MidAtlantic Horse Rescue

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post ricky’s good luck Ricky’s Good Luck By: Alexis Arbaugh June 6, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Hunt Seat Equitation, Jumping, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliaince Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS) is a program sponsored by Days End Farm Horse Rescue that assists horse owners with transitioning horses to new ownership. Whether due to an owner’s inability to care for the horse or a change in interest, METS ensures that no horse is at risk of negligence. In 2022, Zoe Kostant stumbled upon an ad for Liam’s Song while scrolling through the METS page. “I saw that face in the ad and just KNEW I had to have this horse,” Zoe wrote. Liam’s Song, a 2007 dark bay Thoroughbred gelding, had a successful racing career with 36 starts across Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware, earning a total of $239,522. When Zoe discovered the ad, it was the weekend, and METS was likely closed. Eager to learn more, she took matters into her own hands. After searching for Liam’s Song’s registered name on Facebook, she found a half lease ad from 2019, at which time he was called Titan. Zoe decided to message the poster of the ad, Emma, to see if she still had the horse. Initially, Emma was hesitant to respond, considering the time that had passed since the original post. However, once they started talking, the two hit it off. Zoe shared stories of her previous Thoroughbreds and her plans for Titan. Feeling reassured, Emma grew comfortable with Zoe taking care of the horse she loved so much. Zoe was persistent in her pursuit of Ricky (formerly Liam’s Song and Titan) because of the connection she felt just from his picture. “You can look right at him and tell he is just nothing but a lover,” she wrote. Soon after bringing Ricky home, Zoe received a call from Bev at MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Bev informed her that Ricky had originally come from MidAtlantic and that there was a contract stating that if he ever needed to be rehomed, he should be returned to them. Bev wanted to ensure that Ricky was in a good home, and since then, Zoe has kept in regular contact with Bev, sending updates and photos of Ricky. Despite some challenging circumstances, Ricky has been doing amazingly well. Tragically, in June 2023, Ricky and his pasture mate, Lucy, were intentionally let out of their field and both were struck by cars. Sadly, Lucy did not survive the accident, but Ricky was fortunate to suffer only minor injuries. After recovering, Ricky and Zoe began working on Hunt Seat Equitation. Although Ricky was 17 years old when he first started jumping, “that boy took to it like a fish to water!!!! He loves it,” wrote Zoe. They competed in several shows during the summer of 2023, where Ricky really shined and even took home two championship titles. Now, they continue to rebuild the muscle he lost during his time off and are looking forward to competing in locally rated shows in the summer of 2024. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Successful Week at Preakness FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2024 News Tags:1ST, 1ST Racing, ABR, ABR Pre-Preakness Party, Auction, Black-Eyed Susan Day, Hallway Feeds, Maryland Jockey Club, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Paragon Farms, Preakness, Preakness Party, Preakness Stakes, Silent Auction LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance enjoyed a successful week in Maryland during the Preakness celebrations, promoting awareness for accredited aftercare through various on-site activities at Pimlico Race Course and seeing an excellent turnout for America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party. With combined efforts from 1/ST RACING, Maryland Jockey Club, and America’s Best Racing, accredited aftercare was effectively highlighted throughout the week. The 9th annual America’s Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party, held at Mt. Washington Tavern on Wednesday, May 15, marked the beginning of the week’s festivities. Proceeds from the event supported Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. Additionally, the event raised awareness for The Ed Brown Society. With strong support for these causes and an excellent turnout, the evening was a notable success. On Thursday, May 16, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance attended the 149th Preakness Stakes Alibi Breakfast. Beverly Strauss, co-founder and Executive Director of MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, was honored as the Postmaster for Preakness 149. MidAtlantic Horse Rescue is among the 86 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations. Stacie Clark Rogers assisted in presenting Strauss with the Honorary Postmaster award, during which Strauss emphasized the importance of accredited aftercare in her speech. “As an advocate for the welfare of Thoroughbreds, I am deeply honored to be recognized as the Postmaster for Preakness 149,” said Beverly Strauss. “Accredited aftercare is not just a cause, but a commitment to the well-being of these incredible horses beyond the racetrack. We must continue to champion their care and support their transition into second careers.” During the weekend of racing, the Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING supported Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with named races on the undercards. After each named race, the winners were presented with a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded gift bag and a blanket sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian and Dean Dorton. On Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 17, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented Race #6. The winning horse, #7 Eff Thirty Five, was trained by Brittany Russell, ridden by Luis Saez, and owned by The Elkstone Group LLC. Additionally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented Race #9 sponsored by Hallway Feeds. The winning horse, #6 She Feels Pretty, was trained by Cherie DeVaux, ridden by John Velazquez, and owned by Lael Stables. On Preakness Stakes Day, Saturday, May 18, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance presented Race #10, the Sir Barton Stakes sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry. Paragon Farms, founded by Thoroughbred owners and breeders Brandon and Diannah Perry, are dedicated supporters of accredited aftercare. This year marked the culmination of a three-year sponsorship with Paragon Farms, annually donating $100,000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes. The winning horse, #5 Corporate Power, was trained by Claude (Shug) McGaughey, ridden by Javier Castellano, and owned by Courtlandt Farm. “Paragon Farms is deeply committed to furthering the vital mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance through our sponsorship of the Sir Barton Stakes,” expressed Brandon and Diannah Perry. “We consider it an honor to support these remarkable Thoroughbreds, bringing joy to everyone in the racing industry, as they transition to life beyond the track.” On both Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness Day, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance hosted the Best Turned Out Awards in the Pimlico Race Course winner’s circle for each race sponsored by Hallway Feeds and Fidelity First. “Hallway Feeds recognizes the significance of supporting these athletes both during their racing careers and in their retirement or second careers,” stated Anthony Koch, Hallway Feeds, Director of Sales & Marketing. “This past weekend provided an excellent platform to highlight the crucial role of accredited aftercare and the impactful mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.” As part of the “Off to the Races” campaign earlier this year, the winners of the Preakness VIP Experience package joined Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for an exciting weekend of racing. This experience was generously donated by Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance also staffed a booth where race enthusiasts and participants had the opportunity to discover more about accredited aftercare. In exchange for donations, visitors could acquire branded merchandise and race memorabilia to take home. “As we conclude Preakness 149, Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING are thrilled to have once again had the involvement of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” said Mike Rogers, 1/ST RACING Executive Vice President and Maryland Jockey Club Acting President and General Manager. “Their presence throughout the week has underscored our commitment to the welfare of these incredible equine athletes, both on and off the track. We thank race fans for their support and look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the future.” About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous Post Jericho Call: From Racing to Lessons​ Jericho Call: From Racing to Lessons By: Alexis Arbaugh February 15, 2024 Success Stories Tags:MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance A beautiful dark bay gelding named Jericho Call was born on May 16, 2009. Over the span of three consecutive racing seasons, from 2013 to 2015, Jerico Call ran in 12 races. During this time, he secured a first-place finish once, claimed second-place once, and one third place once, accumulating a total of $18,935. After his retirement from racing at the end of 2015, Jericho Call was sent to MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, Maryland for some rest and relaxation before starting his retraining for a second career. In 2016, Christine McFadden found herself in search of a pasture companion for her aging and retired Thoroughbred gelding. During her search, she came across Beverly Strauss’ MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. As Christine and Bev discussed the specific type of horse Christine was looking for, it became clear that she needed to pay a visit to the farm to see the available horses for herself. In addition to seeking a pasture companion for her retired gelding, Christine wanted to find a horse she could continue to do some light riding with. On a chilly and windy day in November, Christine, accompanied by her daughters and a friend, made the journey to MidAtlantic to look at and try some of their horses. The first horse that Christine and her friend decided to try was a young gelding named Mountain Hero. Although he was a good horse, Christine recognized that Mountain Hero was too large for her. However, her friend fell in love with him and ultimately chose to adopt and take him home. The next couple of horses that Christine rode during that visit were quite skittish and anxious, likely due to the cold wind. Next in the ring was a cute dark bay gelding with a star right in the middle of his forehead, Jericho Call. He walked right up to Christine and sniffed her hand curiously. Although he did seem a little anxious about the wind, Jericho did not let it show or change his behavior for Christine’s trial ride. Bev shared with Christine that she had rescued “Jerry” from an awful situation – he was found in a kill pen being attacked by another horse. Christine vaguely remembered coming across his story and seeing his pictures on social media. In that moment, she knew without a doubt that Jerry belonged with her one her farm. Jerry quickly became a beloved member of Christine’s barn after arriving home. She often praised him, calling him “amazing” because of his calm attitude towards anything and everything. After a lot of hard work and hours of training, Christine entered Jerry in the 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover in the Competitive Trail category. The pair was so good that they even led some of their uneasy group members through the obstacles! As of 2018, Jerry became pasture mates with one of Christine’s daughter’s off-the-track Thoroughbred, Chipped Tooth.    Due to Jerry’s exceptional manners and positive attitude, he became the perfect lesson horse for the farm’s trainer to use in her lesson program. He loved the opportunity to teach young children how to ride, even taking some of them to their first horse shows. Jerry became the ideal draw for the local Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) team, thriving on the attention he received from being ridden by so many riders. He also played a role in the local 4-H club, filling in for kids who didn’t have their own horses. Jerry took these roles very seriously, almost as if he knew his job was to make sure the kids were happy and safe. He became a true all-around equine star in his community. These days, Jerry enjoys a wide range of activities with Christine, including trail rides, fox hunts, and cross-country runs, among many other adventures. Christine couldn’t be happier with how far Jerry has come, considering that he was once a horse nobody wanted. She expressed her love for him by saying, “I am filled with pride that the horse that no one wanted is the horse that everyone needs.” Christine recognizes Jerry as one of the most versatile and easygoing horses she has ever worked with, and she values his remarkable ability to adapt to any rider, which she considers his greatest asset. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post Be Back’s Comeback Story Be Back’s Comeback Story By: Alexis Arbaugh November 15, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance The 2013 gelding Be Back had retired with 45 career starts and earnings of $91,492. When he unfortunately bowed his tendon at Charles Town, West Virginia in 2019, his connections made the responsible decision to retire him by way of Aftercare Charles Town. It wouldn’t be long before the six-year-old gelding would find his way to Bev Strauss at Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, MD. Upon recognizing Be Back’s name on a list from Aftercare Charles Town, it was clear to Georgianna who she wanted. “Georgianna sent me a list of horses needing placement and when I saw his name, we offered to take him,” Strauss explained. “He was born on our old farm in Chesapeake City and bred by Lana Wright, who was a friend and supporter. We saw him run and win his first race at Fair Hill too.” In this full-circle moment, Be Back’s future was set, and he was on his way to one of MidAtlantic’s satellite farms for his field let down period and rehabilitation. Be Back was the third horse to arrive at Hayden and her husband’s farm for rehab, and they fell in love with him almost immediately. The pair assisted in his healing and brought him to Strauss’ main farm to begin his retraining. But after only one week without their beloved foster, they couldn’t stop thinking about him and returned to MidAtlantic to officially adopt him. “He was our very first rehab fail, as we fell very much in love with him,” explained Hayden. Now fully rehabbed from his racing injury and at his forever home, Be Back was cleared to begin retraining in any discipline. After lots of hard work and figuring each other out, they were ready to enter a competition. Hayden chose to enter herself and Be Back in the Retired Racehorse Project’s 2020 Mega Makeover in both Dressage and Hunter classes. The pair were quite successful in the makeover, finishing third in the Hunter division and ninth in Dressage as a “teams horse” for MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.  “Be Back has always been a confident horse in who he is and what he loves to do,” said Hayden. “He showed me how to be confident in myself but also has given me more confidence than I have ever had for my riding.” Looking to the future now, Hayden and Be Back have plans to move into the Eventing world and are working to improve their partnership in Dressage. “My main goal with him is just to keep him happy and fit,” she said. “He is a horse who has proven he will do well in any direction or discipline we enter into. I want to continue to improve our partnership and really establish a really strong foundation so we can continue to move up through the levels in eventing.” Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post A Tale of Three Brothers: Ca$h, Nik, and Disco A Tale of Three Brothers: Ca$h, Nik, and Disco By: Alexis Arbaugh November 11, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In January 2022, Nina Shaffer experienced the loss of her dearest friend, Rosstar Superboy, a 32-year-old purebred Arabian gelding. When their remarkable 29-year companionship came to an end, Nina was devastated. Rosstar Superboy had been with her every step of the way, guiding her from the early stages of lead line and walk/trot riding to her successful professional career. In addition to this, he played a vital role in Nina’s lesson program, helping her educate the next generation of horsemen. Having navigated the challenging process of coping with her profound loss, Nina knew that she needed to start looking for her next group of exceptional lesson horses for her expanding program at Grand Slam Equestrian. Similar to her beloved Rosstar Superboy, all the horses in her stable had previously been rescued and had ultimately found their way to her barn. These horses are now cherished members of her equestrian family, receiving the utmost love and care. Nina got ahold of Nina Lyman, the President of TRRAC (Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation, and Careers), to assist her in the search for suitable lesson horses. In March of 2022, she adopted her first horse, Cashton Peak. Nina was captivated by the way he galloped in the field, and it became evident to her that he belonged at her farm. She learned that Ca$h had been returned to TRRAC, making him in need of a permanent home. Once Ca$h was at her farm, Nina quickly realized that he held a special place in her heart, becoming what is often referred to as a “heart horse.” She also recognized that he was not quite ready to take on the role of a lesson horse for children, as he required substantial professional training and time spent with her before he could teach young riders. Among the numerous horses that Nina considered, Nik’s Star Choice was one of them. Similar to Ca$h, Nik had been returned to TRRAC after participating in the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover. Initially, Nina had some reservations about Nik, but she eventually decided to bring him home. Just a week later, he arrived at the farm. Ca$h’s first high score TIP award. In a matter of weeks, with professional training and guidance from Nina, Nik made remarkable progress. He even attended his first horse show during this period. Upon returning from the show, he seamlessly transitioned into his new role as a lesson horse. “Nik has been an incredible addition to my program,” Nina wrote about Nik. Fast forward to July 2022, Nina’s lesson program continued to expand, prompting her to reach out once more to Nina Lyman at TRRAC in her quest for additional horses. That day, she welcomed Beacos Disco Pants into her equestrian family. Disco had been a participant in the 2021 Retired Racehorse Project but had been returned to TRRAC shortly after the event. Following the adoption of Disco, Nina Lyman approached Nina to ask for help in finding homes for more horses at TRRAC. Unable to turn down the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these animals, Nina wholeheartedly agreed to help. Since that pivotal moment, she has played a crucial role in rehoming over 30 horses from TRRAC, and this number continues to grow. “It has been the greatest honor of my 30-year career,” Nina wrote about her involvement with TRRAC. Out of the 9 horses that Nina has in her barn, 6 of them come from the TRRAC organization. Ca$h, Nik, and Disco represent TRRAC’s partner organizations: Second Call and CharlesTown. Nina takes immense pride in her horses, recognizing their remarkable resilience and adaptability. She acknowledges that these horses have risen to the challenges she’s presented them. Each one of her horses has participated in various shows, including prestigious events sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). What brings Nina the greatest sense of fulfillment is knowing that her horses are not only succeeding in their own right but also stepping up to the plate as dedicated educators. In addition to teaching lessons at her farm, Nina extends her passion for horses to working with individuals with special needs. These horses hold a special place in her heart and are well-versed in their roles, offering invaluable support to those they serve. In a recent turn of events, Nina’s grandmother experienced a stroke, and it’s heartwarming to learn that Ca$h has become a wonderful companion for her during this challenging time. Nina is grateful for her off-the-track-Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and for the organization TRRAC. For her, the aftercare process of providing retired racehorses with safe homes and a second career is of utmost importance. Her dedication to this cause is evident in her unwavering commitment. Nina’s overarching goal is to secure loving homes for as many of these retired racehorses as possible. In doing so, she aims to highlight the incredible breed and their remarkable versatility. Nina’s commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating retired racehorses demonstrates her dedication to providing these animals with a second chance at a fulfilling life beyond the racetrack. Her partnership with TRRAC is a testament to her passion for helping these horses find loving homes and fulfilling roles in her growing lesson program. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

The day Peyton Place broke his maiden, he caught the eye of TAA-accredited MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Executive Director, Bev Strauss.

After six starts on the track, Jardin de Giverny never broke her maiden. In 2020, the four-year-old began the next chapter of her life at TAA-accredited MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.  After rehoming thousands of former racehorses, Executive Director Bev Strauss has had plenty of experience transitioning Thoroughbreds off-the-track.  “When Jardin came in it was obvious she was a total athlete with a good brain, but needed a program and direction,” Strauss said. “So, we sent her to Sally Shirley for a consistent program.”  The Kentucky-bred was off to begin retraining for her second career at Shirley’s Westminster, Maryland farm. Meanwhile, a young Sarah Laderman had just begun the search for her first horse.  At the age of eight, Sarah rode a horse for the first time thanks to father who enrolled her in a week-long day camp. It wouldn’t be long before she was taking lessons and entering competitions. Her father, Steve, recognized early on that his daughter’s passion for horses was serious, and eventually he agreed it was time for Sarah to have a horse of her own. “Sarah has a fairly natural ability to handle herself around horses and I was confident in her ability to train and bring a horse along,” Steve Laderman said.  Sarah had done her research and decided she would be looking specifically at off-track Thoroughbreds— something MidAtlantic had in spades.  “I saw the ad for MidAtlantic Horse Rescue on Facebook,” Sarah said. “I checked out their website and found Jardin.”  A couple days later Sarah and her dad were on their way to Sally Shirley’s farm, ready to meet Jardin de Giverny.  “She was almost exactly what I was looking for,” Sarah said. “She was a really pretty mover which stood out to me, but it was that she was willing to learn and picked up on things really quickly that convinced me.” Just three months after arriving at MidAtlantic, the daughter of Superfly had found her forever home.  Sarah and Jardin stayed in Shirley’s training program for a month to give the new partnership a good foundation and to work out those OTTB quirks— something Steve Laderman has enjoyed watching from the sidelines.  “It has been crazy watching Sarah and Jardin grow as a team and both being able to anticipate each other’s movements and actions,” Steve said. “The amount of trust and comfort level continues to build as we go and Jardin’s maturity is beginning to shine through. That trust has helped tremendously in Jardin’s transition to her new life as a show horse. Sarah and Jardin earned 15th place in the Show Jumping division at the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover, making their team third overall among the junior competitors. “Sarah makes the mare look super easy to ride, but she is not,” Strauss said. “Young people like Sarah are the future for OTTBs.” Looking ahead, Steve has high hopes for his daughter and has enjoyed witnessing her passion grow.  “There very well may be a career in the horse or animal world for her,” he said. “And if not, the skills, life lessons, and experiences will be something she can leverage through the rest of her life.”     Cover Image: JARDIN de GIVERNY

Life on the racetrack just wasn’t in the cards for Bonaparte Jr. The son of Cactus Ridge made 16 starts before retiring to TAA-accredited Midatlantic Horse Rescue.

Tricky G made all 20 of his career starts in Louisiana and retired with a record of 3-3-3. In 2015 the son of Lunarpal was swiftly rescued from a Louisiana kill pen by MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.