Page 48 - 2021 TAA Magazine

Finger Lakes Thoroughbred

Adoption Program RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL:
“The accreditation
of FLTAP by the
TAA is a significant
endorsement of
our efforts as the
first ontrack
Thoroughbred
adoption program
in North America.
Its ongoing support
of our program is
paramount to our
success.”

FOUNDED: 2006
ADDRESS:
5757 NYS Route 96,
Farmington, NY 14425
PHONE: (585) 478-4664
MAIN CONTACT:
Old Army, a 2011 graduate of the Finger Lakes program, shows in dressage.
Melissa Porter
“Giving horses a second chance to be winners” Local horsemen help fund the program by WEB ADDRESS:
is the noble credo that the Finger Lakes Thor- contributing $2 for every start a horse makes, fltap.org
oughbred Adoption Program lives by. an amount matched by the Finger Lakes Racing
FLTAP was founded in 2006, when Finger Association. FLTAP also hosts fundraising SOCIAL:
Lakes racetrack management and the local dinners, polo matches, benefit horse shows, golf FLTAPAdoption

Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Associ- tournaments, and holiday events, with money
ation division decided something must be done going directly to the program. Volunteers donate AVERAGE NUMBER OF
to protect at-risk runners, most notably those time, talent, and product in addition to cash. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
headed down the claiming ladder. This award- Horses entering FLTAP must be reasonably
winning retraining and adoption program has sound and have the potential for a second career, 35
helped more than 400 horses find new homes. whether in the show ring or for pleasure riding.

FLTAP was the first adoption organization Successful adoptions have included I B a Baby-

located on racetrack grounds. Delaware North, doll (aka “Pepper,” jumper), Five Aces (“Ace,”
the parent of Finger Lakes Gaming and Race- trail riding), and City Mint (barrel racing). Most
track, donated the two-acre site upon which a FLTAP horses ended their racing careers in
10,000-square-foot, 16-stall barn now stands, lower-level claiming races at Finger Lakes.
built with state funding, a grant from the Amer- Prospective adopters undergo an in-depth
ican Humane Association, and contributions screening process, including an interview, to
from donors such as Wanda Polisseni, for whose determine if they are able to provide a good
Purple Haze Stables the center is named. The home for an ex-racehorse. When accepted, they
facility also includes a riding arena, turnout are matched with horses appropriate for their
paddocks, and round pens. skill level, experience, and goals.

PAGE 46 DAILY RACING FORM