HRTV, The Network for Horse Sports, will highlight the undeniable bond which exists between man and horse when it offers “HRTV Presents: Saratoga WarHorse,” an in-depth look at a remarkable foundation that is forging extraordinary relationships between war veterans and off-the-track Thoroughbreds.
HRTV will premiere this special half-hour show on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET, following the network’s coverage of the 30th annual Breeders’ Cup from Santa Anita Park.
An estimated eight million horses were lost during World War I, and just as horses have their noble history in war, so does Saratoga, New York, where the “Battle of Saratoga” is considered a turning point of the Revolutionary War. In the midst of the Civil War, Saratoga Race Course held its inaugural race meeting, and this past summer celebrated its 150th anniversary.
These historic events brought forth the birth of Saratoga WarHorse, where courageous world-class soldiers meet world-class, off-the-track Thoroughbreds. “HRTV Presents: Saratoga WarHorse” highlights the erstwhile foundation’s invaluable leading role in assisting struggling war veterans through debilitating effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well lingering serious issues related to suicidal thoughts and sleeplessness.
While many traditional therapies have proven to be ineffective in assisting veterans, Saratoga WarHorse’s ability to pair veterans with recently-retired Thoroughbreds has been a resounding success. To date, more than 70 veterans have successfully completed the Saratoga WarHorse program, and the stories behind the emotional attachment between veterans and horses are riveting.
This special presentation includes revealing interviews with both Bob Nevins, Founder, of Saratoga WarHorse, and Marilyn Lane, Director of Thoroughbred Industry Relations and Development, for the foundation. Among the horsemen interviewed were Nick Zito, Bill Mott, Cot and Anne Campbell, and Sean Clancy.
HRTV, The Network for Horse Sports, is a television-based multimedia network dedicated to equine sports. HRTV’s programming features horseracing from top U.S. and international racetracks, as well as a wide range of world-class English and Western horse competitions, news, original programming and award-winning documentaries covering the world of horse sports. The live stream of HRTV is available on a subscription basis to high-speed Internet users worldwide at www.hrtv.com. In the U.S., the HRTV television network is available via telco, cable and satellite in over 19 million homes.
