The Purple Haze Center - where our horses are boarded while awaiting placement

ABOUT US

The desire and vision of a few very determined people to start a Thoroughbred adoption program has become a reality at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. FLTAP obtained 501(c)3 certification in May of 2006, paving the way for tax deductible donations such as donated Thoroughbreds, supplies, equipment, services, etc. Since the inception in early 2005, nearly 400 Thoroughbreds have found new homes and new careers through FLTAP.

In fall 2004, Valerie Morrison, Phyllis Shetron (Finger Lakes trainer), and Dr. Margaret Ohlinger (Track Vet) started it all by finding several horses that were promised to be sent to good homes, but ended up at a irreputable auction house known for placing horses in neglectful hands. One horse, Polish Jig (photos below), was found emaciated, with untreated wounds, tied in a filthy, dark stall with no food or water.

                       

Several of the horses were brought back to their owners. One of them became one of the better polo ponies in the Northeast. One horse, Austin's Awesome did not get help soon enough and was sent to slaughter after being auctioned. Another horse, Emily's Dad, was never found.

Polish Jig as a 3 year old after a winter of recuperation. 

These horses' fates spurred Margaret, Phyllis and Valerie to begin the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP). Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack is the first Thoroughbred racetrack in the United States to open an in-house adoption program, dedicated to the retraining and adoption of its retired racehorses, uniting racetrack management and horsemen for the collective good of the horses.

Support came from many sources. Delaware North Companies, the parent company of Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, donated two acres of land for the barn. Barn construction was made possible through $60,000 in state funding, thanks to Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, and a grant from the American Humane Association. A significant amount of additional funding was generously provided by Wanda Polisseni. These altruistic people and many others helped the "Purple Haze Center" open in November 2007 when the first horses took up residence.

                   

The Purple Haze Center is a 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art horse barn with 16 12x12 foot stalls. The stalls have cushy rubber floor mats and fold-down stall doors that allow the horses to look around and interact with barn visitors. With safety bars across the windows, horses can look outside and enjoy the fresh air from outdoors. There is a 70x72 foot riding arena and four 60x60 foot paddocks. Great attention to detail is given to the comfort and safety of all horses at the Purple Haze Center.

Ongoing support is always needed to help these Thoroughbreds find new lives. FLTAP is fortunate to have attracted many very dedicated volunteers who lovingly donate their time doing anything from cleaning stalls to fundraising.

 

FLTAP was awarded the prestigious Lavin Cup Award (named in honor of A. Gary Lavin, VMD.) on December 4 at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 53rd Annual Convention in Orlando, FL. Phyllis and Margaret accepted this honor on behalf of FLTAP. The AAEP annually honors a non veterinary individual or an organization that demonstrates exceptional compassion for the welfare of the horse. Some past recipients of the Lavin Cup include the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Inc., the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Days End Farm Horse Rescue, and the Thoroughbred Charities of America.