The partnership between the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is fully up and running. The program started taking horses in November and to date has taken in 24 horses.
Ten of the 24 have successfully been adopted into new homes. The program, established by the Pennsylvania HBPA, offers a good option for racehorses at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in need of retirement and placement into new careers.
“We were in need of a program for our retired racehorses,” said Todd Mostoller, executive director of the Pennsylvania HBPA. “We chose to partner with New Vocations due to their many years of experience in running a racehorse adoption program. One of the keys to a financially viable racehorse retirement program is to get the horses adopted into new homes. New Vocations has become the expert and we appreciate their willingness to share their expertise and manage our program.”
The Pennsylvania HBPA, Penn National Gaming, and the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association have all made donations to support the program. Ongoing funding will come from a $10 dues assessment for each starter at HCPNRC.
The program is housed at Foxfield Farm, which has locations in both Oxford and Reinholds, Pa. “New Vocations mission is to rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome the retired racehorses, and Foxfield Farm greatly compliments our efforts,” said New Vocations program director Anna Ford. “They have both a reputable layup and equestrian facility, which are crucial to helping the retired racehorses transition properly into new homes and careers.
“The support for the program has been amazing,” she added. “I think the Pennsylvania HBPA, Penn National Gaming, and the Pennsylvania Owners and Breeders Association should all be applauded for their support. This type of program is greatly needed. There is an overwhelming amount of horses in need of a place to go once retired. Although we are still in our infancy stage we have made good progress in a rather short period of time. “