ReRun, Inc. has assumed management of Greener Pastures Equine Sanctuary, a 160-acre estate along the Sassafras River near Cecilton, Maryland donated by the Wear Family. The facility, which was previously managed by Thoroughbred Charities of America, is presently home to many retired racehorses and is also a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to preserving the nesting habitat of the Blue Heron and American Eagle. Eventually, a dog and cat rescue will be housed at the facility as well.Jennifer Haas has resigned her position as media relations manager at Turfway Park and will serve as director of ReRun Maryland at Greener Pastures."After interviewing many groups, we determined ReRun to be the ideal organization to develop the educational and adoption programs at Greener Pastures," noted Herb Moelis, president of TCA. "Their track record, attention to detail in terms of care of horses in their programs and their enthusiasm toward raising awareness and educating the public about life after the racetrack for Thoroughbreds is exemplary. More of this is needed to provide a better life for our Thoroughbreds."ReRun plans to use the facility as both an adoption and retraining center for ex-racehorses and as an educational center for humans. In keeping with ReRun's mission of giving ex-racehorses a second chance at a productive life, programs to promote the Thoroughbred breed and to retrain the horses will be implemented immediately. The organization hopes to be working with the local community to offer classes and hands-on horse experience to Boy/Girl Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Pony Clubs and local colleges before the end of the summer. A Thoroughbred charity horse show is in the works for 2004, and a new barn and additional paddocks will eventually be constructed to provide space to take in racetrack lay-ups to train young people for careers at the racetrack.Over the summer, ReRun Maryland will offer weekend programs for people considering racehorse ownership, as well as for race fans that want a glimpse into farm and racetrack life. Lodging for the weekend retreats will be available in the estate‚s main house on a first-come basis."This comprehensive educational facility will be the first of its kind among Thoroughbred adoption and retirement groups," said Shon Wylie, co-founder and president of ReRun, Inc. "We hope that it will become a prototype for others seeking ways to make their programs more self-sufficient."
A non-profit organization, ReRun operates programs in eight states -- Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, Washington and Maryland.
