7/21/2010
Dear Texas Thoroughbred Association members,
It has been my pleasant observation for years, that almost every person I know is kind of heart, generous, thoughtful and active in the pursuit of a better quality of life for all. I am amazed at the lengths to which my friends will stretch themselves to give a helping hand or a pat on the back. So I was not surprised when the Texas Thoroughbred Association began preparations for initiating a foundation which would assist in the retraining, retirement and placement of our Texas-bred racehorses. The vision is to embrace our responsibility as breeders, owners, jockeys and trainers and to offer our horses an opportunity for a second career or a permanent retirement option. Many of us have done this personally and privately for years, but it seems obvious that a more concentrated effort is now necessary.
This very ambitious undertaking will enable us to “step up to the plate” and assume a rightful leadership role in protecting the dignity and quality of life for our equine partners. It will be a foundation which carefully screens those persons or organizations who apply for funding to ensure every dollar donated is given to a reputable, soundly-run operation which will neither squander money nor fail to provide those services which are required. Funding for this foundation will be by individual tax-deductible donations, some fundraising activities and from a dedicated stream of monies generated by augmented gaming at Texas racetracks.
We’ve begun the legal groundwork, thanks mightily to our TTA staff, Mary in particular, and to Alison Rowe. Alison is another of those kind, generous people who never hesitate to give of herself for a humanitarian and/or equestrian endeavor. She has donated her very valuable legal skills and time to file paperwork to establish the foundation as a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
We’ve begun the structural groundwork with a mission statement, the stated goals and the philosophical direction which will guide the foundation’s directors. All of that tremendous effort was accomplished by three of the kindest, most generous and responsible men we are all fortunate enough to know. Mike Kindred, Ken Carson and David Stephens gave freely of their time and expertise to define and craft this concept to the point where we can see a tangible entity.
While it is now ready to be further fleshed out, our triplet team tells me they need our help on one tiny little stumbling block: We need a name. So, we are asking the membership to submit suggestions for a name for our new foundation. The proposed name should convey the heartfelt dedication to the lifelong welfare of the horse that embodies all true horsemen.
All entries must be from a member of the TTA, or if a minor, their guardian must be a TTA member. If you wish to participate and are not a member, Mary, Cheri or Jennifer will be delighted to help you gain membership.
All entries will be reviewed by the Foundation Board of Directors and a winner selected by majority vote. The person submitting the winning name will be offered a lifetime membership in the TTA and an opportunity to present the trophy to the winner of one of the premier stakes for older Texas-bred horses in 2010 or 2011.
You may submit as many names as you desire—the more the merrier!! Complete rules and the official entry form are now available online or by request from the TTA office at 512.458.6133.
And when you find an opportunity to say thank you to Alison, Ken, Mike, or David—please capitalize upon it. I certainly do.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jacquelyn Rich
President, Texas Thoroughbred Association