Page 40 - 2021 TAA Magazine

Dale and Patti Shirley SANCTUARY

REHABILITATION
Equine Encore Foundation ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL:
“TAA allows us
to provide for the
‘wounded warriors’
whose grit and
determination left
them with large
earnings but nagging
injuries. This
accreditation makes
it possible for us to
provide a ‘401k
retirement plan’ for
our approximately
80 permanent
residents with big
fields, safe fences,
WENDY DAVIS
Equine Encore’s late executive director Patti Shirley gives treats to a couple of off-the-track and full feeders.”
Thoroughbreds at the Arizona sanctuary.

“We’re living a dream,” Dale Shirley told his to step up and take care of our athletes.” FOUNDED: 2005
wife, Patti, during their years of racing and Shirley did so in a big way. Today, approxi-
breeding. That dream ended in 2002, when Dale mately 80 former racehorses reside in digni- MAILING ADDRESS:

died, leaving Patti Shirley, a noted Southwest- fied retirement at Equine Encore Foundation. 3225 N. El Burrito Ave.
based conditioner, on her own with a 120-acre Better-known residents include 2003 Sapling Tucson, AZ 85705
Arizona farm. Over time, Shirley’s goals Stakes winner Dashboard Drummer, 11-time
changed, and another dream was born. By stakes winner Wind Water, and Del Mar stakes PHONE: (520) 907-5340
2005, she had transitioned her Tucson property winner Raetodandty. MAIN CONTACT:
from a breeding and training facility into an Unlike many aftercare organizations, Equine
aftercare farm, and the Dale and Patti Shirley Encore’s focus is strictly on retirement and Dave Mason, administrator
Equine Encore Foundation began as a “Social adoption. Many residents suffered career- WEB ADDRESS:
Security system” for ex-racehorses. ending injuries – bowed tendons, fractured
The “birth announcement” of Equine Encore sesamoids – that likely prohibit them from equineencorefoundation.org
was made in the winner’s circle at Sunland second careers. SOCIAL:
Park, and within 24 hours, it had acquired Oh Equine Encore is funded through private, tax- EquineEncoreFoundation
Gracie, a Thoroughbred with a slab-fractured deductible donations. Support can be given on a
knee. He arrived at the farm in 2005 and the one-time basis or as regular monthly support. AVERAGE NUMBER OF
now-25-year-old gelding remains there today. “These athletes did their jobs, paid their THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:

“Racing is a business,” Shirley said at the dues,” Shirley said. “They deserve a dignified
time, “and in business, when machinery no retirement.” 80
longer functions, you get rid of it. Here, we’re Shirley died in September 2019 at age 74. Her
dealing with living creatures who have given passion and legacy live on through Equine
us so much and ask so little in return. We need Encore.

PAGE 38 DAILY RACING FORM