Just north of Woodbine racetrack on the former Woodlands Farm in Hillsburgh, ON, retired racehorses romp in the snow and are deftly cared for by a small staff of dedicated workers at the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society.
There are just over 50 horses at LongRun, many awaiting new homes through adoption and some who are living there permanently whether at the support of their owners or due to long-term physical issues.
Retired Thoroughbreds are popular for so many disciplines from hunter/jumper, dressage, recreational riding and more.
If you have had a chance to visit the beautiful LongRun facility you would have seen several stars of Canadian racing including champion Fifty Proof, graded stakes winners Stacked Deck and Something Extra and so many more. Queen’s Plate winner Big Red Mike retired to LongRun as did millionaire Melmich. Those horses are mostly supported by their owners who placed them at LongRun.
But so many others have been donated to LongRun, low-level claimers who were responsibly retired by their owners seeking some help at placing their favourite horse. There are unraced horses, young ones, older ones, guys and gals. And they are looking for forever homes.
LongRun cares for its horses through great expense each day and thankfully, there are many generous sponsors of horses (you can sponsor a horse for a year or more), those who donate once a year or even once in a while. These donations are critical to keeping the farm running and following a year in which the world was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LongRun’s fundraising events could not take place.
LongRun has had a super presence on social media, not only showing photos and offering information on horses coming up for adoption, but also plenty of interesting tips on horse care and the inner workings of the LongRun farm.
This bale of hay will last one day for the 18 horses that are housed in this barn. LongRun is currently caring for 53 horses who get grain twice a day as well as hay. – LongRun Twitter photo
Although troughs still freeze, LongRun has had great results by adding balls. The depth/layer of the ice is minimized and the horses knock the balls around to get to the water. Troughs are also checked regularly to ensure horses have access to water.
Champion King and His Court recently arrived at LongRun and awaits adoption.
Finding a forever home for your retired horse is the responsible thing for owners to do. And, should you need LongRun’s help to place your horse, don’t forget these horses need your support even after they begin re-training at the farm.
Follow @LongRunTB on Twitter to see horses seeking a new home and to get an inside look at what is involved in keeping the farm going.
And don’t forget to donate (and not just a horse!) if you can – every little bit helps. Sign up for news today or click the donate button:
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