FIVE QUESTIONS
Five Questions with Jennifer Stevens: Stevens, director of development and communications at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), recently talked about the upcoming Run for Horses 5K. On Saturday, Sept. 1, the 8th annual Run for Horses 5K will take place at the Orenda Pavilion at Saratoga State Park. The event, which features a 5K and Kids’ Fun Run, supports the Saratoga RACE Coalition and more than 300runners, a dozen horses and about 25 dogs are expected to take part.
1What’s the goal of this event and what would you like the public to know about retired racehorses?
Horses are a part of everyday life in Saratoga County in so many ways from the names of the street signs to the name of your favorite sandwich. A day doesn’t go by where racehorses are not in our view in some way.
The goal of this the 5K Run/ Walk for the Horses and the R.A.C.E. Coalition is to make the public aware that the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses we watch and love need our help. Horses live an average of 25years. So that
means for 20years after their racing days are over they can have a number of new careers, including therapy and show horses. They need our care and they deserve a dignified loving retirement. This race is a fun, healthy way to help to contribute to those horses.
2 How many racehorses are in need in this community and how can the public help them?
There are hundreds of horses in the region at several different organizations. Obviously, donations are extremely important to help us to continue to care for our current horses and help other horses in need in the future. We also need volunteers to help care for the horses, help with administrative work and events, and finally participating in events like the 5K Run/ Walk for the Horses.
3 How does the money raised at the event benefit local racehorses?
The money raised goes directly to the care of the horses for things like hay, grain, veterinary care and farm upkeep.
4 Are you also seeking volunteers for both race day and to help care for the racehorses yearround?
Each of the racehorse rescue organizations needs help year-round. For the 5K Run/ Walk for the Horses, we need 20more volunteers to help in many ways from check in to water stands to flaggers on the course. Please contact us at our 5K Run for the Horses page to sign up to volunteer. Runforthehorses5K.com
5 How many racehorses/police horses will attend the event and how can the public interact with them?
At least a dozen former racehorses will be walking the course at the 5K Run/ Walk for the Horses. Usually one of the Saratoga Police horses comes out and joins us during the race. The horses will be there all morning! Everyone can get close enough to pet the horses, give them some treats and get some great photos. For more event information and to register, please visit Runforthehorses5K.com.