Newsletter:
Think Spring!
Ultimately the Road to 'Dancing' was a Joy Ride




By Fran LaBelle

 Valerie Fisher Lassman had taken the two-hour drive from Gainesville, FL, to her home in DeLand many times over the years. This time, she was looking for a diversion.
She was certain she had found it in a shortcut that would not only save her time and miles, but would allow her to take in the scenic central Florida countryside.
“I got off of the main highway and just wanted to enjoy the ride,” recalled Valerie, a retired professor of American Literature and English for Foreign Language Students at Mercy College in Miami and later, Seminole State College. “It was very rural, very pretty and as I was driving, I noticed all of these beautiful horses on this hilly property. I pulled over and walked over to the fence. This big chestnut horse walked over to me, and we just stared at each other. We connected right away.”
The horse had made an impression, even if Valerie didn’t know his name. When she got home... Continue reading
I LOVE NY
New Board Member Elected
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is pleased to announce the election of Stephanie Brennan to the organization's Board of Directors.

“Once again the TRF has hit a home run by adding Stephanie to the Board,” said Patrick Mackay, President and Chairman of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. “We welcome and look forward with great enthusiasm to her sharing her firsthand knowledge and expertise in Thoroughbred aftercare for the betterment of our herd.” 
St. Patrick's Day
Thank you to all of our donors who supported the herd for St. Patrick's Day. We were able to raise over $4,000 and we could not have done it without you.

We hope the horseshoes bring everyone lots of luck!
Sponsor Horse of the Month
Meet Michael the Man. Michael is still in need of sponsors! He resides at our Second Chances Program in California. Will you help him get the TLC he needs?
Events
Lose the Winter Blues
March 26 in Saratoga Springs, NY
Nationally acclaimed blues singer/songwriters, Mark and Jill are a powerful duo of American root blues meets soulful country Texas Smoke. Together these two are steeped in the American musical roots of gospel, jazz, and blues.

On March 26, Mark and Jill will perform a concert including their song “Horses And Men” for the TRF friends and volunteers who will gather at the Principessa Elena Society. We feel certain that an evening of soulful songs will help our audience “Lose the Winter Blues” while supporting the TRF Second Chances Program.
Big thank you to our sponsors of Lose the Blues!
Ambassadors in Action: Across the Country!
Help us recognize and celebrate our amazing TRF Ambassadors who use their talents to benefit the horses in unique and inspiring ways.
Thank you for helping us raise awareness and support for the TRF Herd!!!
Sharlene and Lemon Squeezy
The TRF would like to send a big thank you to Sharlene and all of her supporters. Lemon Squeezy and Sharlene helped raise over $1,000 dollars for the herd.
Volunteer Spotlight
Deborah Green
Florida and Massachusetts
What do you enjoy about being a TRF Volunteer?
My interest as a volunteer for the FTBOA began here in Ocala, FL helping at the OBS Sales during the winter months. In the winter of 2015, I lost 5 friends and wanted to make donations in their names. I spoke with Tammy Gantt at the FTBOA about it and she told me all about the Second Chance Farm located at Lowell Correctional Institute for Women in Ocala and what the Mission is at the farm. I made the donation and then met John Evans, the Farm Manager, and many of the young women who were currently in the program. And of course I got to hang out with the many wonderful retired Thoroughbreds. As the owner of a 40 stall show barn in MA, I was instantly drawn into the program and the benefits for the horses and the women. 
Why do you choose to volunteer your time with us? Can you describe a few projects?
Upon my return back up North that Summer, I immediately began plans for an event at my farm with proceeds going to the Ocala Second Chance Farm. With 145 guests, a rock band, a petting zoo full of adoptable baby animals, and a barbecue. Money raised went to rescue Immortal Wink who was in Puerto Rico and waiting to retire to Ocala, where he currently lives at the farm.

From there I was hooked. I am now into my 3rd year of Chairing the Annual FL Thoroughbred Charity Golf Tournament. We have been fortunate to have been increasing the monies raised each year and look forward to setting yet another record this October.

While the tournament is our biggest fundraiser, I still enjoy having smaller fundraisers up at my farm and, in the Winter months, here in Ocala. Whether a Music Soiree, a surprise Birthday party for myself, or just helping out, I do it for the love of the horses and the belief in these young women, who can have a productive career in the equine industry, when they begin the next chapter of their lives. I think of the Second Chance Farm as it is appropriately named: a Second Chance for the horses and women; a win-win for both. 
Shop Your Favorite Gear and Support the Herd!
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
P.O. Box 834
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518)226-0028