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FOR THE LOVE OF HORSES By Gen Sullivan Fashion designer Oleg Cassini is a man of many passions: high fashion, high romance and high adventure. Yet one of his most enduring passions is for horses. Cassini is a lifelong horse lover who, at age 74, began a career as an amateur driver in harness racing. His love of the sport grew and at one point, Cassini owned "Baltic Baby," a horse that competed in the $1 million Hambletonian, harness racing's Kentucky Derby. Over the years, Cassini has bred and owned a barn full of Standardbred racehorses, many of which enjoyed their retirement at his Oyster Bay estate. However, when the now 86-year-old Cassini wanted to find permanent, loving homes for his horses, he turned to his friend, Standardbred horse trainer, Harry Harvey. Harvey's daughter, Ellen, is a trustee of the Standard bred Retirement Foundation (SRF), the largest and most successful racehorse adoption program in the country. A non-profit organization, the SRF is dedicated to placing retired Standardbred racehorses in private homes when their careers on the racetrack are over. Founded a decade ago by Paula Campbell, wife of the sport's $175 million winning driver, John Campbell, and Judith Bokman, wife of veterinarian Dr. Steve Bokman, the foundation has placed horses from racetracks and farms in 32 states and in Canada. "Mr. Cassini was able to place each of his horses in good, permanent homes," says Judith Bokman, Executive Director of the Foundation. "However, the adoption agreement states that should any owner not be able to keep their horse, the Foundation will step in." "The same holds true of every horse placed by the Foundation." Bokman also adds, "The Foundation never refuses a horse, although we endeavor to find lifetime homes for every horse. If for some reason a horse cannot stay with its adoptive family, the SRF will find another suitable, permanent home or assume responsibility for its care." Horses come into the program with a medical history from their racing career and a prognosis is made regarding the horse's ability. Potential adopters must fill out a thorough application form, including references. It is important to note that these horses are never sold or returned to the races. "Most of the horses can be used for pleasure to varying degrees," says Bokman. "Some can be ridden or driven every day, some a few times a week. Some of the horses are suitable only as companion animals. We have these horses in long term foster care. Presently 87 horses are either in long-term rehabilitation, being prepared for adoption or have such limited appeal to adopters that they are assumed permanently retired with the SRF. The Foundation supports all of these horses." Caring for the horses puts a large financial strain on SRF, which is primarily funded by gifts and private donations. While financial support is always welcome, what SRF really needs is land. "It is assumed that we have a farm, but we don't," says Bokman. "Our horses are kept at boarding facilities or foster homes for a nominal fee." At the top of the Foundation's "wish list" is a 50-acre farm where the horses can reside and rehabilitate. Presently, the majority of horses are spread throughout New Jersey and beyond. "We have a long list of horses with little chance for adoption so land or a farm anywhere to give them a peaceful retirement would be the greatest gift of all," says Bokman. For more information about adopting a Standardbred contact the SRF at: (732) 462-8773, visit the website at www.adoptahorse.org, or contact the US Trotting Association's Standarbred Equestrian Program at aloiselle@ustrotting.com. |
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