Homes sought for racehorses

By MAUREEN DAYE

A nyone want to adopt a horse? The Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) is opening its barn doors for a meet-and-greet at its farm on Arneytown Hornerstown Road in the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold Township from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 12.

Jannine Kraus, business administrator at the SRF, said the purpose of the meet-andgreet is to allow the public to visit the farm and meet the “wonderful” horses who are retired from harness racing. Staff members will showcase horses in the riding ring to demonstrate each horse’s ability.

“Our goal is to promote adoption awareness,” Kraus said. “Hopefully we will have a few successful adoptions, gain additional horse sponsors, and create a buzz about the wonderful breed.”

Guests at the meet-and-greet should not expect to meet the seven horses that were rescued by the organization from impending slaughter in Canada in July. Kraus said those horses are still in quarantine.

“The [rescued] horses are doing well,” Kraus said. “All have had their hooves attended to, were checked by a veterinarian and have had their teeth floated [filed]. After quarantine, they will be moved to our Kentucky facility for adoption.”

Kraus said she believes the upcoming meet-and-greet at the SRF barn is a special day because members of the public cannot typically stop by for a visit with the horses, but must come by appointment due to the limited size of the staff.

The event will provide visitors with an opportunity to interact with and observe the horses, according to Mary Grangeia, director of development at the SRF.

“The Standardbred breed is friendly and versatile,” Grangeia said. “In new adoptive homes, they are sure to bring their new families joy and companionship. People may join us even if adoption is not in their plans for the near future. We are excited to present a wonderful selection of under-saddle, ready-to-go horses.”

For more information about the meetand greet, call 732-446-4422.