Located south of Fort Worth there is a small sanctuary for former racehorses awaiting new homes. Beautifully maintain coastal fields surrounded by white fencing and trees give these horses a temporary and sometimes
permanent home.
Donna and Dallas Keen, both racehorse trainers, saw a need for a racehorse rescue and formed the non-profit organization Remember Me Rescue. With their intervention, they have placed countless ex-racehorses in new homes. They have placed a variety of ex-racehorses including Lights on Broadway, 2001 Texas Horse of the Year and winner of over $500,000. With help with several other groups like Fans of Barbaro and Alex Brown Racing they were able to raise the funds to rescue Lights on Broadway from an untimely death.
Ex-rachorses come to Rememeber Me Rescue in several different ways. Some are bought from owners for the sake that the horse will not be raced again. Some received an injury preventing them to return to the vigorous training schedule needed for a racehorse to be competetive, but they are still good for other riding disciplines. Sometimes caring owners of an injured horse just want to find a good home for them. Some horses do not have the speed to be a racehorse. They also have a few older ex-racehorses that had new careers, but some unforeseen circumstances have put them into situations were they need rescuing.
When the Keens accept an ex-racehorse into their program, they first attend to any medical needs the horse may need. When the horse is healthy enough, then the re-training begins. The Keens have an untraditional method of training that helps the horse develops trust and a willingess to please. No bridle is used, but a collar-like rein is worn round the horse’s neck. The specially made rein may make some horse people question the utilization of it, until they see it in use. It is pretty amazing how well the horses responds and stays in control. The Keens actually use it on their pony horses on the track. Because of the cost to upkeep a horse, some ex-racehorses can be placed in a home shortly after arrival and may not receive this training.
Remember Me Rescue runs solely on donations and expenses are usually more than the donations that come in. The rest has been coming out of the Keen’s pocket. When donations run low not as many race horses can be accepted into the program. Expenses directly and indirectly can add up quickly and even the smallest donation helps.
There are several methods you can help in the care a rehabilitation of these former racehorses. If you are interested in helping, donating or adopting visit Remember Me Rescue. Remember Me Rescue is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Foundation and all donations are tax-deductable.
Interested in adopting? Since adoption fees go back into the program, the adoption fee is tax-deductable.
Adoption Requirements
1. Fill out an Application
2. Show proof of financial responsibility
3. Three references, one from a vet or farrier
Please email for more information on adopting a horse from Remember Me Racehorse Rescue
Contact: remembermerescue@live.com
Follow Donna Keen on Twitter
Become a fan of Remember Me Rescue on Facebook
The Top Bunk List is a list of horses still racing that have made more than $500,000
Louisiana Rescue Remember Me Rescue helps place 20 racehorse
Comments
Thank you Terri for visiting us at the farm. I appreciate your time and your help getting the word out about our program. Please visit us again soon and keep up the great articles.
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