June 2021 Newsletter:
Summer is just around the corner!
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TRF Hires Jessica Paquette |
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TRF'S `JESS OF ALL TRADES' TAKES AFTERCARE MESSAGE ON THE ROAD
By Francis LaBelle
Since she accepted the position of Director of Communications and Annual Fund for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in March, Jessica Paquette has brought passion and energy to the world's oldest and largest Thoroughbred racehorse sanctuary organization. She has spearheaded appeals, upgraded the TRF's social media presence and aided in planning upcoming summer TRF events, all from her home in Rowley, Massachusetts.
“[I’m a] Jess of all trades,” she says. “I am also working on enhancing the TRF's relationship with the horse racing industry.”
Just imagine what will happen when she finally comes to visit the TRF home office in Saratoga Springs, New York.
That visit is temporarily on hold, however, as Jessica has taken to the road to not only pursue her career as a television racing analyst, handicapper and track announcer but to educate new audiences about the TRF and the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare.
“All of this gives me a great platform to show how much aftercare matters,” she said.
Jessica, a 36-year-old native of Lowell, Massachusetts, became the first woman to call a horse race in Texas, when she took to the announcer's booth on Thursday, June 3... Continue reading here
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A Story About Saving Horses, Changing Lives |
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GRUMPY HELPED AIMEE LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING IMPORTANT
“I have no desire to fit in. No plans to walk with the crowd. I have my own mind, heart and soul. I am me, and it has taken me years to realize how important that is.” – R.M. Drake
By Francis LaBelle
The R.M. Drake quote above rings true for Aimee Riaski. It took her years to discover her own importance, and the journey was a rough one.
“I had been married for 20 years,” she said. “It was an abusive relationship that ended with me in prison for two years. After my marriage and my incarceration, I learned a lot. Now, I don't keep anybody around that doesn't deserve me.”.
Aimee says that her ex-husband's dependence on prescription drugs was at the heart of her own past troubles. Without his supply, she says, he was out of control. To keep the peace and for her own safety, she says she went along with whatever he said, even if it was against her better judgment.
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The TRF Saratoga Summer Farm Returns to Bloomfield Farm! |
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This summer, we are pleased to partner with our gracious hosts at Bloomfield Farm in Saratoga. Two special members of our herd left their friends at the Wallkill Correctional Facility (TRF Second Chances Program) to spend the summer as TRF Herd ambassadors sharing the story of the TRF, our herd of 500 retired Thoroughbred racehorses and the importance of Thoroughbred Aftercare. We are thrilled they are here!
Bloomfield Farm is a beautiful and busy polo barn so we ask that guests respect the privacy of this private farm. All visits must be scheduled and supervised by the staff of the TRF. No unannounced visitors will be welcome. Visits to the TRF Summer Farm will be arranged for small groups over the course of the summer starting in early June.
Click here to indicate your interest in a visit and we'll be in touch to schedule. The horses can't wait to meet new friends at the "Summer Place to Be".
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Sponsor Horses of the Month |
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Sonny's the One
Foaled on April 6, 2005, this Florida-bred gelding is a true warhorse. With 63 trips to the starting gate, he placed first 9 times, second 7 times and third 13 time with earnings of $155,614 during his racing career. Sonny’s the One has certainly earned an amazing retirement in Maryland and he would love a sponsor!
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Green Shoots
Foaled on March 24, 2007, Green Shoots had only two starts, and earned just over $14,000. This Florida-bred guy now resides in Maryland at Renaissance Equestrian Foundation. He is a joy to be around and would love his very first sponsor!
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Bailey's Saratoga
Join us at Bailey's Saratoga for a happy hour from 4-7 pm. Bailey's is a wonderful restaurant and bar located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, NY. 10% of all food and drinks purchased will be donated to the TRF. We can't thank Bailey's enough for hosting this impact night!
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Renaissance Equestrian Foundation Open Barn
JUNE 27TH, 2021 TIME: 10AM - 1PM
There will be snacks and drinks for sale with proceeds to the TRF and REF horses!
Check out the live riding demonstration (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) and learn about horse care. Kids can enjoy crafts and a scavenger hunt!
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Northshire Bookstore
Join us in Saratoga Springs, NY at Northshire Bookstore!
The entire month of July, Northshire will be supporting the TRF. We are so thankful for their support year round, but more grateful for this opportunity. With every purchase, Northshire will ask each customer if they would like to round up to the closest dollar amount and donate it towards the TRF herd. Check out their amazing selection of books and support the TRF herd with each purchase.
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Ambassadors in Action: Across the Country! |
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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!!!
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We want to thank our friends at Designated Hitters Racing, Chris Brown and Katie Brown for their generous donation from the proceeds of their wonderful book - "Roll Cyrus Roll: The Adventures of Cyrus the Colt". |
We would like to thank Andrea Gotwalls for her support with the TRF and the TRF Second Chances Program at Lowell Correctional Institute. Andrea , of Brook Ledge Inc, is an Advisory Member of the Ocala Committee, and is admittedly "hooked" on the effort to support the program. Thank you Andrea!
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Join our friends at StableDuel for the month of June and raise money for the TRF herd!
All you have to do is screenshot your stable entry during or after a game with the hashtag #PlayRaceAdopt, share it on your social media channels and StableDuel will make a donation to the TRF for every ten hashtags!
StableDuel is racing’s newest game and its popular contest format allows players to compete against one another, in a social community forum, throughout an entire race card. Players compete by selecting a stable of 10 horses, prior to the first post, and accumulate points based on order of finish. StableDuel offers multiple contests with different entry levels and big cash payouts.
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Monica and Dominic Marrochello
Saratoga Springs, NY
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What do you enjoy about being a TRF Volunteer?
What Dominic and I enjoy most about being TRF volunteers is being part of a group that is addressing the issue of Thoroughbred aftercare. Thoroughbred racing brings so much joy to so many and for us it’s a responsibility and a privilege to be able to care for these beautiful, powerful, and yet vulnerable animals when their racing careers end.
Why do you choose to volunteer your time with us?
I learned of the TRF through another volunteer, Susan Smith. Susan and I were riding at the same barn, Placid Hills Farm in Brunswick. She had recently adopted an OTTB and we talked about Thoroughbred racing. She told me about the TRF and it sounded like a wonderful organization to volunteer with. I was welcomed into the group by Kim Weir, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, and Mary Ryckman, Former Volunteer Coordinator, and have met so many amazing people through my involvement with the TRF. It’s a joy to volunteer with such kind, intelligent, and fun people on a cause that is dear to all of us!
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Describe some of the projects you do for us.
I have the privilege of being the current TRF Volunteer Coordinator which means that I get to welcome our new volunteers into the herd. It’s so much fun to get to know them, learn what inspired them to get involved, and find out how they’d like to volunteer with the TRF. I’ve been fortunate to speak to volunteers from across the country and, since the opening of Chestnut Hall in Kentucky, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to many new volunteers from the Bluegrass State! Welcoming volunteers from the Saratoga area is great too and I always look forward to seeing them at local events!
However, there is another project that I worked on recently that was very special as it involved my son, Dominic. Dominic was in need of volunteer hours and asked if he could do anything to help the TRF. I suggested cleaning horseshoes and he jumped at the chance. I was pleased but not surprised as my family has supported the TRF since I became involved whether it was by buying raffle tickets or attending events like the BBQ at the Barn or Ponies, Pumpkins, and Pies. Together, Dominic and I worked to make 152 horseshoes shine again. Yes, it took some time but it was time well spent as we were together working on a project to benefit our amazing, retired Thoroughbreds.
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Thank You After the Finish Line |
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After the Finish Line awarded a grant to the TRF in the amount of $1,782 for grain for their 34 Off Track Thoroughbreds in their Second Chances Program at Wallkill Correctional Facility.
We are so grateful to Dawn Mellen at After the Finish Line, for awarding this grant to these senior horses in the herd. The horses from Wallkill send their thanks to everyone at ATFL!
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Shop Your Favorite Gear and Support the Herd! |
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Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
P.O. Box 834
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518)226-0028
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