tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560898823512627114.post8064514753131037643..comments2024-02-01T00:37:24.768-05:00Comments on PTP: 401k's for Horses? Harness Twitter Peeps & LightbulbsPull the Pockethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082676049275768769noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560898823512627114.post-3879332737295212362011-01-17T23:27:42.335-05:002011-01-17T23:27:42.335-05:00Teresa - thank you for your comment. I do think th...Teresa - thank you for your comment. I do think that of all equine industries, the thoroughbred racing industry does more for its retiring horses than any other (although racehorses are typically at peculiarly high risk, also). I'm aware of the programs that you mention, as well as CARMA in California and I think a couple of other track specific contributory programs nationwide, but had not heard the wonderful story of Dry Martini and Carol Nyren. Thanks for sharing that. It's that type of planning ahead that I'd like to see encouraged - and far ahead, since there are many horses bred and born each year that never even make it to the races. "Retirement" at some point is perfectly predictable for every foal, and since the few estimates we do have from former US slaughter plants suggest that approximately 15,000+ thoroughbreds are slaughtered every year - of all ages - it seems as though something large scale and more uniform is needed. <br /><br />There is nothing worse than having to say no to taking in a retired horse because the organization simply cannot guarantee that there are funds to support the horse. But all/the vast majority of organizations do have to say no on a regular and sometimes daily basis. Pretty depressing stuff, but as you point out - there are some bright spots.Carolinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560898823512627114.post-15707173029454265842011-01-17T21:21:36.392-05:002011-01-17T21:21:36.392-05:00Hi-I tweet about harness racing too, among other t...Hi-I tweet about harness racing too, among other things. @skizzerbelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8560898823512627114.post-21552007784683742332011-01-17T08:28:21.896-05:002011-01-17T08:28:21.896-05:00Carol Nyren, owner of Dry Martini, set up a "...Carol Nyren, owner of Dry Martini, set up a "retirement fund" for him about a year ago; she contributes regularly to Old Friends, and a percentage of Dry Martini's earnings go there as well, so that when he's retired there, his stay will be paid for.<br /><br />The Jockey Club provides the opportunity for breeders to donate each time that the register a foal, amounts that begin at $25. That money is divided between Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Thoroughbred Charities of America. In 2009, $52,000 was raised that way; the Jockey Club itself contributed $200,000.<br /><br />And at NYRA tracks, jockeys can opt into a program in which they donate $1 for each mount to the TRF. In 2009, more than two dozen jockeys participated.<br /><br />It's not quite what Ms. Betts proposes, but at least it's a start.Teresa Genarohttp://www.brooklynbackstretch.comnoreply@blogger.com