The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's (TRF) has launched its seventh annual Hay Drive campaign. The goal of the campaign is to raise the funds necessary for TRFâs yearly hay budget for the 900 horses in its programs. TRF expects its hay costs in 2015 to exceed $220,000.
Needed: Hay for 900 horses
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has launched its seventh annual Hay Drive campaign with the goal of raising the funds necessary for its yearly hay budget for the 900 horses in its programs.
This year, the TRF Hay Drive's theme seeks to remind readers about the considerable economic impact that the TRF and its network of care givers has on agribusiness across the country. Over a quarter of the TRF herd is stabled at correctional facilities located in 14 different states, and the remaining horses are on large farms across the country.
Wherever they are living, TRF horses give open land a purpose and employ farm managers, hay farmers, farriers, and veterinarians. At prison farms in the TRFâs acclaimed Second Chances program, the horses educate men and women who will, in turn, contribute to the economic vitality of the communities to which they return.
The TRF also has adoption, fostering and sponsorship programs available for horses stabled at various farms throughout the country.
âOn average, a Thoroughbred will eat about 22 pound of hay daily,â said TRF Herd Manager Sara Davenport. âIt is one of our greatest annual expenses, so we are grateful for donations of any size during the Hay Drive.â
âWe are starting off with a nice boost, thanks to a large hay donation late last year from Gallagher Stud in New York and a $50,000 pledge from the Geoffrey Hughes Estate.â added Diana Pikulski, VP of External Affairs for the TRF.
To learn more about the TRF's annual Hay Drive or to contribute a âvirtualâ bale of hay, please call (518) 226-0028, or visit http://www.trfinc.org/hay-drive/.