With the help of a former racehorse, Dawn Mellen helps paint a beautiful portrait of how to advance Thoroughbred rescue efforts.
The painter in this picture is named Turkoman – a Thoroughbred that won over two million dollars during his career.
In his retirement, Mellen assisted him to create a painting for an auction to fund the rescue efforts at Our Mims Retirement Haven in Kentucky.
Mellen’s creative funding endeavor with Turkoman is among the many examples of how she has helped Thoroughbred rescue efforts.
Mellen began working with Thoroughbred rescues in the mid-1990s. Through her work, she realized that a major obstacle for rescue organizations was funding.
In 2007, Mellen founded the non-profit organization, After the Finish Line (ATFL), to fund the rescue, rehabilitation, and retirement of Thoroughbred horses that can no longer race or breed.
ATFL provides yearly grants to Thoroughbred rescues to fund the expense of rescue efforts. The organization also has established an emergency fund to assist horses as needed throughout the year.
The board members of ATFL receive no salary - all donations directly benefit Thoroughbred rescue.
Funds provided to ATFL are used for various purposes, including saving horses at auctions, paying for medical expenses, providing hay and feed, paying boarding expenses, or transporting a Thoroughbred to safety.
Through funding basic needs of the horses, Mellen helps to assist in achieving the broader goal of transitioning ex-racehorses into second careers.
As a result of grants from ATFL, Thoroughbreds are retrained for hunting, jumping, dressage or trail riding.
If a horse cannot ride, the horses are retrained for equine therapy or as companion animals.
Mellen’s work proves that a racehorse doesn’t lose its worth at the end of their last race.
After the finish line, a Thoroughbred racehorse holds the potential to make a brand new start.
In a recent interview, Mellen discussed her organization and provided stories about Thoroughbreds who were rescued through the support of ATFL.
JW: Is your organization opposed to the sport of horse racing?
DM: ATFL is not opposed to horse racing. We are here to say that there are alternatives for these talented Thoroughbreds when their racing or breeding careers are over. They deserve the opportunity to transition into a second career.
JW: How does ATFL acquire funding for rescue efforts?
DM: ATFL received donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Our support comes from the racing industry participants (owners, trainers, breeders, fans, etc.), people who own off the track Thoroughbreds and those who care about the welfare of these animals.
JW: How many rescues receive funding from ATFL?
DM: In 2009, 47 rescue organizations received funding from ATFL. We anticipate helping 50 - 60 rescue organizations in 2010.
JW: How are Thoroughbreds acquired by rescue organizations?
DM: Several ways. Many Thoroughbreds are purchased at auctions. Others are purchased or donated by owners, trainers, animal control or from people who can no longer take care of their horses.
JW: Can you cite a few examples of horses that your organization provided funding to facilitate their rescue, retraining, or retirement?
DM: Safe Haven Horse Rescue in CA rescued Excessorized, a descendant of Secretariat. However, her racing ability fell short of Secretariat’s talent. Excessorized raced nine times at Golden Gate Fields and earned $2,700.
Seven months after she left the racetrack, Animal Control found her emaciated and neglected. ATFL paid for vet, farrier and dental expenses - plus special feed that helped her gain 300 pounds.
In Michigan, After the Finish Line donated funds to purchase winter blankets for thirteen Thoroughbred ex-racehorses.
Temperatures fell below zero and snow drifts rose to the Thoroughbreds bellies. With many long, cold winter months of snow and freezing temperatures these thirteen horses will appreciate their new blankets.
In another case, ATFL’s monthly emergency funds were awarded for Eyes Left who raced as a two-year-old at Sunland Park and Ruidosa Downs in New Mexico.
To save him from auction he was purchased privately and brought to Texas. He became a Western riding horse.
Eventually, Eyes Left and his owners developed health issues and he was sent to Triple MeMac rescue. Triple MeMac will receive $1,000 for exam, dental, farrier, x-ray, vaccination and rehab expenses so Eyes Left can transition into a second career.
After The Finish Line is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in which all donations are fully tax-deductible. Visit the ATFL website at www.afterthefinishline.org or call 858.945.1371 to learn more or make a donation. You can also visit ATFL on Facebook by clicking this link.
After The Finish Line is a wonderful organization; exceptional people who really care. Mellen is amazing. Her efforts and talents not only saves horses but gives people in the rescue world hope.
Once again a wonderful job both with you topic selection and your writing!
Hi Jeanne and Brian! Thank you for your wonderful comments.
[...] media has always been very supportive of ATFL. The Horse, Bloodhorse, The Saturday Post, Wireplayers, Ranch and Coast Magazine, the La Jolla Light and many more have recently promoted our [...]