SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — FEB. 13, 2013 — The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announces its 5th Annual Haydrive campaign to fund hay costs for its 950 retired racehorses. Because of record drought conditions and a resulting national hay shortage, TRF expects its hay budget to increase by 50% over last year. The goal for this year’s Haydrive is to raise $144,000 by May 31, 2013.
Providing ample, high quality forage is the key to keeping pasture-kept retired racehorses warm and healthy through winter. Hay is TRF’s single largest feed-related expense, with an average TRF horse eating 22 pounds of it daily.
“Our biggest farm cares for 200 Thoroughbreds and has been forced to purchase hay from up to 700 miles away,” explains TRF Herd Manager Sara Davenport. “Transportation costs for hay are continuing to rise as winter progresses, making this campaign especially crucial.”
The Haydrive is the perfect opportunity for horse lovers and racing fans who want to support racehorse retirement efforts. “Whether a donor can contribute enough for a single bale or a wagonload, 100% of it is literally going straight into the horses’ mouths,” notes the TRF’s Annual Fund Director, Lisa Craig. “Just $10 will buy a bale and feed one of our horses for two or three days, so there’s no such thing as a contribution that’s ‘too small.’”
To learn more or make a donation, visit www.trfinc.org/haydrive or call (518) 226-0028.
