Page 69 - 2021 TAA Magazine

MidAtlantic SANCTUARY

Horse Rescue REHABILITATION

RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL:
“TAA’s rigorous
accreditation process
gives legitimacy to
reputable aftercare
programs. We are
honored to partner
with TAA and thrilled
that our industry
has stepped up to
support aftercare and
ensure safe futures for
our Thoroughbreds.
It has made our work
here a bit easier. It’s
ROUGH COAT PHOTOGRAPHY all about the horse!”
Founded in 2002, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue has helped place more than 2,000 horses.

“These horses are so intelligent and intuitive; feed lots, MAHR also transitions horses off the FOUNDED: 2002
they have so much to offer in second careers. It track, working closely with Maryland’s Beyond ADDRESS:
is the ultimate betrayal if they are thrown away the Wire program, and handling aftercare at Dela- P.O. Box 407
when their racing careers are over.” ware Park in partnership with the track, owners,
This comes from former Delaware Park trainer and trainers, and CANTER Delaware. Horses are Chesapeake City, MD 21915
Beverly Strauss, who in 2002 cofounded Mid- rehabbed as needed and all necessary veterinary, MAIN CONTACT:
Atlantic Horse Rescue with fellow horsewoman farrier, and dental work is provided. Horses are
Virginia Suarez Cole in response to the concern evaluated under saddle and schooled until adopted Beverly Strauss
of slaughter. The pair had saved at-risk Thor- out as sport or pleasure horses. MAHR also has EMAIL:
oughbreds on their own for years and then set up horses available as pasture pets and companions. bev@midatlantichorserescue.org
MAHR in an effort to do even more. Adoption fees are well below market value, up
Launched initially with three rescued off-the- to approximately $2,500 for a sound horse with no WEB ADDRESS:
track Thoroughbreds and a rented five-acre field, restrictions, and ownership is transferred upon midatlantichorserescue.org

the program today hosts more than 45 horses at its adoption. Safety and suitability are of the utmost
main 158-acre farm in the hills of eastern Mary- importance when matching horses and adopters. SOCIAL:
land, plus three satellite farms in Maryland and Adopters have ranged in age from 9 to 70 and have MidAtlanticHorseRescue
South Carolina. This growth has been made possi- included beginners and amateurs as well as top @MidAtlHorseResq
ble by the support of the TAA and other groups professionals.
in the racing industry and has been spurred by MAHR was one of a few programs to be selected AVERAGE NUMBER OF
MAHR’s stellar reputation and successful retrain- to participate in the initial $1 million ASPCA THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
ing and adoption program. The horses are in differ- Rescuing Racers Initiative and has received
ent stages of rehab and retraining, and available annual support since. 120
horses can be seen and tried by appointment. Tax-deductible donations of any amount are
Since its inception, MAHR has helped save, greatly appreciated, while tack, equipment, office

transition, and place more than 2,000 former supplies, and gift cards are always on the wish
racehorses of all ages and abilities. In addition list. Visitors are welcome by appointment to tour
to purchasing Thoroughbreds from auctions and the farm and meet the horses.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 67