How You Can Support Racehorse Aftercare
Not every horse lover is able to adopt a retired Thoroughbred racehorse, but you can still help assist in their care. While the Minnesota Racehorse Engagement Project (MNREP) works alongside Canterbury Park, the Minnesota HBPA, and the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association to support This Old Horse’s Racehorse Reimagined and Bowman’s Second Chance Thoroughbred Adoption programs, there is still an ongoing need for monetary and service donations from horse lovers and horse racing enthusiasts.
Donate
When you donate your time or money to the organizations we work with, you will become a part of a community that is compassionate, generous, and dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure future for our former racers. Both This Old Horse and Racehorse Reimagined and Bowman’s Second Chance Thoroughbred Adoption are registered 501(c)3 programs that welcome your support. Their aim is to assist in the transition and provide forever homes for our Minnesota racehorses, and their work is exemplary.
You can also contact these organizations if you would like to donate items needed for everyday care of the horses. Some of the Items regularly donated include:
- Blankets (new or in good shape)
- Hay/grain
- Straw/shavings
- Grooming supplies
- Copy paper
- Office supplies
- Gas cards
Volunteer
If budget is an issue, you can always offer to volunteer. Volunteers are always in need, and in addition to the organizations MNREP works with, other groups such as Pony Clubs, 4-H, or saddle clubs have opportunities for volunteers such as barn cleaning, animal care, hosting a fundraiser, etc. Most groups require volunteers to partake in training in the care of retired Thoroughbreds to ensure the safety of both volunteers and horses.
If you are not one to want to work beside retired racehorses, but you still love them, you can volunteer to offer marketing assistance, host informational meetings, or even assist in office duties.
Sponsor
Sponsoring events can raise money towards Thoroughbred aftercare and the groups that provide these services.
Events such as horse shows aimed toward Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) are gaining in popularity across the country as OTTB owners look to showcase their racehorse’s second career.
You can also sponsor promotional items to give away to increase awareness of their rescue and services, as well as offer to sponsor print, digital, or television advertisements.
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