Flair LLC, maker of FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips, is pleased to announce its support of Valerie Ashker - a career horsewoman - on a 2,300-mile journey across America, to raise awareness for off-the-track Thoroughbreds.
Nikki Egyed on Symphonic Cat - another retired thoroughbred horse
Sponsored by Flair Nasal Strips and CARMA, Valerie Ashker will partner ex-racehorse PRIMITIVO, a 7-year-old gelding, on a 2,300-mile journey beginning Monday, May 9, in Georgetown, California, that will take them to Middleburg, Virginia.
© 2016 by Double S Ranch Photography
Identifying second-careers for Thoroughbreds who no longer race, has given rise to numerous organizations dedicated to this noble cause. They include: Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), and Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred ex-Racehorses (CANTER), among others.
Valerie will partner ex-racehorse PRIMITIVO, a California-bred 7-year-old gelding, who stands a mere 15-hands. The pair begin their journey on Monday, May 9, in Georgetown, California. Their expected 5-month expedition will take them via U.S. 50, to Middleburg, Virginia.
âMy passion to raise awareness for second careers for ex-Thoroughbred racehorses, is the motivation for what promises to be an incredible journeyâ, said Ms. Ashker. âThe Thoroughbred has amazing versatility, strength and heart, and is capable of amazing achievement beyond racing.â
The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) - an organization created to raise money for retired California racehorses - has also joined Flair, in support of Ms. Ashker. The FLAIR Strips PRIMITIVO will wear throughout the cross-country tour, will include the CARMA logo.
âThoroughbred aftercare is such an important component of the racing industryâ, said Flair President, Jim Chiapetta DVM JD. âSupporting Valerie and her Team is something weâre truly honored to be a part of. This initiative to bring second-career awareness for off-the-track Thoroughbreds, takes the conversation to a whole new level. That CARMA has stepped forward in their support of this endeavor is very, very special.â
About FLAIR Nasal Strips:
FLAIR Strips provide drug-free support and protection to the respiratory system of hard-working equine athletes. FLAIR Strips have been clinically proven to: reduce airway resistance, reduce lung stress and bleeding, reduce fatigue, and shorten post-exercise recovery time. For more information about FLAIR Strips, please visit http://www.flairstrips.com.
About the Science behind FLAIR Strips:
Eight clinical studies have been conducted on FLAIR Strips at leading equine research centers in the United States. Abstracts of clinical studies are available at http://www.flairstrips.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Attachment-A-Study-Abstracts.pdf.