Celebrating Sanctuary: Saratoga's Thoroughbred Aftercare event June 17

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame — in partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, and Old Friends at Cabin Creek — will present Celebrating Sanctuary: Saratoga’s Thoroughbred Aftercare, on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Museum will offer free admission throughout the day. Celebrating Sanctuary will bring awareness to therapy horses, thoroughbred retirement, and the organizations that lead these efforts. The day’s family-friendly activities will take place in an open house setting and visitors will get to meet thoroughbreds in person.

The event will give visitors an opportunity to learn about these equine sanctuaries and how they make a difference in horses’ lives. The day’s activities will also feature a children’s book reading by Maddy Zanetti, a visit from Upset the miniature horse, and a presentation by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders.

Here is more information about the participating sanctuary organizations:

Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization based in Saratoga Springs. The TRF currently works with 15 farms in eight states and provides retirement to 425 horses. The organization will share a video from its acclaimed TRF Second Chances Programs. Following the video, TRF Executive Director Kelly Armer will share a brief overview of the organization’s history and evolution as it celebrates 40 years of “Saving Horses and Changing Lives” with gratitude for all who have made this possible.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga rescues retired racehorses who have sustained an injury on or off the track and can no longer go on to a second riding career. They live out the remainder of their lives in the program and become therapy animals. The organization’s staff and horses come together to help people build confidence, discover new coping skills, and reconnect with themselves. THS is a sanctuary providing space for mental wellness through horse and human connection. Two of the THS therapy horses, Kid Blast and George, will be in attendance at the Museum. THS will also be offering a short presentation with a video highlighting the organization’s programs.

Old Friends at Cabin Creek, based in Greenfield Center, is a satellite facility of Old Friends Kentucky. Operated by JoAnn and Mark Pepper, Old Friends at Cabin Creek opened in 2009 and is a popular tourist attraction throughout the year. Its notable residents include two-time Whitney winner Commentator, as well as millionaire earners Be Bullish and Naughty New Yorker, among others. The farm previously provided a home to Travers winners Thunder Rumble and Will’s Way and the famous Zippy Chippy during their retirements. JoAnn Pepper will be on hand to share stories about Old Friends and its residents.

Schedule of events (approximate and subject to change):

9 a.m. — Museum opens

9:30 a.m. — Film showing, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame

10 a.m. — Celebrating Sanctuary begins

10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation presentation

10:30 a.m. — Film showing, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame

10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga presentation

11:30 a.m. — Film showing, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame

11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Old Friends presentation

12:30 p.m. — Film showing, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame

12:45 p.m. to 1:05 p.m. — New York Thoroughbred Breeders presentation

1:05 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Storytime with Maddy Zanetti and Upset

1:30 p.m. — Film showing, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame

For more information about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, including upcoming events, please visit www.racingmuseum.org or call (518) 584-0400.