporters of TRF’s mission,” said Anne Tucker, Board President, TRF James River. “Their tireless efforts to promote TRF and generous financial contributions have made a significant impact on our herd at James River and National TRF as well.”

“It’s an honor for us to receive the ‘2011 TRF Winner’s Circle Award.’ We are passionate about TRF -- as is my mom Penny, who was one of TRF’s founders,” said Kate Chenery Tweedy. “Helping TRF benefit from our book Secretariat’s Meadow is an important way for us to honor Secretariat’s legacy and help more Thoroughbreds retire to greener pastures.”

Attended by nearly 100 TRF supporters, the event raised several thousand dollars for TRF at James River and included a live auction featuring tickets to the 2011 Breeder’s Cup at Churchill Downs and the chance to name a character in an upcoming novel from New York Times Best-Selling author Rita Mae Brown. Sponsors included Essex Bank, which has supported TRF’s event at Colonial Downs for three consecutive years, Dementi Milestone Publishing and several individual contributors.

“The TRF herd that grazes along Route 6 has surely become one of Goochland County’s most treasured landmarks,” said Wayne Dementi, president, Dementi Milestone Publishing. “The dedication of TRF’s volunteers, the hard work of the caretakers at the James River Work Center, and the success of TRF’s program saving men and horses is something we can all be proud of as a community. I know I am.”

The July 30th event at Colonial Downs follows on the heels of the James River Chapters’ successful “Miss TRF” equine beauty pageant. “Patti’s Storm”, a 15.2 H “flashy” mare was named TRF’s Virginia spokeshorse for 2011. On September 18th, TRF will host an Open Barn at Barn 4 at the James River Work Center. Check back for more information soon at jamesriverhorses.org.

Racing Industry, Local Businesses and ‘Goochlanders’
Rally to Support TRF at Colonial Downs: Thank You!

TRF at James River would like to thank everyone who helped make the “Celebration of Virginia Thoroughbreds” event at Colonial Downs such a great success. We at TRF, along with our herd and the men at James River Work Center, extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to:

• Our partners, Colonial Downs, VTA and VHBPA for once again joining in with us to help raise awareness of our herd and promote the event to racing enthusiasts and industry members;
• Our special guests and “2011 TRF Winner’s Circle Award” Honorees, Kate Chenery Tweedy, Leeanne Ladin and Wayne Dementi, whose passion for our herd and warm and entertaining remarks at the event thrilled the crowd as much as the racing.
• Our generous event sponsors, including Essex Bank, Dementi Milestone Publishing, Anne and John Tucker, Robin Traywick Williams and Elizabeth Culley.
• Our Live Auction contributors, including, Jimmy and Anne Grindstaff, our sensational auctioneers from Grindstaff Auction and Reality, The Breeder’s Cup organization, Rita Mae Brown, Stephanie Nixon, local Goochland artist Patti Rosner, and Colonial Downs.
• The Virginia Equine Artists Association who created a wonderful display of equine and animal art, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all: Nolan and Renae Major, Eleszabeth McNeel and Debby Thomas.
• Our event volunteers who put together another great evening at the races for TRF enthusiasts, including Deirdre Feeney, Liz Culley, Stephanie Nixon, Robin Williams, Scott Richardson, Polly Bauhan, Sherry Sackett, Courtney Eden, Debby Thomas, Anne Tucker and Lisa Craig (TRF National).

And last, but certainly not least, we’d like to thank everyone who attended the event to support TRF! We hope you enjoyed a “Celebration of Virginia Thoroughbreds,” and we’ll see you next year in the Winner’s Circle!

Celebration of Virginia Thoroughbreds TRF Annual Fundraising Gala at Colonial Downs, July 30th

On July 30th – the last Saturday of racing – TRF and Colonial Downs will host our annual "Winner's Circle" fundraising gala in the Jockey Club, this year themed “A Celebration of Virginia Thoroughbreds” in honor of the VA-Bred Stakes Races that evening. The Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) and Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA) will also join-in again as co-hosts to support TRF. Special guests include Secretariat’s Meadow authors Kate Chenery Tweedy and Leeanne Meadows Ladin and publisher Wayne Dementi, who will receive the “2011 TRF Winner’s Circle Award” for extraordinary contributions to Thoroughbred aftercare. Through the generosity of the Secretariat’s Meadow team, TRF receives a portion of sales from this landmark book to support its nationalherd of retired Thoroughbreds. Event tickets ($60) will be available online at jamesriverhorses.org and colonialdowns.com. Check back here in early July to get your tickets and we'll see you for "An Evening in the Winner's Circle!"

Congratulations to Patti, Miss TRF 2011!

In a celebration of life after racing, TRF James River crowned Patti Miss TRF 2011 in the Winner’s Circle at Colonial Downs’ Ladies Evening on June 25.

Photo courtesy of Debby Thomas, Animal Art & Photography


Photo courtesy of Debby Thomas, Animal Art & Photography

Congratulations to Patti, winner of the first ever “Miss TRF” equine beauty competition Saturday evening at Colonial Downs.

Nine mares entered the competition, and thru on line votes accumulated over a week’s time, the top three vote getters—Patti, Twitchy and Roman— advanced to Colonial Downs as a finalist in Saturday’s “Ladies Night” event. Patti is an 11 year old chestnut mare. Twitchy is a 6 year old bay mare, and Roman is an 11 year old dark bay mare. Patti, Twitchy and Roman—and the other contestants in Miss TRF— are available for adoption, and all based at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) at James River.

Upon arriving in the winner’s circle, Patti was presented with a well deserved garland of pink roses, and a year’s supply of carrots, courtesy of Whole Foods Market. Patti was then serenaded in poem based on a song, “There She Is, Miss TRF”: Over 11,200 on line votes were cast in this first time venture. Should Patti not be able to fulfill her numerous duties as “Miss TRF”, Twitchy, the first runner-up, will take her place. Roman was second runner-up.

TRF would like to thank those of voted and attended to support Miss TRF 2011! We also thank Colonial Downs, the Colonial Downs’ Outriders, Darrell, Larry, the Whole Foods Market, the James River Work Center administration and staff; the TRF herd's dedicated inmate caretakers, our retraining professional, Jessica Bowen; our pageant photographers, Debby Thomas (Animal Art and Photography) and Karen Whalen Ryan; our other dedicated volunteers and Anne, Amy, Bonnie, Deirdre, Laurie, Linda, Liz, Lynn, Meghan and Stephanie.

About TRF at James River

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is the oldest and largest charity devoted to equine rescue. Established in 1982, the TRF is responsible for 1,100 horses in 13 states, including eight prison programs plus foster farms, retirement herds and three centers for retraining and adoptions. The TRF's Greener Pastures Program at James River Work Center (JRWC) provides rehabilitation for Thoroughbreds and vocation training for inmate caretakers. TRF stables 29 horses at JRWC's "Barn 4" and 33 men have been certified in horse care and stable management.

For additional photos of Miss TRF 2011, visit us on Facebook.

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

Mares at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at James River Vie for the Title of “Miss TRF 2011

Equine Beauty Pageant Celebrates Life After Racing
Winner Will Be Blanketed in Pink Roses
in the Winner’s Circle Ladies Evening
at Colonial Downs, June 25th

In a salute to Ladies Night at Colonial Downs on Saturday, June 25th, nine mares in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s (TRF) herd at James River are competing in an equine beauty pageant for the title of “Miss TRF 2011.” The lucky mare that takes the title will prance into the Winner’s Circle Ladies Night to claim the adoration of racing fans, a year’s supply of carrots, and the opportunity to serve as spokeshorse for TRF in Virginia.

The pageant has two stages of competition. Starting Wednesday, June 15th, racing and TRF fans can vote online for their favorite mare based on looks, personality, talent and post-racing career aspirations (www.colonialdowns.com/misstrf). The three mares capturing most on-line votes will be trackside Ladies Evening, June 25th to strut their stuff for racing fans, who will decide which of the three finalists is blanketed in pink roses Miss TRF 2011.

Each of the nine mares competing in the Miss TRF pageant is a retired ex-racehorse who has demonstrated a passion for moving on to a second career and TRF’s mission to rescue Thoroughbreds. Among the contestants are:

• Twitchy Witch, the ‘career athlete,’ who is determined to win a hunter/jumper blue ribbon but recognizes that ‘family horse’ is an important second career too;
  
  
• Patti’s Storm the ‘It Girl,’ who down-plays her looks in the herd but thinks her beauty can be a real asset to draw attention to TRF’s cause to help horses and people;
  
  
• Romancera, who acknowledges she’s the ‘dark horse’ of the pageant but believes every Thoroughbred should be able to live their life carefree -- without labels; and
  
  
• Ace of Hearts, who has taken chances in her career from racing to retraining that haven’t always worked out but still believes in the indomitable spirit of the Thoroughbred and the heart of humans.

TRF’s Twitchy Witch Goes Great at Deep Run!

On June 4, TRF’s Twitchy Witch competed at Deep Run in the Pleasure and OTTB Divisions. Twitchy placed third over fences in the OTTB Division. To learn more about Twitchy, who is available for adoption, and our other horses who need good homes, go to our Adoption page.

Photo courtesy of Branam’s Photography.

TRF Tack Sale Held at Deep Run Hunt Club!

On June 4-5, TRF held a tack sale at DRHC. With donations from local businesses and support from loyal TRF customers, TRF sold a variety of new items, including a Steuben saddle, half chaps and paddock boots, and was able to raise approximately One Thousand Dollars to benefit TRF JRC’s local herd. TRF thanks EZ Rider and the many volunteers who supported this event, including Shelly, Polly, Jess, Deirdre, Debby, Liz and Janice. TRF also thanks its many customers who helped make this event a success! Look this fall for our upcoming tack sale to be held at the TRF Open House (at Barn Four)!

TRF Forms National Equine Vet Alliance

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation announced the formation of the National Equine Veterinary Alliance, consisting of professionals who have agreed to provide pro bono veterinary care to Thoroughbred ex-racehorses from non-profit organizations that have been registered with, and approved by, the TRF. To read more about the Alliance, as reported by the Blood-Horse, go to: TRF Forms National Equine Vet Alliance . For additional inquiries or to learn more about participating in the Alliance, contact TRF’s Matthew Williams at MWilliams@thoroughbredretirement.org, (859) 246-3080.

137th Running of the Kentucky Derby
To Benefit the TRF at James River

From the first minutes of the party, the day was filled with energy and excitement. Champagne, wine and Mint Juleps flowed freely and The Wine Loft staff kept everyone fed with delicious appetizers. Steve "Mr Beach" Leonard, served as emcee, keeping our guests updated on the races, and doing a great job of encouraging everyone to get their bets in with our “Jockey Girls”. The two hat contests were a big hit, with many of the ladies present participating. Prizes included tickets to the Virginia Derby, given by Colonial Downs and other gifts donated by local businesses. Our three raffle prizes went to three lucky winners, with the $1000 cash prize going to Doug Thompson, the week in St Augustine, FL being won by Doug Robbins, and the 3 day trip to Saratoga going to Johnny Cates.

Our sponsorships for the event were a sellout this year also, with 3 Winners Circle sponsors, 3 Homestretch sponsors and 3 Starting Gate sponsors. Between the sponsorships, raffles and betting pools, the event ended up raising nearly $15,000, up 50% over last year's net. The TRF James River is happy to have had an event that made people feel so good about helping our cause and helping the horses get a second chance at a new life.

NBC12's Gene Cox reports on the TRF at James River

Gene Cox of NBC12 recently visited the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at James River and interviewed some of the people involved in the program. Here is part of his coverage while the full story can be seen on the taped interview.

What happens to thoroughbred horses when their racing days are over? Well, if the horses are lucky, they will find a new home at the James River Correctional Facility.

Few prisons have a more pleasant setting: on Goochland's Bucolic Hills, overlooking the James River, the James River Correctional Work Center, the part of the prison not scheduled to close. In addition to producing products for state inmates, the part of the work center called "Greener Pastures" gives race horses a second career with the care and attention of inmates who learn much more than a trade.

All of the horses but one are up for adoption. The horses are available for adoption or sponsorship.

TRF Provides Second Chances!

This is what it's all about. Trust between horse and human. This is the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at James River. The inmates give the horses a second chance in life, and the horses do the same for the men. It is an amazing experience for all involved and I am honored to be a part of it. (photo copyright - Karen Ryan and the TRF at James River)

Donate Barn 4 Wish List Items!

For 2011, TRF JRC has a Barn 4 Wish List. If you can provide any of the items on the below listing, please e-mail Ms. Karen Ryan at StateFarmHorses@aol.com. You may also call Karen at (804) 484-0730. TRF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and ALL donations are tax-deductible.

TRF Program Unchanged by Closure of JRWC Prison

The TRF's program at James River Work Center in Goochland will not be affected by the closing of James River Correctional Center. The buildings are on the same 1,200-acre piece of property, but they are separate facilities.

The TRF horses are at the Work Center, a minimum-security facility that provides groups of inmates to work the agricultural areas -- the dairy, the crops and the TRF horse program, which DOC calls "Greener Pastures." The JR Work Center will continue to operate as it does now, and the horse program will also continue.

In fact, earlier this year, with grant money from a local donor and from the ASPCA, we expanded our facilities, fencing additional acreage provided by the Department of Corrections. We now have capacity for up to 40 horses.

Thank you for your concern and your interest in our program. We are excited by what has been accomplished in just over three years at JRWC. We have adopted out more than 30 horses to forever homes and we have certified 36 men in the Groom Elite equine care program.

And recently we have all been celebrating the release of an inmate who has been a star in our program, who learned to do farrier work and who is embarking on a carrier as a farrier -- all with the support and encouragement of the TRF's local committee that supports the rehabilitation program at JRWC.