A CALL TO ACTION -- Support the disclosure of horses' medical records.

Dear Friends,

I was outraged when I learned in Joe Drape's NY Times article that members of our industry who are making their living looking after the welfare of horses have risen in opposition of the most positive proactive step racing officials have taken to ensure the future of racing......

I have therefore created an online petition to support the New York State Racing and Wagering Board’s proposed rule requiring disclosure of racehorses' medical records for 45 days prior to their race-day. As a lifelong thoroughbred owner and breeder, I fully endorse this rule. It is a safety measure for horses and jockeys, and an assurance of integrity for the betting public, prospective owners, and other new arrivals to the sport.

If you are involved in horseracing in any capacity, this rule change is designed to improve the quality of racing, by separating unhealthy horses from those ready to race. Full disclosure is the only way to move horseracing forward.Ultimately, it is the abusive practice of drugs that results in unfit horses running on the track, and making poor contributions to the thoroughbred bloodline. Drugs compensate for crooked legs, poor shoeing jobs, lack of conditioning, and an inability to breathe, among a host of other problems. Concealing these realities has created numerous problems for both people and horses; overpopulation with few humane plans for equine retirement and rising veterinary costs for overtaxed, unhealthy horses are serious issues.

Honesty, transparency, and a genuine love and respect of the horse is the only way racing will thrive. This new rule is the first step in answering the question, "What's wrong with racing, how do we fix it, and how do we market it?". The more available information becomes on horses and their health, the better decisions we can make about what will benefit everyone-- humans and horses. The only people who will not benefit are those that would manipulate, deceive, and actively practice animal cruelty through the secret use of drugs to push horses on the track who do not belong there--all in the name of profit.

Veterinarians who oppose this suggested rule should examine their own motives. Stephen Selway‘s claim in the NY Times that time and paperwork would be wasted on the measure, as well as the AAEPs statement that what medications are administered to racehorses is privileged information are both highly absurd!

Personally, I am disappointed that those who supposedly have dedicated their lives to the care of animals are more concerned about protecting private revenue streams than improving conditions for the horses that make their jobs possible. How many drugs are being administered, and in what possible combination and frequency, that it will take "hundreds of thousands of hours" to record by veterinarians? Just because the state isn’t testing for a drug yet, doesn’t mean that its use is ethical, in the best interest of the horses, their caretakers, or the public, let alone that it isn't in their right to know. Personally, I have 30 years of detailed medical bills that veterinarians were never too short on time to send.

The implementation of this new rule will make life better for racehorses and the people who work with them. If you really care about the future of racing and the welfare of horses I encourage you to sign this petition. Click here to read and sign.

Unbridled Joy & Swan Song of Sadness

At 2AM on April 11th , once again, I stood in awe at the wonder of equine life witnessing the instincts of a new foal and the gentle touch of a once ferocious race mare as she welcomed her newborn colt to planet earth. It was a vision of pure joy as our sweet boy stood and nursed gaining strength and coordination with each breath; it was the reward of 11 months of care and sacrafice. His extra long legs required and extra measure of effort with every step; a stride that will serve him well as he turns for home in the Travers --- like his daddy TEN MOST WANTED…..so I dream.

As the dawn of a glorious new day came forth so did the sad news of oppressed thoroughbreds located just 20 minutes from stall in which I had just experienced such joy. Center Brook Farm in Climax, NY had been raided by the State Police and its 177 horses were now in the care and custody of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society.

Like many a viewer, I was horrified by the pictures of very skinny, mangey, muddy horses and simultaneously daunted at knowing the responsibility that would fall upon caretakers in providing for these animals.

Thoroughbreds, more than any other breed, require a lot of feed, it is not unusual for a mare to consume 25 lbs of grain in 24 hours and a full bale of hay -- this alone is $15 per day. In the case of 176 horses it is nearly $2500 per day - $17,500 per week - over $75,000 per month to properly nourish them.

At this point, however this situation came about is irrelevant to its immediate solution, that it is an issue that seriously needs to be addressed in a huge way to see that this scenario does not repeat itself. Right now, the bottom line is these horses, many the relatives of horses that we have all made a living from NEED OUR HELP and they NEED IT FAST. The team at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society (CGHS) is working overtime and single-handedly paying for the food for these horses.

CGHS needs cash donations and the horses is need safe appropriate homes. With all my heart I am asking every reader, fan, partner & friend, every horse lover, and every racing aficionado to please give, every donation makes a difference, in some cases between life and death. Please help the CGHS help the horses -- the same equine that we make a living from and the same equine that bring us joy unmeasured.

Here is the contact info: Call 518-828-6044, extension 101 and speak with Katrina. You can also email cghsuser001@aol.com.

Please include your name and phone number on all telephone and email messages.

More Details: http://www.cghs.org/horses.htm

Donations: http://www.cghs.org/donation.htm

This story has been covered nationwide in mainstream media from USA Today to the NY Daily News, Today Show and extensively in equine publications, local papers and a hot topic on blogs and chat boards.

It is a man's sympathy with all creatures that truly makes him a man. Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace. Albert Schweitzer, 1875-1965, German Born Medical Missionary, Theologian, Musician, and Philosopher