Bright Futures Farm is an equine charity whose primary focus is off the track Thoroughbreds...horses that can no longer race due to disinterest or injury.  Our dedication has grown to include horses that are difficult to find homes for...older horses that are unwanted after their "useful years" are over, and older stallions that cannot be gelded due to the risk of complications.

We are always in need of foster homes.  When you foster a horse you help us save one more from harm.  Fostering expenses are tax-deductible.  If you have room, please ask us about our foster program.

PERMANENT RESIDENTS

To see our adopted horses, available horses (to adopt) and other horses available please choose a button below:

Horses in our sanctuary are older horses that we have rescued.  Most came here after many years of service to one or more owners.  When they were no longer "useful", they were simply discarded with no concern for their fate - which, for an older horse at an auction, is slaughter unless a rescue steps in.

  These horses are permanently retired here. 

Our Permanent Residents need sponsors.  Each horse has specific dietary requirements and each has special supplement needs. As they get older, they are in need of more frequent veterinary and dental care to maintain their health.

Please consider sponsoring one of our permanent retirees.  We are thrilled to have them here and each one has already taught us a great deal.   They are wonderful old folk with a lot of wisdom to give and a lot of life left to live.

Every horse can have more than one sponsor.  So if you see a horse that already has a sponsor listed, don't be disappointed.  You can also be a sponsor to that horse. 

Accountability (Tiny)

(Steady Special - Key Account (by Keystoner))

Registered Standardbred mare.  13.3 hands. Bay. No markings.

Birth date: 04/25/1977

Tiny was foaled at the farm of John Colvin in Dayton, OH.  She was purchased as a yearling by John P. Brockelhurst and his brother Paul R.  She was tattooed in anticipation of being raced, and may have.  She was purchased by her former owner at age 3 in April 1980.  She lived at his farm until the age of 29.  When her former owner passed away, his instructions were to sell/auction all of the horses except Tiny.  She was to be shot.  His daughter told us that he felt that she wouldn't have a good outcome at auction due to her age.  What this gentleman, like so many others, didn't realize is that most horses don't have a good outcome at auctions.  There are simply too many horses, and not enough private homes. 

A good friend, and Board member, Jim H. talked to the gentleman's daughter and assured her that Tiny still had a lot of life left in her, and although she was twenty-nine, and no one else may want her, we did and she had a permanent home with us.  Tiny is a sweetheart and loves attention.  She just likes to be coy when she sees a  halter and lead rope.  Once "caught" though, she enjoys the attention.  She's a good girl with a lot of spunk (in between her frequent naps). 

Tiny's Sponsors (Thank You):

F. Johnson of Canada

Happy Birthday, Tiny!

Tiny's 33rd Birthday was April 25, 2010!

(Brite & Art)

Arturo First (Art)

(Capote (Seattle Slew) - Sh Bang (Dixieland Band))

Registered Thoroughbred gelding. 16.3 hands. Dark brown. No markings.

 Birth date: 04/12/1996

Art raced at Penn National and a variety of other racetracks before retiring due to "loose stifles".  The cartilage covering Arturo's left stifle was torn and has since deteriorated, thus Arturo cannot be ridden.  Art has a great personality and loves to play "tag" which consists of someone touching him on his face, then turning and waiting for Art to touch them back.   It didn't take long for Art to figure out what this game consisted of, and he thoroughly enjoys it!  Art is free to do whatever he wishes with his buddies.  Occasionally, he'll carry a stick around hoping one of his friends will partake in that game of tag or he'll pull a fly mask off someone else when they're not looking.  Once in awhile, the three amigos (Brite, Art and Markie) will decide to play racehorse and as soon as one takes off, the other two are close behind.  It's always a guess as to who will win each race!

Arturo's Sponsors (Thank You):

K.Hasbrouck of Pennsylvania

Intellectual Properties provides a matching grant for K's sponsorship (Thank you, I.P.)

Thank You, After-the-Finish-Line for sponsoring Arturo's supplements for the remainder of 2009!

Brite Decision (Brite)

(High Brite - Early Decision)

Registered Thoroughbred gelding. 16.1 hands. Dark brown. No markings.

 Birth date: 03/10/1991

Brite inspired me to found this organization.  Originally, I was going to adopt two horses...one for myself to ride and one for my nephew, Ryan to ride.  We found Brite and Stretch at an adoption program in WV.  My original plan was to board the two horses near my home and remain near Pittsburgh with the company I was working for.  However, when I learned more about the plight of unwanted horses, and found out how desperate the situation was, I decided to sell my house and buy a farm to help more than just two horses.  Brite is one in a million and I don't say that lightly.  He is a true gem.  He'll baby-sit any horse I ask him to.  When we're in the barn, he knows what I want him to do before I ever ask.  It's not just a routine.  There's some level of innate communication between us.  There will never be another Brite.  Read more about Brite here.

Thank You, After-the-Finish-Line for sponsoring Brite's supplements for the remainder of 2009!

County Treasurer (CT)

(Bionic Prospect - Joy's Fool)

Registered Thoroughbred gelding. 16. hands. Chestnut. few white hairs on forehead,

 Birth date: 1996

CT came to us at age 9 and was adopted for several years.  He is no longer ride-able due to an soft tissue injury in his RF foot, and last year he returned to Bright Futures Farm as a permanent resident. CT will remain in our sanctuary.  CT is on isoxsuprine and yucca indefinitely.  He also requires a low starch diet, and special shoes.  He is an "easy keeper" with regard to feeding...easily keeping weight on. However, due to his soft tissue injury, he is a high maintenance horse w.r.t. his medical issue.  Sponsors for C. T. are greatly appreciated as his monthly costs over and above feed are approximately $100.

C T's Sponsors (Thank You):

T. Calantoni

J. McMacken

Thank You, After-the-Finish-Line for sponsoring C T's supplements for the remainder of 2009!

Fast Market (Markie)

(Secretariat - Tina's Ten)

Registered Thoroughbred gelding. 15.3 hands. Chestnut. Star, stripe, two hind stockings, two front socks, cream spot on L hip.

 Birth date: 1989

Markie may be the last son of Secretariat to have raced.  The New Yorker Magazine did a four page feature story on Markie in December of 1996 - the day of his last race.  He has a tremendous resemblance to his sire, and a fantastic personality.  Markie won over a quarter million dollars in his career in Canada and the U.S.  His most notable victory was a win in the Grade II Puss-N-Boots Stakes in Canada.  Read more about Markie here.

Thank You, After-the-Finish-Line for sponsoring Markie's supplements for the remainder of 2009!

Gordy

1979 dark brown Thoroughbred gelding.

born 1980

Gordy is a former racehorse, and a former successful hunter/jumper in the Erie, PA area.  He's a wonderful babysitter and all around happy guy.  Our "sentry" at mealtime, Gordy announces to the world that it's time to eat as soon as he sees me walk into the aisle with the first bucket.  Gordy developed a bacterial infection in his LF frog in October 2008.  We began treatment for thrush, but it didn't work, so we took him to see Dr. Genovese in Cleveland, OH in November 2008.  Gordy was a trooper.  Being a former show horse, I think he thought he may be headed back out into the ring.  As I led him to the trailer, his ears perked up and he spent all of about ten seconds sniffing the floor then walked right on and started to eat hay.  On our first trip, Dr. Genovese removed a good portion of the bacterial infection by cauterizing the area.  Upon our return home, in order for the best chance at recover, I was required to maintain a daily regimen of cleaning, medicating and wrapping of the area to prevent contact with air (canker is an anaerobic bacteria) and keep the area clean and dry so the canker would die.  I did this for a month.  We made a subsequent trip to have more growth removed from under the sole and a second biopsy performed.  The findings from the biopsy were consistent with canker.  The daily regimen of cleaning, medicating and wrapping was changes to every three days, then once a week through March 2009.  We successfully treated Gordy for canker with the help of Keith Caughan and a treatment protocol he has found success with. Gordy was deemed canker-free in March of 2009.   Read more about Gordy's treatment here.

Thank You, After-the-Finish-Line for sponsoring Gordy's supplements for the remainder of 2009!

It is with great sadness that I tell you of Gordy's unexpected passing due to congestive heart failure.  Gordy left us on January 7, 2010.

 I visited Gordy's grave yesterday, 1/9/10, when it was sunny.  I pictured him lying in the sun with his nose on the ground dozing....  There were tracks all around his grave...right at the edge.  I am hoping that it was more than just curiosity, and that my other boys did pay their respects to a very wise and very kind old gent.

Frick and Frack

Leopard Appaloosa geldings. Bonded.  Soul mates.

 Birth year: ~1984

Frick and Frack served loyally for years, their last "jobs" being at a riding academy on Long Island.  Frack had lost most of his sight and they were getting older, so the stable owner told the manager to take them to auction in Cranbury, NJ.  Frick, the sighted one, may have had a chance at a private home, but Frack would not have had a snowball's chance unless a rescue bid on him.  If they went to the auction, they were destined to die in a slaughterhouse. 

The stable manager asked for time to find them a home and was given that.  Not much time though - only one week. A rescuer located on LI, who was full at the time, posted their plight for the Fans of Barbaro hoping someone could help.  No one was stepping up to take them and finally, after making some frantic phone calls, at the eleventh hour, we said we would.  We found a great foster home in Tammie and John, who adopted Blackie and Buddy.  Tammie and John couldn't keep them through winter though, so, we started looking for a new home for them. (Read more of Frick and Frack's need to be saved TWICE here.)

Frick and Frack arrived at BFF on 1.2.10.  Frick and Frack will remain in our sanctuary. 

Update 3/9/10:  Dr. Charlie Wyant, our Certified Equine Dentist, drove up to see Frick and Frack on March 9, 2010.  I thought...they'll get their teeth done & all would be good for a year.  Well, the news was not good.  Frick's molars are loose to the touch.  Frack's weren't loose to the touch, but when Charlie attempted to use the float, he could feel them move.  He stopped.  The good news: no hooks, no points.  Charlie will be back on July 17 for everyone else, and he's going to recheck these boys and determine what the best course of action is for them.  For now, we've changed Frick's diet and he's doing well weight-wise.  Charlie made this visit pro bono.  Thank you, Charlie!

Frick and Frack would appreciate having sponsors.  They are wonderful boys with magnetic personalities and I hope they remain with us for many years to come.

Sponsors (Thank You):

Mary Beth Capparell

Janet Lacetera

Hy Wynne Shaiman (Shaiman)

Registered Egyptian Arabian stallion. 14 hands. Bay. Star.

Born February 29, 1976

Shaiman was on his way to slaughter in Canada when we stepped in and found him sanctuary at Maple Hill Farm in NY, with the help of Fans of Barbaro.  He is relatively easy to handle & loves to be groomed.  He cannot be gelded due to his age, and will remain a permanent resident of our program.

Many thanks to the following individuals who have provided for Shaiman's initial care:

Kira S., Kelly S., Kristi T.S., Tina K., An Arab Lover in PA, Cheryl J., Barbara B., Sharon C., Liz S., Lynn S.

The following individuals sponsor Shaiman's ongoing care each month...Thank you...

Janet L., Jamie G.

Thank you to FOB and friend, Janet L., for buying Shaiman his blankets, Senior feed and supplements!

Shaiman celebrated his 34th Birthday on 2/9/10!

It is with a VERY heavy heart that I tell you our beloved Shaiman passed away on June 1, 2010.  You were a proud and independent soul who epitomized the spirit and will of the Arabian breed.  We thought you'd outlive us all.  We miss you, Shaiman.

Impatiens planted by Robbie, Jane's son and Shaiman's friend Spring wreath sent by Shaiman's aunt Janet who loved him dearly.

Shifter

1983 bay Thoroughbred gelding.

 Shifter is our first permanent resident.  He has been with us since 2003.  He raced at Commodore Downs in Erie until they closed, and was then a trail horse near Erie with someone who bred Trahkeners.  From there, he went to Hermitage House Youth Services where his personality clearly dictated he was not a horse than the beginners were comfortable with.  Shifter has a mind of his own & does things his way unless you can convince him your way was his idea.  He's very smart, and also, very spoiled.  He and Fencer are pasture mates.

Shifter was sponsored by Claudia Kirkpatrick of Pennsylvania

We lost Shifter to pleural pneumonia on October 30, 2009.  RIP my dear friend.  You taught me a lot.

Thank You, After-the-Finish-Line for sponsoring Shifter's supplements for the remainder of 2009!

Sweet Lips

Morgan stallion.

 Birth year: approx 1980.  Rescued from neglect as a Senior stallion.

Sweet Lips arrived November 15, 2008.  He was rescued from an alleged "rescue" that was closing it's doors in NY in November 2008.  The property owner, Richard, advertised all of the horses for sale and gave potential buyers about two weeks to pay for and remove the horse they'd purchased.   November 19 all remaining horses were supposed to go to auction at New Holland, PA.  We knew the chances for an elder horse, let alone an elder stallion were slim so with the help of Janet L, and the Fans of Barbaro, we were able to secure Sweet Lips safety for $50.  He resides at Maple Hill Farm in NY, also home to Shaiman, and is cared for through generous contributions from several "angels" who love him.

Thank you to some very special friends who pay for Sweet Lips care every month.  Sweet Lips is  also your horse. 

Janet L., Charles and Pat M., Jamie G., Jen S., Ellie R., Lynne W., Linda B., Nona V.

Zorro

1981 Gelderlander gelding.

                                   Ziezo

                                   1981 Gelderlander gelding.

Zorro and Ziezo are a rare breed, the Gelderlander, Distinct breeds are often lumped into the general category "Warmblood".  Former members of a 4 horse hitch in Europe & the United States from approximately 1985 - 1999, they participated in endurance driving competitions in Europe.  After coming to America they continued to travel, mostly by plane, to exhibitions where they showed their skill at Dressage in harness.  All four boys, Zorro, Ziezo, Walter and Victor came to live at Bright Futures.  Walter and Victor sadly passed several years ago.  Read more about our boys here. 

Zorro was sponsored by Empyrean Day Spa and Salon in Edinboro, PA.  Since Zorro's passing, Empyrean is sponsoring his full brother, Ziezo.

With great sadness, I must tell you that Zorro passed away on March 30, 2009 from a brain tumor.  Almost two years ago, he began "ticking", as patient's with Turret's Syndrome do.  We enjoyed almost two additional years with Zorro.  He is sadly missed by me and his full brother, Ziezo.

Handbags for Horses was established to help provide revenue for other Equine Welfare Organizations in addition to Bright Futures