Flair LLC, maker of FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips, is pleased to congratulate Valerie Ashker - a career horsewoman - on her 2,300-mile journey across America, to raise awareness for off-the-track Thoroughbreds.
Promoting second careers for retired thoroughbreds
Flair LLC is pleased to congratulate Valerie Ashker - a career horsewoman - on her 2,300-mile journey across America, to raise awareness for off-the-track Thoroughbreds.
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 partnered ex-racehorse PRIMITIVO, a California-bred 7-year-old gelding, who stands a mere 15-hands. The pair began their journey on Monday, May 9, in Georgetown, California. Their more-than 6-month expedition - concluding on Saturday, November 19 - took them via U.S. 50, to Middleburg, Virginia.
âMy passion to raise awareness for second careers for ex-Thoroughbred racehorses, was the motivation for this incredible journeyâ, said Ms. Ashker. âThe Thoroughbred has amazing versatility, strength and heart, and is capable of amazing achievement beyond racing. Primitivo proved all-that, and more!â
The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) - an organization created to raise money for retired California racehorses - joined Flair, in support of Ms. Ashker. The FLAIR Strips PRIMITIVO wore throughout the cross-country tour, included 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 was something we were 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 stepped forward in their support of this endeavor was 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.