Page 105 - 2021 TAA Magazine

War Horses SANCTUARY

REHABILITATION
at Rose Bower RETRAINING/ADOPTION

EQUINE-ASSISTED PROGRAM

TESTIMONIAL:
“Before War Horses
at Rose Bower earned
its TAA accreditation I
was honest with our
potential donors,
suggesting they
look into accredited
programs, or those that
the donors
themselves have
researched. I knew
prior to our
accreditation that
we had a great,
responsible program,
but now everyone else
knows, too, and the

BARBARA LUNA support we’ve gained
Virginia-bred Miss Monty, retired disabled Marine veteran Andrew King, and his 6-year-old son
Arian at War Horses at Rose Bower. from the racing
industry now has been
War Horses at Rose Bower accommodates the old bow, suspensory, or obvious freeze-fire marks,

special needs of older retiring Thoroughbred make no difference to the human with a brush and immeasurable.”

geldings. Founder and president Barbara Luna hoof pick in hand who can gain the confidence and
is an experienced writer, horsewoman, and publi- affection of an 1,100-pound animal.
cist who started War Horses in 2012 to return to War Horses is a 501 (c)(3) organization and FOUNDED: 2012
the hands-on care of racehorses after she worked requests, but does not require, a donation for ADDRESS:
as administrator for the Turning For Home after- accepting an older horse into its program. A

care program at Parx Racing for five years. veterinary evaluation and foal papers must 8367 Old Courthouse Rd.
War Horses at Rose Bower is located in rural accompany a potential retiree. Appomattox, VA 24522
Virginia and works closely with racetrack All adopters sign contracts, pass reference
programs such as the New York Thoroughbred checks, and understand that if no longer wanted, PHONE: (434) 352-5058
Horsemen Association’s TAKE THE LEAD, the horse must be returned to the program, MAIN CONTACT:
Maryland’s Beyond the Wire, and private although the goal is always to find a forever Barbara Luna (215) 272-6716

owners to provide rehabilitation, retirement, home. War Horses does allow sales of an adopted
and frequent adoptions for veteran horses of horse, as long as the “No Auction” contract goes WEB ADDRESS:
the racing world. Many of its retirees are stakes along to the new owner and the buyer’s contact www.warhorsesottbs.org
winners, such as Gimme Credit, Banjo Picker, information is provided to the organization.
and Hermosillo, each of whom earned more than “With the wonderful renewed interest in Thor- SOCIAL:
$600,000 on the track. The sanctuary horses oughbreds as show and pleasure horses, these warhorsesottbs
who live out their lives at War Horses have been older geldings should not be overlooked as honest, @at_horses
assigned an important task as part of the new been-there-done-that kinds of mounts,” Luna
military veterans program. said. “While 12 years of age may be old for a race- @warhorsesatrosebower
Some of the geldings work with children or horse, it’s just a new beginning for a show hunter AVERAGE NUMBER OF
adults who gain from the therapy that an older or Western trail horse, or even a companion to an
horse can provide. Their battle scars, such as an older horse lover who now wants a quieter ride.” THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
13

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 103