Re-Run and Bethlehem Farm Team Up

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In an effort to find a cost-effective way to place more Thoroughbreds into adoptive homes, ReRun Inc. is working together with Bethlehem Farm to assess under tack many horses awaiting placement in adoptive homes. Working with Nicole Patenaude, an accredited riding instructor who recently moved to Central Kentucky from California, the partnership between the two Thoroughbred industry charities offers a low-cost, high-impact way to increase the number of ex-racehorses available for second career pleasure horses.

The mission of Bethlehem Farm, a Christian-based program headquartered near Paris, Ky., is to help women in Kentucky's racing and breeding industries that might be struggling with problems in their lives. Working closely with the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, Bethlehem Farm allows the women an opportunity for physical, emotional and spiritual healing while remaining in the company of horses.

"Bethlehem Farm now incorporates riders from the track into our retraining program for Thoroughbreds," said Sandra White, Founder of Bethlehem Farm Inc. "These girls are also learning new skills as we prepare horses for second careers as pleasure or show horses. Everybody gets a second chance in this new riding program with ReRun."

Feedback from previous adopters as well as others who own and ride Thoroughbreds indicated to ReRun that many people consider the re-training of their ex-racehorse to be an integral part of the "bonding" experience, and is something that they would prefer to handle themselves. However, they would like to know that the horses they are considering for adoption have been assessed for any dangerous behavioral problems and that they will remain sound under the weight of a rider, as well as get an indication of any potential talents the animal might possess. Veterinarians from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital are "hands on" at Bethlehem Farm for assessing soundness issues and giving the prognosis for the riding potential of each individual horse as well.

"Bethlehem Farm has put into place a great team for this project, including a top-notch teacher, talented young riders and exceptional veterinary care," said ReRun president Shon Wylie. "ReRun is up for the challenge to find strong candidates throughout the industry for this program to flourish. We have always been committed to finding the most cost-effective solutions to place the increasing numbers of Thoroughbreds into post-racing homes while promoting the versatility of the breed. This assessment program will go a long way toward achieving our objectives."

The ReRun equine assessment team will be available to show horses to potential adopters, and the Bethlehem Farm should be especially busy during the spring, summer and fall months when competitors from all over the country come to horse shows at the Kentucky Horse Park.

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