Press Releases and News
September 2, 2022
ADOPTION PROGRAM AWARDED GRANT BY THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES OF AMERICA
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) was recently advised by the Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) that it would be receiving a 2022 grant in support of FLTAP’s work to transition equine athletes to a productive and fulfilling life after their time competing on the track. FLTAP was determined by the TCA Board of Directors that the grant request upheld the mission of the TCA, which is to fund and facilitate the support of Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. As part of the evaluation process, FLTAP received a designation from Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions. Additionally, a portion of the grant is made possible by the Race to Give. The Race to Give is an online giving and awareness campaign designed to raise money for Thoroughbred aftercare programs and initiatives, created by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. ‘We are honored and appreciative of the TCA’s continued support of our commitment to give Thoroughbreds a second chance at a productive career after their racing days,’ stated FLTAP Board President Kim DeLong. ‘These funds will support our daily operations that support the health and well-being of Thoroughbreds currently in our care while we transition them to their next home.’ The grant marks the 11th time that the TCA has recognized FLTAP since its inception.
Click here to download the press release as a PDF.
OCTOBER 17, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Cailin Caldwell cailin@therighthorse.org
Local Trainer Receives National Award for Equine Welfare Work
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – Naples, New York resident, Melissa Porter, has been recognized for her work in the equine welfare community by The Right Horse Initiative. As one of just eight recipients of the inaugural Good People for Good Horses Awards, Porter was selected based on her contributions and commitment to helping at-risk horses as the trainer for Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program.
Porter grew up in the American Quarter Horse racing industry, raising and training horses from a young age. After graduating from Alfred State University in Alfred, New York, she moved to Colorado to continue training racing American Quarter Horses. While working in Colorado she discovered a niche and passion for helping racehorses find new careers after training several mounts to barrel race.
After finding her passion, Porter joined the team at Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program and has become an integral part of their team. Her vast knowledge of horses combined with her attention to detail ensures that each horse coming into the facility receives outstanding care. She specializes in focusing on the details that fit the right horse with the right person, helping many horses and resulting in high quality adoptions. Porter’s expertise has helped the program nearly double the number of horses served this year.
“We are thrilled to be recognizing a group of outstanding individuals with the Good People for Good Horses awards. We had an incredible group of nominees and each winner has made a powerful impact in their field,” stated Christy Counts, President of the Right Horse Initiative.
Each winner received a custom belt buckle and plaque to honor their efforts. To read more about each winner and their contributions to adoption efforts, please visit https://therighthorse.org/2019-good-people-for-good-horses-awards/.
About The Right Horse
The Right Horse Initiative is a collective of industry professionals and equine welfare advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition through a dialogue of kindness and respect. Through collaboration with over 60 industry and adoption partners, The Right Horse is able to innovate new and better adoption standards and practices. Together, the goal is to shatter the stigma and reframe the conversation around equine adoption in order to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To learn more, visit www.therighthorse.org.
October 2019
FLTAP is looking forward to teaming up with Kryss Cochran Helfrich on a new journey.
Oregon Practical Horsemanship has joined forces with Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program - FLTAP! When Kryss and Melissa first started talking about this idea it occurred to Kryss that this was fate! As Kryss has moved her home and facility to Rochester Wa! EAST MEETS WEST. We have an awesome program in mind for FLTAP Grad Dr J's Buck Aka Lady J as she makes her way to the 2020 Retired Racehorse Project. Lady J and Kryss will start their journey at the Pacific Ocean and end on the Atlantic Riding both ways! Lady J will also participate in a very personalized program to prepare her for the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover. And I am sure we will have some surprises on our way.
Kryss will also be flying to New York in the next couple months to give a Restarting Racehorses clinic at the Adoption Center! Stay tuned for Clinic dates.
Blood Horse Daily, July 18, 2019
Finger Lakes TB Adoption Poised for Banner Year This year, 22 horses have already been adopted out from FLTAP, article by Erin Shea
April 25, 2019
FINGER LAKES THOROUGHBRED ADOPTION PROGRAM CELEBRATES NATIONAL HELP A HORSE DAY
Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) will celebrate National Help a Horse Day on Friday, April 26.
July 9, 2018
WANDA POLISSENI TO BE HONORED AT EQUINE ADVOCATES 17TH ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER & CHARITY TO BE HELD AT THE CANFIELD CASINO IN SARATOGA SPRINGS ON 8/2 . Download the press release here.
November 21, 2016
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Accredited Organizations for 2016
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that 27 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations have been awarded accreditation in 2016, including Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program. Download the press release here.
December 30, 2015
Three of FLTAP's horses were accepted into the Retired Racehorse Project:
Goodnewsisnonews, 4 yr old, 16.2h, chestnut gelding will be trained by Hannah Coney, and Fifty Sense, 12 yr old, 16h, bay gelding, will be trained by Roxanne Mitz. Also, congratulations to Danielle Burgess for being accepted into the Retired Racehorse Project with Kylay's Harmony "Kiki" owned by Candace Shira!! Check out the blog for updates. The event and national symposium will be held at Kentucky Horse Park, October 24-25, 2015.
December 11, 2014
TAA AWARDS $2,400,000 IN GRANTS TO 42 ORGANIZATIONS IN 2014
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it will award $2.4 million in grants to its 42 accredited facilities for 2014. The grant money will be used by these organizations to assist with the management, rehabilitation, and/or adoption of former racehorses in their care.
The TAA was created in 2012 and in 2013, it awarded $1 million in grants to its 23 facilities that had been accredited. “It’s great for the TAA to support so many worthy organizations across North America with funding that goes directly to retired racehorses,” said Operations Consultant Stacie Clark Rogers. “The TAA’s base of funding and support has grown tremendously in 2014, with more and more people and businesses pledging their support. With 2015 on the horizon, I am hopeful and confident that the new year will bring additional support from others throughout the Thoroughbred industry.”
A list of the 42 accredited organizations receiving 2014 grants from the TAA can be found here.
To receive funding from the TAA, aftercare organizations must complete a rigorous accreditation process and on-site inspection, which includes a complete review of the following areas: operations; education; horse health care management; facility standards and services; and adoption policies and protocols.
Organizations must also have a current status as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and must house a minimum of five Thoroughbreds, or 50% of their herd, among other criteria. To see a list of all accreditation requirements, click here.
Unaccredited equine aftercare organizations are encouraged to apply for TAA accreditation, beginning in January, to be eligible for 2015 grant distribution.
Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.
For more information, contact: Stacie Clark Rogers, 859-224-2756, sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org
October 30, 2014
Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program Receives Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Accreditation Nationally recognized for ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) became accredited this week with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). The nationally recognized accreditation status was earned through an intensive application and review process including onsite assessment by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians. The accreditation is granted to organizations that show their dedication to retirement, retraining and rehoming of off-track Thoroughbreds. “We are extremely proud of this accreditation and believe it speaks to our commitment of giving Thoroughbreds a second chance at a productive life” stated FLTAP Board President, Kim DeLong. The TAA is a nonprofit organization that acts as the accrediting group for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the end of their racing careers and a fundraising group to support these approved facilities. Only 23 organizations in the United States and Canada carry this distinguished TAA accreditation. Each of these 23 facilities, including FLTAP, were judged to have met or exceeded TAA requirements in the areas of operations, education, horse care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. These facilities are eligible to receive financial support from the TAA for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds.
About Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program - Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) obtained 501 (c) 3 certification in May of 2006. Since its early inception in 2005, over 400 horses have found new homes and careers. The program, through collaboration with Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack management and Finger Lakes Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, is the first Thoroughbred adoption facility in the United States on the grounds of a racetrack. The Purple Haze Center is the state of the art horse barn located on the west side of the property. Visit www.fingerlakestap.org for more information. ###
Contacts: Kim Delong, Board President, Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, 585-742-9202, kdelong@dncinc.com Marisa Bennett, Marketing Manager, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, 585-742-9294, mbenne@dncinc.com
September 24, 2014
Contacts:
Kim Delong, Board President, Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, 585-742-9202, kdelong@dncinc.com
Marisa Bennett, Marketing Manager, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, 585-924-3232, ext 294, mbenne@dncinc.com
NEWS RELEASE
FINGER LAKES THOROUGHBRED ADOPTION RAISES $29,000 FOR THE PURPLE HAZE CENTER
Proceeds to fund thoroughbred care and training
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) hosted its biggest fundraiser of the year this past Saturday for the Purple Haze Center which gives thoroughbred horses a second chance to be winners. The 11th annual Denim and Diamonds event on Saturday, September 20th raised $29,000 and included dinner as well as silent and live auctions. Event proceeds will go to the care and training of retired thoroughbred horses that raced or trained at Finger Lakes giving them second careers in eventing, dressage, shows and even polo.
“The turnout for the Denim and Diamonds event surpassed our expectations and we are so grateful for the funds raised and all the amazing support we can now give our retired thoroughbreds,” stated FLTAP Board President, Kim DeLong.
The dinner was sponsored by Purple Haze stables owner Wanda Polisseni, who works tirelessly to support FLTAP’s Purple Haze Center. Additional support by the Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association and the FLTAP Board of Directors helped make this year’s event a success.
The Purple Haze Center, the state-of-the-art horse adoption barn located on the property of Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack boards up to 16 horses at a time as they await adoption. FLTAP, through collaboration with Finger Lakes management and horsemen, aides in providing retired race horses a second chance at a productive life. FLTAP is currently the only horse adoption service in the United States located on the grounds of a race track.
About Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program - Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (FLTAP) obtained 501 (c) 3 certification in May of 2006. Since its early inception in 2005, over 400 horses have found new homes and careers. The program, through collaboration with Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack management and horsemen, is the first Thoroughbred adoption facility in the United States on the grounds of a racetrack. The Purple Haze Center is the state of the art horse barn located on the west side of the property. Visit www.fingerlakestap.org for more information.