The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is thrilled to announce The Stallions for Second Chances Halter Auction! This exclusive online auction features authentic halters from four legendary stallions: Uncle Mo, Tapit, Into Mischief, and Gun Runner and runs from July 27 at 8:30 pm-Aug. 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET. This is a unique opportunity for horse racing enthusiasts and supporters of equine welfare to own a piece of racing history while contributing to a life changing cause.
All proceeds from the auction will benefit The TRF Second Chances programs and the herd of 400+ horses. The TRF Second Chances Program is a unique and life-changing program. Incarcerated individuals build life skills while participating in a vocational training program as they provide supervised care to our retired racehorses.
Located at correctional facilities in six states, students take part in a rigorous training program, where they learn horse anatomy, how to care for injuries, equine nutrition and other aspects of horse care. Graduates of the program receive a certification based on the level of expertise they have mastered. After their release from prison, graduates of the TRF Second Chances Program have gone on to careers as farriers, vet assistants, and caretakers.
The benefits of the TRF Second Chances go far beyond vocational training. The incarcerated individuals learn empathy, compassion, trust, and confidence. Some have said these are things they had not felt before the program. This has all been made possible by the horses in the TRF's care."Working with the horses saved my life," said Jay Schleifer, a graduate of the TRF Second Chances Program in Wallkill, NY, who is now an alcohol and substance abuse counselor with the New York Department of Correctional Services. "Around them I could let my guard down. I could be myself. I could also learn from them...about love, trust and caring. And I also realized how much in common we had. We were all in pretty bad shape and we might have been beaten down, but we were definitely not out. Together, we could all make it."
Each halter has been meticulously placed in an expertly handcrafted shadowbox by the renowned artisan Matt Martinez of Martinez Woodworks in Lexington, KY, making each piece a true collector's item. The auction will be held online, providing easy access for participants from around the world to place their bids and support this worthy cause.
Visit https://www.ebay.com/usr/thoroughbredretirementfoundation to bid or www.trfinc.org and go to events.
A second auction will run from August 19th-August 25th and will include halters from Arcangelo, Constitution, Flightline, Munnings, Not This Time and Oscar Performance. Join us in making a difference in the lives of these retired racehorses and owning a piece of Thoroughbred history.
