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1) EXECUTIVE OVERVIEWMission History Although the horse racing industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, the Standardbred racing industry had made no provisions to support these grand horses when their racing careers came to an end. Some horses end their careers at a young age with injuries or lack of racing ability, but with rest and rehabilitation provided by SRF, these lovely animals become wonderful riding, driving, eventing or trail horses. But some retire from racing not healthy enough to be transitioned to a new career. As a result, the SRF steps in to provide the adoption and rescue services necessary to ensure that these noble horses are retired with the dignity and care that they deserve and with the intent of finding them permanent homes. Many are never adopted due to physical condition or age and remain under the SRF’s care in various boarding farms. Placements Why adopt a Standardbred? Standardbreds are making the successful transition to lives and careers that are far removed from the track. The Standardbred horse has a great deal of versatility and has so much to offer. In addition, these beautiful horses are able to face every task put before them with gentleness, patience and a heart that know no limit. The Standardbred has already been trained on the bit and knows how to walk, trot, back up and stand patiently in crossties. Standardbreds also enjoy being groomed, bathed and fussed with. They know how to load in/out of a horse trailer, travel and unload. Many Standardbreds have experience around noisy, horsy, active places like race paddocks and /or racetracks. Lastly, these horses clip very well, have their legs wrapped and usually have been taught to wear blankets and coolers. Adoption Requirements All adopters of SRF horses are pre-qualified in great detail to insure that they are knowledgeable in the care and maintenance of horses, have the necessary facilities to meet SRF Standards and are looking for a long-term relationship with the horses. Adoption Follow-up Boarding and Rehab Farms The SRF uses pre-qualified boarding and rehabilitation farms as an interim stop for the horses when they first enter the program. The horses are examined and classified via the Henneke Form as to its shape and condition upon arrival at the farms. The farms are regularly checked by SRF personnel or SRF volunteers to insure that the horses are being properly cared for and the farms are maintaining the standards prescribed by the SRF for all farms; fencing, pasture or feed and hay if pasture is not adequate, water, and shelter. The SRF currently uses 26 boarding and rehab farms to care for horses of all ages and physical condition. Most are classified as “pasture pals,” as age or injury prevent them from being ridden. Some may never be adopted but will remain under the care and expense of the SRF. Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) Awards The SRF is the proud recipient of the following national awards:
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2) ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OfficersMrs. Paula Campbell, President Mr. Peter Gerry, Vice President Mrs. Judith Bokman, Secretary & Treasurer From 1989 through 1998 Judith ran the day-to-day operation of the SRF and is one of the driving forces that have made the SRF the oldest, most awarded and productive adoption agency in America. Judith and Dr. Bokman are the parents of two boys and the adopter of a Standardbred that is now 33 years old. SRF TrusteesDr. Stephen Bokman, DVM, MS Mr. John Campbell Mr. Charles “Chuck” Sylvester Mrs. Sharon Sylvester VolunteersSRF volunteers are many and varied, and always come through. The SRF requests help, usually through the website and volunteers come from far and wide to offer assistance. They help at horse shows, foster farms when adopters are looking to adopt, test ride the horses whose abilities are unknown to the SRF, and also help with any special needs that may arise. The Foundation could not do it all without them and extends a warm “thank you” for their time and effort. Breeding Donations The major contributors to the SRF are the breeding farms through their yearly donation of stallion breedings. The farms donate the breedings to the SRF who sells them on the open market, sometimes at a lesser price than the farm gets for the same breeding. SRF receives approximately 100 breeding donations yearly and sells about 60. All of the top breedings donated are sold. The SRF is the only agency that sponsors races for offspring of stallions whose breedings have been donated. If a breeding is donated to the SRF in 2005, whether sold or not, the stallions progeny that are two or three in 2005 are eligible for SRF races. These races have generated over one million dollars in purses. Memberships Sponsorships & Donations The Equine Pharmaceutical Companies donate dated drugs and medicine to the SRF in great amounts and usually as we request them. This is a great benefit to the SRF as these items are used at the various boarding and rehab farms. The SRF is responsible for the vet and farrier expenses at these locations. Individuals also donate supplies for the care of the horses, in general. We now have over a hundred horses at boarding and rehab farms. We are always trying to increase the Sponsorship Program. Some people will send in a large amount of money one time and ask that it go towards the cost of horses in the program. In addition, many vets and farriers work Pro Bono for the SRF. Others charge reduced rates for their services. The SRF is very fortunate to have our attorney, Toni Lee Cavanagh, Esq. and Dr. Stephen Bokman, who volunteer their services to the SRF, plus all of the other professional people who show their love and concern for the SRF and its mission. 4) CURRENT LIABILITIES The SRF has no long-term liabilities. Boarding and Rehab FarmsThe boarding and rehab farms are the largest expense that the SRF faces each year. It has been averaging over $200,000 a year. When the Vet, Farrier and Transport charges are added in, the number far exceeds the $250,000 figure. Added to this is the fact that the youth programs lack continuity and suffer from not having permanent facilities to use. At the boarding and rehab farms, the SRF is responsible for Vet and Farrier expenses. As some of these horses are old, injured or both, these costs can mount very quickly, if not monitored. Even with adopted horses we request semi-annual to annual vet checks on all the adopted horses. These are conducted at the adopter’s expense. Many vets and farriers work at a discounted rate and some work Pro Bono for the SRF. Factors involving shipping include new horses entering the program, relocating horses between farms for various reasons and rescue of horses in distress. The shipping cost of adopted horses is the responsibility of the adopter. The SRF has a network of shippers that transport horses throughout the United States at a discounted price when their load allows. Administration
5) SRF REHAB FARM (For Horses & Youths) Horse Care Horses that are already started under saddle are more adoptable than those that are not. This is now done at the SRF Farm with volunteers. Providing better care for the ones that are not likely to be adopted at a far lesser cost to the SRF is also a factor. The SRF Placement Coordinators always give an honest and accurate description of the condition and ability of each horse to prospective adopters, thus eliminating the possibility of an adopter being disappointed and returning the horse. Youth Programs The SRF has ongoing youth programs that have suffered due to the lack of a permanent facility for conducting the programs on a continual basis. Two new programs are also being developed at this time. The Therapeutic Riding and Driving Program This program benefits children challenged by Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Disorder and developmental disorders. These children enjoy the physical and emotional experience of petting, riding, driving, talking and just giving these horses what they so easily give to everyone else - unconditional love. If you come on a day that they are here you will hear laughter and the squeals of happiness everywhere. Youth in Focus This program helps youngsters in need of direction to focus and channel their energy in a positive way. SRF works with schools to target students who will benefit most in after school and summer programs. With guidance, two students take on the responsibility of caring for a horse, they learn to work together, building self-esteem and setting and accomplishing goals as they prepare their horse for a loving home. Project Redirect This program serves as a learning and work situation for youth who are court ordered to serve community service hours for their violations of the law. Through their required work, troubled youngsters learn respect, responsibility and companionship - qualities often missing in their young lives. Three such individuals are currently working as volunteers at the SRF. Vocational Training Program Once SRF has a permanent home, it would like to start a program for young people who want to learn about the care and management of horses, in general. The SRF averages four requests monthly from young people or their parents inquiring about volunteering to learn more about the daily care and management of horses/the facility. Some may want to continue on in the horse industry as a vocation, later in life. This could develop into a formal Groom’s Training Program with the candidates moving on into the racing industry as a vocation. Juvenile Justice Program The SRF has initiated a program with the New Jersey Department of Juvenile Justice System, the New Jersey Department of Education and Rutgers University. This program will use horses provided by the SRF to teach social skills required by the youth for re-entering society. Trust, teamwork, responsibility, kindness, love, dedication, etc. are a few of the traits that can be developed from dealing with horses, as they are non-judgmental. The state has built a large compound with three stalls for horses and training facilities at the Jamesburg Home for Boys to be used for this particular program. The state has also hired a USTA Licensed Trainer to head up the program. The overall goal is to develop a program to serve as a model for the State and possibly the country, working with juvenile justice systems. The USTA has approved the program and will issue certificates of completion to those that qualify.
Far too many horses are without homes; SRF is not the lone solution to this problem, however, without SRF many horses would not have been saved from slaughter. Our mission is to continue to work tirelessly in finding these horses homes, but we cannot do this without your help. Please find it in your heart to step forward and help by adopting or sponsoring one of our many horses, or simply send in a donation. The SRF is dependent on the help of generous individuals like yourself.
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