After the Finish Line

When does the race end for a Thoroughbred and what awaits them after the finish line? Are the Thoroughbreds in control of their destiny once their racing careers are over, or does someone make decisions for them that may be in the individual’s best interest rather than what is in the best interest of the horses? Every racehorse reaches the finish line at a different stage in their racing career. This should be a time of victory, a momentous occasion of hope and security for a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse commonly known as an Off Track Thoroughbred (OTTB). But too often, it is not. There needs to be a helping hand leading them to a new beginning.

After the Finish Line is an all-volunteer 501 (c) 3 funding non-profit dedicated to the welfare of Thoroughbred horses that can no longer race or breed. ATFL does not keep a farm with horses. We are a fundraising organization that awards year-round financial support to qualified Thoroughbred rescue organizations that save, rehabilitate, re-train and adopt horses for a second career or retirement.

AFTER THE FINISH LINE AUGUST 1ST FUNDRAISER AT THE DEL MAR HILTON

We understand the need to provide rescue organizations a reliable year-round funding source because horse racing is a year-round sport. The average racehorse retires at 6-7 years old while the life span of a horse is between 25-30 years. Rescue organizations can find themselves needing to support a horse for over 20 years. They often work on shoe-string budgets just to meet the everyday needs of their horses and often don’t have money budgeted for emergencies or to save additional horses. ATFL awards yearly Grants, and Emergency Funds are awarded in each of the remaining eleven months of the year because we know every day a horse needs our help. In 2012, After the Finish Line awarded nearly $100,000 to 65 rescue organizations helping over 300 ex-racehorses.

Horse racing is a sport for the fans but a business for the owners and trainers. Unfortunately, the profit and loss aspect of racing doesn’t always result in a good outcome for the horses. Horses need to be rescued due to overbreeding and injuries, being too slow to win and because too many owners get "into the game" without an understanding or commitment to provide long-term aftercare for their horses.

Our mission is simple: 1) to educate the public about the health, protection, preservation and alternative career options for Thoroughbreds when their racing or breeding careers are over.  2) to provide year-round financial support to qualified rescue and retirement organizations that save, rehabilitate, re-train and adopt Thoroughbred ex-racehorses and broodmares for a second career or retirement, and;  3) To ensure a quality of life for Thoroughbreds by saving them from slaughter and neglect.  

We believe people want to help the Thoroughbreds but don’t know how or who to donate to. Monetary donations to ATFL are used to save horses at auctions or farms, for surgery or medical expenses, for farrier, dental or vet expenses, provide hay and feed, pay boarding expenses or transport a Thoroughbred to safety. Board members do not receive any compensation. We are all volunteers.

ATFL attributes its success to the hard working board members and volunteers who dedicate themselves to being a voice for these noble animals. Our strength is our varied business backgrounds. We work with the racing industry to help the horses without casting judgment. We all care about the welfare of these horses and understand how best to help them.

After the Finish Line is hosting its 6th Annual Charity Dinner, "A Tribute to the Majesty of Thoroughbreds", on Thursday, August 1st from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the newly renovated Hilton Hotel in Del Mar. This event will include a reception, silent and live auctions, a guest speaker and dinner. This is our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year. It is held during the Del Mar race meet to raise awareness for and honor the ex-racehorses.  Our attendees include horse owners and breeders, trainers, racing fans, and anyone who cares about the welfare of horses.

We welcome special guest Robert Vavra, internationally acclaimed as the world’s premier photographer of equines. Mr. Vavra is the author of 37 books accounting for more than 3,000,000 volumes in print. His film work includes Lawrence of Arabia, Patton, and The Horse Whisperer, for which he was a creative advisor for Robert Redford. Mr. Vavra will be autographing his book, Vavra’s Vision.

You can help by donating a silent or live auction item, becoming a sponsor and attending our event. Volunteers are welcomed.  Contact Dawn Mellen at dawn@afterthefinishline.org or (858) 945-1371 for additional information and visit our website or DONATE NOW.

"There’s no breed of horse I’d rather ride or I believe is more beautiful than a Thoroughbred," says Dawn Mellen. An advertisement for a horse rescue organization in a Thoroughbred racing publication raised her awareness about horses that could no longer race or breed. Why do ex-racehorses need to be rescued? She was unaware, like the majority of people, that these horses don’t always retire to green pastures when their racing and breeding careers are over. It was then, over a decade ago, that she made a commitment to help these unwanted horses.

In this Sport of Kings, the horses are the true celebrities that draw fans to the racetracks. They enter the paddock and parade in front of thousands of people who take one last look before they place their bets. We know the horses can’t read the odds board. Many longshots do win their races. Yet, a horse that is unsuccessful at the track can one day be a star in the competitive horse show arena. Just like people, the horses can transition into more than one career. If given the chance, these talented equine athletes can excel in careers as hunters, jumpers, dressage, western or pleasure, polo, trail, companion or therapeutic riding horses.

In life people often ask for a second chance. Horses are no different. Instead of people deciding what’s best for the horse, we need to listen to and find out what the horse says is best for him. The unspoken language of a horse speaks loudly. Be patient and give the horse the opportunity to show its true potential. Embrace them and develop a relationship. The bond that forms can never be torn apart and he will always do his best to please you.

After the Finish Line has many success stories. With the support of our donors combined with ATFL’s expertise, we have helped over 1,000 ex-racehorses and broodmares at all different stages of their racing and breeding careers. If we had to pick one story that really touched my heart, it was helping Itsuko, a horse that raced 99 times earning over $100k. After racing she had several foals. Luckily, at 20 years old she was rescued from an abusive situation, regained her health and is living happily ever after.

Rancho Santa Fe and the surrounding communities share their love of horses. Racing season is a social event. ATFL wants to present a different perspective from the horses’ point of view. Do we understand how hard they work for our enjoyment? Do we understand the danger and injuries they face as they race around the track at speeds upwards of 40 miles an hour?  Please consider giving back to the horses that give you so much excitement and enjoyment.

The economy has not been kind to the ex-racehorses. Our community is very generous and philanthropic. We want the community to become involved in our cause that gives life to horses that are less fortunate.

It is a privilege to be able to work with these equine athletes. We want you to join our cause. Together we can be the voice of the unwanted horses that have nowhere to go when their racing and breeding careers are over.  Please join us in giving back to the horses that have given us so much excitement at the racetrack.

CLICK HERE to donate now to this charity.