September 27, 2024
The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) is pleased to award the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) $9,000 to be used for their annual Farmer Managers Conference and support the purchase of a full equine skeleton as part of TRF’s Second Chance Program.
This year’s grant will help TRF in two educational ways. It will provide an educational farm manager’s conference which will occur October 15-17 in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event draws farm managers and vocational instructors from seven states across the country to learn about issues pertaining to horse and farm management, share industry best practices, and address issues of an aging Thoroughbred herd.
“There are not many farm managers who care for only rescued or retired and aging Thoroughbreds,” said Maggie Sweet, Chief Operating Officer, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. “There also are not many farm managers who care for this herd population and do it with incarcerated individuals while navigating complex prison systems that vary from state to state and facility to facility. We are grateful for TERF’s support.”
As part of the TRF’s nationally recognized Second Chance Program, TERF’s grant will help support the purchase of a full equine skeleton to be used in the Central Maryland Correctional Facility in Sykesville, Maryland. TRF’s goal is to provide a standardized level of education to inmates on proper care of Thoroughbreds, and create higher skilled individuals who can receive gainful employment upon release from prison.
“TRF’s Second Chance Program has truly pushed the envelope on skills learning and employment. This would be an opportunity to not only teach our students, but all the children, youth and families who visit,” said Sweet. “Central Maryland has become a model for other TRF Second Chance Programs in this regard, and we want to work to further enhance the learning and opportunities. We are also very grateful for an immensely supportive network of partners, including TERF.”
The TRF’s mission is to rescue ex-racehorses, no longer able to compete at the racetrack, from neglect, abuse, and slaughter. TRF collaborates with correctional facilities in eight states to provide vocational training to inmates who, in turn, care for horses that are not suitable for second athletic careers. In alignment with their mission to support and promote equine education by supporting organizations that are educating the public on the proper care of horses, TERF offers their financial assistance.
TERF’s grants reflect the values set forth by founders Herb and Ellen Moelis. TERF’s current Board includes Co-Chairs Kathleen Anderson, DVM and James Orsini, DVM, Lynne Cassimeris, Ph.D., Margaret Duprey, Roy Jackson, Katelyn Jackson, Ellen Moelis, Cory Moelis, Wendy Moon, Anita Motion, Scott Palmer, VMD, and Josh Pons.
To learn more about the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation please visit www.terfusa.org.
To make a tax deductible donation to TERF, please visit https://chescocf.org/fund/thoroughbred-education-and-research-foundation/ or send a donation to TERF c/o The Chester County Community Foundation, 28 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382.
For further information, contact:
Beth Krallis, Marketing, Analytics & IT Director
Chester County Community Foundation
bethk@chescocf.org (484) 887-0467
About the Chester County Community Foundation
Located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter so their legacy philanthropy makes a difference now and forever. The Community Foundation holds nearly $100 million in trust and annually awards $6 million in grants and scholarships. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.chescocf.org.
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