Second Chance Ranch

Do racehorses love their job?

2008-05-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

This one does! Topaz Legacy (#7) dumped his rider at the gate and continued to run the entire race using strategy and tactic. He holds back, watches for a hole, accelerates to the next hole, slows down, weaves in and out – blasts to the finish line to WIN. He timed the entire race perfectly. Watch #7 come out of the gate - then keep your eye on the right side of the screen. Any wagers that he will claimed on next race?

The Life of a Racehorse....

2008-04-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

This heartwarming video was made by Braiden, a 13 yr old girl who recently adopted a horse named Snack Basket from Second Chance Ranch. His new name is "Chance". I will update the blog soon with photos of Chance and his new best friend.

Martini is in The House

2008-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

A must read story by one of my all time favorite writers! I asked Monica Bretherton to join me for a special event at Emerald downs, and to cover the story about a reunion of a race horse and his trainer and jockey. This is a true story showing the bittersweet nature of racing - with a happy ending for all! Click here for the story

Sarah...if that is your real name

2008-03-04T20:24:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday we rescued another mare from the Skagit County Auction - a 18 yr old OTTB. We were told she had been an eventer. Her owner wanted to go up a level and needed a younger horse. Sarah, the name we were given, had given this person two foals, and who knows how many years of service. This is the sad fate of so many off the track Thoroughbreds. Competitive riders often use them until they can't perform, or perform at the level they want them to. Rather than provide retirement for them, the horses are dumped at an auction or feed lot regardless of the potential risk of the horse being shipped to a slaughterhouse in Mexico or Canada.

No one bid on this absolutely beautiful, sound, kind horse. She did not come with papers, but she does have a tattoo. Her registered name is Vaguely Tequila, foaled in Texas in 1990. She has gracious and bombproof manners both on the ground and under saddle. Perfectly sound, and seemingly talented. I would love to know how a horse of this calibur nearly ended up on the meat wagon.

Sarah is at our Grand Mound Chapter, up for adoption!

IT'S A BOY!

2008-02-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

14 hours old! Congratulations to Gary Brady and Just Tickled! Tickled was boarded at SCR throughout her pregnancy. She was in foal to "You and I", and just delivered a beautiful colt at 10pm on Sunday, 24th which was her actual due date! He's got LONG legs and looks like a runner to me!! Thanks to Woodstead Farm for foaling Tickled out, and taking great care of her and the colt. Can't wait for them to come home this summer.

Click here for the colt's diary and photos

Good Luck Hitman!

2008-02-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Hightec Hitman - he left the Grand Mound Chapter yesterday, headed to his new home in California. Photos will follow soon.

An Emerald Downs Special Achievement Award

2008-02-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

I was profoundly honored (and surprised) when Susie Sourwine, VP of Marketing for Emerald Downs, presented me with a Special Achievement Award at the Awards Banquet. It reads; “For her compassion and dedication to animal welfare and especially in the rehabilitation, adoption, and rescuing of Thoroughbreds at her Second Chance Ranch.” Working with these horses is reward enough! Anyone who knows me, knows my love for Thoroughbreds and the sport of racing. I am so grateful for the support and generosity of the trainers and owners at Emerald Downs. They bring integrity to the sport, and they have been incredibly helpful and wonderful to work with. As well, Emerald Downs, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeder’s Association (WTBA), and the Horseman’s Benevolent Protection Association HPBA), have been hugely supportive of my work and constantly encourage and nourish the efforts of SCR. I should be giving them an award!

Emerald Downs Announces the Prodigious Fund

2008-02-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

I attended the Emerald Downs Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 16. Susie Sourwine, VP of Marketing for Emerald Downs announced a new (and first ever) fund for off the track Thoroughbreds. It is called the PRODIGIOUS FUND, named after a horse who raced for seven years and retired, healthy, in 2007. The proceeds for 2008 will be divided between Second Chance Ranch and Chez Chevaux. Owners and trainers at Emerald Downs have been very supportive of our work. They are committed to finding good homes for the horses who leave the track and we are a valuable resource for them, however, we need funding to keep the program going! The Prodigious Fund will be a popular option for owners to support and honor the horses they love, all the way through retirement. I am extremely honored and grateful to Emerald Downs for introducing the fund, and for their continued generosity! In past years, Emerald Downs and the WTBA have been dedicated to promoting our work and donating to the cause. Ron Crockett, President of Emerald Downs, kicked off the fund by personally donating $5,000!

The girls from Oakcrest pictured here with Prodigious

Coming to Comcast!

2008-02-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

Emerald Downs has a seasonal show which are segments filmed about the racing industry. The segments can be found on YouTube and also “Comcast On Demand” (under local sports). Recently, they filmed a segment featuring Second Chance Ranch for “Life After Racing”. It was a fun day here at the ranch in Elma, as we talked about my work and introduced many of the retired race horses and those in the rehabilitation program. This will be available sometime after April…stay tuned, I will let you know when it’s live!

Our New Rescue - Thank God For 13-year Old Girls

2008-02-08T23:53:00.000-08:00

Alicia, a 20 year old Thoroughbred by Prospect North and out of Khal Star, was rescued from the Skagit County Auction this week. She has a great story, told very well by Monica Bretherton.

Second Chance Ranch is Expanding...

2008-02-06T23:49:00.001-08:00

In an effort to cater to a larger audience and combine the efforts of three dedicated equestrian groups, SCR now has two new locations. Annie Chastain of Rainbow Meadow Farm is the Director of the Grand Mound Chapter. Monica Stephens of Natural Horse Savvy is the Director of the Snohomish Chapter.

Annie Chastain, owner of Rainbow Meadow Farm has a genuine talent of communicating with horses and is one of the most intuitive and graceful riders I've observed. Horses that no one else could get through to respond to her in such a positive way - she can encourage any horse to love their job! Annie is an accomplished competitor and trains riders through upper level dressage, eventing, and jumpers. Read more about the Grand Mound Chapter of Second Chance Ranch.

Monica Stephens, of Natural Horse Savvy, is the Director of the Snohomish Chapter of SCR. She is actively involved in rescue and works with a variety of breeds using her natural horsemanship talents to reach abused and neglected horses. Monica is currently housing 14 rescue horses.

Each Chapter of SCR will be funded by their own fundraising efforts. Please visit and support the chapter in your area!

Julie and Magik

2008-01-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

I recently heard about a woman (a friend of a friend) and her horse who needed help. While Julie is bravely battling stage 4 cancer and struggling to support herself, her horse Magik severely injured his leg and required surgery. Julie is using her artistic talents to fundraise.

Check out the U-Tube video of Julie and Magik - these amazing water color T-shirts are hand painted and absolutely stunning! SCR was so moved by this video, we paid off her veterinary bill. However, Magik has a long recovery and so does Julie. PLEASE support her by purchasing a T-Shirt, and pass the video on!

Update on Tico

2007-12-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

The abuse case horse referenced in the PI

Tico was 26 years old when rescued from an animal hoarder who later pled guilty. He came to the ranch 500 pounds underweight, maggots, lice, abscesses, and a bone infection. He could barely stand and it took several minutes for him to walk a few steps. The video of him RUNNING...brings tears of joy every time I watch it.

The current photos and video will warm your heart! Tico is now 29 years old and looks half his age! It is a miracle that he could make a come back at all.

Response from the Seattle P-I Article...

2007-12-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

A note to all the wonderful people who have responded to the recent article posted in the Seattle Post Intelligencer; I am overwhelmed with gratitude! The outpouring of heartfelt good wishes, donations, and offers of help...I just can't believe it! Tucked away here in Elma, I sometimes forget there is a big world out there. To hear from so many people who share my compassion for animals has been incredibly uplifting and encouraging!
Honestly, the horses are far more worthy of praise than I am. They are the true heroes. They set exemplary standards of unwavering devotion and unconditional love. Each of them have individual personalities...a unique story of how our paths have crossed. It is an honor to have them in my life.

Please know that in addition to the difficult challenges I faced in 2006 and 2007, there were many miracles and blessings! 24 horses were adopted out in 2007. Numerous rehabilitation cases came in and are now healthy and sound.

Every one of you who has responded is a brick in the wall of rescue. I could not do it without you. Thank you for making my mission possible!

*Update*- Thank you to our board members who donated postal materials! Please know that your donations are going directly toward supplies for the animals, however, I felt compelled to answer each letter, donation and email sent in regarding the article. You should be receiving a receipt this week.

Nearly every check that came through the mail had a letter, card or note attached with touching stories about your animals, your own rescues, and incredibly kind and encouraging words. The donations made online also had such kind words - I am so moved by this! All of you have made a huge difference in our lives here at Second Chance Ranch!

A few photos of the ranch!

Update on SeaTac Jet...good news!

2007-12-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 13th we nearly lost our beloved Jet. If you are one of Jet's loyal fans who have followed him through his two and a half years of rehabilitation at the ranch, you know how much of a loss this would be. Jet was pronounced pasture sound nine months ago. He has been the picture of health up until just a few months ago... this last month he coliced three times. After an exhausting two days of walking and emergency vet visits he pulled through. Big thanks to Dr. Vanzwol for his tireless efforts to save Jet. Success ;-)

As soon as Jet was able to be transported, he was taken to see Dr. Bergsma at the hospital/clinic at Emerald Downs. We scoped his stomach, ultraounded organs, drew blood. By process of elimination and ruling out the most likely causes, we are led to believe Jet has "Stricture". This is a narrowing of the colon which makes it difficult for him to pass food normally. Horses can live completely healthy, normal lives if given an appropriate diet. Jet has pasture, and can still have his oaties (grain) and vitamin supplements. The only change will be substituting hay for orchard grass pellets with corn oil to maintain calories. A special thanks to Dr. Bergsma for lending his expertise! We are fortunate to have the help of such talented veterinarians!

The Flood, the Storm and The Colt

2007-12-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 2nd a storm hit Western Washington so fierce that it put Grays Habor County on the map! Click here to read about SCR's surviving the storm and a special little colt from the WTBA sale.

Flood Victims...

2007-12-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

The recent storm and flood that hit Western Washington was devastating to many families with horses and livestock. If you need help - CALL US ASAP! Several people have come forward offering shelter, feed, blankets and supplies for your horses. If you were not effected by the flood and can contribute - please contact us so we can network you with those in need.

Donating Vehicles

2007-09-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

The Giving Network is a new organization allows you to donate your vehicle for a full tax write-off, while proceeds go to charity after it is sold at auction... click here for details