Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 20th for an uplifting and educational evening on behalf of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) Second Chances program, which pairs vocational training in horse care for prison inmates with off-track Thoroughbreds in need of a soft landing. The TRF Second Chance program has been going strong for over 20 years and spans correctional facilities in eight different states.
Next Tuesday at 8 PM Eastern, TRF will live stream a “horse show unlike any other” from the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, Kentucky where inmates will demonstrate their knowledge of horse handling and equine health care. With a global livestream, the positive impact that these horses and men have on each other will be on display for the world to see. For a glimpse at the passion that participants and advisory committee have for this program just watch the short video above and to read a little more about the impact of this program on its participants check out this article from the Paulick Report published in the lead up to their 2019 show.
Of course you can make an impact on the life of a retired racehorse as well. Here are our three adoptable OTTB picks of the week:
One More Thing Sir. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
One More Thing Sir (JAPAN – KAPSIKI, BY DANZIG): 2017 16.2-hand New York-bred gelding
Could this be one of the most drop-dead-gorgeous horses we’ve ever featured here on OTTB Wishlist? It’s possible — because holy cow is this one stunning three-year-old! “Sir” has only raced twice, finishing at the back of the pack both time, so it was clear to his trainer that he would be better suited to another discipline. With his impressive uphill build, forward attitude, desirable bloodlines, and, oh, not to mention a fabulous head of hair, we think Sir is going to get scooped pretty quickly!
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, NY.
View One More Thing Sir on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds.
Harp of Gold. Photo via Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.
Harp of Gold (PETIONVILLE – GOLDEN INNIS, BY YARROW BRAE): 2017 15.1-hand Maryland-bred gelding
Does Harp of Gold heave a heart of gold? It sure seems like it, as this three-year-old has been an easy restart for the experienced folks at Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue (MAHR). Prior to making his way to MAHR through Maryland’s Beyond the Wire program, Harp of Gold raced four times with no notable finishes. This gelding is big-bodied and takes up a lot of leg despite his smaller stature, though as a youngster he still has room to grow. He’s a quiet, easy-going guy with no physical limitations and will make somebody a lovely partner.
Located in Warwick, Maryland.
View Harp of Gold on Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue.
Once A Thief. Photo via CANTER Michigan.
Once A Thief (BODEMEISTER – CRY CRY CRY, BY JUMP START): 2016 16.0-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
I think we really struck gold this week because rounding out our three picks is yet another good-looking uphill gelding! Once A Thief is a son of 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness runner-up Bodemeister and has made 12 career starts himself with varying degrees of success. As a new addition to CANTER Michigan’s program having just begun being restarted as a riding horse, we don’t have much for information on him at this time, but we sure couldn’t resist that cute face!
