Old Friends at Cabin Creek

from Equicurean 2021

by Saratoga TODAY

Saying Goodbye

Mr. Cowboy at Saratoga Race Course

Old Friends

at Cabin Creek

Commentator

WRITTEN BY JOYCE ANDERSON | PHOTOS BY CONNIE BUSH AND SAMANTHA DECKER

The beauty and speed of Thoroughbreds on the track is spell binding to watch. Hoofs pounding, muscles pumping and complete focus on the task at hand. The grace of these magnificent athletes is a sight to behold. However, a racing career represents a small portion of a Thoroughbreds natural life span. So what happens to racehorses once their careers are over? The number of former racehorses in need of an alternative to racing is quite large and the options are few. Some are rehomed as recreational horses, others are retrained for new jobs, some are used for breeding, and many meet a cruel fate. This is where Old Friends at Cabin Creek steps in. Old Friends at Cabin Creek is able to provide a few racehorses a way to retire with dignity receiving stellar care while being educators to the public for the need for Aftercare programs for all former racehorses. Like so many organizations, Old Friends at Cabin Creek was impacted by a lockdown and worldwide pandemic. One day life was normal, and the next morning it was not. We had to immediately develop a plan to continue caring for our horses while keeping them and our volunteers safe. There was no time for strategic planning or long discussions. We had to hit the ground running and implement our new reality without delay. We imposed protocols and mandates for all our volunteers to follow that far exceeded the recommendations of the CDC, federal and state governments. Volunteers were required to be masked, gloved and socially distanced at all times when they were working at the farm. Procedures such as one person in a paddock at a time, the office or hay room kept everyone safe. Horses were no longer fed treats by hand but in clean buckets only. All shovels, rakes and tools were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day.

Zippy Chippy's 30th Birthday Naughty New Yorker on his way to his new paddock with Rachel Gerik and JoAnn Pepper.

As time passed, we all gradually got into the rhythm of our new daily routines. Soon an interesting metamorphosis began to unfold. Old Friends at Cabin Creek turned into more than a sanctuary for horses. It also became a sanctuary for our large group of volunteers. The farm was a safe community for all to come to. A place to be out in the crisp fresh air. A place to see your friends (albeit at a distance). A place to exercise your body, mind and spirit and most importantly a place to have a sense of purpose and routine. The time spent working at the farm was for many, their only opportunity to get out and safely be among people rather than being stuck at home all day feeling isolated and alone. The horses provided their own unique form of therapy and comfort. Some of our horses have suffered trauma or have been in unsafe and vulnerable situations. It was as if they were saying to us “be brave, stay with us, we will get through this”. We heard them and felt it very clearly. Perhaps the horses wanted to give something back to their caregivers. Was this a kindness returned? During the year and a half that our farm was closed to the public, life at Old Friends at Cabin Creek continued. We were devastated with the unexpectedly loss of Travers winner Will’s Way. Overjoyed to welcome stallion Naughty New Yorker, gelding Like Now and enthusiastically celebrated the 30th birthday of legendary Zippy Chippy (he received over 300 cards). Bumps and bruises were tended to, manes and tails were brushed, buckets were scrubbed, hay was stacked and we rumbled on. Old Friends at Cabin Creek is once again open to the public offering tours every Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. We will be expanding our open house hours as of July. We are thrilled to announce we are also resuming our annual cocktail party. Join us on Sunday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Saratoga National Golf Club. Please check our website for updated information. When you visit Old Friends at Cabin Creek you will have the opportunity to meet our majestic thoroughbreds who so clearly deserve to live their retirement years receiving exceptional care and attention. You will also meet the many volunteers who make that possible regardless of any difficulties or challenges that our ever-changing world presents. Please visit soon. We have missed you!