The Maryland Horse Breeders Association announced March 14 the formation of a care account that will guide care fund requirements to support Maryland stallions once they are retired and switch to a new career. The aftercare account, known as the BackStop, serves the purpose of assisting or supporting the immediate need in the transition of Maryland crossbred horses after their racing careers are over.
“We are committed to working with people dedicated to giving these Maryland hybrids a fresh start and a safe harbor,” said Cricket Goodall, MHBA executive director. “We know that breeders and owners want the best for their horses. This fund will be provided for a specific purpose benefiting Maryland stallions in need of help. .”
The BackStop Fund will not relieve or replace the responsibility of owners, breeders or trainers in planning the care of their horses. The new fund also does not replace support received from the Pure Post-Care Coalition, Pure Retirement Foundation, Pure American Charity, Beyond the Waves, or any other program. Aftercare accounts are funded $25 from each Maryland-breeding registration fee paid.
A BackStop request will be made against available funds and considered for a one-time registration of an individual horse, providing up to $2,000 in funding. The funds requested will be used as additional support for a particular use or aid to an individual or group receiving, retraining or rebuilding Purebreds registered in Maryland.
“It makes it possible for people to get into this or get a horse that they probably wouldn’t be able to get, so I think that’s great. I often lose horses. I have to do rehab, and it’s okay because of this Alice Peirce, manager of Mantua Ranch near Reisterstown, Md, and a member of the MHBA Aftercare Committee, said. “I know many other people in my field who would be able to look into it. more horses this way.
“A lot of people can’t afford something while it’s just hanging out, so I feel it will be of great help to horses coming off the track who need a little more TLC Maybe people will look at them a second time if they get an opportunity like this,” continued Peirce.
BackStop funds are not used for capital or expense improvements that are not specific to the horse named in the application.
