Page 76 - 2021 TAA Magazine

Our Mims

Retirement Haven SANCTUARY

TESTIMONIAL:

“The public needs to
know that an elder
horse is not
necessarily a sick
or dying horse.
Older horses can be
vibrant, healthy, and
sassy with the proper
care. TAA’s support
allows us to
accomplish our
mission.”

FOUNDED: 2004
ADDRESS:
2810 Millersburg Ruddles Mill Rd.
Paris, KY 40361
ANN CHEEK
Our Mims Retirement Haven in Paris, Ky., was founded by the late Jeanne Mirabito. PHONE:
(859) 227-6304
Seventeen years have passed since the incor- of the Haven’s past horses have been buried. MAIN CONTACT:
poration of Our Mims Retirement Haven as a Each grave is marked with a stone and plaque Pete Mirabito

nonprofit. Until her passing in August of 2020, indicating the horse’s name and birth and death WEB ADDRESS:
Haven creator Jeanne Mirabito oversaw the dates.
restoration of health to many mares from dispa- On May 7, 2017, the ashes of 1986 Eclipse Award ourmims.org
rate backgrounds. No matter where they came champion older male Turkoman were interred in SOCIAL:
from or how they got to the Haven, each mare that the cemetery. OurMimsRetirementHaven
arrived found sanctuary in Paris, Ky., where love Farm residents have included Australian-born
and attention is doled out as freely as individual- Princess Royale (who died at age 30); Turkoman’s @MimsRetirement
ized veterinary and nutritional regimens. dam Taba, who lived to 32; major stakes producer @mimsour
Today, the Haven is home to nine Thorough- Iza Valentine (33), Grade 1 winner Lotka (30);
bred mares and one gelding – Elmhurst, the Alydar’s and Our Mims’s Grade 1-winning sister AVERAGE NUMBER OF
1997 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and maternal Sugar and Spice (27); and nine-time stakes winner THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
grandson of Our Mims. He arrived in 2011 and is Bel’s Starlet (27). 10
a favorite of fans and visitors. Exciting Bucket is To honor Jeanne, the Haven will continue to
the oldest resident at age 32, and more than half of ensure all current and future horses that grace
the mares at Our Mims are 25 or older. the Haven’s paddocks are cared for in a manner
The Haven always solicits volunteers to feed, respectful of Jeanne’s wishes and of which she
groom, assist farriers and vets, mow, and help would approve. Board members Pete Mirabito,
with general farm maintenance. Ann Cheek, and Sidna Madden are dedicated to
Fans have traveled to Our Mims from all 50 keeping Jeanne’s dreams alive by taking care of
states and more than 20 countries. Visitors are her charges and the place that her love, sweat,
welcome by appointment to see the Haven’s resi- and tears built, and will endure to be the place
dents and walk the cemetery, where almost all where human and equine souls can find peace.

PAGE 74 DAILY RACING FORM