I'm trying to rescue a race horse
 

I just found out that one of my favorite race horses is now running at Fonner Park after injuring his "ankle" before he left California (his owner sold him and shipped him to Arizona) - he really shouldn't be running at all, he's got bone chips, but this will be his second race since that injury. Mentally I've made the commitment that I need to buy him so he can retire... it's everything after the purchase that I'm confused about.

First, here's a little about him - he's a 4 year old gelding who had a couple wins early in his career but he really isn't very good. He is one of the sweetest horses I've ever met, always happy to see you in the barn, will nuzzle up into your neck when you're giving him a scratch and when you try to leave him he looks at you with puppy dog like eyes that say "where are you going? Wouldn't you rather stay with me?" He's the only race horse that I've seen look at the camera and smile in the winners circle (he did it twice!). He's just the kind of horse you get attached to once you've met him.

I spoke with my trainer (it was in his barn that I first met this amazing horse) and he said he doesn't have any connections in Nebraska to claim him so he recommended I try to do a private purchase from the trainer. I'm pretty sure I can navigate my way through that and I can probably even get him shipped out of Nebraska - but what do I do after that? I contacted a local horse rescue group, but they're full and couldn't give me a lot of guidance. I know I've got to get him retrained before I find him a new home (I may have a couple possibilities there) but how do I get that done? How long does that take?

I know I'm rambling here, and this won't interest most folks but those of you that may have advice or recommendations I would greatly appreciate any words of wisdom you might have. I just made up my mind today that I need to do this, right now I'm in the process of figuring out how to make it work.

Thanks,
DC

I have nothing to add but just wanted to say for all the whining on here about horses running in various places they shouldn't it is nice to see someone actually putting their money where their mouth is.

I dont know why you call it "whinning"? I am certain those people who say such things are indeed sincere yet probably dont have the finances or resources to do anything about it.

As for DerbyCat, I really do hope you get that horse. I wish you the best!

Do you have a lasso?

What a great thought and deed.

That horse must have one heckuva personality!

I have no idea about the "re-training" aspect. I'm guessing you've already given thought or exploration to the stable pony role.


I had no prior idea of the existence of Fonner Park until your post. Interesting mix of races they run there in their short meet.

Who is sincere and can't do anything about it?

To go the whole nine yards like DerbyCat is doing is pretty amazing.

many people are sincere...and then they run ito the same problem that Chelle is having....it's not the rescue it's what to do next. The sad fact is that unless one can personally commit to keeping the horse themselves the horse doesn't have anywhere to go. Rescue groups are beyond full with waiting lists, meanwhile they are stuggling just to feed the horses they have.
Local horse sales around here that used to sell horses for over $1000 a piece are now seeing them go through the ring (and sell) for as little as $25.....and these are not broken down old "killer" horses, they are young healthy rideable animals.

DC, you might try contacting the national TB rescues like ReRun or TRF that have satellite farms....I know they are strapped too but they can probably offer more assitance than the local groups. Esp. if you are in a place financially where you could support the horse (sponser him) while he is in their care.

Good luck.

Update
 

I was working on this until late last night and am feeling a little better about my chances to make this work... I got an e-mail this morning from my favorite equine retirement place, GEVA. They said they can take care of his re-schooling and hopefully find a temporary home. Now I just have to convince the guy who has him to sell him to me and get him transported from Nebraska back to California - anyone with a trailer want to take a road trip? :D

I feel confident I can find him a good home, I know enough people who own horses that I'm certain someone who loves horses would love to get a free horse for pleasure riding - the only condition I have is that I get to visit him whenever I want :)

good luck derby cat! i hope you're able to pull this off, it sounds like quite an undertaking.

Good luck ! I really hope it works out for you.

Best of luck. What a wonderful act. Please keep us posted.

Good luck DerbyCat! :tro:

I hit Fonner Park at least once a year just because there is absolutely nothing else in Nebraska. Those are some of the sorest horses in the world.

DerbyCat, best of luck with your efforts!

Best of luck, DerbyCat!

You might want to contact Southern California Equine Rescue, if you need resources (trailer, etc). They have a good network of people they work with and have rescued horses who have ultimately shipped to Northern California.

http://www.sctbrescue.org/contactus.htm

good luck DC! it's a great thing you are trying to do.:tro:

Here's the latest - I just spoke with the trainer and he wasn't real receptive to a sale. Said the horse is training great and he thinks he should win today. He also thinks another trainer may claim him (his claiming price is $2,500 today) but if I want to buy him I've got to give him the "$3,500" he paid for him in Arizona (and probably more than that to compensate him for his loss). Anyone know someone with a trainers or owners license in Nebraska that could claim the horse for me? I'll pay $2,500 (I was hoping I could get him for less than that, I've still got to pay for transportation and boarding while he re-schools).

This isn't as easy as I had hoped it would be... but I'm still trying.

Sounds like Trainer speak and negotiation to me DC..I'm sure this guy doesn't get many phone calls about a private sale for a bottom level claimer. Plus, unless he is the owner-trainer, if you buy him, the trainer loses a horse to bill monthly. Owner would probably love to move him for $2500...

Have you tried Canter? They seem to have a lot of contacts at various tracks, esp. those where lower level claimers end up...they may know someone who would be willing to help you out. Good luck!

We're a little over an hour away from the claiming race my favorite horse is scheduled to run in and I've pulled out the big gun - I have a crack negotiator trying to talk the owner/trainer down in price (I really don't want to have to pay more than the claiming price) so we'll see what happens - if this works I'll tell you who the negotiator is (he's well known and loved on this board :{>: )

Back up plan is to see what happens at the end of the race - if he gets claimed, wins, gets injured... so many variables affect the next move. I'll tell you this, I've put too much into this to let this horse slip out of my hands. I've got somewhere for him to stay once he gets to California, now I just have to get him and get him on a truck headed this way. By the time this is done I'm going to have spent more than it would have cost me to claim him in his last race at Golden Gate Fields... the things we do for horses!


The saga continues...