[Kasept]

Dear Joe:

What's wrong with you? Do you have an axe to grind with somebody in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation? If so please let me know? By your very actions you have condemned many racehorses who desperately need our help to their death. And I for one cannot let this go without trying to reason with you. Permit me to explain. You rushed to judgment in an isolated incident, without doing your due diligence, and by doing so, instead of providing your readership with the true picture of all the good things the TRF has done, you have poisoned the well.

I have owned racehorses for more than a quarter of a century. I know all the good deeds the TRF has done since its inception as I can speak to you first hand. For the record, FLS is about 400 partners strong. They are all being copied on this email as well as other prominent members of the racing community. I have a feeling you're going to be hearing from more than a few.

One of our long time veteran partners is Regina Schneller, Esq. When I first met Regina, she and her husband John had never owned a horse or a horse farm. They joined us in 1999. Since then, they bought a horse farm in NJ. They now have over a dozen retired racehorses they personally bought, claimed, or were given that live with them on their farm. They have others that live nearby because they need constant around the clock veterinary and boarding care that they pay for personally. Why don't you go see their farm and all the good and loving things they do?

Regina serves as Counsel to the TRF. She is heartbroken by what you wrote. Regina out of her own pocket pays for retired broodmares {of ours} to have messages. She checks on them as best she can. No one loves animals/horses more than Regina does. Do you realize the pain you've caused her and other devoted good and decent people who only give of themselves on behalf of the TRF?.

Joe, even if your allegations were proven correct, you must realize that it's impossible to be in all places at all times? If you had just brought your information to the attention of the TRF they would have been on top of it. But you didn't even give them one ounce of respect for all the good things they truly do. Why? In all fairness, most reporters would have performed their due diligence and done some real investigative reporting trying to get both sides of the story before going public. You had to know that because of the power of the pen will hurt the TRF with continuing donations?

Your story single handedly in itself will most certainly send retired racehorses to their slaughter? Other TRF members, who only give of themselves and can't take the heat, will resign. Why? Because who needs the aggravation from unbalanced attacks such as yours in a non profit organization? The TRF has placed horses {of ours} in homes with former partners and also correctional facilities throughout the United States. It's a win-win story.

Please I implore you to do the right thing and write a follow up story on all the good the TRF has done. Joe, I always give people I've never met the benefit of the doubt. I am providing you this chance to admit to a rush to judgment and right a wrong. You have no idea how many good and decent people you've hurt? And the worst part is you have sent the very animals you profess to protect by bringing your story to public awareness to their deaths.

We horse lovers know, that without the TRF and other fine similar organizations, these magnificent creatures entrusted into our care don't stand a chance. You're so wrong here in your character assassination of the TRF that I find it truly frightening. Please man up to your mistake and simply please investigate? Once you do, you'll learn all the good things the TRF has done. Thank you for listening as I would appreciate the courtesy of a reply.

With kind regards,

Bob Hutt