GOOD NEWS FRIDAY sponsored by Liberation Farm: BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
By Ray Paulick
When the committee that doles out Eclipse Awards of Merit or Special Eclipse Awards announced the other day that Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation founder and longtime chairman Monique Koehler would be a recipient of a Special Eclipse Award next month, my first thought was, “What took so long?”
But then I remembered this is an industry predicated on past performances, and the past performances suggest that recognition of people and organizations dedicated to the health and welfare of retired racehorses comes reluctantly and over time.
I first became aware of the TRF more than 20 years ago, some five years after Koehler started the organization in 1982. I was working for a Thoroughbred publication and was asked to come up with a list of potential story ideas to be used for upcoming features. I called some friends in different parts of the country looking for ideas and one of them told me about this fascinating operation based at an upstate New York prison that took in retired racehorses and stabled them at the prison, where inmates would care for them. It was a proverbial win-win situation: good for the horses, good for the rehabilitation of the inmates.
When I suggested to the editor that a feature on the TRF be considered, I thought for sure I’d get two thumbs up. I was stunned when he told me, “Oh, we can’t do that. We don’t want people to find out what really happens to all those horses when they’re done racing.”
It was my first exposure to one of the sport’s dirty little secrets, that ex-racehorses often wind up in a slaughterhouse somewhere, destined for a dinner plate overseas, or perhaps as food for a dog or other animal. Turns out the glue factory was more than a cliché.
Monique and the TRF’s longtime executive director, Diana Pikulski, have fought hard for the organization’s mission to be recognized, much less accepted, in the Thoroughbred media and by the industry they have done so much to help. As the TRF grew, admitting more horses into a prison program that expanded to other states and to satellite farms, the struggle became an economic one of how to feed and care for the thousands of Thoroughbreds retired from the racetrack each year.
Gradually, they picked up important advocates, like the late John Hettinger, whose money, influence and outspoken passion for the cause advanced the TRF and its mission. Many similar organizations popped up around the country, but the TRF to this day remains the largest national charity devoted to helping retired Thoroughbred racehorses.
Critics, including, ironically, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, an organization also devoted to the health and welfare of horses, have pooh-poohed the TRF and similar organizations, saying their efforts to save horses represent a drop in the bucket when compared to the total number of unwanted Thoroughbreds. But should the fact that not all Thoroughbreds can be saved from slaughter or neglect prevent rescue and retirement organizations from saving those they can, and often placing them in second careers as performance or pleasure horses?
I don’t think so, and I believe the AAEP has been on the wrong side of this issue for many years. (Disclosure: I served on the AAEP board of directors in a non-veterinary “industry seat” for three years where I tried to be an advocate for rescue/retirement groups. I currently am a member of the TRF board.)
The efforts of Koehler, Pikulski, Hettinger, web publisher and horseman Alex Brown and many others have raised awareness to this issue, and some of racing’s largest institutions now recognize that supporting racehorse retirement is not only the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do for the industry’s tarnished image among the general public.
Along the way, trainers like Nick Zito, Todd Pletcher, Gary Contessa and the late John Russell stepped forward as advocates, along with owners and breeders like Gary Biszantz, Madeline Auerbach and the late Trudy McCaffery (there are many more who have stepped up). Numerous breeders and stallion farms have supported fundraisers through the donation of stallion seasons.
Richard Fields, the majority owner of Suffolk Downs, showed tremendous leadership when instituting a policy at the New England racetrack banning trainers who dump horses into auctions where the animals usually are destined for slaughter. Churchill Downs and Magna Entertainment developed policies and positions of support for racehorse retirement, and most recently the New York Racing Association adopted a policy and pledged funds to assist the retirement of horses. The Jockey Club has taken a strong position of support, and that was a most significant development.
There are holdouts, including the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, whose silence and lack of leadership on the issue is a sore spot with many people. But as Monique Koehler knows more than anyone else, these things take time.
So rather than criticizing the committee that took more than a quarter of a century to recognize Monique Koehler for starting a national movement that represents so much that is good about the people in this industry, I say “thank you” to the organizations that voted her this award: the Daily Racing Form, National Turf Writers Association and even the NTRA.
More importantly, if they could talk, the thousands of horses that have been or will be saved as a result of Monique’s tireless dedication and advocacy would say thank you as well.
The best way you can thank Monique is by supporting the TRF through a donation. Click here to learn more about the organization and here to make a donation.
Copyright © 2009, The Paulick Report
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Tags: aaep, american association of equine practitioners, churchill downs, diana pikulski, eclipse awards, gary biszantz, gary contessa, Good News Friday, john hettinger, John Russell, liberation farm, Madeline Auerbach, Magna Enterntainment, monique koehler, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, New York Racing Association, nick zito, NTRA, Paulick Report, Ray Paulick, special eclipse award, suffolk downs, The Jockey Club, Thoroughbred Retirement Foudnation, todd pletcher, Trudy McCaffery
January 1st, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Bravo on a wonderful article about TRF and the efforts of the many (often unsung) heroes that make life after racing a possibility for those wonderful racehorses. I too am sorry the AAEP has adopted its particular stance, but the more light that shines on the plight of horses that are no longer competitive, the more options there will be. Retirement facilities that follow sound business plans become role models for people who want to work on the problem of the thousands of youngsters that can be rehabilitated and reschooled to go into second careers. These facilities also receive the positive publicity they need to continue their work.
May 2010 and this Special Eclipse Award to Monique Koehler continue to bring awareness toTRF.
January 1st, 2010 at 1:31 pm
The TRF does a fantastic job and is a beacon of light on an issue that will never go away in the court of public opinion. The AAEP and other Neanderthals in the industry have not a clue that essentially saying - “Crisis, What Crisis?” - and ignoring the tragedies after the finish line is destroying the sport. As I told one individual opposed to reform about a year ago…”Does this industry need a Ferdinand here to finally wake people up? By then - though - it’ll be too late.”
January 1st, 2010 at 2:15 pm
The recent story highlighted on CNN regarding a racehorse named FREEDOM’S FLIGHT, who was found at a blackmarket Florida slaughterhouse (owned and bred by Herman Heinlein), is a perfect example of the current plight of “unwanted” horses. When a story like this makes the front page of CNN online, it’s beyond STUPID for this industry to not step up and make a concerted UNIFIED effort to hold breeders, owners and trainers accountable for the WELFARE of these animals.
The NTRA’S pathetic response to the moral issues racing faces will eventually be it’s real demise.
January 1st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Shame on the AVMA and AAEP for supporting horse slaughter. Although some equine vets are honorable and compassionate, too many are driven by greed, ego and fame.
Veterinarian’s Oath
(Adopted by the AVMA In November, 1999, reaffirmed April, 2004)
“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.”
January 1st, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Joe (4):
Notice the Veterinarian’s Oath includes: “…the relief of animal suffering,…” ? With thousands of horses for which care is not provided, euthanasia is avoidance, thus relief, of suffering.
Over many years, I’ve known scores of veterinarians. Most, not some, are honorable and compassionate. Horse vets turn out at all hours of day and night, occasionally under deplorable conditions. The motive cannot be described as greed: in general their charges are far less than a small animal vet charges, although the risk to life and limb cannot be compared.
I conclude you have not actually known many vets. Otherwise you would not offer such comments.
January 1st, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Thank you, Ray, for your continued efforts for the horses. TRF, and every legitimate rescue group, deserve grateful thanks and upmost cooperation from our industry — for their mission is the most noble. What about reputation does racing just not get? If one is not considering the fate of ex-racers, then at least consider the survival of racing itself! How basic is that? The truth about slaughter is finally “front page news” and it’s now impossible to have one without the other. Through my tenure at the Maryland tracks, working on front-side and back-side, I clearly heard opposition to rescue efforts. Of note - the most negative were track owners, Karin Van Dyke and brother Joe De Francis, along with Richard Hoffberger, president of the MTHA (no less). These folks who have inheirited wealth, and strive to make more on the backs of horses, couldn’t be swayed an inch to improve racing’s reputation - much less see the humane issues. In my opinion, support absolutely MUST come from the top — the few that have will hopefully continue their efforts and move racing up! For the many, who see horses as a means to stuff their wallets, someone should usher them on a slaughter house tour!
January 1st, 2010 at 5:42 pm
It is amazing how much has changed since Monique Koehler started the TRF. As I am reading this and listening to NPR news, they are talking about the recent legislation in NY to require testing of racehorses away from the track for violations such as blood-doping. Welfare of horses and all animals is national news and in the mind of the general public- particularly among young people. Racing can continue to lead other animal related industries in its efforts and hopefully gain new fans. Thanks Ray for the time and talent you put into this issue.
January 1st, 2010 at 9:37 pm
“What took so long?” is right! Congratulations to Monique Koehler on this most public award after your (and Diana Pikulski’s) long, arduous and unsung work on behalf of thoroughbreds. Your fierce commitment in the face of the industry’s years of indifference is very inspiring.
January 1st, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Thank you, Ray. Beautifully written recognition of a wonderful person finally receiving some consideration by the industry. Shame on those who continue to ignore the plight of the Thoroughbreds no longer capable of racing - those horses deserve so much more.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:01 am
Post #5
“With thousands of horses for which care is not provided, euthanasia is avoidance, thus relief, of suffering.”
Garrett:
I agree with you if to you euthanasia only means a well placed bullet or vet-assisted death by injection. Both are humane ways to kill horses while slaughter, including kill auctions and transportation of slaughter horses are horrible. Because of their strong ties to pharmaceuticals, factory farming and slaughter of food animals, the AVMA and AAEP are pro horse slaughter, they even dare calling it humane and “processing” and… “euthanasia”.
Pro-slaughter groups try to make the public believe that it is more humane to slaughter “unwanted” horses (wanted by meatmen and foreign buyers even when the meat is highly toxic) that otherwise would be abandoned, abused or face a slow death by starvation. They don’t mention vet-assisted euthanasia as the most humane solution in the face of such horrendous over-supply of horses.
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Thanks to the good people at Suffolk Downs and to Rick Porter for buying back Houndslake who was one of Rick Porter’s horses until he got claimed and then claimed again to Alejandro Gomez who ran the horse close to every 4-7 days for many months. Rick was kind enough to buy the horse from this owner/trainer and I volunteered to take him. The last thing I truly needed was another horse (we have a Thoroughbred Farm in Hot Springs Arkansas with 29 horses here at the moment) but Houndslake is being retrained as he will be my pony horse at the track. I am thrilled to have him!!! I suggest to anyone looking for a horse to think about adopting a retired racehorse as most of them can be very cool when being retrained.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:03 am
I can’t think of anyone who deserves this recognition more than Monique. Her vision and compassion for the thoroughbred are without peer. Although this Award is way past due, I am tickled for her and know that literally thousands of thoroughbreds led a good life after their racing days, thanks to Monique and others at the TRF and similar.
I served with her on the TRF Board for several years and can attest to her tenacious commitment to the welfare of the horse. More important than this award, however, is the fact that the breeding and racing industry is now finally beginning to recognize that the welfare of the horse after its racing days are over is paramount to the survival of racing. For that, we owe Monique a huge debt of gratitude.
Johnathan Miller
Paeonian Springs, VA
January 5th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Another great post. Thanks admin !!!