After much information gathering, speaking to organization leaders, questioning the roles and authorities of racing hierarchy, I’ve realized I need to clarify my position on my own thoughts and goals.

Within every state, province, country and region, there are so many organizations with concepts of helping to resolve the issue of horse slaughter.  Each has its own individual perspective, each seeks funding for their program and unique concept.  We have rescues, adoptions, horse show programs, sponsorships….the list is endless and as diverse as the people who implemented and run them.

My personal thought is the unification of the programs, funded by the racetracks, horsemen, organizations and breed associations.  After all, they are the beneficiaries of the racing careers of these horses and should be able to provide funding to advocate for them when their racing days are over.

I also believe education and promotion of the thoroughbred as a sport horse icon is vital to restoring their productive years.  Simply funding rescues will not encourage riders to form partnerships with former race horses and be the beneficiary of their superb temperment, trainability and athleticism.  The program needs diversification and a prescribed formula to fully address the need to educate riders and provide venues to exhibit the high quality of performance a thoroughbred is capable of achieving.

Advocates for the Thoroughbred must work in partnership to ensure the safe transition from racing horse to sport horse can be achieved. Sponsorship of re-training programs, education for riders and show sponsorship could promote the breed within the general rider ranks and divert scores of horses from a potential tragic end in a slaughter plant or in a situation like this  http://teamkeen.com/manylahorseseizure.html

The Racing Industry needs to take the Leadership Role in promoting the breed their economics depend on.  As a Canadian, the advantage of Race Track Slot revenue has bolstered the incentives to support provincial breeding and racing.  Examination of the far-reaching economic impact of horse ownership outside of racing venues should encourage mandated support of ex-racehorses through the same legislative process which regulates the gambling.