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