Winter is Here!
Happy Holidays from the Herd!
Vannucci Makes the Most of Her Second Chance
By Francis LaBelle
A whirlwind visit to Saratoga Springs, NY did little to throw Lauren Vannucci off of her game. She handled media interview requests cheerfully, patiently, and represented herself and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) as if she had done this kind of stuff all her life.
That isn’t the case.
“Five years,” she said. “September 10th marked five years that I reached E.O.S.” -- End of Sentence.
This milestone anniversary of Lauren’s release from the all-female Lowell Correctional Facility near Ocala, FL, is what has given her the energy to repeatedly tell her story and convince anyone willing to listen that the TRF, its Second Chances Program, and the faith and kindness of her family and friends, all afforded her the opportunity to set her life on a straight course.
Lauren has taken at least one giant step each year since she left Lowell.

A Big Thank You
The Thoroughbred Rocked the Coliseum at Equine Affaire

The TRF booth at the Springfield MA Equine Affaire was a huge success. With the help of Christina Sawelsky, Liz Bennett, Monica Southwick, and our TRF team, we were able to raise over $8,000!

Christina, Liz, and Monica also helped oversee the Thoroughbred demonstrations at the Equine Affaire. The demonstrations highlighted the breed in different disciplines. This showed just how versatile the Thoroughbred can be!

We are so thankful for these three and their team.
Brook Ledge Has Gone Above and Beyond to Help the TRF!
The TRF wants to thank Brook Ledge Horse Transportation for all of their amazing efforts to help the TRF.

Brook Ledge staff was pleased to help our TRF Second Chances Lowell Program learn the proper ways of loading and transporting horses.

This important lesson helped the participants understand proper safety protocols.

Last weekend, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation rolled into Saratoga Springs loaded with a trailer full of donated saddles, blankets, tack and other supplies collected by a group of generous volunteers and friends in and around Ocala. They graciously donated all shipping costs!

We can't thank them enough for helping our mission of "Saving Horses, Changing Lives".

Ocala Taking on Huge Tasks for the TRF

The TRF would also like to thank Nancy de Cavaignac and Jacquie Basha.
 
These hard-working volunteers helped raise over $3,000 for our horses at the Women's Second Chances Program at Lowell Correctional Institute and also helped procure items that were much needed for our farms. Serving as our Volunteer Coordinator for Florida, Nancy will be raising funds for our Lowell Program and raising awareness about aftercare in the Sunshine State and beyond.  
Nancy (Left)
An event hosted by Nancy
Items donated, made possible by Nancy and Jacquie
Volunteer Spotlight
Kevin Murphy (right with vest)
Kevin Murphy
Saratoga Springs, NY
What do you enjoy about being a TRF Volunteer?

I love the opportunity to help build the bridge between horse racing fans and those who have very little horse racing understanding. I also love the ability to be a part of a cause that gives these incredible equine athletes a second or third career outside of racing/breeding.

Why do you choose to volunteer your time with us? Can you describe a few projects?

My why: I have been a racing fan my entire life and love to help highlight the aftercare industry that has not received the visibility I believe it deserves. I also enjoy the continuous learning of the various aftercare programs. For example, the TRF Second Chances Program that offers an opportunity for incarcerated individuals to learn the basics of caring for equine athletes. This program intrigues me because of the profound impact it leaves on both the retired athletes and the people that have gained a long-term skill set.

Projects: Where to start! My main drive, since my first TRF event in 2015, has been helping to attract awareness of the aftercare industry. From helping recruit new volunteers in my local community to encouraging major partners in the racing industry play a more active role in the aftercare industry, I thoroughly enjoy promoting an aspect of horse racing that has gone unnoticed for a long time. 

Below are a few of the ongoing projects I have helped with:

- Blackburn Correctional Complex watch party in Saratoga 
- TRF BBQ at the Barn
- 5k Run for the Horses (hoping to see that again in 2023!) 
- Partnered projects with the Racetrack Chaplaincy
The Horses Need Your Help!
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Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
P.O. Box 834
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518)226-0028