Santa Anita Parks has announced a joint venture between the Post-Taming Care Program and the SRD Straightening Reins, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Santa Clarita whose mission is to assist youth and youth improve their mental health and well-being through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). The pilot program, which will run from November to February, aims to use Purebred Crossbreeds known as OTTB to show teenagers and young adults that their lives have value and meaning. when faced with challenges and transitions, just as purebreds do when they switch to another career after racing.
Two thoroughbred mares were selected for this program. Papa’s Lady is the nine-year-old daughter of Papa Clem, who raced 40 times with a 3-1-6 record. The other mare was My Aunt Annie, the 12-year-old daughter of Dixie Chatter, who raced 23 times with a 1-2-2 record. Leaving the racetrack at the ages of 5 and 4 respectively, both mares entered the Aftercare Program at Santa Anita Park to transition into new careers. They spent time with Holly Dunham at her ranch, where they were assessed for temperament and willingness to interact with people. It was clear from the outset that their kind and dependable nature made them good candidates for the show.
“I want to thank the Santa Anita Aftercare Team and the Straightening SRD Foundation and the CEO, Debbie Rocha, for working together to bring this program to life. Holly Dunham has done an amazing job. Great to get Papa’s Lady and My Annie ready for the show and we are all excited and looking forward to seeing these mares thrive in their new roles,” said Racing Director and Racing Minister. car Chris Merz said.
The therapeutic use of horses has been shown to be a powerful tool to assist those experiencing emotional trauma and the challenges that everyday life poses. The SRD Straightening Reins Foundation uses Equine Supportive Psychotherapy to aid in communication and demonstrate how individuals can deal with emotional obstacles using body language and positive reinforcement. Papa’s Lady and My Annie will be used in the program to support these results.
“I’ve dedicated my life to making a positive difference for those who cross my path, whether it’s to show the students in my class that they don’t have to be a peg. square in a hole or a team of farmers learn it Their energy levels affect the herd and others around them,” said Debbie Rocha, Founder and CEO of the SRD Straightening Reins Foundation. “We are delighted to have these two mares join our program. Our students have been busy preparing for their admission and are also excited to meet and learn from them. them,” she said.
For more information about programs at SRD Straighteners or to make a donation, please visit https://srdstraighteningreins.org/ or call 661-803-1641.
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