Kickin N Screamin is retired

[Nascar1966]

A Bob Hope would say "Thanks for the Memories" KNS. Enjoy your retirement life you have earned it.

[Barbara L.]

I really enjoyed reading everyone's posts about Kickin and Screamin. As administrator for Turning For Home, Philadelphia Park's retirement program, I just wanted to assure everyone that 1) we do take the foal papers (Jockey Club certificate) and return them to the Jockey Club so that none of them can ever end up racing. The JC takes each horse's name out of the registry when the papers are submitted with a Sold Without Pedigree Form, which has already been signed by Chuck Simon's assistant and given to me with KNS's Intake Form.

She will not be retired as a broodmare, but hopefully as someone's pleasure or show horse. We do have all of our retirees evaluated by a veterinarian before they leave the track, so that we can supply every bit of medical info we have to potential adopters. The availability of this info to adopters is very helpful in insuring that each horse can stand up to his or her new career, and hopefully it affords them a "forever" home.

Adopters are screened very carefully, references are checked, and follow-ups performed. An adopter can return one of our horses at any time if the horse does not work out. We only work with groups who comply with these requirements. There is a No Auction/Right of First Refusal Contract that must be signed once an adoption is final--more protection for our "kids!"

I photograph every retiree, collect the vet info, and schedule shipping. While I personally do not do many of the adoptions (we work with South Jersey Thoroughbred Adoption and New England Thoroughbred Retirement Center), I feel like each of the 425 Philadelphia Park horses that we have taken into our program has touched me in some way-- it is hard not to be affected when I meet them all, some with severe injuries and still sharp and alert, others who don't want any part of racing but have become amazing show or kids' horses, and unfortunately, those that have just been raced hard, and have given their all, and do not have anything left.

I have adopted one "pasture pal" kind of gelding myself, and want to assure you all that these animals are never just numbers to us, but the heart and soul of our sport.

I found it heartwarming to read all of your posts about this filly who has demonstrated so much heart. I feel like I know her already, and the photos of her on the turf, with her rider, etc., are beautiful.

Hope I get to meet some of you one day, and pleas feel free to contact me if you ever have questions. We have a website at www.patha.org, and just click on Turning For Home!

WE NEED MORE OWNERS LIKE YOU GUYS!!


Barbara Luna
Administrator
Turning For Home, Inc.
Sponsored by the PTHA
turningforhome@patha.org

[Danzig]

Thanks, Barbara, for posting. I am glad there are places like yours to help these wonderful horses when their first career ends.

now i'm really glad you posted. followed some links, and found iGive. didn't know this was out there, but now i do. everyone, check it out. i'm sure most of us make purchases online-if spending means a donation, i'm all for it!

[ddthetide]

Barbara thanks for your note and all your hard work on behalf of retired horses. most all Thank you for looking out for our KNS.

[Benny Leger]

Our most dependable runner evah!!! I wish I could have said goodbye in person...So Long Jazzy Girl !!!

[Halfbridled]

I just read the news and I must say, although I am almost crying, I can't stop smiling.
Kickin was the first and only horse I have ever "owned" and I feel very lucky that she is the one I ended up with. She had spirit, she tried hard every time, and she got me in the winner's circle at my home track! For the money we spent, you can't ask for any more than that!

I also want to say thanks to Chuck for keeping her happy and sound, and placing her in the right spots. I know her welfare always came first and I can't tell you how glad I am that you made this decision even when you didn't have to. When I read about these horses being run to the death or dropped down in class only to break down, it only means that much more to know she is permanently safe.

Barbara - thanks for your program and for accepting Kickin. I wish you guys all the best!

Most of all, thank you Kickin for everything. We will miss you, but you are going to be so happy! yay!

[cabvmd]

Glad KNS is getting a good home.

I would take her myself, but I am saving the space in my barn for Rampillion if it is OK with the rest of the DeeTee'ers. I only saw KNS once in Arlington and was not part of that package. I bought in with Rampillion and Aldeb. package for my Dad's 80th BD.


Rapillion had the month of rest and she won again on July 25. I have been in touch with the owner and he is a very nice gentleman and really likes horses so he was glad to know she would have a new home when he stopped racing her.

Thanks to Barb Luna for the good work with all the PA Park horses and helping us take care of KNS. I got my Re-run horse Silver Over Finish through Barb when she was with NJ ReRun. She is the best!!!!